This simplest of all powered aircraft consists of small 2-stroke petrol engine driving a propeller, worn like a backpack under a paraglider wing and providing thrust to take off, climb and maintain level flight. Once airborne, the paramotor can be used to motor along and watch the world go by beneath you or, if conditions permit, soared in thermal lift to make long cross-country flights. The motor can be stopped and restarted in the air - many types have electric starters - enabling the pilot to adapt his or her flight to the prevailing conditions. With the paramotor unit disconnected before take-off, the wing becomes just another paraglider, offering the freedom and excitement of engineless flight. Many paramotor pilots are paraglider pilots looking for more flexibility in their flying, many others are new to flying but become interested in paramotoring and pure paragliding flight.

Is it expensive?
Paramotors cost around £5,000, with this budget you'll be able to buy new equipment and cover the cost of a training course. Second-hand equipment will reduce that figure considerably. You'll also need a flying suit, flying boots and a helmet and may consider other equipment as you progress. Running costs are minimal, making paramotoring perhaps the cheapest form of powered flying available.

To get the licence
The BHPA (British Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association) is the governing body which looks after the interests of the sport in the UK, ensuring that problems do not arise in training or operation, and thus ensuring that paramotoring remains unregulated.

The BHPA has a pilot rating scheme which allows you to achieve a rating in both paragliding and paramotoring, and also looks after the training and licensing of instructors. The BHPA also arranges insurance cover for various aspects of the sports.

The BMAA (British Microlight Aircraft Association) offer an alternative syllabus to the BHPA

Minimum training for paramotoring is Club Pilot course plus Foot Launched Powered Aircraft (FLPA) qualification
Paragliding training upto CP level £800- £1200
3 day Paramotor coures £299-£399

What is the law and a Paramotor?
Paramotor operation in the UK is deregulated - however, all aircraft must respect the UK Air Navigation Order and international aviation law. Pilots of paramotors must at least carry an airspace map with an altimeter, in order to avoid flying in prohibited areas.
REMEMBER Landowner’s permission is required for take off and landing
Aviation law spells out the rules of how close one may fly to towns, clouds, airports etc., and there are some special rules applying to paramotors, which must be complied with.

Learning To Fly A Paramotor?
Almost anyone can learn to fly a paramotor. However, a degree of fitness and mental agility is required. Although it is easy to fly, it is nonetheless still "aviation". The pilot’s attitude to safety and airmanship is what ensures an accident free flying career.
As there is no regulation of paramotoring in the UK, some fliers choose not to follow a regulated training scheme - however, it is advisable that at least a minimum amount of paragliding training is undertaken before attempting to fly - ideally, you should learn to control a paraglider very well before you embark on any paramotoring. Inflation techniques (getting the canopy to come up overhead), launching, turning, controlling flying speed, landing approach, landing, and canopy handling are all skills which need to be mastered.
As well as practical work, you will have to learn some basics in the following subjects: principles of flight, meteorology, aviation law and navigation. Obviously if you already have an aviation background, your learning curve will be accelerated (for example, a PPL holder will have already have knowledge of some theoretical topics, and his experience and airmanship will accelerate him through the course). Typically, an established paraglider pilot will be able to "upgrade" in a couple of days.
If following the recommended BHPA rating system into paramotoring, a complete beginner with no aviation background will need upwards of 10 days of tuition with plenty of reading.

What licences do I get
The BHPA (British Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association) is the governing body which looks after the interests of the sport in the UK, ensuring that problems do not arise in training or operation, and thus ensuring that paramotoring remains unregulated.
The BHPA has a pilot rating scheme which allows you to achieve a rating in both paragliding and paramotoring, and also looks after the training and licensing of instructors. The BHPA also arranges insurance cover for various aspects of the sports.
The BMAA (British Microlight Aircraft Association) offer an alternative syllabus to the BHPA.
Of course, as paramotoring is deregulated in the UK, some fliers choose to "self-teach", although this is not a route recommended for personal safety reasons!