Here are some tips to start in paragliding and/or paramotor
Flying with a piece of tissue and a few cords is magic, whether with or without an auxiliary motor.
Paragliders and paramotors are recreational devices that can also be used in competition or in extreme sports.
This sport and its unique state of mind is quite simply a way of life that everyone dreams of.
Admiring the landscapes sitting on a chair in the middle of the sky provides a unique feeling of freedom that makes us want to share with you some tips that will allow you to make the most of our experience!
Tip N°01:
What are the age and weight limits?
In theory, there is no age limit and the weight limit goes up to 110kg
In practice our activities are more particularly intended for an audience of 6 to 99 years whose BMI (body mass incidence) does not exceed 35 because we must be sure that the seat size is adapted to the body of the person
- If your BMI (body mass index) = weight (kg) / height (m) ² is greater than 35 , it is better to come see us to try our equipment before buying your activity.
- Example : you weigh 110kg and measure 1.8m, everything is fine because your BMI = 34
Tip N°02:
Would I have vertigo
If you don't have vertigo in a plane, you won't get it with a wing because vertigo only appears when you are still.
If you have never taken a plane, choose a mini level 1 training with a 15 minute mini flight that can go down to 2 minutes if you should possibly feel bad ( first flight + )
Tip N°03:
I have no experience. Which training should I start with?
Paragliding and paramotor are more and more popular sports and you can see them flying around you regularly.
To discover these unforgettable sensations too, 2 choices are available to you:
- If you want to fly immediately and learn to steer a wing, you can start with a first flight +.
- If you prefer to fly without being accompanied by an experienced pilot, a theoretical and practical training which will allow you to fly on your own is offered in the form of a initiation course of 5 sessions. During your first flights and taking into account the little experience you will have at the end of this training, you will be put in optimal aerological conditions for your safety.
Tip N°04:
Do I have to do a tandem flight before registering for an introductory course?
The fastest way to discover the sky is to make a
first flight +. This mini training allows you to escape, accompanied by a licensed pilot, the time to discover the benefits of this sport and to understand how our wings are able to fly.
If you are wondering why birds sing while flying, you will know it with this sensational experience that is tandem flight.
During a
first flight + paragliding / paramotor the instructor will ensure the flight from takeoff to landing. he will offer you to pilot the machine and will explain how our wings do to fly, what their limits are and how they stay in the air.
If you are convinced that you want to learn to fly alone on board, a
first flight + is not mandatory and you can directly register for an introductory course.
It will allow you to discover the equipment that will be at your disposal, to learn the techniques of inflation of wings, take-off and landing. The practical courses will be supplemented by theoretical courses at the end of which your goal is to make your first flights alone on board.
Don't panic, during your first flights, you will be guided by radio from take-off to landing.
Warning : after an initiation course you will be able to take off, fly and land on an easy site with easy aerology but you will not yet be able to determine if the site and the aerology of the day are compatible with your level.
If you are fond of and want to continue training, several training options will be offered to you and you will then be able to acquire your own material knowingly.
Allow about fifteen additional sessions to feel really comfortable in the handling of the wing and the knowledge of the external elements to fly serenely and in complete safety mode.
Tip N°05:
Paragliding / Paramotor, what's the difference?
Paraglider pilots, with a few exceptions, mostly do descending flights, the duration of which depends on the height between takeoff and landing (sink rate 1m / s).
By adding an auxiliary engine to the wing (currently an 80cc 2-stroke engine) the paraglider becomes a paramotor thanks to which any novice pilot can fly for hours.
If the auxiliary engine is turned off or fails, the wing continues to fly like a paraglider.
When the paraglider take-off spot is not near the office, take off with a paramotor from a meadow or from its garden (you need a few meters like here:
https://youtu.be/Em0gaty0J28 ) is the ideal solution for flying almost every day.
Tip N°06:
Is it better to start with paragliding or paramotor?
Learn to ride a bike before going on a scooter : as soon as you are comfortable with your wing (count 5 to 10 sessions) you can add a motor because all that remains is to learn how to master a throttle control.
Tip N°07:
Is it possible to accompany a person who has an appointment for an activity?
No problem accompanying one or more people during level 1 activities (first flight + and discovery session) . However, it is more complicated to support people registered for level 2 and 3 training because of higher travel constraints.
Tip N°08:
How many days to be independent and receive a pilot's license?
Allow about 15 mornings of consecutive lessons to be confident with your equipment in an environment that you will not yet fully master.
You will be entitled to a patent but will then only be at the start of your autonomy.
After five mornings (level 2 course: initiation) you will be able to make your first big flight alone on board but accompanied with radio by your instructor (this first flight is generally done with a non-motorized paraglider).
Allow about ten additional mornings to obtain your Paramotor or Paratente pilot's license.
Flying is a commitment that requires knowing your specific material, the environment in which you fly and developing self-control.
By respecting the advice of your instructor while listening to your body and mind, you will reduce the risk of accidents and put the odds in your favor to fly for years.
Beginner level
You are a student in training
Intermediate level
Count 15 to 20 hours of flight to obtain your pilot's license
Advanced level
Beyond 100 flight hours you become an autonomous pilot
Guru level
Your level is that of an instructor
Tip N°09:
Do I have to buy my equipment before registering for a training?
Do not buy your equipment before the end of your introductory course (level 2)
The wing and possibly the engine must be adapted to your needs, your morphology and your character. It is for this reason that all the latest generation equipment is made available to you during an introductory course.
To choose the best equipment with which you can evolve alone or in training courses, take advantage of our advice and our long experience.
To fly you will need: a paraglider wing, a harness, possibly an auxiliary motor (to fly longer) and an emergency parachute.
You can complete your equipment with a helmet, a radio, a pair of gloves, a pair of sunglasses and suitable shoes.
Tip N°10:
Where can you find take-off spots to fly close to home?
Good news never comes alone, know that you will be able to join our club thanks to which you will be able to continue to evolve by taking advantage of the experience and advice of its members.
You can also
- Sharing unforgettable moments
- Discover new spots together
- Share your impressions and your experiences
- Travel differently and discover countries like you've never seen them
The mountainous reliefs were the first places where the flight in paragliding developed but with the explosion of the performances of the equipment, the best pilots are now able to fly for hours, without an auxiliary motor, taking off small drops of less than 100m (distance record in Moselle, 155km in 2001 and more than 200km in 2020).
Tip N°11:
Can I go with my equipment on vacation?
Yes :)
A backpack for the paraglider and possibly another backpack for the motor (it all fits in the trunk of a small car)
Tip N°12:
When can I start?
In Moselle, the season to learn to fly is generally between March and October, but your own availability will guide you in choosing the dates.
As for the weather, in the spring the aerology is generally more unstable, which favors long-distance flights but also local showers. In summer, the days are longer, barbecues are becoming more common, but it is also hotter on the grounds used by novice pilots. In autumn the aerological conditions are calmer, the air is less hot but the end of the season is fast approaching.
In short, each season has its advantages and disadvantages, but it is possible to learn to fly at any time.
We are open 7 days a week and offer training almost all year round.