Paramotor flight

Paramotor flight combines paragliding and a motor, enabling flat-ground takeoffs and long-duration flights. Learn about this ultralight aviation mode.

About this subject

A paramotor is a motorized ultralight aircraft consisting of a paraglider wing and a motor with a propeller, worn on the pilot's back. Unlike conventional paragliding, which relies on thermals or slopes for launch, a paramotor can take off from any flat terrain with enough space. This makes flying accessible in more locations and weather conditions.

Developed in the 1980s by French and English engineers, paramotoring quickly became popular as a low-cost form of recreational aviation. Motors are typically two-stroke, producing 15 to 30 horsepower, burning a mixture of gasoline and oil. The wing, made of ripstop nylon, ranges from 20 to 40 square meters depending on pilot weight. Typical cruise speed is 30 to 60 km/h, and endurance can exceed 2 hours on a 10-liter fuel tank.

In Brazil, paramotoring is regulated by the National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC) as experimental or ultralight aircraft. Several schools and clubs exist, especially in areas with varied terrain or good wind conditions, such as Serra da Canastra (MG) and Chapada Diamantina (BA). Events like the Brazilian Paramotor Championship gather pilots nationwide for precision landing and navigation challenges.

Safety in paramotoring relies on proper training, engine maintenance, and weather assessment. Accidents usually stem from human error, such as flying in strong winds or with poorly adjusted gear. Nonetheless, paramotoring is considered safe when practiced responsibly, offering an accessible path for individuals to fulfill the dream of flying on their own.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a license to fly a paramotor?

Yes, in Brazil ANAC requires an Experimental or Ultralight Aircraft Pilot Certificate. This involves theoretical and practical training at an accredited school, plus medical and psychotechnical exams.

Is paramotoring safer than regular paragliding?

Paramotoring offers more independence from terrain but requires extra care with the motor and propeller. Safety depends on training, maintenance, and weather conditions; neither mode is inherently safer.

What is the flight endurance of a paramotor?

With a standard 10-liter fuel tank, average endurance is 2 to 3 hours of continuous flight, extending to 4 hours with auxiliary tanks and favorable wind conditions.