Alphabet soup of Paramotoring

Due to the many requests for information about paramotoring I decided to put this page together. Click on any letter of the alphabet below to reveal words starting with that letter that are connected with our sport of Paramotoring. This page is intended to give some information with terms related to this sport, and also it may help to answer some of your questions. The paragraph may be brief but hopefully it will be of some help. Jerry Parles

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

A

Adventure Sports- Adventure sports all contain risks and some risks can never be fully removed and are always present.

Air Law - Paramotoring is strictly regulated in Ireland by the Irish Aviation Authority IAA .

Association - The Irish Powered Paragliding & Hang-gliding Association (IPPHA) is the national organisation for our sports in Ireland and co-operates closely with the IAA in all matters effecting our sports.

Attitude - A good pilot has a very caring and considerate attitude to others and is always mindful of safety considerations and best practice. "A good pilot learns from the mistakes of others. You won't live long enough to make all of them yourself"

Altitude - In aviation it's the elevation above mean sea level. In Paramotoring, the altitude is limited to your comfort and also Air Law altitude restrictions. As you go higher, the temperature drops. Also, as you go higher, the air becomes thin. Altitudes of over 10,000 feet can be reached in a Powered Paraglider.

Airspeed - The speed of your craft moving through the air. If the air is moving while you are moving through it, then your ground speed will change, either increase or decrease depending if you are flying with or against the wind. Paramotors fly at around around 25 MPH, but higher performance paragliders will increase that speed but should only be flown by highly experienced pilots .

AIC - Aeronautical Notices contain essential information of an administrative or technical nature and serve as a means of notifying Directions made by the Irish Aviation Authority.

AIP - The AIP is prepared in accordance with the Standards and Recommended Practices to the Convention on International Civil Aviation and the Aeronautical Information Services Manual .Charts contained in the AIP are produced in accordance with the Convention on International Civil Aviation and the Aeronautical Chart Manual . Differences from ICAO Standards, Recommended Practices and Procedures are also included.

Air Charts - An Air Chart is basically a map showing you areas of controlled airspace – for example, areas that are restricted to fly into without prior permission such as areas round airports and aerodromes and also other areas that you are not allowed to enter into like firing ranges and bird sanctuaries. It will also show airfields and antennae, wind farms, etc. An absolute must in order to be legal when flying cross-country.

B

Best Practice - Our sports need to be protected from getting a bad image or becoming a nuisance to the general public please read Best Practice

Brake Lines - Are lines that are connected to part of the trailing edge of your paraglider. There is one line on your left hand side and one on your right hand side. They are the most important source of control for the pilot over the paraglider and they enable the glider to turn in either direction or to slow the forward speed of the paraglider for landing. Slowing too much is extremely dangerous and can be lethal if used high above the ground whilst in flight or in inexperienced hands!.

Brake Toggle - A fastener that keeps your brake control tidy and fixed to the Riser of you glider.

B Line stall - A B Line stall (pulling down on the B risers to deform the canopy and reduce the lift) can be used as a means of rapid descent in cloud suck situations, ie. if you are getting lifted up into a very large cloud which can be lethal and many pilots have been killed in this situation as these clouds can go higher than 36,000ft.

C

Chart - A chart or Air Chart is basically a map showing you areas that are restricted to fly into without prior permission such as airports and aerodromes and also areas that you are not allowed to enter into like missile testing areas, it will also show airfields and antennae, wind farms, etc. An absolute must in order to be legal when flying cross-country.

Class 2 - A Class 2 medical certificate is required in order to get a pilot’s licence and it also applies to paramotoring PPL licence issue.

Cage - The cage is a metal and mesh structure that surrounds the propeller. Its main functions are, protecting the propeller from damage, and keeping the paraglider & lines, pilot’s clothing, long hair etc from getting damaged or tangled in the propeller.

Canopy - Another name for the wing. (Glider, Chute, Paraglider)

Cruise Control - A little lever on the throttle control unit that enables you to lock the throttle lever at different power settings enabling you to fly at a constant thrust. Caution ! Always check before you start your paramotor that the CRUSE CONTROL is not locked in a high or full power setting as when you unit starts up it will be delivering high power/thrust and could prove extremely dangerous or fatal (Propeller shards flying in all directions).

Cells - The open cells at the front or leading edge of the glider allow air to enter the wing. As the wing moves forward through the air these chambers fill with air as they are closed at the rear (trailing edge). These cells provide the wing with its aerodynamic profile and the trapped air maintains a constant internal pressure inside the paraglider wing.

