PARAMOTORING

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.

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. Airways Paramotoring School is registered with the British Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association (school no. 313). At Airways Paramotoring School 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 needs to be learned before adding a paramotor to the equation.

Airways Paramotor School is based at Darley Moor, near Ashbourne, Derbyshire. The airfield 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, being towed aloft using a winch so there is no need to climb hills to learn to fly. 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 you're back before adding the paraglider. The take off technique is practiced with the engine off, and when you have grasped this, the winch tows you aloft. This gives you the same feeling as being under power but without the added complications of having to deal with a throttle and cut out switch. Only when these skills have been mastered will you put all your knowledge together and make your first paramotor flight. Lectures will cover all matters of 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 Instruction

Chris Dawes - Chief Flying Instructor

Chris is one of Britain's top paraglider pilots and has been flying both paragliders and hang gliders for 15 years. He has competed for several years internationally as a member of the British Paragliding Team and has won the British Cross-Country Championship. He is one of the most experienced paramotor pilots in Britain and is a paramotor display pilot, having performed at Shepway Airshow and the Isle of Man Airshow. He has also appeared on ITV's "Don't Try This at Home", taking a member of the public on a tandem paramotor for their 'Challenge of a Lifetime'. With his sound communications skills and dynamic personality he makes a great instructor.

Paramotoring Courses

Paraglider pilots wishing to convert to paramotoring will, on average, need 3 days tuition. Learning from 'scratch' requires a minimum of paragliding Elementary Pilot Certificate, and together with the paramotoring section of the course, generally involves 8 - 10 days

Cost of Paramotor Training

Prices

Paramotoring Insurance

The British Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association is the governing body of our sport and includes third party insurance cover. Membership of the BHPA is compulsory for all students in the UK. The price for this cover depends on the time scale for the flying experience you want; for example, a one day taster course will only require one days cover, whereas an EPC course will need a minimum of a training membership. We will arrange insurance cover for you on the first day of your course.

Weather

Good weather is a big factor in learning to fly hang gliders. We assess the weather conditions the night before a course is due to start. 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.

The choice of payment structure for tuition is yours. By buying a set course, e.g. EPC + paramotoring, then you are trained to that level, irrespective of the number of days needed. This puts the emphasis on Airways to teach you, rather than for you to turn up and keep paying - makes sense!

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!

Facilities

Our shop stocks a range of paramotoring equipment. We offer a wide choice of paragliders, both new and second hand. We stock paramotors as well as helmets, harnesses, books, videos, boots, reserve parachutes, instruments, flying suits and all round cool clothing. Whatever your budget, our advice and support will always be available with your safety and fun our prime consideration.