Is
a license required to fly an MPG?
In
Malaysia, no license is required,
however, training is highly recommended.
Can
an MPG be flown in the Kuala Lumpur
city area?
There
are many areas where flying is
restricted both in cities and
near airports. However, permission
(a NOTAM) can be obtained from
the Malaysian Department of Civil
Aviation (DCA) on a case-by-case
basis for specific events as required.
There are many areas around KL
and Malaysia, however, where MPG's
can be safely and legally flown.
How
long does it take to learn to
fly?
For
a complete novice, it takes around
5 to 10 days to achieve complete
freedom on a paramotor. These
training days typically consist
of controlling the wing on the
ground and short paraglider flights
on a hill. After this, a student
will move on to radio-instructed
paramotor flights. In around 4-5
days, it is possible to finish
a basic course. Subsequently,
advanced training courses are
highly recommended.
What
is the maximum wind speed a paramotor
can fly in?
At
the maximum speed of the paraglider
wing. Their speeds are between
20 km/h = minimum speed) and 45
to 50 km/h, this depends on the
type of wing. The average speed
is around 40 km/h. Contrary to
what might be thought, a more
powerful engine will not make
for a faster ride, but it will
offer a quicker climb to altitude.
No matter which engine is used,
the horizontal air speed will
always be the same if using the
same wing.
How
high can they fly?
MPG's
have a safe maximum altitude of
about 10,000' (300m). However,
the most fun and entertaining
flying is "low and slow";
MPG's can be flown safely only
a few meters above the ground
though they are most often flown
at an altitude of about 30-100
meters for the best view.
What
is the flying range of a paramotor?
This
depends essentially on the weight
of the pilot, the performance
of the chosen wing, and of course
on the quantity of fuel on board.
A "typical" paramotor,
that is to say one using a canopy
of reasonable performance, with
a flier whose weight is in a reasonable
range for the machine, will use
between 3 to 4 litres of fuel
per hour on average, giving around
1h30 range with a 5-litre fuel
tank, twice that with a 10-litre
tank.
Can
an MPG carry a passenger?
An
MPG can be fitted with a tandem
harness allowing a pilot to fly
with a passenger. Total take-off
weight restrictions apply depending
on canopy size and engine power.
What
happens if the engine stops?
Paraglider
wings perform much the same as
a normal parachute. In the engine
stops or it runs out of petrol,
the MPG will glide safely to the
ground.
Which
type of fuel does it use?
Any
car petrol is suitable, used in
a mixture with synthetic 2-stroke
oil beginning at 4% for a new
motor, then 3%, finally 2% mixture
(= 1/25, 1/33, and then 1/50).
It is very important to add synthetic
oil or mineral oil at 4% (1/25)
in normal use to avoid overheating
or seizing problems. There is
almost no other maintenance required
to these motors, which are extremely
robust.
How
much does a paramotor weight?
Paramotors
range from 16 kg, up to a maximum
of around 35kg. Weight is very
critical as a too heavy paramotor
is very difficult for ground handling
and takeoff. Once in the air,
the combined weight of paramotor
an pilot, is suspended by the
wing - just like sitting in an
armchair! Although minimum weight
is important, a paramotor must
have enough power for the pilot
and aircraft. Around 4 kg for
every 5 litres of fuel must be
added to calculate the overall
takeoff weight.
Which
type of paragliding canopy can
be used with a paramotor?
Any
paraglider designed and constructed
for foot launching can be used,
although the best are those modified
specifically for paramotoring.
Ozone wings offer several specialized
wings including the "Vibe"
with special paramotor risers.
Is
it possible to take off from anywhere?
Yes,
technically, it is possible to
take off from almost anywhere,
as long as conditions are right;
taking off into the wind, not
set up in the wind shadow of a
mountain, building or similar.
For utmost safety, always fly
in good weather conditions. A
football pitch size field is an
example of a suitable paramotor
take-off area. Usually, it is
not legally permissible to take-off
"just anywhere"; notably
too close to towns, and of course
near airfields or in restricted
areas. Local rules and airspace
restrictions around the flying
area must be checked. Every country
has different air laws; and while
the general guidelines are the
same worldwide, local details
may differ. |
|
 |
|