Composite - Is a fibre and resin mixture for use in moulds for making very strong and durable and light weight items. The fibres can be glass or carbon . Composites are used for the blades of a paramotor as well as wood. There are three different combinations of propellers, 2 blade propeller, 3 blade propeller and 4 blade propeller in use for paramotoring. They are easily removed for transportation purposes.

Compression Valve - A valve on the cylinder head of your motor. It relieves some of the engine compression during the starting sequence making it much easier to pull the starting cord as there is much less compression.

Cylinder - The part of your paramotor with the spark plug in it where the fuel gets burned to provide the power. It gets very hot. (Avoid touching the exhaust as it gets very hot too) Paramotors are two stroke and four stroke, some are fan assisted for cooling and some are water cooled engines.

D

Down Draft - Air moving in a downward direction. Air is moving all the time and may contain down drafts, up drafts or rotors (a combination of up and down currents all at the same time). Always check the weather before flying!

Damp Glider - Never store away a damp glider but air it in a cool area that has some ventilation and away from strong sunlight. Never use direct heat such as a fan heater.

Down wind - Downwind means "with the wind; in the direction the wind is blowing" Upwind means " towards the wind, in the opposite direction to what the wind is blowing"

E

Electric starter! -... Some high quality motors have a alternator built in and always have lots of power to spare for restarting as the battery is constantly recharged while you are flying with power - you can’t beat the electric start be for convenience, enabling you to restart in the air – for example after gliding flight in a rising thermal!

Experience - An experienced pilot is one who has mastered a lot of different skills, is always learning, and constantly strives not to enter situations beyond the level of his/her skills and experience. Remember, you're always a student in an aircraft.

Euphoria - The very satisfying feeling of achievement you get with every flight. Only to be indulged AFTER you have landed and packed your wing!

Experimental - Someone who thinks that training in a school is not necessary, and that he knows better. "The wheel never stops turning going down a hill but it has to be pushed going up hill".

F

Flight Time - The time a Paramotor can remain in the air. This will vary with flight conditions, flight techniques, and the specific equipment. Typically a full tank of gas can provide 3 to 4 hours of flight time.

Flight Speed - The speed of a powered paraglider through the air is typically 25 mph. Contrary to most initial thoughts, the throttle control does not affect the air speed a great deal. It does affect the thrust from the engine. More thrust and the wing changes its attack angle and climbs. Less and you glide down. Using both brake lines will effectively reduce the forward speed of the wing (for landing purposes). Speed over the ground depends on whether you are flying into wind, downwind or crosswind.

Flying - The dreams most of us have had since childhood, now its a reality. Go get it.

Fuel Mixture - Most paramotor engines are a two stroke design. These engines are very basic and require a fuel and oil mixture (like mopeds and chainsaws). Unlike the mopeds and chainsaws, paramotor engines are substantially more powerful. Care should be taken to ensure the use of high quality oils and the proper mixtures. The running in period is of utmost importance and will effect the service life of the motor.

Fuel Tank - The fuel tank is limited to 10 litres IAA regulations. Some paramotor brands place the fuel tank over the motor, definitely not my preference also various engines offer different styles in fuel tanks. Some designs are quite elaborate. We recommend a tank with a proper fuel filter and mounted under the engine, rather than over it.

G

Glide Ratio - Paramotors typically offer power off glide ratios in the 7 to 1 range or better. That means for every 7 feet you move forward, you drop one foot in altitude. This number will vary based on paramotor configuration and classification.

Gravity – is the engine that powers your wing when the parameter stops. Its always trying to pull you down and must be treated with great respect. "Gravity has no mercy! Gravity never loses - the best you can hope for is a draw!"

Ground Speed - The speed at which you move over the ground (GS). This is a combination of your speed through the air (AS) and the speed of the air (wind) itself (WS). Ground Speed GS = AS + WS when flying downwind; GS=AS-WS when flying into wind. The higher you go sometimes the faster the air can be moving.

H

Harness - A protective enclosure of very strong webbing with buckles that are very high quality combined with a seat all of which is connected to the power unit which is under the wing. Harnesses have many safety features and are tested to a very high standard . Warning It is not much use having a really safe and high quality harness if you do not clip in properly and are very high when you discover your problem and slip out or lose control. Pilots have been killed in this situation. Always do your pre-flight checks before launching and double check!.

Height – How high you are above the ground. Not to be confused with ‘altitude’ although both terms are often used interchangeably - to thoroughly confuse!

