Paramotoring Courses - Malaysia

FAQ and Course Sylabus

Paragliding

'Motorized Paragliding' in Malaysia with Extreme Sports Cafe - Paramotoring

faq

course sylabus

Back to Paramotor Malaysia page.

Paramotoring FAQ for Malaysia

Is a license required to fly a paramotor?

In Malaysia - If you are a qualified pilot please do contact us regarding recent changes to the regulations in Malaysia.
If you are doing some training with us and then would like to fly solo after the course, you will need to look at the relevant regulations and Air Laws for that particular country.

It is important that you receive proper training so that you can fly safely and not cause injury to either yourself or others.

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

Ground School

Equipment

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.

Weather

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

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.

Practical

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.