Background info.
My name is Brian Burrows (a.k.a. Paddy), I’m a paramotoring instructor that teaches one to one courses in the UK. I’ve been involved in the sport from its early beginnings in this country and have had the pleasure of guiding many newcomers towards their first successful flights.
Typically, a person that has never attempted paramotoring or paragliding (without a powered engine) can learn the essentials and take their very first solo flight with just a few days of my tuition. Your safety is always paramount as is your comprehension of the lessons; as I constantly assess your ability I will adjust the tuition to meet your needs. I’m sure you will be surprised how quickly your confidence and ability will increase as you master the course.
I provide all of the equipment that you will require, including radio intercom headsets so that I can advise and put you at ease with clear instruction at all times. If you already have your own equipment then the training can be done using that. I can also recommend what to buy if you are in the market to get up and flying with your own paramotor.
The training will often be dependent on the British weather, so a student will require a certain amount of flexibility in their schedule as sessions will be dependent on good flying conditions. This is perhaps the only real drawback to the sport but I’m sure that you will appreciate that the thrill of flying makes this a very small price to pay.
Frequently asked questions:
Q: Do I need special clothing for the training?
A: You can happily do the training when wearing loose fitting bottoms and sturdy walking boots, nothing that special is required.
Q: Does it matter about the weather?
A: Weather conditions are important so I will inform you in advance if a training day must be postponed.
Q: Do I need a trailer or van to transport a paramotor?
A: Paramotors can be dismantled but it is more typical to attach them to the back of your car using a special carrier.
Q: Are paramotors heavy, how strong will I need to be to carry it?
A: A typical paramotor will be about 26kg. You’ll need to be fit enough to run a short sprint with the paramotor on you back during the take off. Other than that, neither sex nor age are a restriction to being able to fly.
Q: What happens if the engine stops?
A: As a paramotor is really a powered paraglider you’ll appreciate that a safe landing can be performed without the need of the engine. If you are unable to restart your engine you will make a controlled gliding descent. You will also carry a reserve parachute as a precaution to any severe in-flight problems.
Q: Is it safe to fly a paramotor?
A: Statistically, paramotoring is considered to be safer than riding a motorbike.
Q: How can the course be so short when it takes a lot of theory and practice to fly a light aircraft?
A: Learning to fly a paramotor does not require you to learn lots of theory or pass an exam. Controlling a paramotor in the air, taking off and landing are not complicated. Provided you are safety conscious at all times and you follow the sensible guidelines you will be ready to fly.
Q: Who is the governing body for paramotoring in the UK?
A: The British Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association represents paramotor enthusiasts here in the UK. Paramotoring is unregulated at this time.
Q: How far will a paramotor fly?
A: Paramotor fuel tanks can come in a variety of sizes so it would not be difficult to fly to the coast on the right day.
Q: Is paramtoring a seasonal activity?
A: You can fly a paramotor all the year round. The daily weather conditions will determine the best times to fly.
Q: How much will a paramotor cost to buy?
A: Good second hand equipment can be bought for £2000 and new, top of the line, can go up to £5000.
If you have any further questions you may find their answers on some of the links to other websites on the contact page. Or you can try asking me direct...