clareprop

As a PPL, I'm aware of our statutory limitations on proximity to buildings, people etc but I don't know how they apply to powered paragliders...and I've tried to find out with no success. I'm sure I could contact Belgrano but don't want to just yet.
The problem...a large field behind us has been increasingly used by these chaps with no problem until this week. Now, there are about 10 of them and they are doing low-flying, swooping etc which is fine but increasingly, some are actually going over the village at 100ft or less.

Sorry if this isn't quite the thread but I thought someone might have a bit of knowledge on the subject.

ADIS5000

clareprop,

I've looked in the ANO at work and its not totally clear. If paragliders are officially classified as Powered Lift (Tilt Rotor) machines then unless they are a) Hill soaring or b)Taking off and landing then they are not permitted to do what you describe. However, if they are not officially classified as Powered Lift (Tilt Rotor) (see CAP393 Schedule 2) then I'm pretty sure that they do not come under any other type of aircraft classification and as such may well be exempt from the normal rules of the ANO. Anyhow that's how this Air Trafficker reads it! Guess the next step is to try the BMAA web site forum and see if anyone there could confirm what their offical classification is.

Regards, ADIS

magpienja

Maybe worth having a quite chat with them pointing out that SOME people may complain, and just to be careful were they fly,

Even pointing out what a hard job GA guys have keeping the locals onside.

Nick.

vincegod

If it's paramotors then try this site Lemmings it could be them or they might know of the pilots.

If it's paragliders then contact the BHPA.

Nothing to do with the BMAA and yes they still need to stick to the 500' rule.

Vince

clareprop

Thanks for your answers. After checking further, it seems they have the same restrictions as microlights...no overflying of populated areas, VMC etc.
The sport looks to be quite fun but as always a few can spoil it for others so I think quiet words might be the answer.
However, I fairly sure that if we flew our Pup at that height, next to the village neaest to us, we'd be getting a rather more formal visit.

vincegod

re: "no overflying of populated areas" Gliders have never had this restriction and as Paramotors and Paragliders are classed as gliders they do not too. They still need to be able to glide clear and have a minimium height above the built up area they need to stick to. They can break the 500' rule when ridge soaring so unless you have a ridge near by they are breaking the ANO.Paramotors like to do a lot of low level flying (ie 5') but should respect others and do it out of the way. Please have a word with them and point out the problems they could be causing.Vince(GA, Microlight and Paramotor flyer)PS: These are NOT Microlights and come under glider rules

aviate1138

I think they do it because once at 500 feet at their speed, the world stands still. The only time they feel they are moving is when about 5 feet from the ground or downwind in a gale
[at about 50 feet!]. There seems to be a cache of them just off the A31 Hog's Back and it makes some idiot drivers accident prone trying to catch a glimpse through the roadside hedges. Parathingies take a long time to cover any ground but it looks like fun. If I can throw off a few decades I might be tempted.......but then again give me a stick and some levers and switches to push/pull and a couple of rudder pedals.