Flying remains one of the best experiences anybody can get as compared to other modes of transport. Most people dream of flying regularly but cannot due to the cost and time it takes to learn. It also takes a lot of effort to learn how to fly an aircraft.
For those who choose not to give up on their dreams, a very popular alternative gives them the same if not more thrill—powered paragliding.
Powered paragliding is one of the simplest and safest modes of transport worldwide. It is also very easy to learn how to fly using a powered paraglider. Using an inflatable wing and a motorized backpack, the pilot launches themselves by running about ten to twelve strides. They are held to the structure by a harness that keeps them suspended in the air to experience the thrill of flying from the best possible seat.
The motorized backpack contains a propeller that is safely caged to prevent any contact with the pilot. By having control of the thrust, you will gain and lose altitude at your wish. With proper training, taking off and landing will be a piece of cake for you.
Many aviation enthusiasts in Texas have chosen motorized paragliding as their mode of transport. It is also a very popular leisure activity to help you understand more about paragliding. Here are a few frequently asked questions you might find helpful.
How Long Will It Take to Learn to Fly?
Most aviation experts recommend five to eight days for proper training through a certified flight instructor. The length of a flight training course is, however, dependent on several factors.
The Students’ Ability and Determination
Although the training curriculum is the same for all students, they take different amounts of time to grasp the concepts and develop the necessary skills for flying. Some students also come with previous flight experience, which makes motorized paragliding easier for them.
The Prevailing Weather Conditions
Since you’ll be moving around in the sky, weather conditions will affect you in more ways than you might know. In the aviation industry, bad weather is a known killer. The prevailing weather conditions during your training duration will dictate how often you get to fly.
Other External Factors
Powered paragliders are machines just like other aircraft. They need their regular dose of maintenance and care. During these periods of maintenance, you will not fly them, which could lengthen your training time. Many students also take time to foot the cost of training. Lengthy periods between training sessions could be detrimental to your development as a student as most tend to forget what they previously learned.
How Safe Is Motorized Paragliding?
Motorized paragliding is one of the safest forms of aviation worldwide. Building on the fact that aviation is the safest mode of transport today, paragliding takes top marks for safety. Most powered paragliders will not allow the pilot to take off if they have any problem. This will force the pilot to deal with the problem on the ground, preventing a crash.
If the engine were to fail in flight, the pilot would be able to glide at a comfortable rate of descent and land at a spot of their choice. A malfunctioning engine will only prevent the pilot from gaining altitude.
Most pilots in the aviation industry regularly go through a rigorous safety training routine. As a powered paraglider pilot, you will also go through the same. This emphasis on safety will go a long way in ensuring you maintain the best and safest practices for you and other pilots as you fly.
Basic knowledge in aviation subjects such as meteorology, navigation, communication, air law, and human factors also helps to keep you safe in the sky. With basic knowledge of these subjects, you will be able to foresee any danger before it occurs. It will also help you to correctly diagnose and deal with any problems that would lead to an emergency in flight.
The federal aviation administration (FAA) is also keen on keeping the skies safe for everyone. They regularly and strictly check on the safety standards in every organization. This ensures safety standards are maintained throughout their operations. This is one of the reasons we recommend that you receive training from a certified flight instructor. They will be able to pass their best practices to you.
About the PPG Ratings
The PPG rating system is a voluntary one that aims to guide pilots in determining their level of skill and experience. Knowing how skilled or experienced you are will help you make informed decisions on the type of flight gear you need, the weather conditions you can fly in, the places you can fly, and the activities you can do in flight. Some insurance companies might demand a certain rating to be able to judge the level of risk. You might also need a rating to perform at some events or to fly to some locations. There are three ratings that the FAA issues to motorized paraglider pilots.
PPG1
This is a rating that the FAA issues to beginner pilots. To qualify for a PPG1 rating, you will need to have at least two solo flights under the strict watch of your flight instructor. You will also remain in radio contact for the duration of these flights.
PPG2
This is a rating issued to novice pilots. At this stage, the student is now a competent pilot and can safely and easily fly and land in most destinations across America. PPG2 rated pilots have basic flying skills and knowledge to efficiently conduct their flights in different locations and situations.
PPG3
The PPG 3 rating is given to the most advanced motorized paraglider pilots in the industry. These pilots have demonstrated great levels of skill and have the level of experience to match. Many PPG3 rated pilots perform at airshows and other competitive or leisure activities.
How High Can You Fly In a Motorized Paraglider?
Most powered paraglider pilots prefer to fly between 100 feet to 2000 feet above ground level. In this layer, there are not many obstacles that you might have to avoid. The risk of a paramotor pilot colliding with an aircraft mid-flight is also reduced at lower altitudes. Most pilots also enjoy the view and magic of flight at these altitudes. The FAA has, however, set a limit of 18000 feet for motorized paragliders. This means that you can aim to fly as high as the big jets once you get the necessary experience and ratings.
Do You Need Any Special Knowledge or Skill to Fly?
Basic aviation knowledge is crucial for anybody who wants to control any aircraft in the sky. A certified flight instructor will impart all the knowledge and skill you need to fly safely. Aviation is, however, a very fast-growing industry. This means that new knowledge pops up every once in a while. We, therefore, recommend that new pilots get in the habit of updating their knowledge by reading regularly and keeping a general interest in the industry news. You should also ensure that your flight instructor teaches using the recommended USPPA training syllabus.
Is It Just for People Who Are Physically Fit?
Because a paraglider will need you to put in some physical effort to take off and land efficiently, some fitness level is required in order to operate it. You, however, don’t need to be an athlete to be able to fly. Most pilots take a regular walk for their exercise. This simple workout is enough to ensure your legs can efficiently carry your weight around. It also helps to reduce the risk of heart problems for heavier pilots.
You will need a good attitude and a readiness to learn most when training to become a pilot. The fitness comes gradually as you take off and regularly land through your training. We recommend that you start by taking regular walks around the block to get your body going again for those who have not had much physical activity recently.
What Licenses Will You Need?
Paragliding is an individual sport. This means that the pilots regulate themselves. In this regard, you will not need any license to fly a motorized paraglider. Some people might look at this as an opportunity to fly without proper training as there is no certification after training. We, however, insist that you get trained by a certified flight instructor to ensure you maintain safe flying practices when flying.
Where To Start Motorized Paragliding
For you to start motorized paragliding in Texas, you will need a solid foundation in aviation. This means you will need to master all the knowledge you need and apply it before, during, and after a flight. A solid foundation in aviation knowledge also ensures that you maintain the best practices to keep you, your aircraft, and other pilots in the sky safe.
You can establish yourself as a competent pilot by attending a certified paragliding school like Texas Paramotor Training. By choosing the right school for your training, you will get access to the best training facilities available. You will also interact with certified instructors who will guide you throughout your training journey.
Give Texas Paramotor Training a call today on 512-545-6280, so we can discuss how we can get you in the air.