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What's It Like to Be a Paramotor Pilot?

Um, absolutely AMAZING! But I'm guessing you already imagined that part. What's not to love about exploring this beautiful planet in all three dimensions with an aircraft you can fit into a car? It's like having the cheat code for the great outdoors and the best part, gear and lessons combined are about what you would pay for a dirt bike.


But I want to tell you about what you can expect if you decide to embark on this incredible journey. What are the logistics of transporting and operating such an aircraft? What sorts of additional skills will you need to have besides the obvious?


Sit back, relax, and enjoy this brief discussion about the lesser known topics that you will eventually know by heart. I know you're excited to learn all you can about powered paragliding and that's what this article is all about! The following assumes that you have already learned to fly from a qualified and certified Paramotor School like FlyWithJordan and attempts to explore the finer details involved in this activity.


 

Jordan Neidinger Professional Paramotor Instructor

About the Author

Jordan Neidinger is widely regarded as one of the most accomplished and dedicated paramotor and paragliding instructors in the United States. With over a decade of hands-on teaching experience and thousands of successful flights under his guidance, Jordan combines unparalleled technical expertise with an approachable and inspiring teaching style. Certified by top aviation organizations, Jordan is renowned for his meticulous focus on safety, ensuring every student feels secure and well-prepared as they take to the skies.


He customizes instruction to match individual learning styles, prioritizing not just skill development but also confidence and peace of mind. With a proven track record of producing skilled, safety-conscious aviators, Jordan’s passion for flight and commitment to student success make him the best in the field.


 

What's it Like to Prep for a Flight?


The Legal Stuff

There is a process when it's time to gear up and go fly. A lot of it unfolds hours and days before you actually launch. A true pilot knows to check for flight restrictions called NOTAMs and TFRs and this can be done in several ways online.


Sectional Chart for Paramotor Flight Planning

It's important to never skip this step because flight restrictions can be announced for many reasons and any time. It is up to each pilot to do their due diligence before getting airborne. Getting in trouble with the FAA is something you never want to deal with and part of your flight training covers the methods for ensuring this doesn't happen to you.


The Mechanical

If you get a two-stroke motor, you will need to learn a bit about maintaining and fixing them because there is no such thing as a paramotor repair shop. While it's pretty basic as far as technical knowledge, it can be a little daunting for someone who has little to no experience with small engines.


Fortunately, you won't need many specialized tools and online resources are widely available from reputable manufacturers.


Paramotor assembly and maintenance

Even as we do our best to maintain them, these motors are notoriously finicky and little issues can prevent a good flight from happening in the first place. The best way to ensure this doesn't happen is to routinely inspect the components and address problems immediately and before flying the unit. Little stuff like air getting into fuel lines, incorrect carburetor adjustment, and loose exhaust bolts can lead to a big deal if not dealt with ahead of time.


It's also good to follow routine maintenance schedules published by the motor and frame manufacturers. One of the big issues in this sport is when a specialty part breaks and you are trying to get a replacement, but the importer for the brand is on vacation for the next two months and not filling orders or answering their phone.


The Weather

Of course all pilots need to know how to plan a flight and a huge part of that is the ability to assess the conditions and understand the limits of their aircraft and flying skills. Again, any training program that is worth your money will spend lots of time teaching you this incredibly complex skill, but be sure to inquire for yourself if you're considering a training option. A comprehensive weather course is the hallmark of a quality flight training program and you should be skeptical of one that doesn't make this the pinnacle of their curriculum.


As a pilot, you'll be looking for good opportunities in the forecast models and considering the influences on the conditions for the area you want to fly. Some are relatively simple and others have unique terrain a features and weather patterns that you need to pay close attention to.


Weather analysis for PPG

You never want to get into the air in conditions that are above your skill level. Even if you are a top-notch pilot, your equipment has limitations and it would be foolish to get connected to a glider if the weather is inappropriate for you to do so.


Land Ownership

Strangely, no one ever seems to talk about this one but it's really, really important! If you don't own the property you're trying to use as a launch and landing, then who does? I'll be honest, a lot of flights begin with a little trespassing but this usually isn't going to work out as a long-term strategy. Some opportunities you won't need to ask permission such as launching from BLM land, while others you need to check-in before just showing up like municipal airports.


Powered Paragliding at Salton Sea

However, if the land is private or owned by an entity or government organization like state parks or city-owned beachfronts, then your access may be prohibited in terms of launching and landing a paramotor. It's important to do your homework if you want to avoid trouble which can sometimes be as harsh as gear confiscation and fines.


Don't worry, if you're creative and motivated, you'll still find plenty of opportunities to get airborne even near relatively congested areas. I'm still finding places to go fly in my own backyard after flying paramotor for over 15 years.


Transporting Your Gear

Paramotors are awesome because you can literally fit one into the back seat of a hybrid sedan if you take the cage and propeller off first. Obviously, pickup trucks have no issue getting these tiny aircraft to their destination.


Paramotor in back seat of car

Personally, I try to find ways to transport the unit in one piece so that there is less to fuss with before launch but really, a good paramotor takes less than ten minutes to assemble. A hitch carrier is a great solution if your vehicle allows for one.


 

Paramotor Readiness Quiz

Think you’re ready to take to the skies? Test your knowledge about the requirements for flying a paramotor!

1. What is the minimum age requirement for flying a paramotor in most countries?

a) 12 years old

b) 16 years old

c) 18 years old

d) No age requirement

2. Do you need a pilot’s license to fly a paramotor in the United States?

a) Yes, a full pilot’s license is required

b) No, but you need to register your paramotor with the FAA

c) Yes, but only if flying above 10,000 feet

d) No, there are no licensing requirements

3. Which of the following is NOT a required skill for flying a paramotor?

a) Understanding wind conditions and weather patterns

b) Ability to run short distances during takeoff

c) Extensive knowledge of aircraft mechanics

d) Knowing how to control a wing during flight

4. What is the most important safety consideration during takeoff?

a) Flying during sunset for better visibility

b) Ensuring the wing is properly inflated and stable

c) Using maximum engine throttle immediately

d) Facing directly into the sun

5. How much weight can a typical paramotor safely carry?

a) 50-100 lbs

b) 150-250 lbs

c) 300-400 lbs

d) It depends on the specific paramotor and wing combination

6. Why is it important to understand airspace regulations when flying a paramotor?

a) To avoid restricted or controlled airspaces

b) To fly faster and higher

c) To minimize fuel usage

d) To impress spectators

7. Which weather condition is considered dangerous for paramotor flights?

a) Clear skies with light winds

b) Overcast skies with stable air

c) Strong gusty winds or turbulence

d) Early morning calm conditions

8. What is the purpose of a pre-flight inspection?

a) To fuel up the paramotor

b) To ensure all equipment is in safe, working condition

c) To adjust the seat for comfort

d) To warm up the engine before flying


Answer Key:

  1. b) 16 years old

  2. d) No, there are no licensing requirements

  3. c) Extensive knowledge of aircraft mechanics

  4. b) Ensuring the wing is properly inflated and stable

  5. d) It depends on the specific paramotor and wing combination

  6. a) To avoid restricted or controlled airspaces

  7. c) Strong gusty winds or turbulence

  8. b) To ensure all equipment is in safe, working condition



 

Your First Flight, a Transformational Journey

Can you feel the exhilaration of your first flight? The wind in your face, the ground slipping away beneath you as you rise into the sky—it’s not just a moment; it’s a memory you’ll cherish forever. At FlyWithJordan, we don’t just teach you to fly; we inspire you to conquer new horizons.




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