Let’s Answer Your Questions
- Alle
- Moment Questions
- Ordering Questions
- Paramotor Selection Questions
- Motor Selection Questions
- Wing Selection Questions
- Flight Instruction Questions
Moment Questions
The Moment Paramotor originated as a quest to build the best paramotor possible within a demanding set of design criteria: strong, lightweight, comfortable, easy and fun assembly kit, upgrade options, quick folding for transport or travel, repeating parts and hardware, competitive pricing, quality components, and innovative safety features.
The level of attention to detail on the design, construction, material selection, comfort, safety, reliability, packaging, and documentation make the Moment a pinnacle of paramotoring equipment. Compared to the competition, it's an easy decision. Make this your Moment!
The Moment Paramotor can be ordered as a an easy and fun assembly kit (Easy2Build DIY Kit), or as an assembled, completed unit that is ready to fly (Ready2Fly Assembled).
If you enjoy taking on DIY projects, are capable with your hands, enjoy building a quality project, and want to save several hundred dollars, the Easy2Build DIY Kit is for you. The Easy2Build DIY Kit includes everything you need for a successful DIY build, including the main frame, cage, netting, spreader bars, webbing, carabineers, assembly tools, and a detailed assembly manual.
If you prefer ready made projects, are clumsy with tools, and dislike DIY projects, or prefer to just get in the air faster, the Ready2Fly Assembled is for you. The Ready2Fly Assembled is a nearly assembled, ready to fly paramotor (with minor assembly required). The unit includes the main frame, cage, netting, spreader bars, webbing and carabineers.
1 to 2 days, roughly 15 to 20 hours. We provide you all the parts, a detailed and easy to follow Assembly Manual, and the necessary tools to get it built.
The base models come already packed with features. you can choose a number of options, upgrades, and accessories to compliment your Moment.
The complete Moment V2 Complete Frame including main frame, cage, netting, 12 liter fuel tank, harness, and carabineers is 28 pounds or 27.8 Kg. Adding a motor and throttle will increase the weight.
Weight Specifications
Moment V2 Complete Frame only
(Includes cage, netting, 12L fuel tank, and carabineers. Does NOT include harness, motor, or propeller)
21.0 lbs or 9.5 Kg
Moment V2 Complete Frame and Harness
(Includes cage, netting, 12L fuel tank, carabineers, and harness. Does NOT include motor or propeller)
28.0 lbs or 12.7 Kg
Moment V2 Complete Frame, Harness, Motor
(Includes cage, netting, 12L fuel tank, carabineers, harness, motor, and propeller)
53.2 lbs or 24.2Kg
Moment V2 Complete Frame, Harness, Motor
(Includes cage, netting, 12L fuel tank, carabineers, harness, motor, and propeller)
63.2 lbs or 28.7 Kg
Moment V2 Complete Frame, Harness, Motor
(Includes cage, netting, 12L fuel tank, carabineers, harness, motor, and propeller)
68.2 lbs or 31.0 Kg
Dimensions
Height: 55.25”/140.3cm
Width: 56.50”/143.5cm
Depth: 20”/50.8cm to 23”/58.5cm
Ordering Questions
Once you place your order, please allow 24 hours for processing. If you place your order late on Friday, on a holiday, or over the weekend, your order will be processed the following business day.
Depending on the options, upgrades, accessories selected, the ship times can vary. Custom colors can add 1 to 8 weeks depending on how busy our anodizer is. We usually stock everything for quick delivery. For the Easy2Build we can ship in less than a week. For the Ready2Fly we can ship in 1 to 2 weeks.
Once your order ships, you will receive an email confirmation with tracking information. We ship our machines via UPS or FedEx from our locations in Arizona. Where you are relative to those locations will factor into how long it takes for your order to be delivered.
Unfortunately, no. All shipping must be coordinated using our accounts with FedEx, UPS, and USPS.
Yes, we welcome our customers to pick up orders at our location. Please contact us if you want to do this.
The short answer is yes, we’ll ship a machine just about anywhere if it is under $5000! Items over $5000 will most likely encounter import or export complications.
