• Personal Flight! Wow I love the sound of that. Ever since I was a little kid I wanted to flap my arms and take to the skies.
Unfortunately and sometimes painfully that wasn't the case. But now, there's an inexpensive, fun and exciting way to get you up in the skies. It's called Paragliding and my favorite Powered Paragliding.
There are many things to learn about this form of aviation, and I can only offer a very small reference point for some of them here.
But, perhaps it is enough to get some of you excited about touching cloud base, and go soaring with our feather friends.

• Paragliding or Paramotors?

Paragliders are perhaps the most individual and portable of all personal aircraft. Paragliders usually are flown from hills or mountains, or can be towed aloft using a special winch. Paragliders pilots need to find "thermals", this is warmer rising air coming from the side of ridges and mountain slopes that provide lift. Once lift is found the pilot can stay aloft sometimes for hours, this is known as soaring.
Without lift, the paraglider will gently glide, gradually descending toward the ground.

A powered paraglider, or paramotor as is also known, is an engine on your back. This backpack-style aircraft, is designed to be flown with most paraglider wings. For me it is the perfect personal aircraft. Powered Paragliding (PPG) provides a level of freedom not found on any other type of flying machine, considering cost, equipment and maintenance. You don't even need a hill, mountain or even thermals to climb into the sky.
Your engine, wing and safety equipment will fit in the truck of a midsize car! Where else could you get more flexibility in an aircraft?

There are no licenses required to fly either system. But training from a certified professional instructor is a must!
These two sports are very similar in some regards, but there are some basic differences.
Flying in general requires a calm individual and attention to detail. The most important thing to remember is TRAINING!
Learning to fly a Power Paraglider or Paraglider will require about a week of training.

* If you know the source of some of these pictures, please let me know. I would like to give credit to the photographers and or pilots. Thank you.

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• Wings

There are perhaps hundreds of 'wings' or sails in the market today, which I think is a marvelous thing.
However, it can also be very confusing for the beginner or the person thinking about exploring the sport.
I spent many hours reading magazines and talking to people about the best wing for me. I endorse doing your homework.

Perhaps the best way to determine the perfect wing for you, is with your instructor.
He will be able to help you select the best equipment for you.
Nothing can be safer and more educational than exploring and learning about the many products in the market,
than with a professional.
There are many factors to consider while choosing equipment; from the level of your skill right down to your weight.
So I recommend talking to an expert about obtaining the right gear for you.

You will hear names such as Gin, Sol, SuperX, Firebird, Wills Wing etc. All of those names and many others represent the very best the industry can offer.
I will try to depict some of the most popular and reliable wings for you.
Perhaps my small comparison table will offer you a list to choose from or a reference point to get you started.

PARAGLIDER MANUFACTURER AND WINGS:

Wing's level of skill rating: DHV

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• Motors

Perhaps the reason I find Paramotoring so appealing, is the fact that you can find a spot with the proper conditions to fly and in a matter of minutes you are airborne! Think of the possibilities.
There are several wings and motors designed to provide you with the right elements for a safe and enjoyable flight.
Some wing manufacturers do not test their wings for a motorize rating. The best way to find what wing is right for PPG is to contact your instructor or a dealer.
Reflex, La Mouette, Aranda and Fly Castelluccio are some of the pioneer names in Power Paragliding.
If you are interested in finding out who makes the best rig for you, I recommend joining a local PPG club or on the Internet.
You can ask to join the mailing list of pilotsppgclub I think it is an excellent source of information.

As fun as this sport is, is not necessarily cheap. Compared to any other motorized air sport is certainly the least expensive, but it will set you back between $4,500 to $11,000. There are some excellent used equipment out there, but you must be very careful. You may be buying someone else's' problems.

POWER PARAGLIDER MANUFACTURERS:

The following are a few examples of the most popular motors in the market. You should visit the manufacturers
and other sources of information, for the latest tests, specs and pricing information.

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• Schools

I feel fortunate to live in Utah, one of the premier places in the world to practice Paragliding and Power Paragliding, is Point of The Mountain.
There are several schools and some say is also the residence of some of the best pilots in the industry.
Once again I would like to stress the extreme importance of good instruction.
Making mistakes in the air are a whole different thing than making them in the ground. The best local schools are:

Utah

Elsewhere

After determining which sport you would like to become part of, visit your local school.
The following are some questions you should ask your potential instructor:

• How long has he been teaching?
• Try go get referrals from some past students, that are still flying
• Would they help you to evaluate your personal equipment?
• Would they back their products with a warranty?
• Does your potential instructor offer safety clinics?
• How big are the classes?
• Do they use the latest techniques?

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• Books To Read

Read, read read! I can't stress this enough. Reading about some one else's experiences will give you a platform and point of reference for your own situation. But, do not get to bugdown in so many details that prevents you from having a wonderful experience.

There are many magazine, journals and web sites that will be a treasure of information on the many techniques on what to do as well as what NOT to do.
Your instructor should be a fountain of information for a safe and enjoyable hobby. Some great publications that I consider a MUST for new and experience pilots:

• Power Paragliding Pilot Training Manual - A.S. Rossin-Arthiat
• Paragliding The Complete Guide - Noel Whittall
• Understanding The Sky - Dennis Pagen
• Going Up in a Parachute - Thomas Tate
• Paramotoring From the Ground Up - Noel Whittall

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• Best Places To Fly

The United States of America offers some of the most breathtaking views in the world, but when viewed from the air, they become almost outworldly. I have had the opportunity to visit some of the places described below. Obviously words could never do justice to the beauty and splendor that these places offer.
You will find many wonderful places around the world that will beckon you to visit and enjoy the freedom of personal flight.

I hope to offer a small guide to some of these locations on the list below.
Please, if you have some amazing flying destinations, share them with us.

PARTIAL LIST OF THE BEST PLACES TO SPREAD YOUR WINGS:

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• Upcoming Events & News Ticker

There are hundreds of flying events taking place almost every week somewhere in the United States and Canada.

I hope to get some of these events dates correct, and send you to the right place. Just CLICK on the Calendar to find out what's going on and where. If you know of other events. Then please let me know and I'll do my best to post them.

Thanks and have fun

ANN NewsTicker:

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