Overview of the paramotor training course
On average, a good three full days of training are required before you’ll be ready to take your first solo flight. This may sound like a very short period of time when compared to learning to fly a light aircraft – and it is. But there are no exams to pass with paramotoring; simply observe the guidelines and act safely at all times and you’ll be ready to go – just like all of the other students I’ve had the pleasure to teach.
After the introductory session you’ll begin by ground handling the wing (usually at Selston in Nottinghamshire). This involves learning to control the large canopy that is used to lift you into the air. You can think of this part of the training as learning to control a very large kite so you won’t be flying on this day.
Next it’s time to try a few gliding hill flights (in the Peak District). This is without the aid of the paramotor but you can expect to fly a fair distance as you descend from the top of the hills. Imagine a gentle very low altitude parachute flight drifting down the hillside.
Finally you’ll use the paramotor for your first solo flight (at Brassington, Derbyshire). The previous days have given you the confidence and ability to fly and control the wing so all you need now is the power to take off. Unsurprisingly, there is a technique to master when relying on the paramotor to lift you into the air, but after this you’ll be happily flying on your own whenever you want.
After the course has completed and you are comfortable with flying it is highly recommended to return for the SIV training (simulation d’incidents de vol, which translates to simulation of flying incidents). This will take a further full day to complete. Your confidence with the paramotor will increase as you’ll be ready for awkward situations that can occur during flight – however unlikely they may be.
Conversion courses for paragliding enthusiasts (either hill flyers or by winch) wanting to try paramotoring will usually require two days of tuition.
The course fee (£100 per day) can be paid in full at the beginning or on each day of training. Insurance is not included (that is the nature of the sport). Damage to loaned equipment will have to be covered by the student.
Running take off procedure
You can watch a short video of a typical first flight from a paramotor student. Just click on the play button in the center of the clip to start playback.
Additional reading material
The following useful pdf files are available for you to download and read. (Right click on the link and "Save Target As..." to download a pdf file directly to your machine.)
Rules To Live By - general guidance for paramotoring safely.
Tips and Tricks - a collection of tips that paramotor enthusiasts find useful.
Training Syllabus - a quick breakdown of the lessons.
You may need to install Adobe Reader to view the pdf files.
