Paramotor Resources List: Links, Rules, Videos, etc.
I've noticed a limited amount of information available on the subject of PPG. The sport is seeing what appears to be a pretty big influx of people interested in the sport (including myself) who are having a difficult time finding information. Everyone is asking questions. These are resources that I've found through my research. Shared for your benefit. Please add to the list or correct any mistakes. If you're outside the USA, weigh in on regulations so I can add that information.
Facebook:
The Facebook group seems to be one of the most active places for communication about paramotors.
You can buy or sale on Paramotor Things for Sale which has international sales as well as USA or Paragliding and PPG Gear Sale USA.
Regulations:
Federal Aviation Administration (FAR Part 103): FAA Website. Subject to FAA ultralight rules.
Organizations:
The United States Powered Paragliding Association: USPPA Website
Training / Schools:
USPPA/USUA Approved Clubs & Schools Search: USPPA Website
Study Resources:
Powered Paragliding Bible (Book): Amazon.com. A lot of pilots will recommend that you buy this book and read it.
Powered Parachute Flying Handbook (PDF): FAA.gov
YouTube Personalities:
Tucker Gott, WoodysGamerTag, Fly Guy Alberta, Kyle O'Glee Mark Huneycutt
Paramotor Companies:
Kits: Air Conception, Kangook, SCOUT, Fresh Breeze, Blackhawk
Engines: Vittorazi, EOS, Minari, Polini, Nirvana, Air Conception Nitro 200, Per Il Volo
Wings: Ozone, Air Design, Nova, Advance, Gin, Nirvana, Macpara, Kangook, Apco
Helmets: Icaro, NAC Intercom, Plusmax. Skydiving helmets may be one option, but these won't include the option to add a radio: ParaGear.
Props: E-Props, SCOUT, DT Propeller
Frequently Asked Questions:
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Is a license or certification required in the United States? No. See FAR Part 103. Training is highly recommended by all pilots.
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What is the cost of training? $1600-3500. This depends on whether or not you purchase a training package with the school that may or may not also require purchasing gear for the reduced training price.
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What is the price of a complete gear package? About $8,000 to 12,500. This price may or may not include training if purchased from a school alongside training.
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How much does a new wing cost? Up to about $4200.
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Is insurance required in the USA? No. According to what I've heard from different sources it is possible to acquire insurance, but most companies will not insure paramotors.
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Is a reserve parachute required? No. Recommend by most pilots. Price: About $700. Please correct if this is not accurate.
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Should I purchase a used wing? The most frequent answer: No. People generally recommend that you do not purchase a used wing. If your wing fails, you die. If your motor fails, you glide back to the ground safely. See question below.
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Should I purchase a used motor? Common answer: You can, but do you want to? Also see above question. Coming from a skydiving background it may be possible to request that the motor be shipped to a USPPA approved school (shipping at the owner's expense) where it can be looked over. Then if you decide to purchase the gear, you reimburse the owner for the shipping. This is how skydivers do it. I can't be certain that it's done this way in the paramotor world, but I would highly recommend it.
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Where can I fly? In most places that are not inside restricted airspace. I don't know the exact rules at this time, but I've witnessed pilots say that you should not or can't (please clarify which) fly above towns, crowds, events, national parks, etc. Without permission of course. You will learn about this in training. Look at this link for more information.
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How fast is a paramotor? This is determined by the wing. Lift is determined by the motor. I've heard between 20-45mph depending on wing, tail wind, trim and speed bar use.
YouTube Videos:
Paramotor Geometry: In-depth YouTube videos by SCOUT Paramotors.
AviatorPPG Training: Day 1, Day 2, Day 3, Day 4, Day 5, Day 6 (WoodysGamerTag)
How To Get Into Paramotors (TuckerGott)
Other FAQs or Resources:
Paramotor Geometry: In-depth YouTube videos by SCOUT Paramotors.
Android or Apple Apps:
Avare: Navigation app which includes airspace. Used by Tucker Gott in many of his videos. [Android]
Windy: provides wind information at different altitudes. [Android] [iTunes]
PPGPS: Flight computer for Paramotor, Paraglider, Glider and Ultra Light plane Pilots [Android]
Other Gear Etc:
Ascent Vario: Digital device that displays vertical speed, direction, glide ratio, ground speed, altimeter, logbook, GPS logging, etc.
Quick Out Carabiners can be used for separating the pilot from their paraglider after successfully deploying their emergency reserve parachute system
Posted Oct 24, 2017, 5:22 AM UTC · edited