Power Paragliding

 

Author: ParaglidingStore.com

 

The sport of power paragliding is known by many names such as paramotoring, and powered paragliding. Power paragliding is a form of ultra light aviation, in which the pilot wears a fully functional motor on his / her back, called a paramotor. This motor generates enough thrust to launch the paraglider off the ground. A power paraglider can be launched even in still air, which no assistance.

 

 

Power paragliders have a top speed of around 45 to 50 mph and can fly at an altitude of up to 18000 ft, and as low as 4 to 8 ft. However most power paragliders like to fly at a safe altitude of around 500 ft. power paragliding is only possible during summer in most parts of the world, since the strong crosswinds make it almost impossible to fly all year round. This is why it is generally considered to be a summer sport.

 

How does power paragliding work?

The paramotor does most of the work during takeoff; it weighs around 40 to 80 pounds and is initially humanly supported, it generates enough thrust to launce the craft into the air. After a brief moment, usually when the craft reaches an altitude of 10 feet, the wings take over and lift the paramotor along with the harnessed pilot off the ground. Once the craft takes off the pilot can now safely get into the seat, which was previously folded before takeoff, this seat is located beneath the paraglider’s wing.

 

The power paragilder is controlled with a set of brake toggles in each hand along with a convenient hand held throttle. Cost of a power paragilder is anywhere from $6000 USD to $10000 USD, usually depending on the technology and design of the power paraglider. Power paraglider technology improves almost every year, making it safer and easier to fly.

 

Power paragliding associations and clubs.

There are three major power paragliding associations in the United States that provide training and support to power paragliders. The US powered paragliding Association, The USUA (The Ultra light Association) and the ASC.

 

The BHPA or The British Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association represents power paragliding in the United Kingdom.

 

The difference between powered parachute and Power paragliding.

Most people who are new to the sport of power paragliding often get confused between powered parachute and power paragliding. However if you look at it there

are actually many differences between these two sports, for instance a power paraglider utilizes an efficient yet difficult to control wing design. For a power paraglider wing efficiency is paramount, since it enables a pilot to carry an 80 pound paramotor on his or her back. On the other hand powered parachutes are not that efficient, but they are much easier to manage and require more power. Powered parachutes aren’t able to reach attitudes that power paragliders are able to.

 

Power paraglider safety.

According to research done by the USPPA, power paragliding is a relatively safe sport when compared to riding motorcycles. Most accidents and injuries are usually caused by a body part touching a spinning propeller. Which means that power paragliding is a relatively safe activity as long as all the necessary safety precautions are met. Some pilots also carry a reserve parachute, just in case they need to bailout from the craft.