The latest development in ultra light aviation, Paramotors (also termed  Powered Paragliders) cobine the easy flying characteristic of the paraglider with the autonomy and range of powered  flight.  Paramotors are relatively easy to learn to fly, yet being foot launched they do not need and airfield to operate from they can be flown from an open, flat field with no nee dto find a hill site facing into wind or even to wait for the wind to blow.  They are quickly and easily rigged and de rigged and once dismantled can be put in the boot of the car or taken to exotic locations and hand baggage.

WHAT EXACTLY IS A PARAMOTOR

A paramotor is a motorized paraglider.  It is not an airplane and does not fly like one .

The motor fits on the back of the pilots

This simplest of all powered aircraft consist of small – 2 stroke or 4 stroke petrol engine driving a propeller, worn like a back pack under a paraglider wing and providing thrust to take off, climb and maintain level flight. Once airborne, the paramotor can be used to  motor along and watch the world go by beneach you or, if condition permit soared in thermal or  lift to make long cross country flights.  The motor can be stopped and restarted in the air – many types have electric starters – enabling the pilot to adapt his or her flight to the prevailing conditions.

With the paramotor unit disconnected before take off, the  wing becomes just another paraglider, offering the freedom and excitement of engineless flight.  Many paramotor pilots are paraglider pilots looking for more flexibility  in their flying, many others are new to flying but become interested in paramotoring and pure paragliding flight.

HISTORY OF PARAMOTORS

However, tehere are photographs and  video of a group of skydivers flying their parachutes off  of small hills in eastern Montana in the late seventies.  At about this same time, a handful climbers in the French Alps began to use ram air skydiving canopies to make safe and efficient descents from peaks after ascending technical routes.  These parachutes weighted only eight ponds, flew at 20 mph, and were able to glide about three feet forward for every foot of altitude lost. By the mid – eighties, people realized there was a whole new challenge in prolonging the distance and duration of such as flights if one could find and lotler in areas of rising air like the hang gliders did.

With this challenge came many attempts to improve parachute glide performance by using non porous fabric,  increasing the wingspan and modifying  the shape and trim of the airfoil.  As each new design was tested, unexpected changes in the flight characteristics often appeared whi9ch demanded different pilots  skills and techniques.  Ideas which  worked well were produced in large numbers to meet the demands of a growing population of paraglider pilots.  The sport was well established in Europe by 1986.

For several years, a wide range of equipment was developed in the US, Europe and Asia. Afew gliders with very  dangerous flight characteristics were hastly distributed in the international market while other manufacturers conducted thorough tests with pilot safety in mind.  In the US, at least three manufacturers of skydiving equipment were involved in developing and marketing paragliders which were extremely safe and stable, but which lacked the performance of the European designs. Since then, all three have returned their attention exclusively back to the skydiving market, primarily for economic reasons. By the early nineties, there were fewer radicak new designs emerging and production was concentrated on paragliders with very stable handling characteristics for the general flying population.

Distinctions emerged among wings intended for students, intermediate / recreational pilot, and competition pilots.  Standardizes procedures for testing and certifying paragliders were established in France and Germany which now represent the benchmark for manufacturers  around the world.  Today there are flew pilots willing to fly an uncertified gliger, and there are many regulated flying sites where the French or Germany certification is required. It is interesting to note that, although paragliders evolved from ram air skydiving parachute technology, the two sports have  not completely diverged. On fact, they have begun to come full – circle in some and thin profile airfoils which allows for higher speeds, better glider performance and greater aerodynamic efficiency.

There features which were develop for paragliders, are now being incorporated back into skydiving parachute. Beware that, even though  paragliders may look similar to some skydiving canopies at first glance, they have different flight charachteristic which require completely different pilot technique.  Proper instruction is an absolute must even for hang glider pilot or a highly experience skydiver.  A student  paraglider pilot spend hours learning how to ground handle and launch a wing in different wind conditions.  There is also a variety of procedures for managing the dynamic shanges in flight characteristic which commonly occur when paragliders are flown in turbulent air.  Understanding what is taking place and practicing the appropriate response under the direction of an instructor is essential for pilot safety.