The key things to keep in mind when we’re shipping internationally is that you will be responsible for all customs/tariffs/duties or whatever else those taxes might be called where you are, but that our freight fee DOES include shipping insurance for the machine. If a crane-operator in Mumbai drops your Moment, that should be covered.
From time to time we offer discounts. Please sign up for our Newsletter and we will let you know of any sales or discounts.
Moment Paramotors is obligated to charge tax if the shipping or billing address is in any of the following states:
AZ, CA, CO, FL, GA, IL, IN, MA, MD, MI, MN, MO, NC, NJ, NM, NY, OH, PA, SC, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI.
Moment Paramotors accepts the all major payment options including:
• All major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, and more)
• Paypal: an online payment service
• Zelle: A bank transfer service
• VenMo: an online payment service
• We do accept cash, wire transfers, personal checks, precious metals, or crypto currency only by contacting us directly.
Please visit out our Returns Policy page.
Paramotor Selection Questions
A paramotor, also known as a powered paraglider or PPG, combines the easy flying characteristics of a paraglider wing with the autonomy and range of powered flight, typically with a 2-stroke engine and propeller. The paramotor and paraglider are easily transportable, fitting into a normal car. The motor provides enough thrust to take-off from level ground in under 50 feet. It can be either be foot launched, where the pilot wears the motor unit on their back with padded shoulder straps or wheel launched using a light weight wheeled frame that hold the harness and motor unit. Just buckle up, start the engine, launch the glider and feather the throttle until you leave the ground. Simple. Easy. Magical.
Once airborne, the pilot has two flight controls – left and right steering via the glider’s toggles and a handheld throttle to climb or descend. Paramotoring offers the kind of flying experience that is unmatched by other forms of aviation.
Choosing the right paramotor can seem like a complicated decision. The options seem to know no bounds. And the online forums and Facebook groups are awash with pilots raving about their favorite paramotor brand or the latest must-have piece of gear. The challenge is sorting and categorizing this information to make sure you get the best paramotor for your investment. It's worth taking some time and doing your research. Get it right and you’ll have a paramotor that you can progress with, and one that will last for years.
Most airplanes are manufactured using aluminum alloys as a primary structural material and as an exterior covering. Aluminum alloys offer huge advantages compared to other aviation materials (steel, stainless steel, titanium, composites, and wood) in weight savings, lower costs, strong yet flexible, tolerant of vibration, uniformity, etc. By using aluminum to construct airplane bodies, aerospace manufacturing companies can create lighter, stronger, more cost effective aircraft than their counterparts made of other materials.
Aluminum is a great material for paramotor frames. It is light, easy to machine and bend, readily available, strong, and with proper design and fabrication can be made to be extremely durable. Aluminum can be welded, but welding generally destroys the heat temper around the area that is welded, significantly weakening the structure. If you do take a knock, aluminum has its limits and will require repair or replacement. If machining or welding is required, it is easy to find local sources.
Steel comes in many grades from mild to structural. Paramotor frames should only use structural grade steel such as especially 4130 chrome alloy steel. It can be strong, flexible, resilient, tolerant of bending, easily machinable, and can be welded more easily than aluminum. Steel alloys, especially 4130 chrome alloy steel, can be strong, flexible, resilient, tolerant of bending, and can be welded more easily than aluminum. But steel is heavy and so the part thicknesses must be significantly smaller than with aluminum alloys. Also, most strong steel alloys cost more than aluminum alloys. And oxidation can be a concern in humid environments.
Stainless steel is another viable material option. It is similar to steel, but not as strong, generally costs a bit more than steel, and is not as strong as 4130 steel. Stainless has a beautiful natural finish.
Titanium is another viable material option. But it is extremely costly and difficult to source in the USA. It is lighter that steel and very strong, flexible, and tolerant of bending. It can be welded, but the process is complex and finding local welder that works with titanium will be difficult or impossible. Titanium does not oxidize and has a beautiful natural finish.
