Experimenter is a magazine created by EAA for people who build airplanes. We will report on amateur-built aircraft as well as ultralights and other light aircraft.
Issue link: http://experimenter.epubxp.com/i/339662
EAA Experimenter 33 minted fi rst of cer from Chicago O'Hare to Bradley Interna- tional Airport (Hartford, Connecticut) on top of the clouds on a moonlit night. It's even up there with the fi rst fl ight in the RV-4 Fastback I fi nished building from a kit. My fi rst paragliding solo was the beginning of my love for paramotoring, and along the way I've learned a few things that I would like to share to make your entry into this amazing sport go as smoothly as possible. I call what you need to know to get started in paramotoring the "big three." T HE BIG T HREE There are three major challenges to successful paramotoring: training, reliability, and safety. Training Much of the Internet "wisdom" you read will lead you to believe that anyone can paramotor—it just takes fi nesse. Don't believe it. Not all landing gear (that is, legs, backs, ankles, knees, etc.) are created equal. Running around with 45 to 80 pounds on your back is just not possible for everyone. Trikes are a solution, but like most solutions, trikes come with tradeof s. Try out whatever you like before you buy! Even if you only take an introductory lesson or a tandem ride, you will have a much better idea if you are physically able to participate in the sport of paragliding. Unfortunately a big problem is that many, if not most, para- motor dealers and instructors do not provide enough training for you to become a safe and profi cient paramotor pilot. When you hear the words "free training" or "three- to fi ve-day begin- ner courses," realize that what you are really going to end up with is a quick introduction to paramotoring, followed by self- training—an expensive (because of broken props and gear) and dangerous combination. Before you agree to any training and gear package, make sure you know how many powered fl ights (Insist on 25!) your instructor is going to supervise before he sends you of on your own! Remember, the number of days of One more step and they're off on a powered paraglider tandem training fl ight. A trike-equipped powered paraglider...for those whose legs aren't great landing gear anymore. Photography courtesy of Dan Grunloh E A A E X P _ J u l y 1 4 . i n d d 3 3 EAAEXP_July14.indd 33 7 / 1 / 1 4 9 : 5 7 A M 7/1/14 9:57 AM