Extreme Sports Cafe now offers paramotor courses in Asia and Europe... In The UK, Spain, Thailand, Malaysia, Australia and New Zealand . Paramotoring courses range from 1-day experiences or Tandem flights to Full Pilot training.
What is Paramotoring?
Paramotoring was invented around 1990 when paragliders realised that adding a backpack motor would enable them to take off from level ground so they would not have to look for hills and ridges to launch themselves. Thus the paramotor was born. The Paramotor provides thrust, and thereby enables pilots to gain height giving them versatility so that they can fly longer distances cross country or just go in search of thermals.
A Paramotor consists of a backpack-style ultra light aircraft-engine called a Paramotor; attached to which is a standard Paraglider wing. These paraglider wings are same wings which are also flown, without power, from hills and mountains, much like hang-gliders.
Paramotoring is the easy, relatively safe and most accessible form of powered aviation. The entire aircraft fits into the boot of a small car and can be assembled for flight within a few minutes.
Extreme Sports Cafe now offers paramotor courses in Asia and Europe... Join Extreme Sports Cafe in the UK, Spain, Thailand, Malaysia, Cambodia or Australia and learn all about the most exciting extreme sport of flying; Powered Paragliding or Paramotoring.
How does paramotoring work?
As you run forward with the chute behind you the combination of the air from the motor, wind and forward motion will inflate the chute to float above your head. When you increase the throttle you will lift off smoothly. This can all be done without the help of anyone else.
How do I fly it and how far can I go?
You use hand controls (rather like the toggles on a parachute) to steer your paramotor right and left and throttle up and down to climb and descend. Usually you can travel between 1 and 3 hours at speeds up to 50mph, depending on your equipment. In good weather conditions, flights of over 100 km can be easily attempted.
Flying time may be extended by gliding and soaring, using lift from thermals, or from air rising over mountains, known as Ridge-lift. In this manner, altitude may be maintained or gained, without using the motor, thus conserving fuel. The motor may be switched off; and re-started in-flight when required.
How high can you fly?
It is fun flying a paramotor between 500 feet and 1000 feet above ground level, though they are capable of flying as high as 10,000 feet. Above 10,000 feet, climb rate starts to slow. The world record is around 18,000 feet above Sea Level.
What weather conditions can I fly in?
This is a light-wind sport. Generally a maximum wind of 12/15 mph (depending on your experience) is acceptable although, under certain conditions, experienced pilots can fly in stronger winds. We recommend learning in Spain, Thailand, Malaysia, Cambodia, Australia, New Zealand or The UK.
Do I need a license to fly a paramotor?
No, but it is important that you receive proper training so that you can fly safely and not cause injury to either yourself or others. PPG’s are minimally regulated under the Federal Aviation Administration’s Part 103. There are regulations that have to be followed in the UK, which come under aviation law. These are to do with equipment, that as a pilot you have to carry, where you can fly and how paramotors are flown and launched.
How fit do I need to be?
The motor does most of the work. Although you must be able to walk around and handle its weight you certainly don't have to be an athlete. Numerous pilots continue flying into their 70's and others have started as young as 14 years old. Once in flight, the wing is carrying all the weight.
Can you take passengers?
Yes. Taking a passenger or "tandem" fliying is possible with the correct equipment and further training. A special license is required to be able to do this. Tandem operations require significant knowledge and skill to operate safely since you must manage the motor, wing and another person at the same time. Many instructors use a wheel-equipped machine to make it easier. Tandem flights are a popular way to see amazing views & require no experience.
Is Paramotoring Safe?
As with all forms of aviation, there are risks. As long as you are sensible and follow the training you are given. Even if the paramotor engine stops in flight, the canopy will continue to fly and can be directed like a normal paraglider. Many pilots carry an emergency reserve parachute as a precaution.
Some Paramotoring World Records
Distance flown without landing - 443km in 1997.
Time to climb to a height of 3000m or 10 000 feet - 31mn 20s in 1996.
Longest Tour undertaken -Moscow City to the North Pole.