Carbon fiber is becoming more popular with manufacturers and is extremely lightweight. Despite having an enormous strength-to-weight ratio, it is very costly to purchase and fabricate. It is a brittle material, and severe trauma to a carbon airframe usually ends in a catastrophic failure necessitating a lavish repair bill. Another disadvantage of composites is that they don't handle vibrations well, are brittle, and when they break, they shatter into sharp pieces. Most composites will not show up in x-rays, and a bodily injury with composites creates difficult medical challenges. For this reason, carbon fiber is often recommended for experienced pilots.
You can fly in a lot more places than you’d first think. With the majority of airspace open to fly in you are in full command of your own time and destiny. Open fields, grass strips and secluded beaches will become your runways of choice and offer a massive amount of freedom and fun. We strongly advise pilots to seek landowner’s permission before taking flight.
Paramotors generally require calm, predictable weather to have an enjoyable and safe flight. Most pilots stick to those glassy smooth sunrise and sunset flights to avoid the midday bumpy air and in wind speeds less than 12 mph. With such freedom and endless possibilities to your flying, the sky is your playground.
Typically, a paramotor has a range of between 2 and 3 hours. This is very much dependent upon your weight, glider performance, fuel load, flying style and weather conditions. When flown correctly and using altitude, you can cover long distances.
Speed is entirely dependent on the size and performance of your glider, more engine power just allows you to climb faster and take off more quickly. Most of your flying is done between 25 and 30 mph. More advanced paragliders can reach up to 50 mph by engaging the trim and speed bar systems.
The world altitude record is approximately 25,000ft. The majority of your flying is going to be below 200ft.
Your paraglider is very efficient and will descend slowly, significantly better than a normal parachute. As long as you have reasonable altitude to find a potential landing site, you can make a regular, safe landing.
Many pilots experience trepidation, be it a lack of confidence, putting all your skills together with correct timing, fear of the unknown and oddly enough, fear of heights. As human beings we weren’t designed to float in the air with a propeller strapped to our back. Good news is that these scary feelings subside the more you do it.
Paramotor pilots are a diverse group, from airline pilots to plumbers to dentists to retired folks, and it’s equally rewarding for all. Those that love the wind in their face and finding new freedoms soon discover that flying their paramotor becomes their passion.
While there are no official age restrictions, most paramotor training schools will not take on a student younger than 14 years of age. Similarly, there is no upper age limit either. Expect a certain amount of physical activity for footlaunch and the need to carry a paramotor on your back. All levels of fitness should be able to cope once correct technique has been learned. Good coordination and a positive, resilient mindset is also a big advantage.
The good news is that paramotoring is the most affordable form of powered flight. Yet, it isn’t something you should do on a shoestring budget either. Paramotor training costs vary depending on the school, syllabus and location. At the affordable end of the scale expect to pay around $1500 to $3000. For gear, expect to pay $10,000 to $15,000 all in. After that, it’s just the cost for a tank of fuel and a some 2-stroke oil.
The flight characteristics of your glider determine your enjoyment and overall paramotoring experience. How you connect to your glider therefore is determined by your choice of hangpoint. There are 3 main options – high, middle and low, each affecting the glider's response feedback and handling. Modern paramotors opt for a compromise by utilizing a middle hangpoint with articulated swan-neck arms. This places the carabiners exactly into the thrust line but eliminates power and pitch instability and offers a good amount of weight-shift.
Weight-shift is the ability for you to control direction without ongoing control input. The effect of moving your body sideways affects the orientation of the pivot arms, which in turn provides input into the risers, lines and the wing. Weight-shift enables you to potentially steer hands-free and allows you to apply the agile characteristics of free-flight.
In contrast, high hangpoints offer stability and comfort but have the disadvantage of little or no weight-shift and in some cases can also accentuate the effects of torque twist. Low hangpoints generally offer less stability, require more weight hangpoint tuning, pitch of the motor at different throttle settings increases, and can often accentuate the effects of torque twist, but are offer excellent weight-shift.
A hang test with your instructor is highly recommended and a great opportunity to strap on your new machine and dial-in those final adjustments before leaving the ground. It is important to emulate the exact arrangement and take-off weight you'll be during an actual flight. This will ensure that any adjustments you make to your hangpoints, thrust line and harness are accurate. This is essential for safe flight and should be done before taking your first flight, or whenever you fly a different paramotor.
