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Powered paragliding (aka paramotoring) is a form of ultralight aviation where the pilot wears a small motor on his/her back (a paramotor) and runs into the air with lift from a paraglider wing. In many countries, including the United States, it is minimally regulated and requires no license. The low and slow flying capability, 'open' feel, portability, low equipment and maintenance costs, and safety aspects for this type of flying are considered its greatest merits.
The craft is capable of flying between 15 and 45 mph at altitudes ranging up to 18,000 ft (5400 m), although most flying is done under 500 ft (150 m) AGL (above ground level). Cost for both a new motor and wing is around $8000US (including training), but can be less if purchasing used equipment.
The motor weight ranges from 45 to 80 pounds (20 to 36 kg). The weight of the motor is supported by the pilot during takeoff. After liftoff, the pilot is no longer supporting the weight of the equipment but sits comfortably in the paramotor chair suspended beneath the inflated paraglider wing.
The wing and motor technology for this sport is changing at an evolutionary pace. Wing speed, motor reliability, and safety margins increase year after year.
Although training is not required in every country it is still very important. The United States Powered Paragliding Association estimates that safety-wise the activity is safer than riding motorcycles and more dangerous than riding in cars.
In the USA, the sport is represented by several organizations including the United States Powered Paragliding Association * (USPPA) and the Aero Sports Connection (ASC).
A Powered Paraglider is similar to a Powered parachute, in which the occupant rides in a wheeled cart suspended beneath the wing.
Electric Powered Paragliders
An impressive recent development in powered paragliding, is the first practical electric paramotor. Designed and constructed by Csaba Lemak and Patrick MacKenzie it flew for the first time on the 6 June, 2006 in Ontario, Canada. The first two flights from one single charge lasted for approximately 35 minutes. It was powered by 112 Lithium Polymer (LiPo) batteries and a custom wound three phase motor weighing 1.5kg. While currently not able to fly for as long as a petrol powered machine, it has many advantages, one of which is the ease of maintaining such a machine.
Model Engineering
There are also telecontrolled models of powered paragliders.
exemple: http://wateren.users.lantic.net/Plans/Paraglider/index.html
External links
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