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What is Paramotoring?
Paramotoring is paragliding with power. A
two-stroke engine with a propeller is attached
to the back of the pilot along with the
paraglider. With the help of a throttle the
pilot accelerates the engine and gets pushed
forward. The paraglider inflates and starts
generating lift proportional to the thrust of
the engine. After gaining the desired altitude
the pilot reduces the amount of throttle and
cruises. He can control his rate of ascent,
decent, turning, landing etc. A Paramotor is
termed as one of the smallest aircraft in the
world. It is capable of traveling long
distances, gaining great heights like 10,000
feet if not more and staying up for hours
together. Unlike other conventional powered
aircraft it is capable of taking off and landing
in small open fields.
Where can I learn Paramotoring?
We have the facilities to train interested
people to learn paramotoring. It generally takes
around 15 to 20 days to learn paramotoring. The
training is subject to weather conditions. There
are two stages of training a) basic b)
intermediate. You could ask for the syllabus for
both the courses. It is recommended that one
should have some experience on flying
paraglider.
Can anybody learn to fly a paramotors?
Yes, anybody above 18 years of age and in good
physically condition can fly a paramotor. It is
recommended that one completes the non-powered
paragliding course before taking up
paramotoring. Paramotoring also demands
knowledge on meteorology, theory of flight, air
navigation, and air regulations. It is important
that you learn from a qualified and experienced
Instructor.
Where can I buy a paramotor from? How much do
they cost?
These paramotors are imported since none of them
are manufactured in India as of now. A complete
set of single seater, which includes a
paramotor, glider, and a harness would costs
around Rs. 4.00 lakhs.
How safe is Paramotoring?
Paramotoring is safe to a pilot who has done
training under a professional Instructor and has
gained sound knowledge in related aviation
subjects. Learn the correct standard operating
procedures. Regularly inspect the flying
equipment. Do not venture into areas without
landing fields. Generally speaking paramotoring
has very good safety record. It is very rightly
said, “Any kind of flying can be made as safe or
as dangerous as you would like to have it" This
very much applies to Paramotoring too. Do not
take unnecessary chances. Listen to your inner
self. Read the weather. Maintain your equipment
in good condition. We don't' see why things
should go wrong.
What is the safety equipments required for
paramotoring?
Paramotoring also requires the same safety
equipment which is used while flying a
non-powered paraglider, i.e. Good ankle
protection shoes, helmet, knee guards, soft
leather gloves, wind sock and a reserve
parachute (optional).
What is the noise level of a paramotor engine
while flying?
The noise level of a cruising paramotor can be
compared to that of a lawn mover. The take-off
noise is more compared to the cruise. It is
certainly not disturbing to the Pilot. Once
gained the desired height, the pilot may reduce
power or switch off the engine and start soaring
in a thermal. The newer generation of paramotors
are substantially quite.
How much is the weight of a paramotor and is it
heavy for the back?
Single seater paramotor weigh approx. 18 to 25
kgs. In the beginning it may feel heavy. It’s
just a matter of getting used to it. Carrying
the paramotor on the back, we sometimes walk
almost half a kilometer to the car park, after
landing, You get inside the harness half a
minute before the take-off and once taken off
the paraglider holds the weight of the engine
independently. During flight there is no engine
load on the pilot.
What is the fuel used for paramotors?
It is a petrol engine and works on the same
petrol which as used in your bike. It is
recommended that you mix synthetic or
semi-synthetic oil in the petrol.
What is the maintenance cost?
If the paramotor is regularly inspected and kept
in good condition; there is no maintenance cost.
Most of the spares are imported and can be made
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What potentials can I tap with a Paramotor?
With the help of a paramotor and sufficient
skill level you can do the following:
1. Take of and land in a small open field.
2. Conduct flying demonstration.
3. Attain great altitude even beyond 10,000 feet
(World record is around 18,000 feet)
4. On open fields and beaches you could fly as
low as 30 feet if not lower.
5. Aerial photography, advertising, dropping of
pamphlets and surveying fields.
6. Give joyrides with a two seater paramotor
7. Soar for hours together with the help of
thermals, etc
8. Cover great distances on cross country
flights.
How fast can one fly?
The speed of a paramotor is limited to the speed
of the paraglider which could be around 35 to 50
kms per hour. But the ground speed depends on
the wind speed and the direction. You can cover
distance faster if you fly with the wind and
slower against the wind. Paramotor is generally
used for recreation more than as a mode of
conveyance.
What could be the longest duration on a single
paramotor flight?
The duration of a single flight depends on two
primary factors - a) the weather conditions, b)
the fuel capacity. If the weather is good one
can switch off the engine and soar for long
duration, say three to four hours.
On continuous power the fuel consumption is
around an hour for every three liters of fuel.
Generally speaking the modern paramotors will
have at least 10 litres of fuel carrying
capacity.
How much is the take off and landing run?
If you take-off facing the wind, it takes just 6
to 10 steps to take off and just two or three
steps while landing. Good take off and landing
also depends on how good you are at ground
controlling of the paraglider. Longer and faster
run is required in nil wind conditions, which
should be avoided.
What happens if the engine stops functioning
while flying?
Loss of power only limits your ability to climb
higher or maintain altitude. Most of the new
paramotors have an electric starter. One can
restart the engine and continue. Supposing you
are unable to start the engine for some reason,
then you will glide down gently like a normal
non-powered paraglider. Usually when you get
into a thermal and going up steadily, it is
prudent to switch off the engine and conserve
fuel. It is recommended that the engine is
switched off at least 100 feet above the ground,
on your final approach, just before landing.
Does paramotoring attract licensing?
Fortunately, so far none in India. This does not
mean that you can flout the Indian Air rules and
Aviation regulations. You should know where and
when not to fly. Keep yourself far from the air
routes and wherever you are flying, keep a
thorough lookout in every direction for passing
aircrafts. Flying recklessly and irresponsibly
may sooner or later force Civil Aviation
authorities to impose strict regulations and
licensing thereafter.
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