Courses
This page describes the different types of courses we run in the UK, Portugal and Spain. To ask a question or to make a booking contact us.
Taster Course
The Taster Course is designed to introduce people to Paramotoring and is a great gift to give to almost anyone. The voucher can be used to upgrade to our longer Beginner Paramotor Course (see below).
Training consists of learning how to control the Paraglider and Paramotor on the ground, as well as some basic theory. If the weather is suitable students have the opportunity to get airborne with just the wing by being towed up to 5m above the ground. It is not designed to get people flying a Paramotor solo!
The Taster Course lasts 2 days, takes place over weekends in the UK only and costs £350.
Beginner Paramotor Course
The Beginner Paramotor Course is designed to get people flying a Paramotor solo at least once!
The prices for the Beginner Course vary depending upon the location. They take place in the UK, Portugal and Spain.
Training consists of ground handling, motor usage training, basic theory and usually culminates in at least one solo flight. At the end students can progress on to the Intermediate Paramotor Course.
Intermediate Paramotor Course
The Intermediate Paramotor Course is designed to qualify students as APPI PPG Pilots. To sit this course students need to have flown a Paramotor solo at least once.
The prices for the Intermediate Course vary depending upon the location. The intensive courses take place in Portugal and Spain. In the UK the Intermediate Course is run on an Ad Hoc day-by-day basis.
Training consists of multiple flight that involve low level flying, precision landings and cross country tasks. The course also covers further theory on meteorology, air law, navigation and general information, at the end of which is the Pilot Exam.
Students need to complete a minimum of 15 solo flights, log at least 3 hours and pass the exam to attain the APPI PPG Pilot License. Once qualified, pilots can fly without an instructor and take out insurance with AXA.
Paramotor Pilot Course
The Paramotor Pilot Course is a combination of the Beginner and Intermediate courses, as described above. It is designed to allow complete beginners to attain the APPI PPG Pilot License.
The prices for the Paramotor Pilot Course vary depending upon location. They take place over 2 weeks in Portugal and Spain. It is possible to split the course between the UK and Europe. It is also possible to sit the Beginner Course intensively and then the Intermediate Course on an Ad Hoc basis in the UK.
Students need to complete a minimum of 15 solo flights, log at least 3 hours and pass the Pilot Exam to attain the Pilot License. Once qualified, pilots can fly without an instructor and take out insurance with AXA.
ParaTrike Courses
We run Beginner ParaTrike Courses in the UK. They are designed to get complete beginners flying solo at least once. After this is it possible to complete the Intermediate Course on an Ad Hoc basis when the weather is good in order to qualify as an APPI ParaTrike Pilot.
It is also possible for students to have 1-on-1 training in Spain on their own equipment. To discuss this in more detail contact us.
The course follows the APPI ParaTrike syllabus. Students need to complete a minimum of 15 solo flights, log at least 3 hours and pass the Pilot Exam to attain the APPI ParaTrike Pilot license. Once qualified, pilots can fly without an instructor and take out insurance with AXA.
APPI Online Theory Courses
SkySchool is associated with APPI Power and follows the APPI PPG and APPI ParaTrike training syllabuses, the most modern and internationally recognised training syllabuses in the world.
We also have our own Online Paramotor Theory course that includes videos of the lectures, short quizzes, downloadable PDFs, the Pilot Exam and more. It is an excellent way for students to gain theoretical knowledge while learning the sport's terminology before starting their practical course. It does not replace training with a qualified Instructor!
The course is available worldwide and costs $135. We suggest you watch the Course Tutorial before enrolling on the APPI PPG Theory Course.
SkySchool's Top Tips
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I Learn to Paramotor?
Where can I Learn to Paramotor?
At SkySchool, we run Paramotor Courses in the UK, Portugal and Spain. The UK courses take place at Hinton in the Hedges Airfield near Banbury in Oxfordshire. The Portugal courses take place at Ferrel near Lisbon. The Spain courses take place at Lake Bornos, about an hour south of Seville.
