Interested in the cheapest form of aviation? Ask your questions here!
Paramotoring, or Powered Paragliding, is an amazing sport — the cheapest way to fly! The gear is also very compact and there's no licensing in the United States (although training is strongly recommended).
There's a nice brochure here with some of the more frequently asked questions. But also please feel free to ask below and I (or someone else) will try to answer! :)
Note: I realize this is a niche community, so feel free to ask even if this post is old!
I find all of this impossibly interesting and very tempting, but I gotta ask; ballpark figure, what's the likelihood of an idiot like me killing myself doing this?
The main way people die in this sport is doing completely avoidable things such as flying over water (drowning) without taking proper precautions (floatation and boat support).
Another large source of injuries is by starting the paramotor on the ground, instead of on your back. If you start it on the ground, it can be hard to keep the propeller away from body parts with a runaway throttle. But if you start it on your back, the issue is a mere annoyance and not dangerous at all. Again, completely avoidable problem!
With good training, you'll know the risks and how to be a conservative, safe pilot.
Also worth noting that renting gear is sometimes included in training fees. So you don't have to buy outright, and your instructor can help you choose safe, appropriate gear when the time comes.
And also if you're on a budget, your instructor will be able to help you find safe used gear (there's a lot of 💩 gear people are trying to unload online).
Whatever you do, do not buy gear before starting instruction! I've seen many time people buy gear online that's completely inappropriate for them before seeking training.
Effectively no. I think you can technically fly up to 18,000 ft (class E airspace), but pretty much all paramotor pilots will never fly anywhere close to that high.
Besides, it's pretty boring and cold. All the fun is flying down low by the trees, fields, outcroppings etc :-)
Is that I assume that is 18,000 MSL not AGL right?
That makes sense. Though it seems kinda fun to do once just to see how high they will go. I might have to see if there is a school near me. I might be able to pull off affording one.
Hey just found this community! How expensive is the cheapest way to fly? I'm sure there's many price points but maybe just an on average? And is the fan powered via motor or battery?
Probably about $10,000 US to get training and initial gear. However depending on your instructor you can pay as you go, for example pay training in chunks, then afterwards rent gear from your instructor, save and buy wing, then save and buy motor.
If you want to get in to the hobby, check out what instructors are in your area, if they are any good they would be happy to have you come out and show you around, answer your questions etc.