Motor Selection Questions
Thrust is the force which moves a paramotor forward, ensuring you get airborne and fly. It is important for the safety and enjoyment of your flying to choose a paramotor that has the right amount of thrust. Generally more thrust equals a heavier motor. There is a fine line between an under-powered paramotor and a paramotor that is too heavy. Your bodyweight and stature are the primary determining factors, but there are other considerations including your physical ability to carry the paramotor, the altitude of your launch site, your flying style and your glider size.
Consider an engine that's right for you. Your rate of climb wants to be sensible and not like an F-35 fighter jet and experience suggests that 200-300 feet per minute is enough to get out of most situations at our slow speeds. As a beginner pilot, the majority of your normal flight is going to be a leisurely cruise at around 1000 feet, not dynamic acro.
These's plenty of choices, but as a general rule lighter pilots will typically choose a smaller engine such as the Atom 80, while pilots over 175 pounds or 80kg favor the power of the Moster 185 Plus.
• Method 1:
Having determined your body weight, allow 15 horsepower for the first 155 pounds or 70Kg. Add an additional 1 horsepower for ever 10 pounds or 5Kg of body weight to determine engine requirement.
• Method 2:
As a rough guide, many pilots use the 30/70 percent rule. This means trying to use a paramotor no more than 30% of your body weight and a thrust figure of no less than 70% of the same weight. If you stick close to this equation you shouldn't be too disappointed.
This subject splits the paramotoring community right down the middle. With a 'flash start', pull starting a paramotor has never been easier for the majority of pilots. While others still prefer the convenience of simply being able to push a button to get their paramotor started. It's worth noting that an electric starter is going to add 3-7pounds or 1.5-3kg to your overall weight. Preference may depend entirely on flying style. For example, if you plan to fly cross-country that weight saving is going to allow you to carry around 0.5 gallons or 2 liters of extra fuel. Many pilots will happily sacrifice an unwieldy and uncomfortable start for almost an hour extra airtime. On the flipside, if you have a desire for acro then you may need to restart your engine in a hurry, therefore an electric start is going to be a necessary addition.
There also a financial consideration. You will want to budget an additional $500 to $700 for an electric start option.
For the majority, a clutched propeller offers increased safety. The clutch prevents the propeller from spinning when the engine is idling, so there is a decreased chance of you suffering injury or damage to lines and the wing during clip-in and launch. As power is added, the clutch engages and the prop will begin to rotate. You will experience a less aggressive and slightly slower power delivery than a non-clutched propeller. During landings, it's important to cut the engine in adequate time. A spinning prop carries plenty of energy and will cause considerable damage to your paramotor if you have a rough landing. Should the wing collapse on top of you on touchdown then the prop could catch a line and chew up your wing. It is at this point a non-clutched propeller has its advantages.
Paramotors use a fixed-pitch propeller in a variety of sizes and made from various materials. Good news for beginner pilots is that an increasing number of manufacturer's make clear requirements as to which prop has been optimized for their engines. Any deviation from these often voids the warranty. Size of prop is influenced by the outer cage diameter. A bigger cage allows for a bigger prop, yet adds weight and becomes unwieldy to handle. The blades must fit inside the cage by a couple inches to avoid contact due to any flex.
The majority of manufacturers select carbon props. Significant weight reduction and high dimensional stability leads to better performance, improved noise reduction and less vibration. Carbon blades are extremely durable, and able to withstand multiple repairs without requiring total replacement. Carbon blades come in sections with allows for significantly easier shipping and transport. As a result, while carbon blades may require a higher investment upfront, they offer a better value for pilots in the long run.
Wing Selection Questions
A paraglider or paramotor wing is known as a ram-air airfoil and is made up of two fabric surfaces which are sewn together via vertical supporting ribs, in such a way as to form a row of cells. By leaving the cells open at the leading edge, they work to trap incoming air which inflates the glider and maintains a typical teardrop airfoil shape. Paramotor wings are made of high-performance non-porous fabrics and are good for approximately 300 hours (about four years) of flying before they begin to deteriorate.
