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Learning to Fly a
Powered Paraglider (PPG) in
Canada.
PPG's are classified as the
safest form of Aviation in the
world.
No airport needed - low
cost - easy training.
There are three main types of
paragliding training courses !
1. Foot Launched Paragliding
(PG): the first type of (non
motorized)
Paragliding, where traditionally
you walk to a hill top or
mountain to launch A non
powered foot launch paragliding
course will take from 10~14 days
to complete as there are many
ground handling skills as well
as safety procedures to learn as
you are reliant on wind and
weather conditions more so then
the following two methods.
2. Foot Launched Powered
Paragliding (PPG): "Powered
Paragliding", depending on your
Instructor, Location and
Weather, a foot launched Powered
Paragliding License course will
also take from 4~7days to
complete as there are also many
ground handling skills as well
additional safety procedures to
learn when using an engine &
glider combination.
3. Wheeled Launched
Powered Paragliding (WPPG):
In recent times Quad & Trike
paragliding are rapidly becoming
the new breed of Powered
Paragliding with specific
Wheeled training programs that
are fast becoming popular, they
are designed to help speed the
learning process and have you up
in the air on your way with
powered flights as quickly and
as safely as possible.
The principle difference with
WPPG is less emphasis is placed
on learning ground handling
skills, you will have the
ability to perform a lot simpler
launches & landings as you don't
have to concentrate on inherent
difficulties/problems of
running, tripping, nil wind
etc.. In short a wheel launch
would suit a less agile,
adventuress or older type
person.
NB: Either way you should
familiarize yourself with the
Engine/Cage/Quad assembly,
disassembly, starting, throttle
control, power cut off, fuel/oil
mixing, maintenance, torque and
thrust effects, special dangers
etc. As well as the practical
work, you will have to learn
some basics in the following
subjects: principles of flight,
meteorology, aviation law and
navigation, most of these are
covered in "The Powered
Paragliding Bible",
this great book is a must have
for any pilot.
Existing Aviation background:
If you already have an aviation
background, your learning curve
will be accelerated and
typically an established pilot
or paraglider pilot (no engine)
will be able to “get an
endorsement” in a couple of
days.
No Aviation background: A
complete beginner with no
aviation background may need
upwards of 4~7 days depending on
the course,weather and your skill. Again
the only exception to this rule
is the use of a Quad Buggy
(wheel launch) as this takes a
lot of the essential ground
handling skills out of the
equation, but don't be fooled
into thinking all is safe, what
ever goes up will eventually
come down, incorrect pilot input
in many occasions cause
malfunctions to the wing, the
good news is inherently a glider
wing will self correct.
What are the legalities
of flying?
Paramotor registration &
Licensing in Canada is
controlled by Transport Canada.
All aircraft must be
registered and all Pilots
licensed.
NB: Landowner’s
permission is required for take
off and landing not on your
property.
Learning to Fly a
Powered Paraglider:
Foot launch inherently
requires a larger degree of
fitness and mental agility,
although a PPG's are relatively
easy to fly, it is nonetheless
still “Aviation”.
The
pilot’s attitude
to safety and
airmanship is what ensures an
accident free flying career,
remember “there are old
pilots and there are bold
pilots", look at this sport
as if you have two bags, one
filled with luck & the other is
somewhat empty of experience,
the idea is to gain all the
experience before running out of
luck !
For foot launch especially you
really need to learn to control
a paraglider very well before
you embark on any Paramotoring.
Inflation techniques (getting
the canopy to rise overhead),
launching, turning, controlling
flying speed, landing approach,
landing, and canopy handling
once landed are all skills which
need to be mastered. When
proficiency has been reached in
control & inflation elements,
then you should be able to
tackle powered flight.
What Qualifications do I
get ?
Transport Canada the regulating
body in Canada on completion of
your completed training and
testing, issues a ultra light
permit (restricted to powered
paragliding. Transport Canada
also looks after the
accreditation, training and
licensing of instructors.
A basic powered paragliding unit
with options including engine,
frame & cage, harness, pull
start, propeller and glider will
cost approximately $6500.00
delivered to your door.
A Sad note: There are schools
& trainers in Canada that
arrogantly decline to train you
unless you purchase their
equipment as part of their
package deal, this is
understandable if students
wanted to use dodgy self made or
unsafe secondhand equipment,
although that is sometimes not
the main reason. For some it may be all about
making more money from you & not
giving you the ability to
genuinely shop around.
Canadian ParaToys offers to
train anyone on safe beginner
equipment, regardless of the
brand.
We hope this type of negative
mentality will abate and those
trainers will concentrate on
safe training and
developing/growing our sport.
Canadian ParaToys Powered Paragliding (PPG)
Training courses.
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