Helmet - For flying there is a European standard (EN966) that all helmets must conform to and usually shown on a sticker in the helmet. This standard has tests for absorbing shock, resisting penetration, and also specifies levels of visibility and head mobility. In common with many other pieces of safety equipment, it is not recommended to get a used paragliding helmet. You just don't know what it has been subjected to. These helmets can be fitted with full communication that can be used in flight, for paramotoring it is recommended to have headsets with noise cancelling microphone for best results. Also, it's a good idea to replace your paragliding helmet after 5 years of normal use or anytime you drop it on a hard surface or otherwise subject it to a blow as internal damage to the helmet may not show on the surface.

I

Information – You need correct information from an experienced instructor when learning; full information on conditions, the site etc before every flight; and you never stop gathering information throughout your flying career.

Ignition - The system that generates the spark to start your engine.

J

Judgement - Very important when flying an aircraft. Taking off and setting up a landing approach requires a lot of judgement. Spatial judgement and good eyesight and fitness are all necessary too especially for paramotoring.

Jumper - Something you may need during winter flying in Ireland along with a lot of other layers. Make sure you are always dressed properly as you may end up flying a longer than you planned and the cold could effect your concentration.

K

Kick Start - Some paramotor engines offer different options for starting. These include electric, pull start or a foot cord for kick starting while in the air. (Electric is best)

L

Leading Edge - The front part of your wing. Always launch your glider into wind with the leading edge facing into the wind. It is essential for filling the wing chambers and it will guarantee that your wing will launch to a position directly above you with very little adjustments needed.

Learning – something you never stop doing, throughout your flying career. Once you think you know it all, that’s the time when you will come to grief.

Listening - Very important to listen carefully before you start your paramotor as a helicopter or other aircraft could be nearby which could end up in your flight path. Once you start up you will not be able to hear anything but radio transmissions from pilots on your frequency.

M

Mildew - Storing your glider away when it is damp and in a warm area can cause mildew mould to grow on the glider which destroys the non porous qualities of the glider material rendering it useless.

Motorized Paragliders - Some people call these machines all kinds of names. We prefer paramotors or powered paragliders.

N

NiCad Batteries - All electric start paramotors are now fitted with these are they are much lighter. Never substitute for lead acid battery as the acid can destroy your harness if it leaks out when you are flying banked over in an uncoordinated manoeuvre – e.g. in sudden turbulence.

Noise Level - Protect our sport and fly with consideration for others, dont launch or fly over the same area all the time. Your new curious friends could soon become very annoyed with you presence and ask you not to come back. Have a look at best practice here for the best way to help protect our sport.

O

Oscillations - Oscillations or PIR (pilot induced oscillations) are when the glider keeps moving from left to right, forward or back, while you are flying. It is induced by the pilot and is remedied by letting the controls up fully for a few seconds and then resuming the normal position at shoulder height.

P

Paramotor - A motor that's fitted to a harness that you clip into and that sits on your shoulders. It sometimes refers to the glider and the motor complete .We use this term loosely to define the backpack engines for powering a paraglider.

Paraglider - The elliptical or banana shaped wing made of nylon cloth with lots of lines that suspend the pilot who is in a seated position beneath. When moving through the air, it enables flight due to its aerodynamic shape and the forces acting on it.

Pendulum - One of the effects which make this such a safe sport as you are a heavy weight suspended under the light wing. If you end up in rough air the wing can very lively and move about a lot but the pendulum effect will return you quickly back to your original position under the wing once more. Warning Always get the weather forecast before flying and only fly in suitable conditions for your skill level.

Propeller - There are composite propellers (props) and wooden propellers and some are a little expensive. Many variations exist for paramotors ranging from 2 to 4 blade props. These depend on the engine RPM, blade lengths etc. Warning: Always make sure your propeller is balanced and is not damaged before starting your motor and flying – otherwise it could damage your engine or shatter, sending lethal splinters through the air at high speed.

Q

Quality Construction - Buy only from well established sources. Forget about E Bay or home brews. They exist and have been sold on E Bay – unsafe junk that cost large sums of money with no comeback. Buyer then attempts to get some money back by moving the junk on to some other unsuspecting victim. Beware - don’t get burned; do the right thing first. Production in this business has elevated the quality of these units to a high standard. Some have certificates of quality obtained from Aviation Authorities but these are few and far between.

Quest - A brand new breed of a flight instrument for paramotoring. It is a flight computer and is very easy to use, it logs everything except what you had for your breakfast and displays all data on a easy to read screen including engine temperature, exhaust temperature, fuel info, service info, flying info, return heading to take off area and how long it will take and how much fuel needed for the journey etc................

R

Rotor - Rotor or turbulence can and does collapse paragliders and is present downwind of an object like a hill , house, glider. trees .

Radio Communications - This does not have to be a solo sport. With radio communications, we can be in contact with the ground or with other fliers..