On the underside are usually four or five rows of lines. These lines all stream down and are secured together via risers either side of the pilot. The riser are attached to the paramotor's hangpoints using carabiners. At the wing's trailing edge the lines make up the brakes, or control lines. Manipulating the lines changes the direction or speed of the glider as it flies. Lines are made of synthetic materials that won't stretch or shrink, causing the glider to become unbalanced and unsafe.
Choosing a new paraglider can be an exciting point in your career as a paramotor pilot, but it can also be a daunting one.
As paramotoring has grown so too has the number of manufacturers, each offering a wide range of wing models in various sizes. New technologies have been introduced to satisfy specialist niches that have emerged within our sport making the choice both impressive and expansive. The perfect wing for each pilot depends on many factors. Whether you're a beginner pilot or experienced, there is no single paramotor wing that is best. Each has its pros and cons. The key is figuring out what is important for you and your flying.
Paraglider size is very much dependent on your take-off weight. Your take-off weight is your total all-up weight of you, your paramotor and anything else you might be carrying during take-off and your flight. Take-off weight is measured in kilograms and is something that you should always know, like your birthday.
Once you have determined your take-off weight in kilograms, you can select the size of paramotor wing that puts you closest to the ideal weight range ensuring correct glider safety and performance. Some manufacturers use the terms XS – XL to define their wing sizes. Others use a number which relates to the size. All stipulate a take-off weight range which has been certified by organizations like CEN (EN), DHV and AFNOR.
It is optimal to select a wing in which your take-off weight sits in the upper half of the weight range, and that the sweet spot sits at 75% of wing loading. If you fall on the border of two sizes, then speak to your instructor who can make an honest assessment of your capabilities and help advise you on the best choice.
When a glider is lightly loaded, reactions to collapses and in-flight episodes will happen slower and with less severity. With higher loading will be a higher pressurization, collapses will happen less frequently, but when they do occur, they do so stronger and in a more dramatic fashion.
When selecting your wing, ignore color, graphics and what your friends are flying. These frivolities mean nothing. Your safety, comfort and confidence in the air is all that matters. If you get the balance right, the quality of your flying will improve. You'll fly safer and have a better chance of making the right decisions when you need it the most. The best approach is to work with your instructor to select a paramotor wing that is right for you.
When choosing your Paramotor wing it's important to take ratings into consideration. Ratings not only take your skill-level into consideration, but also the responsiveness of the glider and its tendency to lose control, and the likelihood or speed of its recovery. By far the most recognized certification standard is European Normalization (EN) which classes gliders EN-A through EN-D. The DHV (German Hang Gliding Association) adjusted their own standard to be about the same and calls it LTF but still gives it 5 levels.
Beginner
Accessible for students and first time pilots. Bomb-proof handling. Maximum level of passive safety. Forgiving of pilot error and the effects of turbulence. Ratings of EN-A or LTF 1 or 1-2.
Intermediate
Designed for more adept students or for your first wing progression. More performance, responsive handling, reassuringly easy to fly with lots of passive safety. Ratings of EN-B or LTF 1-2 or 2.
Advanced
Moderate passive safety. Requires active piloting. Fun and sporty with sharper handling. For experienced pilots with many hours in the harness. Ratings of EN-C or LTF 2 or 2-3.
Expert
The pup's nuts in performance. Least passive safety. Demands constant attention and a ton of pilot experience. Must be flown actively and intelligently. Ratings of EN-D or LTF 2-3 or 3.
Reflex wings have been around as long as airplanes have been flying, but only recently have the benefits been recognized for a powered paraglider. Reflex means that the trailing edge of the airfoil is higher than the leading edge, moving the center of pressure forward. This makes a reflex wing extremely pitch stable and resistant to collapse.
