Motorized Paragliding

Just Like a Bird

There are many hobbies to choose from, depending on a person’s preference. To some, they feel comfortable with looking out the sea, go yachting with friends or fishing. There are also those who seek adventure and love to feel the adrenaline rush through their veins. There’s mountain climbing, bungee jumping and water rafting. But for some, they want to feel like a bird, flying and floating in the air. And this comes in the form of paragliding, or to some, motorized or powered paragliding. Powered paragliding has become such a popular sport many more people want to find out what it is really about.

What is Motorized Paragliding?

Motorized paragliding or powered paragliding is an ultra light aviation wherein a paramotor is worn on the back of the person. This is used to provide enough force to make a paraglider wing take off and fly. Other than that, no assistance is needed when launching in the air, ground or even when alone.

Powered paragliding is similar to paragliding. But in this case, paragliding has no motor or engine at all. Human force is used to launch the paraglider – by the use of the person’s feet. The paraglider must run in high altitude places like hills or mountains, but he will be airborne before the steep drop comes up. This is also the same with paragliding but of course, the force used in here is the one emitted by the engine.

Very Accessible

Powered paragliding is also considered as one of the most accessible forms of powered flight for most people. This type of flying can be safely used in a calm weather. Minimal training is required to fly a powered paragliding. Many also consider this sport as one of the safest and easiest to go up, up in the air. For some, this is also seen as the most affordable way to fly, compared to using an airplane.

Types of Motorized Paragliding

There are many types of powered paragliding to choose from. One of which is for those who prefer simple places like hills and other shorter heights. There are also some who enjoy that of a smooth ridge lift. For those really extreme ones, they can go for those that reach up to a thousand feet and fly for longer distances. Paragliding harbors the highly unique quality of being all at once the most simple, but, still, the most complicated thing you may ever experience.

What Makes the Sport Safe?

The paraglider wing provides safety and stability to its pilot. The engine itself gives autonomy and freedom that makes it secure for the pilot to fly the aircraft. Among other things, powered paragliding is one easy sport. It takes minimal supervision but also, as every hobby or sport requires, it needs training. But when one is already well-trained and knowledgeable with its tactics and mechanics, it is easy to do.

A Bird’s Eye View of the Landscape

Flying a powered paraglider is truly the most enjoyable way to fly. There is nothing in your field of vision except the wide open landscape. It is very easy to fly the aircraft. To launch, the pilot runs into the wind to get the “Paraglider” to fly, just like flying a kite. By simply pulling the right hand break, the craft then rotates and moves to the right. The left lever is then used to turn left and when both are pulled together at around 2-3 meters, it allows for a smooth landing on the ground.

According to a research done by the United States Powered Paragliding Association or USPPA, powered paragliding is safer than that of riding. There is also available equipment to use when paragliding. There are parachutes, helmets and safety belts and other things that need to be worn when in the air.

With enough training, anybody can take their first flight with a powered paraglider. Once the ‘pilot’ is up in the air, he or she is able to take in the breathtaking sights of his destination. Be it in a city or the beautiful terrains of the country, paragliding can truly take your breath away.