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Frequently asked questions
About powered paragliding
Q. Who can fly PPGs (powered paragliders)?
A. Absolutely anyone in a decent physical condition, having a full range of body movement,
as well as be able to run a few meters with 44 lbs (20kg) weight on your back.
Q. Is it dangerous?
A. It is certainly the most predictable air sport; because it uses a flexible wing like
a parachute, if the engine fails, it is this parachute, which allows a gentle descent, giving
a gentle stand-up landing. If the wing is not perfectly set up, take-off becomes very difficult,
reducing the risks of taking off in poor conditions. The canopies used are designed to cope
with flying in very strong meteorological conditions (mountain flying for example), but PPGs
are normally only used in calm, laminar air. It is the easiest air sport to learn and the safest
of all...
Q. How long does it take to learn to fly?
A. For a complete novice, it takes around 10 to 12 days to achieve complete freedom on
a PPG. These training days typically consist of controlling the wing on the ground, paraglider
flights with a tow rig, flights of between 70 and 300 ft give the student a good spatial appreciation.
After this, you will move on to PPG flights. In 10 to 12 days, it is possible to finish a basic
course and have had 5 to 10 PPG flights.
Q. Does other air experience speed up training?
A. For existing paraglider pilots, there is definitely an advantage, although all other
air sports will help considerably in spatial abilities, and can often accelerate your training. Nevertheless, paraglider handling requires
a great deal of technique, and the first phase of canopy handling and inflation remains a mandatory
requirement for everyone.
Q. What is the maximum air speed a paramotor can attain?
A. Paragliders fly between 12.5 mph (minimum speed) and 28 to 32 mph. and this depends
on the type of wing. The ground speed will change depending on the relative direction you are
flying within the air mass. Contrary to what you might think, a more powerful engine
will not make for a faster ride, but it will offer a quicker climb to altitude. No matter
which engine you use, you will always have the same horizontal speed, if you use the same wing.
Q. To what altitude can a paramotor climb?
A. To the maximum height at which the motor will function, that is to say several thousand
feet. A 2-stroke combustion engine gives out less power at higher altitudes - when the motor
gives out less power, the thrust from the unit is less, and the climb rate decreases. When
the climb rate is nil, with the engine just allowing you to maintain level flight, you have
reached your maximum height. It is worth knowing that a PPG has already passed over Mont Blanc
at 15.300 ft. At the moment the officially recognized height record is 10.000 ft. This kind
of height gain is mostly of academic interest; although one thing is certain - it is very pleasant
to cruise at about 500 or 600 ft visiting different areas. This is a reasonable altitude
to give a good safety margin and allow you to maneuver to choose an appropriate landing area.
Q. What is the flying range of a paramotor?
A. 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" PPG, that is to say one
using a canopy of reasonable performance, with a pilot whose weight is in a reasonable range
for the machine, will use between 0.8 and 1 us gallon of fuel per hour on average, giving around
1h30 range with a 1.3 us gallon fuel tank, twice the time with a 2.6 us gallon tank.
Q. Which type of fuel does it use?
A. Any petrol is suitable, preferably 4-star leaded, used in a mixture with synthetic 2-stroke
oil at 4%, then 3%, finally 2% mixture ( = 1/25, 1/33, and then 1/50). It is very important
to use synthetic oil or mineral oil at 4% (1/25) in normal use to avoid problems. There is
almost no other maintenance required to these motors, which are extremely robust.
Q. Is it dangerous to house the fuel tank above the motor?
A. Yes, for the simple reason of safety. It is important to position the fuel tank as far
as possible from the engine, with no risk of fuel leaking onto the hot engine; in all cases
this means it is best situated beneath the motor.
Q. How much do they weigh?
A. Most units range from 35 lbs up to a maximum of 50 lbs for the larger units. These are
the lightest units on the market, allowing you to run easily without too much weight on your
back, and to take off easily. You can add around 8 lbs for every 1.3 us gallon of fuel to your
overall weight.
Q. Which type of paragliding canopy can be used with a powered unit?
A. Any paraglider designed and constructed for foot launching can be used.
Q. How much maintenance is required for the canopy and backpack?
A. Paraglider maintenance is next to nothing. You need to check the condition of the suspension
lines from time to time, and be careful of exposure to ultra-violet light, except when flying,
and make sure that the wing is stored safely and in good condition. It is advisable to have
an annual inspection carried out by a professional workshop. As far as the motor is concerned,
it is very sturdy, and maintenance is purely confined to the basics, such as changing the spark
plug every 50 hours of flying time, and cleaning the carburetor. However, it is also advisable
to make a thorough pre-flight check of all mechanical parts every time you fly.
Q. Up to what wind speed can we fly?
A. Under 6 mph (10 km/h), you can make a forward launch (with your back to the wing), with
no problem. On higher winds you should so a reverse launch (facing the canopy) then do a half-turn
before take-off. Maximum wind for take-off is 12 to 15 mph on the ground, which implies 19
to 25 mph (30 to 40 km/h) at altitude. In these conditions, it is wise not to fly, remembering
the old saying: ”it’s always better
to be on the ground wishing you were in the air, than to be in the air wishing you were on
the ground”.
Q. Is it possible to fly tandem?
A. Yes but the powered paragliding requires a specific combination of movements to control
the canopy, the motor and your footwork at the same time... if we add a passenger into the
equation, there is a much increased risk of being out of synchronization. It is for this reason
that fying tandem is only suggested for instructors.
Q. Is it possible to take off from anywhere?
A. Yes technically; it is effectively possible to take off from almost anywhere, as long
as conditions are right, you are taking off into the wind, and you're not set up in the lee
of a mountain, building or the like. For the utmost safety, you must always fly in good conditions.
A football pitch size field is an example of a suitable PPG take-off area. Having said that,
it is not legally permissible to take off "just anywhere", notably too close to towns,
and of course near airfields or in restricted areas. You must check local rules and airspace
restrictions around your chosen flying area.
Q. Are there competitions for PPGs?
A. Yes, there is a European championship and World Championships in each category, currently
held at the same time as traditional ultra light championships. The European and World Championships
are held on alternate years, over one week, with a dozen different categories. The principle
tasks are navigation, fuel management, and handling.
Q. Are there any "professional" uses for PPGs?
A. The first people to realize the potential of powered paragliders professionally were
photographers. They found it a very simple method of taking aerial photos for a very small
cost (the total cost of a PPG is equivalent to a few hours of helicopter hire). It allows one
to arrive by car at shooting locations, take off on the spot, and get the required shots. |
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