The center of pressure is a balance point where all forces on the wing accumulate. If the CoP moves backwards, it results in a loss of pressure at the leading edge. If high enough, a front collapse will occur. This happens on more traditional gliders when activating the speed system. On a reflex wing releasing trimmers and activating the speed system shifts the pilot's weight forward, so that the leading edge carries almost all of the weight while the trailing edge gets relieved. The disadvantage for beginner pilots is that reflex wings are more difficult to ground handle and steering can be less responsive, especially at these faster trim settings.
A paramotor wing has a limited lifespan, approximately 300 hours. Sunlight, moisture, and abrasion degrade the material and lines. Older gliders become porous or have improper line lengths due to stretching or shrinkage, issues which are invisible to a casual inspection. When considering a secondhand wing, keep in mind you're buying the latter half of its life. So you'll be flying the worst half. You're not saving money in the long term. If the glider is in poor condition, it will be more frustrating to launch and could be dangerous.
If you can afford it, always buy new. You'll get the latest technology, start with a fresh crisp wing, and there will be no guessing its condition or history. If you opt for used, it's best to buy from a known source. Have it inspected by a reputable service center. View the wing in person or with your instructor. After you've purchased your wing, annual inspections will help ensure performance and safety.
Consider a color that is easily visible from the ground and by other aircraft while airborne.
Flight Instruction Questions
Powered paragliding has been a relatively unknown sport, with relatively few participants in comparison to other sports, and as a result is uniquely unregulated. In many countries, including the US, you do not need a license to fly a paramotor. It is widely accepted, however, that pilots undergo formal training at a certified Paramotor training school as well as having a good knowledge of and obeying the rules and regulations applying to Airspace. These rules cover other air users, military establishments and other restricted or no-fly areas.
Yes! Do not believe anyone who tells you that you do not need paramotor training, or only just a couple of days. Paramotoring, like any extreme sport, has its inherent risks and can easily lead to serious injury or death if used incorrectly. To learn to fly a paramotor there are no shortcuts. Proper training and responsible flying will help you get past the beginner phase without injuries and your gear intact, and learn valuable information and habits. It isn’t as easy as many make it look on YouTube. If you decide to do this sport, get training from a reputable paramotor school, fly responsibly, and help preserve our freedom to fly.
There are things in life of which you don't want to take the short-cut budget version. Paramotor instruction is one of them. A highly qualified instructor will have a wealth of knowledge, techniques & experience not just in how to actually fly a paramotor but also in how to teach you the skills safely via a tried and tested syllabus. This just cannot be matched by a YouTube video or friend, who no-doubt has a bunch of bad and potentially unsafe habits, as well as no idea how to break it down, teach & analyze your flying. A good instructor will have endless patience, empathy, creative teaching techniques and will not give up on your desire to fly. Invest in professional training! There really is no substitute for tuition from a qualified instructor.
As with all things worth doing well, having the right paramotor instructor is crucial. A qualified instructor will demonstrate expertise and competence through use of an accredited syllabus involving a gradual progression of skills. The trained, eagle eyes of a good instructor will provide constructive feedback to build your confidence and proficiency while ensuring that your stoke levels are sky high at the end of each session. Your overall rate of learning will be much faster. A good instructor will also ensure you are learning on the optimum equipment for your level and that it is set up correctly & specifically for you. The right instructor will not only instill good technique and knowledge, but will be someone who you will be able to turn to for good advice regarding places to consider flying and the right equipment to buy for years to come.
Paramotor courses come in a variety of formats. One size does not suit everyone and not all of us can take time away from work, family and other commitments. Find the right paramotor course that works for you.
The traditional instruction course is offered on a flexible session basis. It breaks up the instruction into segments over time, such as weekends, or as your schedule permits. This option takes longer, but is flexible with the weather, your schedule, your learning speed, and emergencies.
A dedicated bootcamp-style course can speed up the learning process. This more immersive method of paramotor training ensures you remain fresh with what you have already learned, is a great way to boost your confidence and allows you to spend a full week soaking up and absorbing all that is necessary to safely and confidently take to the skies unassisted. There are a number of drawbacks: the bootcamp style instruction requires you commit to a week or longer block of time, the course can be an information overload, where learning is best when taking time to properly digest complex materials. Also, if the weather is not favorable during the bootcamp time, you will not get much done.
