Paramotoring is becoming more and more popular.
People are finding that learning to paramotor is a process which is not all that time-consuming.
The rules and laws regarding a paramotor are also quite flexible.
This helps to make paramotoring a more attainable and interesting concept for many to consider.
There are some things about paramotoring and the law which you should know before you head out.
Do You Need a License to Paramotor?
In the United States, you do not need a license to paramotor.
In fact, paramotoring is very laid back as far as certification goes.
Many activities that take place in the air, like hot air balloon piloting, require extensive study and training.
People need to work to get a pilot’s license so they can fly.
With paramotoring, you don’t have to become a certified pilot.
Even though you are not going to be certified in any way, it is very important to be adequately trained.
There are schools all across the country which will teach you proper handling and understanding of a paramotor before you take off on your first flight.
Knowing what to expect is a large portion of preventing injury.
If you are looking for more information about paramotoring and the rules and regulations, it can help to know that a paramotor is classified as an ultralight.
The FAA has different regulations depending on the type of aircraft you will be using.
Where Can You Launch a Paramotor?
Again, when you start researching the paramotor, you will likely notice the rules are somewhat easy to follow.
When you are trying to find a place to launch and land your paramotor, you need to find a large and open area.
There are not too many regulations as to where this has to be.
Many parks and recreation areas will allow the launching and landing of a paramotor.
The biggest concern is always to make sure you stay away from others when launching and landing.
Paramotoring is not all that dangerous a sport, but you must correctly use the paramotor if you want to avoid injury.
How Old Do You Have to Be to Paramotor?
There is no set age to paramotor, but most of the time, the schools will start training around fifteen or sixteen years old.
You will have to be the proper weight and have the mental capability to learn how to fly the paramotor.
Many younger teens will spend years learning the proper technique before they take off on their own flight.
Can You Fly a Paramotor at Night?
You cannot fly a paramotor at night.
You may have seen paramotors with lights on them, and those lights are designed to help during both the dawn and dusk hours.
The lights are not to be used for a nighttime flight.
The FAA is very strict about what air sports and activities are allowed at night.
There is not much they will allow, and that is for the safety of the participants just as much as it is for the innocent bystanders.
If you go to a school to learn how to paramotor, this is probably one of the first lessons you will be taught.
It is also important to paramotor during proper weather conditions.
Things like wind and rain can change the outcome of your flight, and it may not be worth setting out in these conditions.
Again, a paramotor can be very safe, but it’s essential to make sure you are following the proper safety precautions.
How Fast Does a Paramotor Go?
One of the primary reasons a paramotor is relatively safe is that it does not go fast.
When you get used to flying a paramotor and properly launch and take off, you will probably travel around 30 miles per hour.
This is faster than a human running but about an average speed for a slow-moving car.
Of course, this will feel quite a bit faster when you are flying through the sky, but the speeds are not as fast as other things like skydiving or parachuting.
The wind can significantly impact a paramotor, so if you are going to be up there in windy conditions, you will notice some faster or potentially slower speeds as well.
Paramotors typically go about ten miles on a given flight.
There are skilled paramotor pilots who will travel very long distances and stop and refuel along the way.
As paramotoring gets more popular, you will potentially see these people as they fill up on their journey.
Conclusion
If you are interested in taking up paramotoring, it is essential to know and understand the requirements.
You should be adequately trained before you take a paramotor up in the air.
This is not only for your safety but for the safety of those around you as well.
If you don’t understand what to do and you get into a situation, serious injury could result.
Join a local organization which supports paramotoring and determine what is involved and the best steps you can take to start.
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