History of Paramotoring
Originally free flight paraglider pilots flew paramotors to extend their flight time. Paramotors (also termed Powered Paragliders or PPG) combine the easy flying characteristics of the paraglider with the autonomy and range of powered flight.
They are relatively easy to learn to fly, yet being foot launched do not need an airfield to operate from - they can be flown from an open, flat field with no need to find a hill site facing into wind or even to wait for the wind to blow.
The paramotors, appeal is its simplicity, small size and weight and it can be used with both a free-flight paraglider wing or a reflex wing.
Paramotors (especially those with electric start) can be used both for powered flight and also as a means of climbing high for pilots who may then choose to switch off and thermal in the usual way that free flyers do.
Paramotor Design
The paramotor consists of a lightweight engine (usually a 2 stroke and also 4 stroke) which is mounted on a rigid frame of steel or aluminium, and which drives a pusher propeller.
The small fuel tank (up to 10 litres) is also mounted within the frame and the propeller is shielded from paraglider lines by a cage covered in mesh (fish line) offering protection from the spinning propeller.
The other side of the frame is fitted with connection points for the pilots harness so that the whole thing can be worn on your back. Usual weight is from 19-30kg depending on type.
The thrust is dependent upon the propeller and motor combination and prop choice is one of the major design factors in manufacturing a paramotor.
Safe and Legal Training
Experience has taught us and we recommend all would-be paramotor pilots to sign up to a paragliding course, preferably EP and/or CP first, after which they then progress to the discipline of paramotoring.
Paramotoring is a very enjoyable and exhilarating sport however it is advisable to sign up to an approved training course as this will minimise or eliminate the risks involved of trying to self-instruct, which can lead to serious injury or even death to yourself or other innocent parties.
Training with the only Irish Aviation Authority, Registered Training Facility, guarantees the student very safe progression in a very structured learning environment and enables students to be trained safely, insured and fly legally whilst training in Ireland.
The Irish Aviation Authority
The Irish Aviation Authority regulate the operation of paramotors in the Republic of Ireland. To fly legally you must apply to the IAA for an exemption after you have completed your training at a school that is registered by the authority. (Midland Paragliding is the only school operating in Ireland at present that has official IAA authorisation to instruct students in this activity).
On applying for an exemption you must have evidence of training undertaken from an approved school (IPPHA syllabus is accepted), have a current Class 2 medical Certificate, a valid third party insurance policy and produce your pilots logbook. More...
NB. PPG licence issue must be applied for within 3 months of completing and passing course or an assessment may apply.
Alcohol avoidance
As a minimum, please adhere to all of these guidelines:
Allow a minimum of 8 hours from "bottle to throttle". Do not fly while under the influence of alcohol. Do not fly while using any drug that may adversely affect safety and your judgement.
A more conservative approach is to wait 24 hours from the last use of alcohol before flying. This is especially true if intoxication occurred.
Cold showers, drinking black coffee, or breathing 100% oxygen cannot speed up the elimination of alcohol from the body.
Ideally, total avoidance of alcohol should be a key element observed by every pilot in planning or accomplishing a flight. Alcohol avoidance is as critical as developing a flight plan, a good pre-flight inspection, and avoiding severe weather.