In addition to learning how to launch, land and control a paraglider in flight, a student spends considerable time studying meteorology on both the large and small scale.  For example, it is critical to understand the effect that terrain features have on the movement of air.  It is also important for pilots to know how changes in cloud condition, atmospheric stability and even the time of say can dramatically influence the outcome and safety of a flight.  Considering the complexity of the weather. It’s no wonder that even the most experienced pilots feel they are in a constant state of learning throughout a lifetime of soaring,.

The most important requirement for safe and successful paragliding is a proper attitude and good judgement.  A pilot flying the most stable glider on the market, off the safest hill on the planet and in a calm wind is not guaranteed a safe flight if  concentration is lost poor decision are made, or a complacent attitude prevalls.  Shen learning to fly listen carefully to your instructor and other pilots. Read what is remommended and then more. Pay close attention to what you are doing and dluble check all your equipment before launch.

Spend considerable time studying the clouds and the wind speed and direction for changers, trends and cycles. Watch how these  changes affect the flight of  other pilots. Once you are skilled enough to earn a pilot certification and fly on your own, don’t let the learning stop.  Review emergency procedures frequently in your mind and always leave your self a “way out” should the conditions of your flight change.

Do not be in hurry to buy a high performance equipment.  Allow yourself a couple hundred hours to experience different conditions and fly at different sites before complicating your life with equipment that requires more attention and quicker responses than you can provide as a novice,.  While in the air, know where all the other gliders are at all times.  Constantly think and plan a head.  You must be in control of the glider, not vice versa. Most of all, trust your instincts. Do not fly if something doesn’t feel right,.  There is much truth to the old saying that it’s better to be on the ground wishing you were in the air than to be in the air wishing you were on the ground.

Respect the weather and what it can do. Have fun and let’s be careful out there.

IS IT EXPENSIVE?

With budget of  Euro 5.000.-  or  so  you’ll be able to buy  new equipment and cover the cost of a training course.  Second hand equipment will reduce that figure considerably you’ll also need a flying suit, flying boots and a helmet and many consider, other equipment as you progress.  Running costs are minimal, making paramotoring perhaps the cheapest form of powered flying available.

LEARNING TO FLY A PARAMOTOR

Courses take around seven to ten days  for would be paramotor pilots with no pparagliding experience, as some time is needed to train them in the safe control of paraglider canopy.  A full course would cover launching and controlling the canopy safely on the ground with these sills under your belt your instructor will then turn to the power and train you in assembly and disassembly (for easy transport this, not a major strip down!) starting, throttle  control, fuel mixing, torque and thrust effects and certain essensial cautions. The two elements will then be put together to teach you powered flight.  You will also be instructed in basic principles of flight, meteorology, aviation law (quite severe airspace restrictions apply to paramotor use)  and navigation.

CAN I LAUNCH IT MY SELF?

Yes. Most of definitely.  The paramotor or powerchute has been specifically designed to be a one person ende a vour

HOW DOES THE CHUTE INFLATE?

Simply remove the chute from its tote bag and try it our behind the craft. As you begin to run, the forward motion. In combination with the wind, if any and the prop blast is enough to quickly bring the chute up overhead. Next, squeeze the throttle and gently lift off

HOW DO I STEER IT?

Using hand controls, pull left to go left and right to go right.  While in the air the paraglider / parachute wing will turn proportionate to the amount of pressure you apply to the steering controls.

WHAT IS THE MAXIMUM WIND I CAN FLY IN ?

Steady  winds of less than 15 km/ h for beginners no more than 25 km / h for experienced pilots.

HOW LONG CAN I FLY ON A TANK ?

Although actual flight times will vary depending on pilot weight and atmospheric, the average time ranges from 1 – 2 hours.

HOW FAST DOES IT FLY ?

This depends on your paraglider’s speed. A good speed is less than 40 km / h and less than 48 lm / h with accelerator.

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THE ENGINE STOPS?

Directional steering is controlled through the canopy, therefore not dependent on engine power.  The pilot steers the same way with or without power.

IS IT SAFE ?

Absolutely!  You’re flying a parachute after all. What could be safer? By its very design a powered parachute is virtually impossible to stall, roll, dive or loop.  A powered parachute almost flies itself – due to the pendulum effect created by your hanging (like pendulum) under the canopy.  Even if you run out of gas it’s a snap to land a powered parachute. After all, skydivers don’t need an engine to land safely, do they?

