'Motorized
Paragliding' in Malaysia with Extreme Sports Cafe - Paramotoring |
Welcome
to the newest and most exciting flying sport; Motorized Paragliding!
Motorized Paragliding, also know as Paramotoring, is by far
the least expensive, and the easiest to learn form of powered
flight.
Motorized
paragliding is great fun and expands the conditions and circumstances
for flying. With the gas-fueled motor unit attached to the pilot's
back by means of a special harness, it is possible to paraglide
in areas and at times, when free-flying sites or conditions
are limited or non-existent.
The
sports closest to paramotoring such as hang gliding and free-flying
paragliding (no motor) rely on the environment. You need to
jump off a hill or mountain and then find updrafts, thermals
or the rising air surrounding a landscape in order to stay in
the air.
Powered
Paragliding is different. It's more like the parasailing done
behind a boat; only instead of being pulled by a rope, you are
pushed by a propeller powered by a back-pack mounted engine.
Here,
however, the pilot has complete control. Two handles attached
to the wing control steering; pull on either the right or left
to turn in that direction. Flying is very straightforward though
learning to take off requires learning some skills and practice.
Paramotoring
altitude is controlled with the throttle; squeeze the handle
to speed up the motor to go up, allow the motor idle to glide
down and somewhere in between for level flight. To land, idle
or shut off the motor, then glide to the landing area, pull
on both break lines to slow the descent just above the ground
to come to a smooth and gentle landing. A paramotor can still
fly long distances without the motor running, because it is
basically a paraglider with a motor attached.
The
best part is a totally free feeling... Take off with your paramotor
from a beach or open field, or pack the paramotor up and take
it on vacation. The whole thing folds up into a bag that fits
into a car trunk or can be checked in when taking a commercial
flight to a favorite holiday destination.
With
thorough training, a paramotor pilot can also use the motor
to launch at the bottom of a hill and then spend the rest of
the day ridge soaring or thermalling; re-starting the motor
only when necessary to keep from landing. The other great feature
of powered paragliding is that you can also choose to free-fly
by launching at mountain sites using the same harness and wing
without the motor attached.
| Paramotoring
Training in Malaysia with Extreme Sports Cafe. |
Although
Powered Paragliding in Malaysia does not require a license,
this sport requires a little more training than regular free-flying
paragliding. After all, it is flying a paraglider with the addition
of an engine which changes the launch and flight characteristics.
Since
a pilot will be launching and landing with an additional 25kgs
of weight, it is extremely important that the pilot be competent
in evaluating the conditions and has the appropriate skills.
A
paramotor course takes about 15-20 hours (depending on individual
ability) and takes place over a number of weekends. The first
solo paramotor flights are controlled by two-way radio so the
instructor can tell the student exactly what to do.
With
the proper training and care, paramotoring is a very safe sport.
Basically it comes down to common sense and choosing the correct
flying location and meteorological conditions. Paramotoring
is actually the safest form of paragliding for two reasons:
•
Firstly, it is easier to choose the conditions for flying with
a paramotor as you are not dependant on sometimes unpredictable
wind conditions high in mountains. Flying normally takes place
in open areas away from obstructions that can cause turbulent
air. Usually, in Malaysia, the most enjoyable and stable paramotoring
conditions occur in the morning and evening when it would not
be possible to free-fly, or paraglide, without a motor.
•
Secondly, power provides more options when choosing landing
sites or avoiding obstacles. If a paramotor pilot is not happy
with the landing approach by either being too short or possibly
overshooting the landing area, then all that is required is
to power on to go around and try again.
Modern
paramotor equipment and particularly wing technology has evolved
a great deal in recent years. Wings are far more forgiving and
predictable in behavior. Wing designs are often tested to around
six times their recommended load limits before being sold to
customers. Each line to the wing is made of Kevlar and is capable
of supporting around 200kgs. From this, it is easy to see the
safety margins when looking at the overall wing which has around
20-30 lines altogether connecting the wing to the risers.
Safety
is always stressed throughout our paramotor training courses
and students will not be allowed to go on to solo flying until
a suitable skill level has been attained.
The
motorized paraglider (paramotor) consists of a wing, harness,
engine (usually a simple two stroke engine), propeller, helmet
and good footwear with ankle support.
What
are the main considerations when choosing a paramotor?
The
first is reliability. A reliable paramotor requires
very little maintenance and will provide many hours of enjoyable
flying. Reliability, of course, is an important factor to the
overall safety of flying. Normally, the only maintenance required
is the occasional changing of spark plugs, drive belts and pre-flight
inspections. Paramotors use normal car gasoline with 2T oil
mix.
The
next consideration is weight. There is nothing
worse than a heavy motor!! Even experienced fliers sometimes
require more than one attempt to get off the ground. With a
heavy motor (30-35kgs) multiple launches can be very tiring.
