4-Stroke Paramotor Engine With Electronic Fuel Injection, Water-Cooling, Clutch, & a NEW High-Output Design…

A COLLABORATIVE EFFORT:

BlackHawk Paramotors USA & Helvenco of Switzerland have been collaborating for years to develop one of the finest Aviation-Grade 4-Stroke engines. Ever.

In search of the perfect engine for his Trikes / Quads, Mike Robinson – BlackHawk’s CEO, found Helvenco engines to have an edge… “They’re well known for cart racing” said Mike. “Cart racers are notoriously hard on their engines. They push them to the max for achieving peak performance. This puts the focus on engine reliability and longevity.”

After discovering this gem of an engine, Mike and his Team went to work right away on developing an adjustable mounting system for it. A system that would reduce vibration while positioning the motor at the perfect angle. Once the Team felt the configuration was flawless, they debuted the new Paramotor at the world’s largest airshow… EAA in Wisconsin.

“People were stopping by BlackHawk’s booth all day long to take a look at the new Paramotor” said Mike Robinson. “It was a big hit!

Incidentally, BlackHawk’s booth was located right next to Quicksilver – a very well-known manufacturer of Ultralight Aircraft. This got Mike Robinson talking to Quicksilver’s Gene “Bever” Borne, and his son Ken.

“As vendors do, I struck up a conversation with Bever & his son. I was explaining that many of my PPG customers want to investigate fixed-wing flying. We came to an agreement that Quicksilver would try to implement BlackHawk’s new configuration on the Quicksilver line.”

Fast forward a few months and the collaboration has been a huge success! Bever stated that “the final installed weight of the Aero 1000 – with reduction drive, exhaust, and all other components – is only 15 lbs heavier than the Rotax 447! Most pilots will readily give up 15 pounds of useful load to have four-stroke reliability, fuel injection, water cooling, and reduced noise.

When asked if this particular aircraft (with the Aero 1000 powering it) honestly stays within Part 103 limits, Ken responded without hesitation, “Yes, it does.”

HARDER, BETTER, FASTER, STRONGER:

The 2022 Aero 1000 is a precision-built, single-cylinder four-stroke engine with a clutch, water-cooling, and electronic fuel-injection. It also has some very impressive specifications and a sleek new look.

Many wonder how such a small displacement engine (250cc) can harness this kind of power from a single cylinder. As Mike Robinson explained: “Part of the secret is high RPM capability. This ‘powerhouse engine’ runs at 9200 RPM and idles at around 1800-2000 RPM.”

The latest version of the Aero 1000 has 10% more HP (39hp) and a sleek new look. This high-output design is similar to Rotax’s 447 and it’s “extremely economical on fuel.” Pilots can enjoy hours of flight, on a single tank of gas, with the extraordinary reliability of a 4-stroke.

SOUNDS GOOD?

Upon starting the engine, pilots will notice that it has a great sound to it. Very smooth, with a robust 4-stroke rumble. This is much different from a typical 2-stroke Paramotor. As Mike Robinson stated: “Most 2-stroke engines sound like a weed-eater! This baby sounds like an actual aircraft engine!”

PUTTING THE “POWER” BACK INTO “POWERED PARAGLIDING”:

In this sport, power-to-weight ratio is extremely important. Not just for performance, but for legal reasons. Paramotors have to be under a certain weight to qualify as a non-licensed sport. Aircraft manufacturers (like BlackHawk) seek to squeeze every last drop of power out of their engines. In the case of the Aero 1000, they did just that. “The first generation Aero 1000 had so much potential that we pushed forward with the new design” said Robinson. “The 2022 High-Output configuration, or “The Bush Dawg” as we call it, is simply the finest 4-stroke paramotor on the market right now. And not just the engine. From the glider to the Alaskan Tundra tires, this is the ultimate Quad package.”

If you have any questions about the Aero 1000, or the sport of Powered Paragliding, we’d love to hear from you: (833) PPG-FLYR

(209) 786-7899

Coffee With Mike & Mike Episode 2: What Goes Into The Development of a BlackHawk Paramotor?

Welcome to the SECOND video in our series “Coffee With Mike & Mike! This is where we sit down with Paramotor Industry experts to discuss equipment, tips for Pilots, and directly address some of the concerns we have in this growing sport.

Today, BlackHawk owner Mike Robinson & Shop Director Mike Gambrill will be discussing some of the “behind the scenes” efforts that make a BlackHawk product stand out. If you have any questions about this life-changing sport, we’re always here to help. Give us a call or visit our contact page today.

(209) 786-7899

Meet The Women of Powered Paragliding!

Meet Heidi Lee of BlackHawk Paramotors USA – also known as “Flyin’ Heidi!” If she isn’t managing the company or working with students, you’ll find her on the flight field! With nearly a decade in the sport now, Heidi has made a name for herself as one of the most experienced female pilots. She has traveled the world with our Team, representing the sport and encouraging more women to realize their dream of flight!

Powered Paragliding was a “male-dominated” sport – especially when it first started. The equipment was really heavy and the gliders were a LOT more difficult to handle. With companies like BlackHawk pioneering new technology, the equipment has gotten lighter, much more powerful,, and most importantly – SAFER. Husbands and Wives are flying together. Mothers and Daughters are going on adventures together. We’ve even trained a number of paraplegic Pilots who thought they’d never be able to fly. This life-changing sport is now accessible to anyone with a dream.

With no Pilot’s License and the capability to launch just about anywhere, Powered Paragliding has become the fastest-growing form of personal flight in the world. You can fit a BlackHawk Paramotor into the trunk of most vehicles so it’s ready for adventure when you are! If you see a place you want to explore, you can go from trunk-to-sky in just a few minutes.

If you would like to talk to Heidi Lee personally about this sport, she’s available right now to answer your questions… Or if you’d like to go flying with her, she will never say no!

A warm welcome to the sport of PPG. If you have any questions or would like to see a Paramotor in person, give us a call. With the largest School & Dealer network in the world,, we’ve probably got a location near you.

-Team BlackHawk

WATCH THE VIDEO BELOW:

(209) 786-7899

Tandem Paramotor Exemptions 2019!

TANDEM PARAMOTOR EXEMPTIONS 2019

We’ve had countless Paramotor Instructors ask us about TANDEM EXEMPTIONS for Paramotors. The USPPA and BlackHawk Paramotors USA are excited to announce the availability of a new Tandem Exemption. To learn more, click the links below. If you have any questions about this life-changing sport, BlackHawk is always here to help. Visit our contact page to get in touch with us right now!

TANDEM EXEMPTION DETAILS (Click Here)

FAA LETTER OF APPROVAL FOR USPPA (Click Here)

(209) 786-7899

Paramotor Spark Plug Color: What Does it Mean?

About This Guide:

STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?

(209) 786-7899

(209) 786-7899

BlackHawk Represents PPG at International Aviation Industry Forum!

Over the past few years, BlackHawk Paramotors USA has been working hard with the Chinese Government to bring civil aviation / sport aviation to China! This could be a huge opportunity for the entire sport as a whole and allow thousands of additional people to realize their dream of becoming a Pilot! Up until recently, many different popular types of sport aircraft (including Powered Paragliders) weren’t available to the general public in China. After several trips to China and a very successful International Sports Aviation Industry Forum at EAA 2018, the project is moving forward! Over 250 flight clubs & flight centers have been given the green light to start operating in China.

The Chinese Government has taken great interest in BlackHawk’s products for two primary reasons: (1) They “want the reputation of quality associated with products MADE IN THE USA,” and (2) they want to work with an established company who has the best track-record of success, growth, and experience in this Industry.

FROM THE ORIGINAL ARTICLE:  “The theme of this forum is “Airworthiness Management of Experimental Aircraft” and “Operation Management of Aviation Sports Industry”. The forum focused on these two major themes, the first to speak was Secretary Ren Hongguo. Secretary first thanked the organizing committee for the invitation and fully affirmed the China-US aviation industry leaders to jointly exchange the development concepts and ideas of the China-US aviation movement. Secretary Li said that the Aero Sports Federation of China has been committed to promoting the development of China’s aviation sports industry and is committed to promoting exchanges and cooperation between aviation sports countries.”

“In 2017, China Aviation Association held the first World Flying Conference in Wuhan. WFE has created a number of firsts in terms of size, flight volume, and participation. Chairman Dan Johnson has high hopes for the development of China’s general aviation and aviation movements. Dan Johnson pointed out that “the cultivation of China’s aviation market should start with aviation education and training.” He raised a challenge to China’s aviation market. “I hope China can train 1 million pilots in the next five years”. Director Xu Chaoqun and Director Chen Hao introduced the procedure of China’s airworthiness certification to the guests in the fluent English and answered the questions about the opening of the US airspace to the Chinese airspace. The forum had frequent interactions and a warm atmosphere. It also involved many sensitive topics in the development of the general aviation and aviation sports industry in China and the United States. The chairman of the conference, Li Shudong pointed out that “this forum provides a rare opportunity for the leaders of the general aviation and aerospace industry in China and the United States to gather together for face-to-face exchanges. Through this forum, the international aviation sports companies will further understand the relevant policies and management measures of China’s general aviation and aviation movements, strengthen the confidence in the development of China’s general aviation and aviation sports industry, and understand the steps and paths to enter the Chinese market.”

(209) 786-7899

Where Are Velocity / BlackHawk Paragliders Made? (SOLVED)

So, where are Velocity Paragliders like the Edge, Core, Elektra, and Nitro made? Let’s settle an ongoing and somewhat ridiculous debate in the Powered Paragliding Community once and for all! Velocity Paragliders are (and have always been) made to the highest-standards in SOUTH KOREA! South Korea is well known (like Japan) for producing QUALITY products. For example, large companies like Samsung and LG are produced in South Korea. Sure, we pay quite a bit more to have our gliders made in South Korea, however, the unmatched quality of the final product and the ETHICAL treatment of the factory workers are important to us. Although we’ve been approached many times to have our products made elsewhere, BlackHawk owner Mike Robinson unequivocally refuses to go that route. Velocity gliders will never be made in a “sweatshop” where corners are cut to reduce price.