Is learning to Fly a Paramotor hard?
Is learning to Fly a Paramotor hard?
Learning to fly a Paramotor can be very easy for some people and quite hard for others. Due to the physical aspect of the sport, the fitter you are the easier it is to learn how to Paramotor initially. However, the Paramotor Course is designed to cater for those with different levels of fitness. Also, the Paramotor Course is designed to be run at the pace of the individual. If you are physically impaired it is possible to learn how to fly a ParaTrike. To discover more contact us.
How safe is it to fly a Paramotor?
How safe is it to fly a Paramotor?
Paramotoring is as safe as you are! Statistically, it is the safest form of Powered Flight. This is due to the slow speeds Paramotors fly at compared to other aircraft. If pilots ever experience an engine failure they simply glide under the Paraglider back to the ground. Most pilots only fly in suitable weather and in a responsible manner having received professional instruction and bought high quality equipment. As long as the Paramotoring community continues to follow these principles, the sport will maintain its high safety record.
How old do I need to be to learn how to Paramotor?
How old do I need to be to learn how to Paramotor?
You need to be at least 16 years old and have parental permission to sit a Paramotor Course with SkySchool. For those younger than 16 years old, we can provide ground-handling instruction and in some cases, Tandem flights, yet again with parental permission.
How long does it take to learn to Paramotor?
How long does it take to learn to Paramotor?
On average, it usually takes 6 days of training to learn how to fly a Paramotor solo. It usually takes 12 days of training to learn how to fly safely without an instructor and become a qualified pilot. At the end of the 12 day course, students should have completed at least 15 solo flights, logged more than 3 hours flying solo and passed the exam in order to attain the Pilot license.
Do I need to have a medical to sit a Paramotor Course?
Do I need to have a medical to sit a Paramotor Course?
You do not need to have a Medical to sit a Paramotor Course. However, if you have any health or physical issues, we suggest that you ask your GP for advice prior to sitting the course. If you are taking any medication or have an existing medical condition that may impede your training please let us know before booking a course.
Do I need to sit a Taster Course in the UK first?
Do I need to sit a Taster Course in the UK first?
No, you do not need to sit a Taster Course before your sit a Paramotor Course with SkySchool. The Taster course is designed as an introduction to the sport for those who have an interest in it and follows the first 2 days of the APPI PPG syllabus. They therefore make the ideal Gift.
Do I need a license to fly a Paramotor or ParaTrike in the UK?
Do I need a license to fly a Paramotor or ParaTrike in the UK?
You do not need a license to fly a Paramotor or ParaTrike in the UK. However, you do in certain other countries around the world. In the UK, the CAA has deregulated Paramotoring and ParaTriking, as long as the ParaTrike is single seat and weighs less than 75kgs. This means pilots can fly in open Airspace, known as Class G, during daylight hours and with land owners permission. Paramotor and ParaTrike pilots must also adhere to the Rules of Air Regulations, which include collision avoidance, the 500ft rule and Visual Flight Rules (VFR) that govern the procedures for flying outside controlled airspace under Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC). All of this is covered in Air Law lectures on the Online Theory course.
Why are Electric Paramotors not more popular?
Why are Electric Paramotors not more popular?
Electric Paramotors have a few fundamental shortcomings, namely their heavy weight, lack of thrust, short flight time and high price when compared to petrol driven Paramotors. As Paramotoring is still a developing Adventure Airsport with a relatively small, yet growing market, the manufacturers do not have the funds needed to research, develop and improve Electric Paramotor designs. The future is certainly Electric as there are several positive aspects, including a considerable reduction in noise and a reduced impact on the environment however the manufacturers will need to revolve the main issues of weight, thrust, endurance and price first before they become more popular.
Can I sit a ParaTrike course in Spain?
Can I sit a ParaTrike course in Spain?
Yes you can however the only way for us to run ParaTrike courses efficiently is with 1-on-1 training on your own equipment. Contact us to discuss this option in more detail.