what is a paramotor

A paramotor is a type of motorized paraglider used for flying. It consists of a harness, engine, and paraglider, with a propeller typically powered by a small two-stroke engine strapped to the back of the pilot. There are two basic types of paramotors: foot launch and wheel launch. Foot launch models consist of a frame with a harness, fuel tank, engine, and paraglider, while wheel launch models are attached to a rolling chassis. The pilot controls speed with a hand-held throttle and maneuvers the paraglider to control direction and altitude, just as one would do while flying in a standard, non-motorized paraglider. Unlike unpowered paragliding, launching from an elevation or catching thermal columns to ascend are not required. The most difficult aspect of paramotoring is controlling the wing (paraglider) on the ground during launch and upon landing. Initial training in becoming a paramotor pilot involves managing the wing in the air from the ground without the motor, a process called kiting, which is the most complicated and important step in the process. Once kiting the wing on the ground is mastered, the motor is added to the process to practice with the weight of the paramotor included. A typical paramotor weighs on average around 50 lb (23 kg) with some models as light as 40 lb (18 kg) and some models as heavy as 75 lb (34 kg) . The size of the paramotor wing and engine required depend on the weight of the pilot: the heavier the pilot, the larger the size of the wing and thrust required to launch. Paramotors generally require pretty nice weather to have an enjoyable and safe flight, with most pilots sticking to those glassy smooth sunrise and sunset flights to avoid the midday bumpy air and in wind speeds less than 10 mph.