Paramotoring FAQ
What is Paramotoring?
Paramotoring, also called powered paragliding (PPG), combines an inflatable paraglider wing with a motor and propeller. The wing provides lift while the motor provides thrust. Pilots can take off on foot with a motor on their back or use a wheeled trike. Launch PPG offers training for both foot launch and wheel launch.
Do I Need a License to Fly a Paramotor?
In the United States, you do not need a pilot certificate to fly a paramotor that qualifies as an ultralight under FAA Part 103. You do still need to follow the rules that apply to ultralight flying, including airspace and operating restrictions. Training and USPPA ratings are voluntary, but we strongly recommend learning with a qualified instructor before flying on your own.
How much does paramotor training cost?
Beginner training costs $3,500 at the Salton Sea or $4,000 in Boise. Gear rental is included in both courses.
We encourage students to train before buying equipment. As you learn, we get to see how you handle the wing, whether foot launch or wheel launch suits you, and what kind of flying you want to do. That helps us match you with gear suited to your abilities and goals. Buying before training can leave you with equipment that isn’t the right fit.
If you decide to buy your own gear afterward, a complete setup typically costs $10,000–$15,000, depending on what you choose.
How long does it take to learn to fly a paramotor?
Our Salton Sea beginner course runs for two weeks with one scheduled day off. Boise training is scheduled around evenings and weekends, so the time it takes can vary with your availability and weather.
In our experience, students often make their first supervised solo flight around day seven or eight of a two-week course. We’ve seen it happen as early as day three and as late as day ten. Everyone learns at their own pace, and weather and readiness matter more than a date on the calendar.
We teach the building blocks one step at a time. Our goal is for each student to complete 20-30 flights during training, but we can’t guarantee a first flight or a particular number of flights.
What are the age and physical requirements?
We prefer students to be 18 or older. We may consider students ages 16–17 with a parent or guardian’s consent. There is no set upper age limit; we look at each person’s ability to participate safely.
Foot launch is more physically demanding. You need to carry the motor and gear, typically around 50–70 pounds, control the wing, and run a short distance for takeoff. Good balance and coordination also matter.
A trike removes the need to carry the motor and run for takeoff, but wheel-launch pilots still need good health, quick reactions, and awareness of their surroundings. Contact us if you’re unsure which training style is a good fit.
Is paramotoring safe?
Paramotoring has real risks, and the decisions you make have a major effect on how much risk you take. Good habits include maintaining and inspecting your gear, respecting your personal weather limits, keeping enough altitude and a safe landing option, and getting proper instruction before trying new maneuvers.
Flying in conditions beyond your ability, flying low, attempting acrobatics without appropriate training and altitude, or flying over water without proper precautions all increase risk.
At Launch PPG, we teach students to recognize those situations and to be willing to stay on the ground when conditions aren’t right.
What equipment do I need for training?
You don’t need to buy equipment before training. Launch PPG provides everything you need during the course, including a helmet. Training first lets us see how you handle the wing and what kind of pilot you’re becoming, so we can help match you with appropriate gear afterward.
For a personal setup, we consider a motor, wing, helmet, strobe light, and reserve parachute essential. The wing and reserve need to be appropriate for your weight, and the reserve must be properly installed. During simulator training, you’ll also practice throwing a dummy reserve.
Can I train in bad weather?
We typically conduct flight training when winds are under 8 mph, but wind speed alone doesn’t determine whether conditions are suitable. We also consider gusts, turbulence, changing weather, and each student’s stage of training. Learning when not to fly is an important part of becoming a pilot.
When conditions aren’t suitable for flying, we may use the time for ground school or simulator practice. Weather can delay flights and affect how long training takes.
Do I need a PPG certification?
PPG pilot ratings are voluntary, and completing training does not automatically give you one. We often recommend pursuing a rating if you plan to fly away from home and rent gear. A rental provider may use your rating to help assess your experience and skills, but each provider makes its own rental decisions.
Ratings can also help document your progress if you later pursue tandem flying or an instructor rating.