What is Powered Paragliding (PPG & WPPG) ?

Powered Paragliders are the smallest simplest powered aircraft in the world and the easiest to learn to fly. Using a paraglider wing ensures safety and inherent stability, while the engine adds autonomy and freedom. Control is very easy; simply pull the right hand brake to turn right, the left to turn left and pull both at 2~3 metres (6~9 feet) above the ground to glide in for a gentle landing.

The latest development in weight reduction via engin & cage metal advances for foot or wheel launched ultralight air sports equipment, means a PPG is literally an aeroplane in the boot of the car ! Small 2-stroke or 4-stroke engines powered on Petrol or LPG that drives a propeller by either direct drive, belt via reduction pulleys or geared reduction drive.

Electric motors are currently available but held back by current battery technology, only being able to be constantly powered-up for approximately 30 minutes flight time as of 2010.

A Foot Launch Powered Paraglider configuration (PPG) has an engine mounted to a Frame, then the Cage fitted to the Frame, a comfortable chair type harness sometime fitted with "J" Bars are also fitted to the Frame to secure you in position.

So, in short a foot launch PPG is carried like a Back-Pack & you fly beneath a paragliding wing.

With foot launching and landing a PPG gives a new meaning to an all-terrain vehicle, without the usual limitations imposed by rough, wet or abnormal locations of a typical landing location associated with normal Aviation.

A Wheeled Launch Powered Paraglider configuration (WPPG) has some disadvantages but these are out weighed if you are not as fit as you would like to be or your legs may not be able to carry or deal the the sometimes demanding agility needed to launch or land.

Once dismantled both our foot & wheel launch Paramotor kits with Wheels, Axle, Frame, Seat, Cage and Paraglider can be stowed in a very small suitcase(s), our LowBoy-II solo and tandem quad buggy breaks down into small pieces in 5 minutes easily – both types can even taken on a aeroplane when you go on holiday, obviously you will have to drain the fuel tank & engine if you have a 4 stroke engine you should drain the sump oil, the freight weight may well be expensive.

A PPG & WPPG are classified the safest form of Aviation/flying in the world as if your engine happens to fail you are still in your safety equipment a "paraglider wing " or parachute so to speak, it is also the easiest powered aircraft you can learn to fly !

In relation to popularity Powered Paragliding is still relatively in it infancy & many developments are still evolving, like our NEW light weigh (31.5kg) 360cc twin cylinder, four valves per cylinder 4 stroke engine, by default a 4 stroke engine have up to 10 times the re-build life of a typical 2 stroke engine.

We hear that the first PPG was first flown over 30 years ago and is growing into a popular aviation sport. A PPG is an evolution of hang gliding without the dangerous rigid structure, making it easier & safer to learn to fly, light in weight, but most important of all can be carried in a rucksack.

As for Canopy Design over the last few years has seen amazing progress with combining more performance with greatly increased safety. Nowadays a typical paraglider stalls at around 10 kph (6 mph) with a top speed of 80klm (50 mph).

The Glide Ratio of a Glider is between 6:1 and 9:1 (a hang glider=11:1). Depending of the total weight the Sink rate is typically around 60~90 mt (200~300 feet) per minute.

While the standard type of paraglider needs a hill or mountain to self launch, adding an engine to the unit enables take off to be achieved within a few paces from any suitable field. Unlike hill flying, the wind direction is not as important and there is no minimum wind speed required, but a slight 2~5 knot wind will assist in a very short launch distance, However PPG is a fair/good weather machine - flying in strong or gusty winds is not highly recommended unless experienced. Paramotoring kits have a fuel duration of up to 2~3 hours with a 8.3 litres fuel tank, making cross-country or extended local flying possible when using multiple fuel tanks. Landing near any petrol station or location with a source of petrol can get you back in the air straight away ! (obviously 2 stroke oil is needed for a 2 stroke engine)

The engine can be switched off once airborne to glide gently back down to earth for a slow power-off landing. Alternatively you can use thermal lift to climb to cloud base, or soar in a ridge lift the same way that a glider type planes, hang gliders and paraglider's can when favourable conditions exist.

A pull or electric start allows the re-starting of the engine in mid-air, extending the possibilities of this versatile powered-glider. With the engine disconnected or switched off, you can use your paraglider wing and harness to fly from hills or mountains, joining the thousands of people who already enjoy this unique sport throughout Australia and around the world.

What is the correct size wing ?

The Primary factors in determining your wing size is your in flight weight, location & weather conditions. Manufacturer's always list there gliders weight range in there technical specifications.

Total in-flight weight is the most important factor when selecting a glider wing, the weight range indicated & usually certified weight range, this means the glider's flight characteristics were tested at these weights by certification organizations like DVH, AFNOR, and CEN. Typically paramotoring pilots should choose a wing that places them as close as possible to the upper end of the wing's weight range. It is best to be heavy on the wing for a responsive and safe wing. It is acceptable to be 15% over the top of the range for beginner gliders and 20% over the top for intermediate gliders. The intermediate gliders have more performance, enabling them to carry heavier loads.

In addition to weight, launch altitude also effects your weight range decision. If you fly at 1'500 mt (5000 feet), the air is thinner and your glider will have less lift than it has at sea level. So, it's best to be at or below the top of the weight range when flying at higher altitudes.

Climate can also effect glider size. In windy climates be heavier on the wing. In light wind climates avoid being too far over the top.

If you are physically challenged due to age or previous injuries for example, stay below the top of the weight range. A lighter wing loading will give you slower launches and landings.

If you are launching primarily on wheels, stay above the top of the weight range because you are taking off and landing on wheels, higher landing and takeoff speeds are not an issue on smooth ground. At the higher wing loading, you'll enjoy additional responsiveness and safety. With all these factors, choosing the right wing size can be complicated, especially when considering several glider models.

Give us a call we can usually help pilots choose the correct size glider.