Powered Paragliding FAQ

What is powered paragliding?

Powered paragliding also called paramotoring or PPG is exciting new sport that allows people to fly with the least amount of training, equipment and money required. If you want to fly like a bird this type of aviation is for you is for you.  A powered paraglider can be foot-launched or you can add wheels (Trike) to make your take-off easier.

The paraglider itself has no rigid structure and the pilot is suspended by lines. The pilot is clipped into a harness, which is quite comfortable. The motor is a backpack unit with propeller to give thrust allowing you to climb and fly level at your own will. You take-off from level ground and do not require wind to get into the air.  In fact the less wind, the more smoother the ride.

Is powered paragliding safe?

Just like any other sport, there is some risk  involved. The amount of risk associated with PPG is about as much a one takes riding motorcycle. Proper instruction and training will ensure safe and pleasurable flights. 

Do I need a license to fly powered paragliders?

Yes, in Canada a license is necessary.  Only 5 hours of flight time is required.  Cost only up to $ 55 Canadian in licensing fees. 

How long does it take to get PPG trained?

We recommend 7 days depending on the weather.  It usually takes 3 - 4 days of ground school training .  Since I'm retired, the courses are scheduled to the individual’s availability. 

I already have a private pilot license.  Do I have to take the ground school?

90 % our ground school deals with PPG specific issues. Therefore it is necessary to complete it before proceeding to ground handling and flying.

Can I take-off on a flat surface ?

Yes. Any large grass field will do for powered paragliding flights.  Just a few steps will be necessary in a 5-10 km breeze. However, in a calm wind condition, 10 to 50 steps may be necessary depending on your weight and equipment.  See video    

Can I take-off on my own?

Yes. Once trained you can easily launch and fly  without any assistance. See video

What distance do I need to take-off and land?

Usually between 5 to 50 feet  for take-off and about 3 feet for spot landing.  It is easy to launch and land.   See video

At what altitude can I fly?

You can fly you powered paraglider one foot off the ground or at 12000 feet. It is up to you, but make sure you comply with local air traffic regulations.

How fast powered paraglider flies?

Up to 45 km/h if there is no wind. 

What is the maximum winds I can fly in?

Winds should not exceed 25 km/h when flying powered paragliders.

How far can I go on powered paraglider?

It depends on your paramotor model.  You can easily exceed 2 hours on a tank of gas approximately 70 km or 140 km if you fly down wind.

At what ground speed does the paramotor fly?

This depends on you paraglider.  Anywhere from 20 km/h - 45 km/h if there is no wind and anywhere from 5 km/h to 60 km/h with 25 km/h winds.

How do I inflate paraglider?

A run or wind if there is any forces air into the open frontal cells of the paraglider, which in turn pressurizes the wing, giving it it's shape. See video

What do I do if the motor stops?

It's a paraglider!  You will coast slowly downhill and in full control of direction.   The glider flies about 6 feet forward for every foot decent ( a 6 to 1 glide ratio).   So you will be descendin a about 3 mph while gliding forward at about 20 mph and you can land in a space smaller than the average yard.  A motor failure is rarely more that an incovenience.  Most landings are done without power for safety reasons anyway.  See video

How long can I fly my paramotor with a full tank of gas ?

Approximately 2 to 2.5 hours. You can fly up to six hours with additional fuel tanks.

What if I am not strong enough to carry a paramotor on my back?

You can attach the paramotor to a light weight trike (chassis with 3 wheels) and instead of carrying the weight you will sit in the aircraft on take off.

Can I fly powered paraglider during winter months?

Yes you can, but you must bundle up, it is cold.  Pilots can attach ski's to their trikes and with proper clothing you can enjoy winter flying.  You can also foot launch in the winter but you must find a hard surface to launch and land.

Is the paramotor easy to transport?

Our propeller cages are designed to be dismantled into 3 or 4 parts in approximately 3 minutes. You can easily transport your paramotor in the trunk or back seat of your car. 

Do I need airport to store my personal aircraft?

No. Garage, basement or any closet will do.

What is the cost of equipment and training?

Training is approximately $ 1500.00 to $ 2800.00 Canadian.  These cost differ due to choices of the type of equipment you train on and if you are buying or renting equipment.   PPGNB provides a wide range of equipment starting from complete packages from $5995.00 US and up depending on equipment choice.

Fear of heights? 

Ask just about any polot if they're aftraid of climbing ladders and the answer will be yes, Human nature is to be afraid of heights, as healthy response to obvious risk,  Nearly everybody stars with the fear and they overcome it after a few flights.  Once you internalize how secure the harness and wing is, there is little to fear.

Can I take people up? 

Unfortunately in Canada it is illegal to fly Tandem unless you are Instructor qualified and teaching student's for lesson's or Introductory flight's only. However, you can fly Tandem if both pilot's are qualified to fly the same aircraft. Examlpe - If a Husband and Wife would like to fly together they can both take PPG Training Course. Once completed they can then fly legally together with a Tandem unit.

What is the risk? 

Powered paragliding is probably the safest form of aviation ever devised.  Pay attentin to your instructor and respect the prop to miniize most of the risk.  Like any recreation with humans in motion, there is a risk.  Training and the fist few hours of flight are the most critical.  We estimate the overall risk is less tan motorcyle riding or or free flying (paragliding with no motor) or flying small airplaines, bit it's more than driving a car.  Of the minimal risk, most come from pilot error, not equpiment malifuction.  A conscientious pilot with a good instruction can make this sport incredibly safe.

Where can I get trained?   

Right here in Sussex, New Brunswick! Powered Paragliding New Brunswick (PPGNB) is the only Powered Paragliding School in the Maritimes. PPGNB is Transport Canada regulated school that has excellent training facilities as well as a wide range of equipment options for you to choose from.  

Can I get trained in the USA?   

Yes you can, however the training standard for the USA does not cover the required info you need to fly legally in Canada.  Example, there is no licensing requirements needed in the USA, therefore they do not  cover the CARS (Canadian Aviation Regulations) nor can they give you the required documentation for your PPG license.  Also there are no minimum flight's required to complete their basic course. I personnally have seen many new pilot's complete their basic course in the USA  with less than10 flight's leaving them with a lack of knowledge and confidence to safely fly. Finally, if you take training in the USA you will still have to conduct flight training with a Canadian Approved Flight School here in Canada to fly legally. Make sure you ask these questions before commiting training in the USA.

CAUTION! 

New pilots shoulds not buy gear from manufacturers that have no dealer network or products that you can go see flying in the field!  They frequently use questionable business tactics and sell completely inappropriate gear.  The most common method is using E-Bay or web sites to snag the uninformed.  If they do not display on their web site the Instructor teaching with their advertised equipment, beware. I have had several potential students who had purchased incorrect PPG equipment from other suppliers that were unsuitable for their physical condition or safe flight.

Find a good Instructor! 

Luckily in Canada most transport approved PPG Schools are very reputable and have good Instructor's. However, there are some Paragliding School's (No Paramotor) that selll PPG equipment on the side that say they can teach PPG but have minimum experience with paramotors. I would question their experience on teaching paramotor.  Instructor's should have an explaination on their web site detailing their PPG experience to include testimonials from their student's.