Powered Paragliders

Taking Flight With Powered Paragliders

If you were the kind of kid who always dreamed about being able to fly, then powered paragliding is a dream come true. Sometimes Special Forces soldiers will use a powered paraglider on an important mission, but they are also an incredibly fun toy for the hobbyist. When you are ready to take flight and buy a new or used power paraglider, here are some things to know when making a selection on eBay.

Youll see several terms when shopping for a powered paraglider. You might see "paramotor." A paramotor usually refers to just the harness and propulsive part of the powered paraglider. There are two different kinds of paramotor: foot-launch and wheel-launch. If you see a paramotor for sale, then be advised that this will generally not include the paraglider. The "paraglider" is the parachute portion. If you see a powered paraglider for sale, then that typically means that it will include both the paramotor and the paraglider. You will sometimes see the term "powered parachute," which will usually mean the same thing as "powered paraglider." If you see a paraglider for sale, then that may mean that it is just the parachute portion, so it may not be powered at all.

When shopping for a powered paraglider, you might also want to look at accessories. Some accessories to pick up along with your new or used paramotor include storage bags, compasses, brake handles, and even in-flight toilet systems. You might also want to look into buying a paraglider training guide to use in connection with professional powered paraglider training.

As the names make clear, the big difference between these two types of paramotor is the launch mechanism. Another difference is weight. Foot-launch paramotors are quite a bit lighter. This makes it easier to carry, but it also means better fuel economy and a better glide ratio in the air. A foot-launch paramotor will also take up less storage space.

With a wheel-launch paramotor, you will need more "runway" space for takeoff, and the takeoff might be just slightly more involved than with a foot-launch. This is because there can be a tendency to tip. Youll also need more "runway" space when landing. One advantage of a wheel-launch paramotor is that they are accessible for those with mobility challenges. Both foot-launch and wheel-launch paramotors are a lot of fun. Ultimately it comes down to personal preference.