To get the most out of your paramotor instruction and the time with your chosen instructor, it's best to arrive prepared. The majority of Paramotor schools will provide all equipment and refreshments so just make sure you follow these tips to help make your paramotor training experience successful and enjoyable.
Check Weather
Check the forecast before you head to the field and be prepared. The right clothing for a warm or windy, chilly day can make all the difference.
Suitable Clothing
Wear clothing which is comfortable and breathable. Layering helps you regulate your temperature and allows you to adapt to changing conditions.
Ankle Support
Comfortable feet are key. The right footwear provides protection from debris, stability on uneven ground and reduces the chance of ankle rolls.
Sun Protection
The training field is exposed and you can burn even if it's cloudy. Wearing SPF 30+ sunscreen and suitable sunglasses will help protect you from the sun.
Drink and Fuel Up
Drink some water and eat something - training requires physical activity, you'll need energy. It's worth having a bottle at hand when out on the field too.
In Good Time
Getting your gear together and walking across the field can take a little longer than you think. Be there with time to spare so you're ready and waiting to crack on.
Wear A Helmet
Helmets are designed to offer some degree of protection in case of impacts to the head and should be worn at all times during training.
Say What?
It can get loud when your head is 1 foot away from the engine. Prolonged exposure to loud noise will cause permanent hearing loss. Protect your ears with earplugs or over-the-ear hearing protection.
Have Fun!
Your instructor is just as excited to teach you to fly as you are to learn. Relax, open up and enjoy yourself. The best student is the one having the most fun!
Whether you decide to train with a paramotor instructor on a flexible session basis or opt for a paramotor bootcamp training course, you will follow these fundamental steps to take you from a complete beginner to a safe and confident paramotor pilot, with all the essential skills and knowledge needed to fly.
Step 1: Groundhandling
A fundamental skill of learning to fly a Paramotor is to master ground-handling the paraglider, or the process of controlling the glider while keeping your feet securely on terra-firma. From inflating the glider in various wind conditions and holding it stable overhead to understanding its characteristics and ways to depower the wing, you'll learn techniques and ways that will improve your launch success. Be prepared to get a great workout! You will be using muscles you didn't even know you had, and each kiting session will leave you with a terrific sense of accomplishment. Once you have the basics down you'll progress to short low-level airborne hops with a tow or hill launch, learning the correct control input responses to keep airborne and perform a safe landing.
Step 2: Adding Power
With your newly acquired kiting and flying skills, you are now ready to discover the true beauty of powered flight. Adding a Paramotor brings another element into the mix and there is another set of techniques and safety elements for you to master. You'll make the various adjustments to configure the harness for your physique and optimum flight position before spending some time kiting and running launch sequences with the Paramotor. You'll soon adapt to the weight on your back and begin to practice the art of smoothly applying power at the right time, without inadvertently adding throttle at the wrong times. There will be a few minor technique changes introduced to compensate for the thrust of the motor.
Step 3: Flight
A convergence of skills learned over the past few days and the right conditions finds you ready to take that first solo flight. You stand one leg forward with arms outstretched. Your instructor has three fingers outstretched; each digit ready to count you down to your first ever Paramotor launch. Only a short run and a controlled squeeze of the throttle are needed to gently pluck you off the ground and get you airborne. You will learn the dynamics of a turn and how to properly enter and exit one. The flight will end with a standard approach and your goal will be to land in the designated landing area. You can expect to complete a number of powered flights before the end of your training.
Step 4: Theory & Knowledge
Knowledge makes you a better pilot and your course will give you a general understanding of some of the basic facts, concepts, scientific principles of flight as well as language relating to meteorology and weather forecasting. You'll explore the laws and regulations that govern our sport with an introduction to airspace rules, aeronautical charts and navigational skills. Once you set out on your own, this knowledge is critical to your long term enjoyment of paramotoring, will help keep you safe and welcome in the national airspace system. Plus it helps expand into other areas such as flying with friends, cross-country adventures and, most importantly, maintaining your gear.