• What is powered paragliding (PPG)?
• How high can I fly with a powered paraglider (PPG)?
• How far can I fly with a powered paraglider?
• How fast can I fly with a powered paraglider?
• How safe is flying a powered paraglider?
• What happens if the motor quits?
• How is a powered paraglider controlled?
• Where can I fly a powered paraglider?
• How much does a powered paraglider cost?
• How do I learn to fly a powered paraglider?

Read below for all of your answers!

 
What is powered paragliding (PPG)?

Powered paragliding is a relatively new form of foot launched or a motor on a quad or trike, ultralight, sport aviation in which a paraglider wing is used as a source of lift and a backpack motor, known as a paramotor, is utilized as a source of thrust. Powered paragliding has never been so easy using the new quads that are available. The quad and trike have the motor mounted to the back of the unit instead of your back, and the quad doesn't tip over on landing and takeoffs like the trike can.
 

How high can I fly with a powered paraglider (PPG)?

   Approximately 20,000 feet above sea level. Interestingly, although this seems to be one of the most frequently asked questions concerning powered paragliding, to most powered paraglider pilots, attaining high altitudes in a PPG is seldom, if ever, desirable. Powered paragliders are the absolute perfect platform from which to enjoy the incredible sensations of flying "low and slow", and therefore; there is little motivation for PPG pilots to fly at high altitudes.
 
 
How far can I fly with a powered paraglider?

   Approximately 80 miles with some “reserve” fuel remaining. Powered Paragliders are used primarily for recreational purposes and are not generally utilized as a vehicle for transportation to get from one location to another. Most PPG flights originate and conclude at the same location. Range (how far you can fly) is a function of speed and time. Most paraglider wings used for PPG fly at a normal top speed of about 26 miles per hour through the air. If the air in which the PPG is flying is moving (wind), the speed of the PPG across the ground is affected by the wind. Flying into a wind (headwind) decreases the speed of the PPG across the ground; flying with the wind (tailwind) increases the speed of the PPG across the ground. The amount of time that a PPG can fly is dependent upon the fuel consumption rate of the engine (paramotor) and the amount of fuel available for the paramotor to consume. By Federal Regulation, powered paragliders (PPGs) are limited to a maximum of 5 U.S. gallons of fuel capacity. However, most PPGs are fitted with a fuel tank of no more than 4 gallons capacity. Most paramotors consume approximately one gallon of fuel each hour. So theoretically it would be possible to fly for four hours of powered flight at 26 mph, in still air, and cover a distance of 104 miles. Under the right conditions, the paramotor can be turned off in flight and altitude can be maintained by gliding (soaring) within rising air. The engine can be restarted in flight to resume powered flight when desired.
 

 
How fast can I fly with a powered paraglider?
 
   Approximately 26 miles per hour through the air.  By Federal Regulation a PPG must not be capable of attaining a speed in excess of approximately 63 miles per hour in level flight, in still air. Most paragliders utilized in powered paragliding have a normal, un-accelerated, "trim speed" of approximately 26 miles per hour. "Trim speed" is the speed that a powered paraglider will fly through the air without the input of any controls that affect the shape of the wing. There are acceleration systems that can be utilized by the PPG pilot, in flight, that actually change the shape of the paraglider wing, causing it to fly at a faster than the normal speed.
 
 
How safe is flying a powered paraglider?
 
   The equipment recommended by CaliforniaParagliding.com for powered paragliding is very safe. The activity of powered paragliding is relatively safe compared to most other “action” sports. The judgment of the pilot, based on his/her knowledge and training is the biggest factor in determining how safe his/her powered paragliding activity is. Powered paragliders are very safe recreational vehicles. A warning is appropriate however…. Caution: powered paragliding may be addictive. Unlike many recreational vehicles, paraglider wings are certified by several very stringent European rating and certification agencies for their safety and flying characteristics.
 

What happens if the motor quits running?

   Most normal powered paraglider landings are accomplished with the engine intentionally turned off. If the motor unexpectedly quits running, the pilot flies the paraglider normally, and glides for a routine landing. As mentioned above, paragliders have been flown for over 30 years without motors and are capable of staying aloft within rising air long enough to fly for several hundred miles. Typically, in still air, without the use of a motor, a paraglider is capable of a glide ratio of about eight to one; that is gliding, without a motor approximately eight feet forward for each one foot of altitude reduction. With the added drag of the paramotor, from 1000 feet of altitude above the ground a PPG can glide, without the motor running and without the help of rising air, for approximately 5,500 feet; that is over a mile. Clearly a powered paraglider will not "fall out of the sky" if the motor is intentionally turned off or quits. A powered paraglider is fully controllable even with the engine turned off. A normal landing with a PPG involves intentionally turning the paramotor off at about 50 to 75 feet above the ground and gliding to a landing from that altitude.
 
 
 
How is a powered paraglider controlled?
 
   Powered paragliders are turned by pulling down on the appropriate left or right control line that leads from the vicinity of the pilot's respective shoulder to the trailing edge of the paraglider on the respective side of the wing for the desired direction of turn. Climbs are accomplished by increasing the power output of the paramotor through the use of a hand held throttle. Descents are accomplished by reducing the power output of the paramotor through the use of the hand held throttle.

 
 
Where can I fly a powered paraglider?
 
   From and to any relatively flat surface that is reasonably free of obstructions such as power lines, trees, and fences as long as the flight is not conducted over congested areas or within certain controlled airspace without prior permission. One of the many things that make powered paragliders so appealing is that they are extremely portable on the ground and extremely maneuverable in the air. A PPG can easily be transported with an automobile, SUV, or RV. A PPG can be operated from any relatively flat surface that is free of obstructions such as trees, power lines, or fences. Bringing your PPG along with you on a RV "road trip" and flying over areas that you would like a better view of is certainly possible. An airport is not required for takeoffs or landings. The amount of space that it takes to turn any vehicle around is dependent to some degree on speed. The slow speed that PPGs fly at makes them highly maneuverable and an outstanding platform for sight seeing. A PPG can fly within the confines of an area that no other non-rotary winged, manned aircraft could.
 

 
How much does a powered paraglider cost?
 
The short answer.
For new "top of the line" PPG equipment (paramotor and paraglider, without additional accessories) and a comprehensive PPG instructional course from an experienced and fully certified instructor at CaliforniaParagliding.com, you should anticipate paying approximately $8000.
 

How do I learn to fly a powered paraglider?
 
   Choose a certified and fully qualified PPG instructor who you can place your confidence in. Then utilize the expertise of that instructor to help you select and purchase the powered paragliding equipment that is appropriate for you and your intended use of the equipment. Complete a course of training that will not only teach you the physical motor skills and techniques involved in flying a PPG but also give you the knowledge background that is needed to exercise good judgment and insure the safety of your flying experiences.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO