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

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

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:

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Rise & Shine… It’s Time to Fly PPG!

Paramotor Training is where the whole adventure begins. Our students put in some serious hours each day to ensure they maximize their time with our Instructors. This isn’t just “a few hours a day.” This is a complete and comprehensive Training Program where every hour counts. We want to make sure that when a student leaves our supervision, they have all the skills to fly safely and with confidence!

As Head Instructor Joe Cruz puts it: “At the BlackHawk Ranch in California, the rooster doesn’t wake us up… We wake up the rooster with the sounds of motors warming up! We’re up early to start lessons and we finish when the sun goes down.”

Our Instructors work year-round to help people realize their dream of flight. If you are ready to start your next great adventure with us or have any questions about the sport, please contact our office by calling (209) 786-7899.

(209) 786-7899

10 Ways to FLY BEFORE YOU BUY a Paramotor With BlackHawk!

We understand that getting into the sport is a BIG investment for most people. We’ve seen quite a few posts on Social Media lately from people expressing their frustration with being “required to invest thousands into something they haven’t even tried yet.” Purchasing an entire Paramotor Package before getting the chance to explore the sport is (and should be) a concern for potential Pilots. At BlackHawk, we want to make sure that everyone can experience this life-changing form of flight without the “pressure to buy now.” We’ve even seen Dealers offer “free lessons,” while the price of training just gets rolled into the cost of purchasing gear (which is “required” to get the “free” lessons). This just isn’t the way BlackHawk does business. In fact, here’s 10 examples of ways people can get into the sport on their own terms:

1. Day Rate Lessons: If someone wants to just take lessons for a day, we have day-rates available and supply all the equipment at our Headquarters. Then, if someone decides to continue the class, we can just apply the day-rate funds into a full course. It’s a good way to get your feet wet and explore the sport before you commit.

2. Tandem Introductory Flights: If anyone wants to go for a ride to ensure they are comfortable before they invest, we can take care of them. Any money they spend on a Tandem flight will be credited towards the purchase of lessons or equipment if they think the sport is right for them.

3. We provide all the equipment during lessons! We know that not all of our Dealers have the equipment or facilities to provide this, but at our Headquarters or larger Training Centers, BlackHawk provides all the gear needed to train – included in the price of lessons. This means people don’t need to buy equipment prior to learning – OR, they don’t even need to by a BlackHawk if they want something else. As long as they are flying and safe, that’s all we care about =)

4. We offer huge Training Specials throughout the year. The discount is often large enough to cover airfare from anywhere in the Continental US! We can’t offer that all the time out of respect for our Dealers who have set Training prices and who rely on Training as a big part of their livelihood.

5. It’s FREE to stay at the BlackHawk Ranch… We have many students who will bring an RV, or just camp out at our California facility. There’s still a Hotel in town (that offers discounts to our students) in case people want that, but a lot of people will just stay right on the Flight Field.

6. Yes, we offer a large discount on lessons if the student purchases gear, but they don’t have to buy everything BEFORE they train. In fact, as long as a student buys gear within a few months of taking lessons, we still apply that discount to their equipment! This is again to ensure that people can take their time deciding, trying out gear, or saving up. Additionally, we have many students who will start out by purchasing a Paraglider, a Kiting Harness, and lessons so they can practice their ground-handling skills at home before they invest in a motor. Again, as long as they purchase the rest of the equipment in a reasonable time, we can still apply the discount given to those who purchase a Package Deal and lessons at the same time!

7. Supply and demand: The sport is still growing, and fast. As it grows, more Dealerships (of all brands) are starting to build up enough inventory to provide gear for lessons. We know it’s a huge investment for a startup Dealer to get several Foot-Launch units to accommodate all Pilot sizes, several gliders and sizes for people to demo, a Quad setup, a Trike setup, and a 4-Stroke for larger / tandem applications. Dealers could be looking at a $50,000+ investment on just gear to provide it to students during lessons. This is why we still see a lot of Dealers (of all brands) who still require students to purchase their equipment prior to Training. As a Manufacturer, we have a big advantage here, but we are seeing Dealers every day who invest in their business – taking things to the next level. The sport is growing exponentially, so we’re confident more people will provide what we already do =)

8. Breaking up the lessons into several trips… We know that a lot of people can’t take a whole week off of work to do this. We also allow Students to come and go until they complete the course. If they can only train on the weekends, or once a month, we can work that out… As long as it’s a “reasonable” amount of time in between lessons (for example, we don’t want students waiting 6 months or a year in between a day of lessons because they can forget things / get rusty).

9. BlackHawk does have financing available if people want to go that route, and here’s a great article that talks about some “creative ways to pay for a Paramotor” if people are interested: http://blackhawkparamotor.com/6697-2/

10. We also offer discounts to Military, Law Enforcement, Life Savers, or groups that want to take lessons together. BlackHawk Instructors can even travel to another country to train groups of students (which we’ve done many times), if the group is large enough to cover travel costs. We really do everything we can to bring people together in the name of Aviation, and to make this form of flight more accessible to everyone.

I hope this addresses some of the concerns you (and many other people getting into the sport) have. We are very easy-going at BlackHawk and just want people to fly. If you or anyone has suggestions that could make the Industry better, we’d LOVE to hear them. You can comment through Facebook or YouTube, call our office, email us, etc. We can all work together to help more people realize their lifelong dream of flight. It’s “all about the flying”… Nothing more, nothing less. We know some people have lost sight of that, but we really try to make it as easy as possible for our customers to experience the world of PPG =)

-Rob Whittaker, Team BlackHawk

OFFICE: (209) 786-7899
SALES: (209) 481-0493
LESSONS: (707) 688-1100
EMAIL: Team@BlackHawkParamotor.com

(209) 786-7899

Make Paraglider Kiting Fun… AGAIN!

Remember how exciting it was to kite your Glider for the first time? We’ve all had that “ah-ha! moment” when the glider finally starts doing exactly what we want it to! There’s also nothing like opening up a brand new glider and kiting it for the first time.

The next time the winds aren’t optimal, consider practicing your ground handling skills. Try sitting on the ground and kite (like Mike Robinson pictured above) and see if you can keep the glider hovering a few feet above the ground. Or, try it one-handed (like our Instructor Joe Cruz in the picture above). You can always organize a friendly “kiting war” competition (like we did at Salton Sea in the picture above) or design a “kiting obstacle course” to make it interesting! For many of our Pilots, kiting is like a form of meditation in a way – as it keeps us in the present moment.

Let us know what YOU do with your kite for fun on our Facebook Page by CLICKING HERE! If you don’t have a Kiting Harness yet, mention this article for FREE SHIPPING on the purchase of one. Blue skies!

(209) 786-7899