'Motorized
Paragliding' in Malaysia with Extreme Sports Cafe - Paramotoring |
| Paramotoring
FAQ for Malaysia |
Is
a license required to fly a paramotor?
In Malaysia, no license is required to paramotor, however, training
is highly recommended. Please check local paragliding / paramotoring
requirements if flying overseas.
How
long does it take to learn to fly a paramotor?
For a complete novice, it takes around 5 to 10 days to achieve
complete freedom on a paramotor. These training days typically
consist of controlling the wing on the ground and short paraglider
flights on a hill. After this, a student will move on to radio-instructed
paramotor flights. In around 4-5 days, it is possible to finish
a basic course. Subsequently, advanced training courses are
highly recommended.
What
is the maximum wind speed a paramotor can fly in?
At the maximum speed of the paraglider wing. Their speeds are
between 20 km/h = minimum speed) and 45 to 50 km/h, this depends
on the type of wing. The average speed is around 40 km/h. Contrary
to what might be thought, a more powerful engine will not make
for a faster ride, but it will offer a quicker climb to altitude.
No matter which engine is used, the horizontal air speed will
always be the same if using the same wing.
How high can they fly? Paramotors have a safe maximum altitude
of about 10,000’ (300m). However, the most fun and entertaining
flying is “low and slow”; MPG’s can be flown
safely only a few meters above the ground though they are most
often flown at an altitude of about 30-100 meters for the best
view.
What
is the flying range of a paramotor?
This depends essentially on the weight of the pilot, the performance
of the chosen wing, and of course on the quantity of fuel on
board. A "typical" paramotor, that is to say one using
a canopy of reasonable performance, with a flier whose weight
is in a reasonable range for the machine, will use between 3
to 4 litres of fuel per hour on average, giving around 1h30
range with a 5-litre fuel tank, twice that with a 10-litre tank.
Can
a paramotor carry a passenger?
A paramotor can be fitted with a tandem harness allowing a pilot
to fly with a passenger. Total take-off weight restrictions
apply depending on canopy size and engine power.
What
happens if the engine stops?
Paraglider wings perform much the same as any aeroplane wing.
In the unlikely event of an engine failure or it runs out of
fuel, the MPG will glide safely to the ground.
Which
type of fuel does a paramotor engine use?
Any car petrol is suitable, used in a mixture with synthetic
2-stroke oil beginning at 4% for a new motor, then 3%, finally
2% mixture (= 1/25, 1/33, and then 1/50). It is very important
to add synthetic oil or mineral oil at 4% (1/25) in normal use
to avoid overheating or seizing problems. There is almost no
other maintenance required to these motors, which are extremely
robust.
How
much does a paramotor weigh?
Paramotors range from 16 kg, up to a maximum of around 35kg.
Weight is very critical as a too heavy paramotor is very difficult
for ground handling and takeoff. Once in the air, the combined
weight of paramotor an pilot, is suspended by the wing –
just like sitting in an armchair! Although minimum weight is
important, a paramotor must have enough power for the pilot
and aircraft. Around 4 kg for every 5 litres of fuel must be
added to calculate the overall takeoff weight.
Which
type of paragliding canopy can be used with a paramotor?
Any paraglider designed and constructed for foot launching can
be used, although the best are those modified specifically for
paramotoring. Ozone wings offer several specialized wings including
the “Vibe” with special paramotor risers.
Is
it possible to take off from anywhere?
Technically, it is possible to take off from almost anywhere,
as long as conditions are right; taking off into the wind, not
set up in the wind shadow of a mountain, building or similar.
For utmost safety, always fly in good weather conditions. A
football pitch size field is an example of a suitable paramotor
take-off area.
Usually, it is not legally permissible to take-off "just
anywhere"; notably too close to towns, and of course near
airfields or in restricted areas. However, permission (a NOTAM)
can be obtained from the Department of Civil Aviation (DCA)
on a case-by-case basis for specific events as required.
Local rules and airspace restrictions around the flying area
must be checked. Every country has different air laws; and while
the general guidelines are the same worldwide, local details
may differ.
| Extreme
Sports Cafe Paramotor Malaysia - Course Sylabus |
The
Canopy
o DHV Ratings for wings
o Daily checks and pre-flight checks.
o The student will demonstrate daily and pre-flight checks and
demonstrate his knowledge of the materials and methods used
in the construction of the canopy.
Maintenance
o The student will demonstrate his knowledge of the need for
regular inspections and maintenance of his canopy, the harness,
and the emergency parachute (if used), including required schedule
for emergency parachute re-packing.
Clothing
o The student will demonstrate knowledge of the need for appropriate
clothing including boots, helmet, gloves, flying suit, etc.
No scarves, flowing jackets, drawstrings, or long loose hair!
Instruments
o The student will demonstrate the use of an altimeter (including
the understanding and use of QNH settings). Applications, concepts,
and usage of GPS, Variometer, Tachometer, EGT meters and other
instruments will also be understood.
The
Power Unit
o Configuration
• The pilot under training will demonstrate an understanding
of all the component parts of the motor unit and their inter-relationships.
o Care, balancing, and tracking of propellers.
o Safety cages and the importance of maintaining them.
o Fuel taps; ignition switches, and emergency engine stopping.
o Spark plug and lead.
o The risk of damage to the motor unit and in particular the
throttle cable during transit.
o Correctly rigging the motor unit to the glider in accordance
with the manufacturer’s recommendations.
o Vibrations, their effects and methods of preventing its consequences.
o Mixing Fuel:
• Different mixtures for running in and subsequent periods.
• The need to keep an engine time log book.
• The difference between synthetic and other oils.
• Reasons why petrochemicals and paragliders don't mix.
Safety
o The pilot under training will gain an understanding of:
o The need to operate safely and what can go wrong.
o Ways of protecting himself and others during running in periods;
an appreciation of the power generated by the propeller at full
engine speed is essential.
o Safety procedures associated with helpers starting the motor
unit.
o Procedures in the event of fire.
o General fitness, eyesight, and the effects of drugs or alcohol.
Starting Procedures
o The pilot under training will gain an understanding of starting
procedures, including:
• Clearing the area and prop.
• Checking the motor unit to ensure that everything is
in it's proper place, e.g. plug lead.
• Check the fuel tank contents.
o Fuel tap.
o Choke (where fitted).
o Pull handle.
o Demonstrate an understanding of the warm-up of the motor.
General
Weather
o The pilot under training will demonstrate a general understanding
of weather patterns and associated winds (velocity and direction).
Weather Patterns
o The pilot under training will demonstrate an understanding
of how weather systems affect flying conditions. An understanding
of the following will be demonstrated.
Forecasts
o Cloud recognition.
o High / low pressure systems and fronts.
o Unstable weather; turbulence and gust fronts.
o Stable / unstable conditions.
o Local Weather.
Local weather and its affects
o Airflow on and around hills. Katabatic vs. anabatic flow.
o Wind gradient.
o Turbulence, venturi effect, and gusts.
o Sea-breezes.
o Thermals and cumulus cloud development.
Theory
of flight - General
o Principles of flight including drag, airflow over the wing,
angle of attack, wing loading, glide angle, and sink speed.
o Effect of brakes on angle of attack and speed, also trim and
speed bar. The effects of flying too slowly (the stall).
o Air speed - wind speed - ground speed.
Emergency
and safety procedures
Theory
of flight, Powered Paraglider
o The student will demonstrate knowledge of:
o Lift, thrust, weight, and drag and the effect of power on
angles of attack.
o Forces in turns and the effect on stall speed.
o Climbing and diving turns.
o Reduction drives.
Propeller
theory
o Torque effects and how these can be controlled.
Gyroscopic
forces and their effects
o Asymmetric thrust: Causes and their associated effects.
o Understanding the trim of the motor and adjusting the thrust
line for a particular weight of pilot and glider.
Hang
points - the effect of altering.
The
effect of speed systems on a powered paraglider under power
on and off situations.
The
effects of weight on flying speed, stall speed/flare and the
need for weight checks.
Understand
the concept that power equals climb and Brake/Trim/Speed-bar
position equals air speed
o
The effects of flying too slowly.
Emergency
and safety procedures.
Airmanship
o Dangers - power lines, trees, and water.
o Turbulence and its consequences.
o Flying with others, anticipation.
o Right of Way, Rules of the air.
The
emergency parachute
Choice of safe field including climb-out clearance, ground conditions,
turbulence generators, obstructions, and overshoot areas, including
out landing behavior.
Assessment
of conditions for flight
o Safe areas for onlookers.
o Noise nuisance and congested areas.
Emergency
stopping and take-off abort
Techniques
for avoiding and recovering from where appropriate: tucks, stalls,
spins, and sudden power loss
Emergency
and safety procedures
Air
Law
o Collision avoidance.
o Landing rules.
o Minimum heights.
o Visual Flight Rules (VFR). 
o Airways.
o Air Space.
o NOTAMs.
o Air charts.
o Restrictions and hazards.
Pre-Motorized
Flights
o Demonstrate an effective PLF (not wearing back pack).
o Correctly carry out pre and post flight routines.
o Demonstrate the ability to plan a flight and execute the plan.
o Demonstrate safe airspeed control.
o Complete a controlled landing in a designated area.
o Consistently demonstrate clean take offs, good flares, and
accurate landing into the wind.
o Demonstrate "S" turn approach as well as standard
aircraft approach to safe landing.
o Demonstrate safe and effective turn control of the aircraft.
o Demonstrate competence at forward and reverse launching and
canopy control.
o Demonstrate reverse inflation and launching in high winds.
o Demonstrate Big Ears.
o Demonstrate safety and emergency procedures.
Motor
Unit - Ground Work
o Demonstrate pre-take off control of aircraft.
o Demonstrate simulated post landing control of the aircraft.
o Demonstrate competence at ground - running motor safely.
o Demonstrate knowledge of the following:
• Priming the engine before start
• Clear prop.
• Kill switch and emergency engine stopping.
o Correctly carry out pre and post flight routines.
o Demonstrate launch abort.
o Demonstrate safety and emergency procedures.
Powered
Flight
o The takeoff rules
• Don’t jump on takeoff!!!
• Takeoff abort – be ready with the kill switch
• Maintaining a straight line
o Demonstrate consistently good launch technique with forward
and reverse inflations.
o Consecutive powered flights from a flat site with at least
100ft. ground clearance. Unassisted take-off runs, smooth 90
deg. left and right turns, including good airspeed and throttle
control and finish with stand-up power off landings including
full deflation of the canopy between flights.
o Complete landings within 20m of a defined spot in winds of
less than 5mph. Complete landings within 20m of a defined spot
in winds of more than 10mph.
o Minimum of 2 flights logged (including full deflation and
inflation of canopy between flights).
o Carry out an accurate power-off landing to the satisfaction
of the instructor from at least 500ft.
o Demonstrate an ability to fly coordinated 360 deg. turns in
both directions.
o Display the ability to fly safely with others, maintaining
a good look out, complying with the Rules of the Air and exhibiting
good Airmanship, and demonstrate an ability to maneuver Powered
Paragliders safely, considerably, and in accordance with air
traffic rules.
o Satisfy the instructor that the pilot has the correct ability
to continue flying career both safely and competently.
