Paramotoring & Paragliding
What is a Paramotor?
A paramotor is a paraglider wing, powered by an engine, which is attached
to the pilot's back. The 2-stroke motor provides enough power to make the
take off run just a few paces long. The paramotor and paraglider are easily
transportable, fitting into the back of a normal car.
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Once airborne, you can switch the
engine off and fly the wing like a normal paraglider, using the power of thermals
to keep you aloft rather than the motor. Should you need it, you can restart
the engine to return home. Alternatively you can use your paramotor for cross-country
flights, landing for fuel (near a petrol station!) when you need to.
In sensible hands, paramotoring can be amongst the safest of adventure sports.
The expertise you need to keep you safe starts with the school you learn with.
Parapente Paramotoring School is registered with the British Hang Gliding
and Paragliding Association (school no.126). At Parapente we aim to equip
you not only with excellent flying skills, but also with the knowledge to
keep you flying safely whilst having maximum fun!
Learning to Fly a Paramotor :
Good paraglider control is essential
for safe paramotor flying and you must attain a level of Club Pilot rating
before adding the Paramotor.
Parapente Paramotoring School is based in Macclesfield, Cheshire, on the edge
of the Derbyshire Peak District. The training field we use is flat and huge
so it will take any wind direction. You will spend the first couple of days
learning how to handle a paraglider, mastering take offs, turns and landings.
You will be taught about the techniques of paramotoring and given a guided
tour of your paramotor engine.
Teaching is progressive, learning
how to run with a paramotor on your back before adding the paraglider. Then
the take off technique is practiced with the engine off, and when you have
grasped this you will put all your knowledge together and make your first
paramotor flight. Lectures will cover airlaw, meteorology and flight principles,
culminating in the Foot Launched Powered Aircraft (FLPA) exam.
You will also need to complete a qualifying 30km cross country for your FLPA
certificate. As a member of the BHPA this will automatically give you £2m
of third party insurance cover.
Once you have learned to fly a paramotor, you can use it as you wish - to
enjoy flying in thermals and travelling cross country, or just getting away
from it all by watching the sun set from 1,000 feet on a lazy summer evening.
You are the pilot. You decide what you want to do. We will teach you - it
is as simple as that!
Paramotoring Courses:
Paraglider pilots wishing to convert to paramotoring will, on average, need
3 days tuition. Learning from 'scratch' requires a minimum of paragliding
Club Pilot Certificate, and together with the paramotoring section of the
course, generally involves a minimum of 11-13 days.
Paramotoring Insurance:
The British Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association is the governing body
of our sport and includes third party insurance cover. The price depends on
the time
Weather:
Good weather is a big factor in learning to fly paragliders. We assess the
weather conditions on the morning of the course. If, due to bad weather you
cannot fly, we will rearrange your booking as soon as possible. Should the
weather interrupt flying during your course, any unused flying may be taken
at a future date by arrangement.
Accommodation
The Peak District National Park has plenty of hotels, B & B and campsites.
We have an accommodation
list of these if you need it.
Basic Requirements for Paramotoring
You don't have to be super fit. Your initial training will involve running
around on open ground so bring sturdy footwear (walking boots will do). In
the summer it can get hot so bring lighter clothing and plenty to drink. If
the weather is cool, bring an extra fleece and lightweight windproofs are
advisable. Don't forget the most important thing of all - a picnic lunch!
Costs
Minimum training for paramotoring is Club Pilot course plus Foot Launched Powered Aircraft (FLPA) qualification
Paragliding training upto CP level £999
3 day Paramotor coures £399
How to book
Just phone the shop on 01663 747513 to book a place. A deposit will be needed to confirm your slot.
Only 30mins from Manchester, 1 hour from Liverpool, 1 1/2hours from Birmingham, 30mins from Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, 45mins from Nottingham, 45mins from Chesterfield and 40mins from Sheffield.
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