Frequently Asked Questions

These flying contraptions are called powered paragliders or also paramotors.  Unlike a parachute that is made for slowing descent, these paragliders, also referred to as wings, are designed to fly.  While in air, the pilot is suspended underneath the glider in essence creating a pendulum.  The engine and propeller on our back is what creates thrust and propels us forward.  We control the engine by a lever throttle in either hand.  The use of this throttle is how we primarily contorl our altitude.  

There are two forms of flying referred to as foot launching and wheel launching.  With foot launching, the engine is on your back, like a backpack.  The glider is laid out properly then the pilot stands in front facing forward.  The pilot then connects the glider to the frame of the engine (hangpoints).  After final preflight, the pilot inflates the glider by running forward. After checking the wing, while still running forward, you smoothly add full throttle and will be airborne shortly after that.  Flying via wheel launch is a similar setup.  Although, instead of running forward to inflate the glider, the pilot is in a sitting position and the thrust from the engine inflates the glider.  With foot launch, you are not in a sitting position until in the air.  While wheel launch is less physically demanding, it typically does require more room for takeoff and landing versus foot launching.  

18 to 30 mph is typical for foot-launchers, 20 to 35 mph on wheels.  

There are several factors that will determine how long you can fly.  Fuel capacity, efficiency of glider and pilot input. A couple hours is normal, but if you’re willing to carry extra fuel, it can exceed 3 hours.  They burn about 1 gallon per hour. 

That depends a lot on skill and conditions, but it’s common to only require a hundred feet of running space and a clear path to climb out.  In the beginning, you will need a lot more room.

Essentially any open areas that are away from big airports.  We avoid flying over buildings and people, and sometimes there are local ordinances that may limit launching and landing, but otherwise we have nearly the entire country to play in.  

Legally, depending on airspace, we can fly as high as 18,000ft.  Although, oxygen starts to become a concern once you get above 14,000ft.  Most pilots don’t venture much past 5,000ft on an average flight.  Skilled pilots even perform what’s called foot drags where they are flying just above the ground allowing a foot to drag across. 

In some places, yes, but that depends dramatically on skill.  Newer motor pilots fly in early morning and late afternoon since mid-day sun churns the atmosphere into turbulence.  Beaches are an exception—you can fly all day there if the wind is blowing off the water.  

It’s a paraglider, you use glide down.  This can be much more of an event if the motor quits within the first 50 feet of takeoff.  This is a big reason why you want to give yourself plenty of room for takeoff.  

Powered paragliding is considered an ultralight aircraft.  As an ultralight, there is legally no license that is required or any type of airworthiness certificate for our aircraft.  Rather, we have a document provided by the FAA that outlines the rules we must follow, known as FAR 103.  While it is not a government agency, the USPPA has created a rating program for powered paragliding pilots.  The rating system provides tried and true set of training principles that has been used to develop thousands of pilots.  You can find more information on FAR 103 HERE

One of the biggest things I didnt realize when I first got into this sport was how weather dependent it is.  Being a light wind sport, you ideally dont want more than 12mph winds.  Not only are we dependent on the wind but we also have to be aware of the drastic uprising of air, known as thermals.  These thermals intensify as the day warms up and don’t subside until the sun starts to set.  For this reason, we are primarily limited to the first few hours after sunrise and the last few hours prior to sunset.  

Most people are able to acquire the skills needed to safely fly these aircraft in 9-11 days.  We schedule time in 14 day blocks to allow for unfavorable weather.  

Absolutely!  While we do schedule time in 14 day blocks, the two weeks can be split up.  Just as long as they are scheduled within 30 days of each other.  This way there is no large lapse of time while you are in the early stages of learning.  This also limits regression and gets you flying proficiently on your own.

We guarantee 11 days of training with our beginner pilot program.  If weather does not allow for this, we will happily find a mutually agreed upon time to complete training.  This time would need to be scheduled within 6 months of completing your training time.  

While our commitment is 11 days of training, we will utilize all 14 days if weather permits.  Our goal is to get you safely flying on your own.  If you feel after completing training, you are not ready to fly on your own, we will be happy to work with you on a day to day basis.  Our daily training rate for individuals who have gone through our program is $200.  We work hard to get individuals proficient in our allotted time but do offer this for those who need more time.  

Yes!  We do have a school motor and wing for students to learn on.  This way you can go through the entire training process and have an idea of what you would be looking for in your own equipment.

Yes we do!  We are a dealer for multiple trusted brands in the industry.  We would happily get you on correct gear.  Please contact us with any equipment inquires!