FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a paramotor? PPG -Powered paragliding

It is an aircraft composed of a small propeller engine and a glider or wing. There are two basic types of paramotors: foot launch and wheel launch (trike).

Do I need a license to fly a paramotor?

No license is required but training is extremely important. Flying PPG is very little regulated under the Federal Administration (Part 103). We can fly during the day in open areas. We should avoid flying over groups of people, near large airports or highly populated areas.

How can I learn to fly a paramotor?

Be very careful when selecting the instructor. He or she must be certified and have an organized program. Be sure that you use the USPPA program or equivalent and that you cover emergency practice in a simulator. If towing is used, follow USPPA guidelines including airspace, weather, emergency and equipment maintenance. Learning on your own or with instructors who do not cover the above topics results in equipment damage and accidents. Beware of cheap training, your life (and wallet) depends on the quality of the training. The available certifications are PPG1 for students, PPG2 pilots and PPG3 advanced pilots through USPPA/USUA.

What is the risk?

Flying a paramotor is as safe as any other form of recreational aviation. Close attention to the training and respect the propeller. Like any recreational event involving movement there is risk. Training and first hours of flight are critical. Risk is similar to driving a motorboat or flying a small plane, but more so than driving a car. The risk comes mostly from the pilot and not from equipment failure. A well trained pilot with the right aptitude can make this sport incredibly safe.

Physical Requirements

While flying the engine does most of the work. If you are foot launching, you must support the weight of the engine, but you do not have to be an athlete. The glider supports most of the weight of the engine. The training can seem intense since you will be learning to handle the glider without using the engine. Controling the glider is the most difficult and at the same time most important aspect of paramotor flying.

What happens if the engine shuts down?

You glide smoothly with total control of the direction. The glider glides at 6 feet for every foot it loses in height. So it descends to 4 mph while traveling at 20 mph. It can land in a space smaller than a normal backyard, but responsible pilots keep a safe distance from a landing area. Engine shutdown is rarely more than an inconvenience.

Are you afraid of heights?

Fear of heights is human nature, it is a healthy response to risk. Almost everyone starts with this fear and after several flights they master it. Once they realize how safe the harness and the glider are little is feared.

Can I take others flying?

The short answer is, NO. The Federal Aviation Administration in FAR103 indicates that the paramotor is for flying alone. Sin embargo se ha dado una excepción a la USPPA para instructores llevar pasajeros en vuelos instruccionales solamente. Entre los requisitos el instructor debe adiestrarce y estar registado en USPPA . Llevar consigo el documento que lo autoriza a dar estos vuelos y registro de todos los pasajeros que ha volado bajo esta exception (USPPA Tandem exemption 9751F).

Other information.

How high: up to 18,000 feet, but most pilots fly between 200 and 2,000 feet above ground (AGL).
Speed: 2 to 35 mph , most fly around 25mph.
Weight: about 65 lbs at take-off including fuel. The glider weighs about 15 lbs but the pilot doesn't feel it. A vehicle with wheels adds about 50 lbs.
Cost (new): Motor $4,500-$12,000, Paragliding $1,700-$4,500, Training $1,000-$4,000. The worst place to save is in training. Beware of cheap training, your life (and wallet) depends on the quality of the training. Beware of cheap training, your life (and wallet) depends on the quality of the training.
Fuel: 1 to 5 gal (max by law) gasoline and 2 cycle oil. Some engines (4 cycles) do not require oil mixing.
Flight time and Range: 1 to 3 hours, 40 to 70 mph in light wind
Transportation and Storage: Even in a small car, removable units can be stored in any corner of the home.
Engine: 12 to 25hp 2 cycles.12 to 15 hp 4 cycles. 8 to 12 electric.
Propeller: 30 to 51 pulgadas, wood or fiber with 2 to 4 spars.
How to get started: Visit USPPA.org and consult your local club or pilots in your area Aguilasdelcaribe.com