Rotax - An very powerful engine often used in microlighting. Pilots licence needed for this form of aviation.

S

Safety - Safety is a very important key item amongst others that will unlock the door to success in aviation for you. Aviation is very unforgiving of mistakes.

Skill - Skill is what you gain from competent instruction, coaching and lots of practice. Its foundations are in the mistakes that pioneering aviators have made in the quest for flight. Don’t try to reinvent the wheel or make old mistakes all over again. Learn from professionals in the sport.

Speed bar - A speed bar is a foot bar attached via pulleys to the risers of the wing. It is used in free flying mostly and it alters the configuration of the glider by reducing the angle of attack at the leading edge. Its uses are mainly for thermalling, quickly flying from one cloud to the next and helping to increase the glide angle of the glider. Its down side is that it makes the glider more susceptible to collapses (more unstable), particularly in turbulent air.

Sail plane- A large rigid wing conventional glider with fuselage and tailplane sometimes with a wingspan of 100ft made mostly from fibreglass and it can be powered or unpowered image here

Self Regulated - Hopefully some day we will be in this happy position but until then we should be behaving ourselves by giving good example and fly legally at all times.

Steering - Paragliders have two main steering lines, pull the left one to go left and right one to go right. Pulling both will apply the brakes (used only when landing within a few feet from the ground!

T

Thermals - A thermal is a body of warmed air that has broken away from the sun-heated ground and is rising to an upper level above where it eventually condenses into vapour and can be seen as a cloud that is forming.

Throttle - The hand device for regulating the speed of the paramotor.

Trike - Different to a backpack unit, a trike has three wheels and an engine attached. To fly one of these machines you will need a Pilots Licence which is issued by the IAA Irish Aviation Authority. In this craft you sit in an upright position.

Trim Tabs - Are basically devices that have the same effect as a speed bar but are operated by hand directly at the risers. Care must be exercised when using these as when fully open the glider is more unstable. That is not a good setting to have when coming to land or launching as the higher speed of the glider and less stability near the ground could be dangerous. If taking off you will have to run a lot faster to achieve lift off with the tabs fully open.

Tow Line - A tow line is normally attached to a winch which is used to free fly in areas that have no mountains. It requires skilled operators and can be fatal if operated by non-skilled operators.

Touchdown - With your motor off, gliding in gently and pulling the brake lines will give you a perfect touchdown. Judgement and timing are critical here and come with a little experience and good instruction.

Trailing Edge - The trailing edge is at the rear of the paraglider and is covered with fabric tape as is stitched closed. The control lines (brake lines) are connected to part of the trailing edge on each side.

Two Stroke - Most paramotors use two stroke engines (burning a fuel & oil mixture). Two stroke engines offer the best performance to weight ratios. There are also 4 stroke units that do not require oil in the fuel.

U

UV - Ultra Violet light is one of the elements that seriously damages paraglider cloth if its left exposed to strong sunlight for long periods of time – a rare event in Ireland !

Ultralight - Paramotoring is in this category.

UpDraft - The opposite of a down draft. A volume of air that is moving vertically upwards.

V

Vario - An instrument (usually abbreviated to ‘vario’) for measuring rate of change of altitude – i.e. climb rate and descent rate. They usually have a memory that records all your flights etc. There are some very high tech models out there which even map thermals (columns of warm rising air) and even indicate that your glider can improve its glide ratio and then show you how.

VFR - Visual Flight Rules. These are safety rules set by the Authorities for flight by any aircraft in conditions of specified flight visibility – e.g. distance from cloud vertically and horizontally etc. Paramotor flying is subject to visual flight rules. i

W

Wind Speed - The speed of the wind over the ground, which can be measured with an anemometer.

Water Ballast - A water container that carries water and is used to add extra weight when free flying. By increasing the wing loading the paraglider will fly faster making the glider feel more solid in turbulent air.

Wind Direction - A must know. This is important for you to know. All take-offs and landings must be into wind, wind in your face.

Wind Dummy - Someone who knows nothing about the consequences of flying in very strong winds. Otherwise, the first pilot to fly and check out airborne conditions for the rest.

X

XC - XC refers to cross country flying. It involves leaving your local surroundings and flying many miles into unfamiliar areas. It is a goal of every paraglider pilot.

X - Extreme Sport - Paramotoring can be said to be the safest form of powered aviation, with its very slow flying speed and ease of landing in very confined areas

Y

Young at heart - With the right attitude and willingness to learn, age is no barrier when it comes to this sport.

Z

Zeppelin - A much larger flying machine than our paramotor.

If there is anything you are not sure of when it comes to aviation always ask a professional.

Top Copyright © 2007 Midland Paragliding Ireland