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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. Ofcourse, not in one stretch. First three days is
compulsorily on a stretch. Rest of the days could be on week-ends. 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.
Where can I buy a paramotor from? How much do
they cost?
Paramotors are generally imported since none of them are manufactured in
India. You may ask for the quotation at Flying Safari, Pune. A complete set of
single seater, which includes a paramotor, glider, and a harness would costs
around Rs.2.95 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 unlandable areas.
Generally speaking paramotoring has very good safety record. It is very rightly
said, " Any kind of flying can be made as safe or dangerous as you would
like to have it" This very much applies to Paramotoring too. If you
maintain your cool.
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 are 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 latest paramotors are substantially quite compared to the old
ones.
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. Its 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. While flying there is no engine load on the pilot.
What fuel used for paramotors?
The same petrol which is used in your car. 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 available.
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 high can a paramotor be flown?
One can fly a paramotor up to 10,000 feet without
any external aids. Above 10,000 feet one will require to carry supplementary
oxygen. The temperature will be quite low, for which a thermal suit is a must.
World record is around 18,000 feet. Paramotoring primarily should be taken for
the purpose of recreation and not to attempt feats. The most enjoyable flying
heights are from 300 feet to a 1000 feet. Above 3000 feet you will start losing
sights of small details on the ground.
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.
Can anybody learn to fly paramotors?
Yes, almost everybody provided you are more than
18 years old and in good physically condition. 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.
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 directions 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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