What is Powered Paragliding?

Also known as PPG or Paramotoring

Powered paragliding is just as simple as it sounds. Just add an engine and propeller to a paraglider. Paragliders are like a parachute in appearance but serve a different purpose; to go up. The paraglider, or wing, is made of nylon fabric sewn in a shape that resembles an airplane wing that produces the lift we need to fly. The wing is attached to the frame and motor with Kevlar lines. These lines are rated to hold 100-500lbs each. Paragliding wings can have between 20-40 lines!

Now that we have lift we need to push it through the air; that brings us to the motor. The motors we use are typically 80cc-300cc two stoke engines. There are some four stroke and electric engines, but two strokes are the most common. These engines are purpose built for paramotoring and are very light, high power and high quality. Just bolt on a propeller, which is typically made of carbon fiber, and you have the ability to be pushed through the air and into the sky!

To connect the wing and the motor, a frame made of aluminum, titanium, or carbon fiber combines these items along with a harness. The harness is what secures the pilot to the paramotor and is typically fit and adjusted to the size and shape of the pilot. The frame serves several functions as it ties the wing, motor, and harness together while it also has a hoop and net around the propeller to help protect the pilot from the propeller. The frame also holds things like the fuel tank, radios, strobe lights, gear storage and a reserve parachute. Although not required most pilots do fly with a reserve parachute, just in case.

The Federal Aviation Administration who oversees aviation activities in the United States has different classifications of aircraft . Powered paragliding falls under the ultralight class of aircraft. We have some basic rules known as “FAR 103” that we need to follow. Some of the rules include:

  • Weigh less than 254lbs excluding pilot, fuel, floats and other saftey devices

  • For solo flight, with the exception of a tandem exemption

  • Is used for Recreational purposes only

  • Carries no more than 5 gallons of fuel

  • Does not need an airworthyness inspection

  • Flown During daylight hours. Can fly 30min before sunrise and 30min after sunset with strobes

We have assembled our gear and are now ready to find a place to fly from. We typically fly from small airports, large open fields with permission, and parks that allow our operations. We also have to be concerned with operating safely with other aircraft. Sectional maps show us information about where we are trying to fly and include controlled airspace, obstacles, land features, and radio channels to communicate with other pilots in the area.

I know that all sounds great but how much does it cost? Wings typically range used from $1,500- $3,000 and new from $3,000-$4,500. Motors range in price used from $3,000-$15,000 and new from $7,000-$25,000. As this is a complex and potentially dangerous activity, quality training is the best way to set you on the path of a long, happy, healthy and responsible powered paragliding journey. Training costs range from $2,000-$4,000 and will typically include using the instructors equipment so you can see if the sport really is right for you before making a large investment in gear.