And you never need to worry about your chute opening because it is impossible to leave unless your chute is already up.

IS IT EXCITING?

You bet! Any pilot will tell that flying “low and slow” is where the  real fun (find the best view) can be found.

IS IT AFFORDABLE?

Yes indeed! You can pick up a used powered parachute for under USD 4.000.- and newtop of the line unit with full instrumentation will only run about USD 14.000.-. If you compare that with the cost of buying a snowmobile, jet ski or motorcycle, I think you’ll agree that flying is now with in the price range of just about everyone.

IS EASY TO LEARN?

We are not kidding. You can Solo in powered parachute after one afternoon of instruction! Hey, thousands have already done and so can you!

Powered parachute  are available in two basic configurations: single and dual seat units. In both configurations you sit in a frame work of aircraft grade steel alloy and aluminium tubes – some what a kin to a three wheeled go kart with propeller mounted on the back.  The parachute is attached to the airframe on short out riggers to provide added stability.  Absolutely  NOTHING is easier to fly.,  Steering is accomplished by pulling on a line attached to the outside trailing edge of the chute.  The lines are attached to foot bars, so to turn left you push on the left foot bar and to turn right you  push on the right foot bar.  Increasing or decreasing your altitude is as simple as increasing or decreasing the throttle. A peculiarity of the aerodynamics of the chutes used in powered tyoically around 28 MPH.  There fore, increasing your engine speed does not increase your airspeed. It simply causes you to climb. Decreasing your engine speed causes you to descend.  Weird but true!

To take off you simply, lay the chute out on the ground behind you, start your engine and begin to move forward, the air flowing over the chute from your propeller and your forward motion causes the chute to pop up off the ground and rise above your head.  Once the chute is overhear just a little more forward speed will lift you quite quickly (typically 500 – 700 FPM) up into the wild blue yonder. Take off distances are amazingly short (depending upon conditions), ranging from 50 – 300 feet, landing distances are even shorter (and can even be zero!).

Typically running 50 – 200 feet, grass runways are used to keep abrasion on the chute to a minimum but all you really need is grass field 500 – 1.000. feet on a side to serve as you aedodrome.

It is becoming widely recognize that powered parachuting is going to be the next.  BIG THING so what are you waiting for? Don’t be left behind check out these sites to learn more about powered parachuting safety, aerodynamics, FAA regulations, magazines, FAQ’s

BEAUTIFUL AND POTENTIAL FLYING SITE FOR PARAMOTOR IN INDONESIA

LAMPUNG PROVINCE / SUMATRA ISLAND

(CROSS COUNTRY FLYING)

• Around Lampung with enjoying many small islands on the route
• Crossing Krakatau Mountain (the most famous active volcano mountain in the world)

> Spectacular flying

• Way Kambas (elephant area with huge field and nice forest)
• From Lampung fly crossing  small island
• Crossing Sunda Straight (from Java to Sumatra Island)

> Spectacular flying

JOGYAKARTA / CENTRAL JAVA

(CROSS COUNTRY FLYING)

• Fly from Parang Tritis Beach to Prambanan Temple (The Famous Hindust  Temple in the world)

• Fly from Prambanan to Borobudur Temple (One of the Seven Miricle and very famous Budhist Temple in the world) Merapi……
• Fly over the padi field

LOMBOK ISLAND

(CROSS COUNTRY  FLYING)

• All scenery in Lombok are amazing.
• Fly cross The Gilis (Gili Meno, Air and Trawangan) > diving and snorkelling
• Fly from Lombok t0 Gili Sulat (diving and snorkeling) with beach and green area surrounding
• Fly in Senggigi Beach Area
• Fly in Kuta Beach Area

All beaches with blue water and sea sand

BATAM ISLAND

(CROSS COUNTRY FLYING FROM ISLAND TO ISLAND)

• Fly cross country in Batam area
• Fly cross Barelang Bridge
• Fly from Batam Island to Tanjung Pinang (Cross The Sea very short)  > Spectacular flying
• Fly from Batam to Galang Island (Vietnames Camp)