Total unit weight for most Foot-Launch Paramotors can range from 45-75 lbs, depending on the size of motor and amount of fuel. Multiple straps & attachment points on the harness distribute the pilot’s body weight evenly – similar to how a hiking backpack functions. This keeps the motor weight very manageable for most people. Keep in mind that the pilot only needs to support this weight for a brief moment during takeoff. Once they are airborne, the weight is burdened by the Paraglider. Accessories like reserve parachutes, helmets, or communication systems can also add additional weight and should be considered. Weight concerns mostly apply to those flying Foot-Launch Paramotors. Those flying Paramotor Quads obviously don’t have support the weight of the machine, making it less of a concern.

On average, beginner gliders have a cruising speed of 18-25 MPH. Skilled pilots can achieve much greater speeds by incorporating speed-bar systems, flying a smaller-sized glider, flying an advanced glider with Reflex Technology, or flying with the wind. In general, if you want to fly fast, buy an airplane! If you are looking for a low-and-slow way to explore the world from above, you’ve come to the right place! Keep in mind that there is a fine line between performance and safety. Gliders which are smaller, faster, or utilize more advanced flying configurations (like speed-bars) can often have less passive safety features than standard gliders. Always check with your Certified Flight Instructor prior to purchasing a new glider to MAKE SURE it coincides with your level of skill.

Most Paramotors utilize 2-stroke motors, with a fuel-to-oil mix. We always recommend using premium unleaded fuel (ethanol free if possible), and high-quality synthetic 2-stroke motor oil. Always refer to your engine manual or manufacturer for the exact fuel-to-oil mix. Many European Paramotors require the use of “aviation fuel,” which can be very expensive and hard to come by. If a Paramotor engine is designed and built properly, it should easily run on high-octane auto fuel. You should be able to purchase fuel anywhere, instead of having to locate an airport.

Of course! Most machines are specifically designed to break down for transport. Some will even fit into a large suitcase, or the trunk of your car! This makes traveling with them a breeze. Typically, Paramotor cages break down into multiple sections, the propeller can be easily removed, harnesses detach, and gliders can be folded down to a very compact size. This alone appeals to so many people who don’t have the room to store or transport an airplane. Many pilots take their Paramotors with them when traveling abroad due to their ease of transport. There are also many pilots who keep their motor with them at all times in the case they pass by a spot worth exploring. For pilots who don’t want to disassemble their machine each time, there are now several companies making racks which allow the Paramotor to be mounted to the back of a small car. Larger units like Paramotor Quads are commonly transported in the back of a truck. Even smaller-bed trucks will work with many of the motors out there. Most Paramotor platforms allow for the easy removal of axels, and cage pieces can be broken down. For those who have a small car and still desire a Paramotor with a Quad, small gardening trailers can easily transport the unit.

(THREE BlackHawk Paramotors easily fit into this truck)

You can legally fly up to (under) 18,000 feet in a Powered Paraglider! It’s extremely rare for pilots to climb to such altitudes. Special adjustments, skills, and equipment (like an oxygen tank) would be required, and climbing to such elevations can put unnecessary strain on the motor. Not to mention, it can get quite cold up there! Most pilots fly from a few feet off the ground, to a couple thousand feet. As mentioned before, this sport is all about “low and slow.”

It doesn’t get easier! There are only 4 inputs. You have up, down, left, and right. That’s it! The throttle controls how fast you go up or down, and the glider has two handles or “toggles” which direct the left-right steering. There is no clutch, gauges, signals, or anything else to worry about. I guess you could say “it’s much easier than driving a stick-shift car” once you get the hang of controlling the glider.

No. They are an interchangeable word, referring to the same type of flying machine. However, as mentioned above, there are two different styles of Paramotors… “Foot launch” units and “Quads” or “Trikes.”

On average, it takes most people 3-5 days to learn how to operate a Quad safely, and approximately 5-7 days to learn Foot-Launch Paramotor flight. Companies like BlackHawk Paramotors USA have National Training Centers throughout the United States, and have instructed thousands of people over the years. To learn more about Powered Paragliding lessons, or to locate an authorized National Training Center near you, PLEASE CLICK HERE.

Powered Paragliding is the safest, cheapest, and most convenient way to have your own personal flying machine. You don’t even need a pilot’s license, and it takes less than a week to learn how to fly one! To sum it up, it’s basically a “parachute with a backpack motor” or a “motorized version of Paragliding.” There are two different types of Powered Paragliders or “Paramotors.” The most common is called a “Foot-Launch” unit, where the pilot wears a backpack-style 2-stroke motor, and has to physically run to become airborne. The second type is called a “Quad” or “Trike” unit, where the motor is mounted to a go-kart-style platform with wheels. To decide which type of unit is appropriate for you, it’s best that you talk to an expert. BlackHawk Paramotors USA is one of the largest manufacturers of Powered Paragliding equipment in the world, and their staff is always available to help. Many factors like weight, age, physical ability, takeoff elevation, and flying-style determine which gear is best suited for an individual.  Most people are familiar with Parasailing, Sky-Diving, Base Jumping, or Wing Suits. Powered Paragliding however, is still a foreign concept to many people and you don’t have to be a “thrill-seeker” to enjoy it. Powered Paragliding is all about “low and slow leisure flight.” The best part is ANYONE can do it!