Help & FAQs

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Frequently Asked Questions

Paramotoring

What type of people learn how to Paramotor?

The type of people who learn to Paramotor is quite literally anyone! As an International School, we've trained a lot of people from many countries around the world, with the highest percentage coming from the UK, Ireland, Sweden, Norway, India, USA, Holland, Spain, France and the Middle East. Out of our 1500+ students, their ages have ranged from 16 to 70 years old and in recent years, we have taught an increasing number of Women, which is fantastic for the sport. Even though SkySchool is a British company and teaches predominantly in English, we also have Instructors who speak Spanish, Portuguese, Turkish and French.

What is the range of a paramotor?

Most Paramotors have a range of between and 2 and 3 hours. However, this depends upon the size of the fuel tank, the weight of the pilot, the size and performance of the wing, and the type of flying the Pilot is doing. When flown correctly Paramotor, pilots can cover several hundred kilometres by using stronger winds at altitude to help increase their ground speed.

Is there a weight limit for a Paramotor?

There currently is not a weight limit for a Paramotor, but different weights require different Paramotoring Equipment. At SkySchool we can teach students weighing up to 130kgs. Anymore than this, we would require bespoke equipment which will need to be ordered in advance of a Course. For those weighing over 130kgs, they may be better off sitting a ParaTrike course as ParaTrikes have more powerful engines and larger wings, meaning they can take Pilots weighing up to 150kgs.

Is Paragliding safer than Skydiving?

Paramotoring is in fact safer than both Paragliding and Skydiving statistically. This is because Paramotor Pilots do not require strong winds or thermals in order to fly, nor are they reaching terminal velocity or landing at high speeds.

Is Paragliding Safe?

Paramotoring is in fact safer than Paragliding. This is because Paramotor Pilots who have received the correct training and fly with good Equipment, only tend to fly when the wind is low at the beginning and end of the day when there are no thermals. However, Paraglider Pilots rely on either stronger wind speeds or relatively unstable air in the form of thermals in order to maintain and gain altitude. This increases the risk of the wing having a deflation, as the air is more turbulent, which a Paramotor Pilot can easily avoid.

I have a physical disability, can I learn to fly a ParaTrike?

We offer ParaTrike Courses for those with a physical disability now that single seat ParaTrikes, weighing less than 65kgs, have been deregulated in the UK. Ever since the Flying for Heroes project in 2014, SkySchool has been involved in teaching those with physical disabilities how to fly and we currently offer bespoke ParaTrike Training courses in Italy.

How far can you go on a paramotor?

The world distance record for the furthest flight on a Paramotor is 1,105km set by Ramon Morillas in 2007. However, he was flying with a 50 litre fuel tank and had a strong tail wind. On average, most Paramotors have a flight time of between 2 and 3 hours and Pilots tend to fly either out and return or triangle cross country routes, which means they do not cover as much distance. When flying an A to B route downwind Pilots have been know to fly several hundreds of kilometres.

How dangerous is a Paramotor?

As a sport, Paramotoring is effectively as safe as you are. However, the Paramotor itself is inherently dangerous when used incorrectly or started on the ground. When used correctly, Paramotoring and the Paramotor is safe, as long as you receive professional instruction, obey the safety rules, respect the weather and always start the engine on your back!

Do you teach people how to Paraglide in the UK as well?

In the UK, we use some very low hills that allows students to take off, fly up 2m above the ground and land with just the Paraglider. However, we do not teach any ridge soaring or other aspects of Paragliding.

Do you run ParaTrike courses in the UK?

We run 6 day ParaTrike courses in the UK and 12 day ParaTrike courses in Spain where the weather is more predictable.

Do you need a license to operate a Paramotor?

In the UK, you do not require a license to fly a Paramotor as they are deregulated under the Air Navigation Order. However you must still obey the Air Law regulations in order to remain legal, all of which is covered during your SkySchool Paramotor course. In order to be safe as possible, it is recommended that you complete the full APPI PPG Pilot course and attain the license. This also allows you to fly legally and take out insurance in certain other countries around the world.

Do I need to learn how to Paraglide first?

You do not need to learn how to Paraglide first before going on a Paramotoring course. It is a common misconception that you need to have flown a Paraglider before learning to Paramotor, however this is not the case. The APPI PPG training system uses hand towing to teach complete beginners. It is an excellent method, as it allows the student to simulate the body position required to take off with a Paramotor, while also practising how to steer and land the Paraglider, all within a controlled environment. Paragliding requires a very different body position during take off and students with previous paragliding experience have been know to struggle to adjust their body position for Paramotoring.

Are Powered Paragliders safe?

Powered Paragliders are as safe as the pilot flying them. If the pilot has received safe and professional training, brought the right equipment, obeys the safety and legal rules of the dountry in question, then they will have many years flying Powered Paragliders safely. The moment that a pilot ignores one of these, then the risk is increased and accidents can occur.

Ordering

Can I cancel my order?

We completely get it, we change our minds too! Please get in touch as soon as possible and we will do our best - however if we have already packed and dispatched your order, a cancellation will not be possible.

Should the item(s) not work out, make sure to exchange for a preferred style or return for a refund.

What if I want to speak to someone?

We want to speak to you too! Contact us with any questions, concerns, or feedback. We will be sure to get back to you within 48 hours. However, please note that inquiries sent on Fridays will receive a reply the following Monday, but possibly sooner.

Shipping

What countries do you ship to?

We currently only ship equipment to the United Kingdom. To enquire about shipping to a different destination, please contact us.

How long will it take to receive my order?

Standard shipping normally takes 3-5 days.

Returns and Refunds

How do I return a product?

Items must be returned within 30 days after receiving your order. Items must be returned in the same condition in which they were received, be unworn/unused, have any tags still attached, and include all the original packaging.

How long will it take to receive my refund?

Refunds are processed within 7 days from when we receive the item(s).

Still looking for answers?

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