Paramotoring goes by a few different names interchangeably including paramotoring, powered paragliding, and ppg. It is the motored (powered) version of paragliding where a pilot sits seated in a harness suspended under a canopy (aka wing or paraglider) and is propelled by a propellor driven motor. Paramotors come in two versions; a backpack unit called a foot-launch paramotor and a wheel-launch version sometimes called a trike. A paramotor is defined as an “ultralight vehicle” by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Most paramotor flight is done in nice weather conditions. Stable winds below 10mph make for the best flying and generally occur within a 2-3 hour daylight window around sunrise and sunset. Many locations in the US will regularly have 3 flying days a week where some may even have 6+. Other locations will only be able to fly seasonally. Paramotors can be flown during the twilight periods 30 minutes before official sunrise and 30 minutes after official sunset if equipped with an anticollision light (strobe) that can be seen for at least 3 statute miles.

Yes and no. In order for a paramotor to qualify as an Ultralight Vehicle under the FAA regulations, equipment is limited to single occupancy. After gaining experience as a paramotor pilot, a pilot can apply for ratings and complete further training which will allow them to obtain a waiver called a “tandem exemption.” This waiver allows certified pilots to take a single passenger up on flights for non-commercial instructional purposes. Currently the two organizations that tandem certification can be obtained through are the USPPA and the ASC. In both of these organizations, pilot proficiency must be proved and instructor certificates obtained before the pilot has reached the level where they can then be trained for a tandem exemption.

Getting into paramotoring would be similar in cost as getting a motorcycle. Up front costs including gear and training can range from $5,000 to upwards of $15,000. As with all activities, there is a considerable range of options that can suit many different types of pilot needs and budget. Once a new pilot has their gear and is proficiently flying, the ongoing costs are relatively low. Both motor and glider wing are capable of flying for hundreds of hours with proper care. Most training programs provide gear for students to learn on and offer education to assist new pilots in determining which gear will work best for their individual size, weight, flying regions, desired type of flight, skill, and more.

We still have training options to suit your needs! Give us a call so we can coordinate a schedule that will work best for you.

Texas is one of the few areas in the US that experiences favorable flying conditions year-round. Unfortunately, weather can be unpredictable and may hinder training progress. In the case of inclement weather, most times, we are able to rearrange the class units to cover ground school during the poor conditions and take advantage of the windows of good weather to learn skills that require us to be outside. If bad weather persists, the students and instructors will discuss the possibility of flying at alternate locations during training. Other arrangements may be made on a case by case basis. Each beginner training class includes 6-months of additional instruction support that allows students to continue to take advantage of good weather and get more flights in until they reach a solo pilot level of confidence.

We understand that not everyone is able to accommodate a ten day block of time away from their other obligations like work and family. We have had students in the past spread out their training to weekends and evenings when the weather and their schedule cooperates. These students typically take longer to develop their skills since during the gaps in their training, there will be a bit of skill atrophy. Don’t let this discourage you though! Give us a call so we can make a training plan that will fit your schedule.

Texas is one of the few areas in the US that experiences favorable flying conditions year-round. Unfortunately, weather can be unpredictable and may hinder training progress. In the case of inclement weather, most times, we are able to rearrange the class units to cover ground school during the poor conditions. If bad weather persists, the students and instructors will discuss the possibility of flying at alternate locations during training. Other arrangements may be made on a case by case basis.