Paramotoring, or Powered Paragliding, is an amazing sport — the cheapest way to fly! The gear is also very compact and there’s no licensing in the United States (although training is strongly recommended).

There’s a nice brochure here with some of the more frequently asked questions. But also please feel free to ask below and I (or someone else) will try to answer! :)

Note: I realize this is a niche community, so feel free to ask even if this post is old!

  • thesporkeffect@lemmy.world
    2·
    2 years ago

    Cutting to the chase: Cost (New): $4500-$12,000 Motor, $1700-$4500 Wing, $1200-$2500 Training, $1000-2500 cart (optional)

    • aeharding@lemmy.worldOPM
      1·
      2 years ago

      Yeah, that checks out!

      Also worth noting that renting gear is sometimes included in training fees. So you don’t have to buy outright, and your instructor can help you choose safe, appropriate gear when the time comes.

      And also if you’re on a budget, your instructor will be able to help you find safe used gear (there’s a lot of 💩 gear people are trying to unload online).

      Whatever you do, do not buy gear before starting instruction! I’ve seen many time people buy gear online that’s completely inappropriate for them before seeking training.

  • Telcontar@lemmy.today
    1·
    2 years ago

    Hey just found this community! How expensive is the cheapest way to fly? I’m sure there’s many price points but maybe just an on average? And is the fan powered via motor or battery?

    I’d love to get into this hobby!

  • DaMonsterKnees@lemmy.world
    1·
    2 years ago

    I find all of this impossibly interesting and very tempting, but I gotta ask; ballpark figure, what’s the likelihood of an idiot like me killing myself doing this?

  • friend_of_satan@lemmy.worldEnglish
    0·
    8 months ago

    That is a great brochure.

    How can you know if you are allowed to fly at a certain location? When I was getting started with drone piloting, the regulatory aspects of it were incredibly frustrating, and overlapping jurisdictions make it seem like nobody knows what is and is not legal.

  • friend_of_satan@lemmy.worldEnglish
    0·
    8 months ago

    I have another question. Do you have to be part 107 certified to make money from work you do on a paramotor? Like if you go take photos or video, can you sell them without being part 107 certified?

    • aeharding@vger.socialM
      0·
      8 months ago

      It’s a grey area. You can’t get paid to fly or do specific things (like take pics of someone’s property), but you could get a free wing for a sponsorship. Or you could sell the pics you take from the air of beautiful scenery, as long as they were taken recreationally and not for a specific customer. Or you could make money from YouTube videos of flying recreationally. Part 103 has some clarifying materials on the specifics :)