Intro

Powered Paragliding (PPG) is the among the simplest and safest forms of flight. It has existed since the early 90’s and is now the fastest growing form of recreational aviation.

A paraglider is a foot-launched inflatable wing. It is easy to transport, easy to launch, and easy to land. 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 backpack with a propeller, which provides thrust to allow you to climb and fly level. The flight controls are simple and effective – two brake handles and a throttle.

PPGs can fly for about 2 hours on as little is 1.5 gallons of fuel. Altitude varies between 500-1000 feet depending on location and conditions. Power Para Gator Members avoid flying over densely populated areas, groups of people and are always respectful of landowners’ property including animals.

Excellent Safety Record

The primary reasons for Powered Paraglider’s excellent safety record are their low speed and inherent stability. Slow speeds for launch, approach and landing (the pilot “runs” into the air at about 10 mph and lands about that speed as well) allow the pilot time to calmly execute the best possible maneuver. In addition, power is only used to gain altitude and is NOT required for a safe landing. In fact, many pilots shut off their motors before landing.

Operational Simplicity

PPG’s need no "groomed" runway, only an appropriately sized open area to achieve a safe takeoff and landing.

The Engine

Most powered paragliders use a 2 stroke engine of between 10 and 20 horsepower with a gear reduction unit driving the propeller. In general they make about as much noise as a lawnmower and when more than a few hundred feet away, most people do not find it objectionable. All Power Para Gator Members are sensitive to the surroundings and take care not to expose people or livestock to any excessive noise.

The Wing

Before a PPG pilot ever leaves the ground, the wing is overhead and stable. Paraglider wings normally fly between 20 and 25 mph, giving the pilot a very generous amount of time to make appropriate decisions. Again, the engine is not needed to make a safe landing.

The Pilot

Without question the most complex part of the aircraft. Most PPG pilots have received a good deal of formal training. Power Para Gator Members cherish the opportunity to fly from different locations. Flying is a huge part of our lives...a freedom like no other. A freedom which demands we be accountable for our own actions.

Launching and Landing

A skilled pilot is off the ground in a very short distance, and can land in a very small area. For launch the pilot first lays out the wing, starts the motor then clips into the wing. If the wind is light he’ll clip in facing toward the intended takeoff path. If stronger winds (6 mph or more) prevail, he’ll clip in facing the wing, then pull the wing overhead with the help of the wind and turn around for a few-step takeoff.

Safety Recap

PPG is possibly the safest form of aviation ever devised. Here’s why:

•The wing is a paraglider and was designed to allow free-flying with no motor. So if the motor quits the pilot easily glides to a landing.

•Takeoff and Landing speeds are very slow. With minimal control input the pilot will land at 10 mph forward speed and 3 mph downward.

•The pilot is able to verify the wing is properly inflated before ever leaving the ground.

•Most problems prevent the pilot from ever lifting off.

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Frequently Asked Questions:

1) How does the paraglider inflate?

There are two methods to inflate the wing:

Forward - with the wing behind you in low wind conditions, you run and pull the wing up using your speed to inflate.

Reverse - with pilot facing the wing we use light winds to inflate and pull up the paraglider.

2) How do you steer the powered paraglider?

Control is very easy. Simply pull the right handle to turn right, the left handle to turn left and pull both at five feet above the ground to stop with a gentle landing. Squeeze the throttle to climb and release it to glide back down.

3) How high can the powered paraglider fly?

The world record for the powered paraglider is 18,000 feet. The majority of flying is between 500 and 1000 feet above the ground.

4) How fast does the paraglider fly?

The speed varies with the type of paralglider used but will be between 17 and 28 miles per hour.

5) How far do you have to run to get airborne?

In light wind conditions (0 to 4 mph), you have to run 5 to 10 feet. With stronger winds (5 to 10 mph) you have to run 1 to 5 feet.

6) How far can I fly?

The distance varies with the conditions of the day, but up to 40 miles is possible.

7) What do the engines weigh and do I carry the weight?

The engines vary from 33 lbs to 65 lbs. The weight is carried by the pilot only until the wing is inflated and then the weight is burdened by the paraglider.

8) How long does it take to learn to fly a powered paraglider?

Most students can solo in a few days. The majority of training is done on the ground learning to control the wing. The actual flying is so easy that any person can control the powered paraglider once in flight.

9) How safe are paraglider wings?

The modern paraglider is built and tested with loads up to 15 times greater than can be exerted during flight. The type of paraglider used with an engine is a DHV 1 one or standard rated glider that will continue to fly without pilot input.

10) Are there times and conditions when I cannot fly?

Yes, the fact that you are flying a very light airplane means that you are limited to light wind conditions up to 15 mph.

11) How maneuverable are they?

This airplane can fly sideways, backwards, turn on it's own axis and fly close to the ground endlessly. You can take off in 1 foot and land on 1 foot in certain wind conditions. There is no other aircraft in the world that can do this!