As many Pilots and beginners have noticed, this isn’t your average sport. There is a lot of information in the PPG Community that starts off as a “myth” and somehow gets blurred into the “truth” – especially on Social Media. Beginners will often read something opinionated or downright inaccurate, and without having a basis for comparison (fact checking), it’s easy to assume that the information is accurate. You might have heard the iconic humorous expression: “I read it on the internet so it must be true.” Over the years, we’ve seen countless competing Dealers and even Pilots who were under the assumption that our Paragliders were made in China. At first we thought this was a little funny, however, when potential customers started asking us about this when they called, we realized that this is a problem that needs addressed.

Where is YOUR Paramotor equipment made? You might be surprised to know that around 80% of glider Manufacturers DO in fact have their products made in countries like China, Vietnam, Laos, Thailand, and Sri Lanka! As we all know, where a product is manufactured makes a huge difference in overall quality. When you are researching the various options out there, make sure to ask the Manufacturer where all the components are made.

Why did BlackHawk and Velocity choose this specific company to make our gliders? BlackHawk has been in business for almost 2 decades now. As Manufacturers come and go in this sport, we wanted to make sure we went with a company who planned on sticking around to grow with us! The company that makes Velocity Paragliders is one of the largest, most established “Parachute Manufacturers” in the world. They were in the business of making Parachutes for many different applications when Powered Paragliding was still in its infancy. Their attention to detail, safety, and innovation was perfectly aligned with BlackHawk’s business model, so many years ago we flew the owners of the company out to our Headquarters in California. The relationship we established still thrives today and we couldn’t be happier with the quality of our Velocity products!

BlackHawk Paramotors USA takes a lot of pride in being a Domestic Powered Paragliding company. We go to great lengths to ensure ALL BlackHawk components are made to the highest standards. This includes our fully CNC’d engines from Spain, our Industry-leading gliders from South Korea, and many additional components which are made right here in the USA. Of course it would be a lot cheaper to have these components made in places like China, however, while other Manufacturers may go this route, BlackHawk refuses to cut corners. Quality always has, and always will take precedence over compromising our unwavering commitment to quality. This is one of the many reasons why BlackHawk sells more Paramotors than any other domestic Importer or Manufacturer!

We hope this article helps clear up some of the confusion as to where our gliders are made and why. If you are new to the sport, we highly recommend that you take your time doing your product research. We also recommend contacting Manufacturers directly to ensure the most accurate, up-to-date information. To help with this, BlackHawk has made several “Buyer’s Guide” videos which discuss some important considerations – regardless of which brand Paramotor you are interested in. You can find these videos below. Thanks for taking the time to learn more about BlackHawk and Velocity Paragliders USA. If you have any questions about this life-changing sport, BlackHawk is always here to help. CLICK HERE to contact us and remember: “Don’t believe everything you read online!”

(209) 786-7899

Stuck in Another Country With a Paramotor?

Last year, our Head Instructor Joe Cruz headed down to Panama to train a group of students. When this vehicle got stuck in the sand, it only made sense to put the Paramotor on the back of it and try to push it out right? Well, that didn’t work out quite as well as we wanted (lol)!

All joking aside, this was an amazing place for students to take their first flights! BlackHawk has one of the largest Dealer & Training Center networks in the world. If you live in another country and want to get a group of people together who are interested in Paramotor Lessons, our Instructors might be able to come to you! For more information please contact our Headquarters in California by calling (209) 786-7899. You can also reach our Head Instructor Joe directly by calling (707) 688-1100. “Blue skies” from all of us at Team BlackHawk!

(209) 786-7899

6 Years of Countless Lives Changed…

Our very own Team Pilot and Sales Director Heidi Lee is coming up on her 6^th year with BlackHawk Paramotors USA! We found a couple of pictures from around the time when Heidi first started exploring the sport. One is from a Fly In event in Florida, and the other from her first flights at the BlackHawk Ranch.

Time has “flown” by (pun intended of course) and we want to say a BIG THANK YOU to Heidi for all the lives she has impacted in her time with us. Hundreds of people have realized their lifelong dream of flying a Paramotor with her help. If Heidi helped you get into the sport, make sure to leave a comment on our Facebook Page and let her know how it has impacted your life!

We love you Heidi Lee – From all of us at Team BlackHawk!

(209) 786-7899

The Lost Coast of California… FOUND!

If you’ve never visited the Lost Coast of California, you are in for some of the most “unbelievably phenomenal rugged beauty the Country has to offer!” This area is a little too rugged for paved roads, making it the perfect area to explore with a BlackHawk Paramotor.

When the Pacific Coast Highway System was being build, engineers decided to go around this 100-mile section of the coastline – unable to tame the wild landscape. For those who dare to explore the Lost Coast, they will be rewarded with some of the most spectacular (and untouched) scenery in the US. Worth every bit of the effort!

One of our most-watched “Award-Winning Paramotor Adventure Videos” documents our Team Pilots as they explore this very area! Click the link below to see what their adventure was like!

EXPLORING THE LOST COAST VIDEO:

(209) 786-7899