A heavy motor is not so portable as well which reduces the main
benefit of owning a paramotor – being able to fly almost
anywhere! A good paramotor will weigh around 20-25kgs though,
once in the air, all this weight is supported by the wing. A
larger glider wing than one used to fly without a motor is not
usually required. It is normally preferred to fly at the higher
end of the weight range of the glider when using a motor. A
glider used for free-flying should be fine for motorized flying.
Some paraglider wings are more user friendly than others when
combined with motors. It is recommended to develop a solid relationship
with an instructor experienced in motorized paragliding before
purchasing any equipment.
| Motorized
Paraglider (MPG) / Paramotor Training Course overview |
Normally
paramotor training requires at least three to five days depending
on weather conditions and individual ability. The training morning
session begins at 7.00am and continues until about 10.00. The
morning session is often followed by breakfast and a chance
to discuss the progress with the instructors.
There
is no paramotor training during the hot part of the day providing
a good opportunity to relax and prepare for the afternoon session,
which commences at about 4.00pm until sundown. This also allows
for more stable air conditions for paramotor training.
Training
begins at an open grass field where skills for parachute ground
handling are taught. Final flights take place at an open area
away from buildings and obstacles. Final flight will be with
radio instruction for directing the correct course and actions
for the student pilot.
The
initial training involves learning how to control the parachute
on takeoff and landing and use of the harness and motor whilst
in flight. A lot of attention is paid to wind speed and direction,
as this is critical for a successful chute pull.
After
ground training and assessment by the instructors, students
then complete the first solo paramotor flight with additional
flight instructions provided from the ground via 2-way radios.
Once
the Beginner Stage I course has been completed, students may
continue to fly independently.
| What
you need to bring when coming to learn to paramotor. |
Drinking
water and/or other refreshments for training sessions.
Initial
paramotor field training sessions can be quite warm as some
physical activity is required. Dress cool with shorts, t-shirt
and a hat.
Pay
attention to footwear and bring flat-soled trainers - no sandals
or slippers. Trainer boots are also recommended as these provide
more ankle support though do not wear shoes with a stepped sole.
•
A paramotor pilot under training will fly under direct instruction
from the instructor at all times.
• No student may fly under power until the required un-powered
flight/ground skill levels relating to the required tasks has
been fully demonstrated to the satisfaction of the PPG instructor.
• A pilot under Powered Flight training will fly only
either within sight of or in pre-arranged radio contact with
a designated instructor unless he is performing a declared cross
country task.
• Powered Training may commence only once Un-powered Paragliding
training has been completed.
Paramotor
Course (s) cost and booking |
Discover
Paramotor Course
RM 230 (Baht
2500) (€50).
3 hours Workshop |
min age 15 | Minimum
4, maximum 8 students per course
Flying
Requirement: No experience required
Takes
place on weekends 7.00 am to 10.00am Saturday or Sunday
Location:
PJ or Puchong (To be advised; other locations
available upon request)
Course
includes:
•
Safety briefing
• Basic ground handling skills
• Introduction to engine and equipment
• Trial chute "pulls"
• Hand tow flight to around 5m (if wind conditions
permit)
• Demonstration flight (if conditions and location
permit)
Brief
Intro of the Paramotor. This program offers short and
simple procedures for anyone who wants to experience paramotor
for the first time. First, your instructor will provide
a brief orientation, and then take you on your first tow
flight and get familiar with the equipment. |
|
Motorised
ParaGlider (MPG) Training Course / Paramotor course
RM 3000 (Baht
30000) (£400).
Please
click the Book Online link to book your course.
If
you have any questions, please contact
us.
20
hours or up to first two solo flights (whichever comes
first)
Additional training at RM 150 per hour
Paramotor
Course length:
within 3 to 4 weeks |
min age 15
All equipment provided
Flying
Requirement: No experience required
Paramotoring
Takes place: Weekends
7.00 am to 10.00am - Saturday/Sunday | pm from 4.00 to
7.00pm
(Courses run on weather and schedules
permit)
Paramotor
Training location - Basic ground
training takes place in PJ and Puchong
First solo flights take place at Pulau Indah (near Westport,
Klang)
(Other
regional locations available upon request)
Paramotor
Course includes:
• Safety briefing
• Flying theory and training overview
• Ground handling skills
• Introduction to engine and equipment
• Chute pulling techniques for takeoff
• Flying skills
• Landing skills
• Power management on takeoff skills
• Demonstration flights
• Radio instructed solo flights
• Book on paragliding
Discover
the Exciting Adventure, Feel the Freedom and Serenity.
This course offers you a complete procedures for anyone
who wants to fly Paramotor and feel free in the sky like
bird. Our experience MPG instructor will provide a brief
orientation, and then take you on your first fly adventure
to the sky and also get familiar with the equipment and
get accustomed to your new world. Finally, under our Instructor's
careful supervision, you'll go on an actual flying and
get a look at the world in the different perspective.
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