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Powered paraglider (ppg) is the smallest
simplest powered aircraft in the world and the
easiest to learn to fly. Using a paraglider wing
ensures safety and inherent stability, while the
engine adds autonomy and freedom. Control is
very easy; simply pull the right hand brake to
turn right, the left to turn left and pull both
at five feet above the ground to glide in for a
gentle landing.
Legislation: In the USA, no license is required,
but there are airspace regulations in the FAA
(part 103) that apply to out type of flying.
Additionally, Tandem flight requires a special
exception/license
Frequently asked questions;
ANSWERS
How does the paraglider inflate?
There are two methods to inflate the wing:
Forward - with the wing behind you in low wind
conditions, you run and pull the wing up using
your speed to inflate.
Reverse - with pilot facing the wing we use
light winds to inflate and pull up the
paraglider.
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How do you steer the powered
paraglider?
Control is very easy. Simply pull the right
handle to turn right, the left handle to turn
left and pull both at five feet above the ground
to stop with a gentle landing. Squeeze the
throttle to climb and release it to glide back
down.
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How high can the powered paraglider fly?
The world record for the powered paraglider is
18,000 feet. The majority of flying is between
150 and 300 feet above the ground.
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How low can the powered paraglider fly?
The unique aspect of the powered paraglider is
the fact the wing is some distance above the
pilot. This allows flight at ground level from
10 inches up. (This cannot be done safely with
any other aircraft in the world.)
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How long can a flight last on one tank of
gas?
Up to three hours.
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Do I need a license?
No, there is no license required for this sport.
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What type of gas do you use?
The same gas you use in your car mixed with 2
stroke oil.
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How fast does the paraglider fly?
The speed varies with the type of paralgider
used but will be between 17 and 28 miles per
hour.
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How far do you have to run to get airborne?
In light wind conditions (0 to 4 mph), you have
to run 5 to 15 feet. With stronger winds (5 to
10 mph) you have to run 1 to 5 feet.
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How far can I fly?
The distance varies with the conditions of the
day, but up to 40 miles is possible.
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What happens if the engine stops?
The engine is only used to go up. At any time
you can shut off the motor and land safely
because you are flying with an open parachute
that can glide up to 8 feet forward with only
one foot down (8 to 1 glide ratio).
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What do the engines weigh and do I carry the
weight?
The engines vary from 33 lbs to 65 lbs. The
weight is carried by the pilot only until the
wing is inflated and then the weight is burdened
by the paraglider.
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Is it possible to take a friend up with me?
No, have your friend get his own powered
paraglider.
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How long does it take to learn to fly a
powered paraglider?
Most students can solo in a few days. The
majority of training is done on the ground
learning to control the wing. The actual flying
is so easy that any person can control the
powered paraglider once in flight.
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Can you restart the paramotor in flight?
Yes, these new engines (top 80, Simonini) come
with very high energy ignitions, that make
starting very easy with a small tug on the pulll
starter rope. You can stop the engine and soar
and then restart anytime you like.
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How safe are these paraglider wings?
The modern paraglider is built and tested with
loads up to 15 times greater than can be exerted
during flight. The type of paraglider used with
an engine is a DHV 1 one or standard rated
glider that will continue to fly without pilot
input.
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Does equipment type differ for different size
pilots?
Yes, the weight ratings of the wing and the
engine thrust are very important to the size and
weight of the pilot. Think about this before
buying used equipment. Talk to your instructor
before making equipment decisions.
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Where can I fly the powered paraglider?
Anywhere that is not populated with a lot of
houses or people. They are also prohibited
within 5 miles from an airport.
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Is the powered paraglider safe?
As all air sports, it has it's risky aspect, but
as the pilot hangs from an open parachute, this
makes it inherently safer than all other
airplanes.
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Are there times and conditions
when I cannot fly?
Yes, the fact that you are flying a very light
airplane means that you are limited to light
wind conditions up to 10 mph and morning and
late afternoon flying. The mid-day skys are
generally too rough to enjoy this type of
flying. The exception to this is beach flying
where you can fly all day long as the air is not
disturbed by the ocean as much as it is by land.
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How maneuverable are they?
This airplane can fly sideways, backwards, turn
on it's own axis and fly close to the ground
endlessly. You can take off in 1 foot and land
on 1 foot in certain wind conditions. There is
no other aircraft in the world that can do this!
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How do you transport the powered paraglider?
Most ppg's break down in very small packages and
can fit in the average car trunk. This break
down takes 5 minutes and can be reassembled in 5
minutes.
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How long to the time I get to my take off
site does it take to launch?
Anywhere from 5 to 15 minutes.
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What other names are the powered paraglider
called?
Powered paragliding; paramotoring (common name
in Europe) Paraglider: Wing, glider, chute
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How do I get started if I want
to fly a powered paraglider?
Find an instructor and take the course before
you purchase equipment.
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How much does the equipment cost both new and
used?
The equipment cost new averages $6600.00. Used
equipment can be purchased for about 60% of new
price.
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It is vital that you have the right combination
of Paramotor and glider tailored to suit your
body weight. Safety is paramount and training is
imperative. Always ensure when buying a
Paramotor that you will receive professional
training with qualified instructors.
If interested in this fantastic sport, call
Ricky L Hallowes
at
209.772.9267
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