|
A Paramotor consists of a backpack-style ultra light aircraft-engine called a Paramotor; attached to which is a standard Paraglider wing. These paraglider wings are same wings which are also flown, without power, from hills and mountains, much like hang-gliders. Paramotoring is the easy, relatively safe and
most accessible form of powered aviation. The entire aircraft fits into the boot
of a small car and can be assembled for flight within a few minutes.  Paramotors can be safely flown from an area as small as a soccer field. The pilot gets into the harness and lifts the engine on his back, does his regular checks, starts the engine, glances at the laid out glider, opens power and within a few steps takes-off. Once taken off, he gains height as long as the power is on. On reaching the desired height he reduces power and maintains level height. Now, he can decide whether to continue flying on the local field or to proceed on a cross-country flight. He has directional control and turns right or left using the control line. He ascends by opening power and descends by reducing power. Thus he has all the necessary maneuverability. For landing he either cuts power or keeps the engine running on idle on his landing approach, descends close to the ground, flares and lands with a smooth touch down within a few steps. Flying time may be extended by gliding and soaring, using lift from thermals, or from air rising over mountains, known as Ridge-lift. In this manner, altitude may be maintained or gained, without using the motor, thus conserving fuel. The motor may be switched off; and re-started in-flight when required. If the motor happens to quit in flight, the wing, which is essentially a glider, will float the pilot gently and safely back to Earth. In fact, it is normal practice to switch the motor off before starting the landing approach. It is fun flying a paramotor between 500 feet and 1000 feet above ground level, though they are capable of flying as high as 10,000 feet. The world record is around 18,000 feet above Sea Level. The most widely used engine is a 210 cc, single-cylinder, 2-stroke engine; delivering around 12 to 15 horsepower. The complete backpack unit usually weighs less than 25 kilograms. The better models sport a tuned exhaust system to boost power and performance, delivering around 22 to 25 horsepower, and around 70 kg of static thrust.
Paramotors are being used for recreational aviation, flying competitions, aerial photography and filming, law enforcement in some countries, wildlife research, aerial touring, advertising and promotions, land survey, joyriding, cross country flying and much more. Some Powered Paragliding World Records: Distance flown without landing - 443km
in 1997. South Africa is widely considered to be on the cutting-edge of Paramotor development and design. South African manufactured models are already being exported to many countries around the world. There are at least TWO established manufacturers in South Africa, with Cape Town hosting Xplorer Ultralight Products. South Africa hosted the first World Powered Paragliding Championships in 1996 at Cato Ridge, Durban. |
