Any Paramotor Heads on here?
Discussion
Paraglider here, so can't help much with the powered stuff. What I can say is, get yourself trained (which it sounds like you are) and join the BHPA so you have liability insurance. Flying paragliders is easy, right up until the point where it's not, so people do sometimes not take it seriously enough and bad things happen.
The BHPA website has a list of approved schools.
The BHPA website has a list of approved schools.
My BiL runs C M Paramotors. He trains, sells, does tandem flights etc. Based in Market Harborough.
http://www.cmparamotors.com/
http://www.cmparamotors.com/
Edited by Sixpackpert on Monday 21st September 19:26
Currently doing my hang gliding EP training with the Derbyshire Flying Centre.
https://d-f-c.co.uk/
Hoping to get in the air again this weekend.
https://d-f-c.co.uk/
Hoping to get in the air again this weekend.
RikJonAtk said:
I’ve just signed up and paid for Paramotor lessons at the former RAF Membury site, just east of Swindon. Excited now, just need to make some paramotor mates!
Sounds like Simon Westmore, top bloke, brilliant site, welcome to the sport 
Make sure you ask him about the hot tub at Commonleys farm !Just love being able to nip to 3000ft to dance on the clouds and watch the sunset for a few quid of petrol
Again, I'm unpowered but otherwise similar. The biggest issue IMO is being able to go when the weather is good, which is often when you're stuck at work. I aim for 50 hours a year, but retired types will manage 3 or 4 times that. With power you'll have a bit more leeway, because those very calm evenings when a glider can't fly are perfect for a paramotor. It's not something you can plan to do on a tuesday or whatever though, it's the other way around, you have to grab the opportunity when the weather says you can.
OldGermanHeaps said:
Can you use the same parachute/wing for parasailing as paramotoring?
To be pedantic; parasailing is when they tow you behind a boat, with a big round cutaway thing, so no. Paragliding is what you mean; yes in theory you can, but it's fairly unusual. Although very similar, paramotor wings have slightly different characteristics - both for safety and performance.
There's a lot of work going on just now with electric motors and multiple drone sized propellors. Quite interesting stuff, we may see some more hybrid sorts appearing over the next few years.
OldGermanHeaps said:
I was just wondering if i could get a wing now to parasail from my boat, and then later use it for paramotoring once I do training and buy a paramotor.
Nope. Parasailing uses a completely different type of wing. People do tow launch paragliders in flat places, but it's quite dangerous and relies a lot on the winchman knowing his stuff. Towing one behind a boat (or car) is a very bad idea - you can get a "lockout" which slams you into the surface. Plenty of fatalities have happened that way.nordboy said:
I've been toying with this for a while now, I even have a small grassed local runway for microlights behind my house.
What sort of money would I have to stump up? Firstly for lessons, then the kit?
My training for gliding cost about 700, budget a thousand. First setup was about 1500 with everything second hand, except reserve. Current setup with all new gear is about 5k's worth. I'd guess at another grand on top of that for a motor, again probably cheaper second hand.What sort of money would I have to stump up? Firstly for lessons, then the kit?
It's not cheap, unless you compare it with any other sort of aviation! And some people spend that on a mountain bike so....
Anyone done the Icarus Trophy by The Adventurists?
https://www.theadventurists.com/adventures/icarus-...
https://www.theadventurists.com/adventures/icarus-...
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