Just to clarify the airlaw point. *copied verbatim from the October 2005 PFA magazine* - Hope this is OK Brian (yes, yes. Pun semi-intended!).

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Foot-Launched Powered Aircraft Now Under the ANO

Since 1996, powered hang-gliders and paragliders have operated in UK airspace under exemption from the Air Navigation Order (ANO), but with effect from 20th of August 2005, they are now defined in the ANO as 'self propelled hang-gliders' and subject to the same regulations as other gliders, regardless of whether they are flying powered or unpowered.

The CAA has drawn particular attention to two areas:

- The minimum age for a pilot is 16 years, and exactly the same rules apply to instructional flights when flown under power as when being flown unpowered;

- Pilots must comply with the Rules of the Air Regulations, including the 'low-flying rules' contained in Rule 5. This means for example, that flight in relation to built-up areas must be conducted so as to ensure that a landing can be made clear of the area in the event of engine failure.

John Hills, Head of the CAA's General Aviation Department, said: "I am very pleased that we have at last been able to recognise properly this branch of free flying in the legislation. It is essential that all instructors and pilots make sure that they understand the flying regulations and airspace rules that apply to their activities."

Pilots seeking more information should contact the CAA General Aviation Department on 01293 573316.

Interesting - I was just reading this this afternoon in the back of an Airbus, in Skywings, the British Hang Gliding & Paragliding Association's magazine.

The "low flying" rules were particularly well illustrated. There do seem to be more reported incidents of this type now that paramotors (and powered hang gliders to a lesser extent) are more common. There's a much greater tendency for paramotor pilots to "bimble around" and this will, I guess, naturally lead to more problems than for those of us, unpowered, who take off from a hill then try and stay as high as possible until we're forced to land.

Unfortunately, once you can launch a paramotor you're far less constrained by skill level than a cross-country paraglider pilot, who can only go anywhere by keen understanding of the air and their craft's behaviour in it; also powered paragliders are far less likely to fly in close company. I would suggest that both these mean that unpowered pilots (of the same type of craft) will, of necessity, develop better airmanship.

I'm not saying that paraglider pilots never, for example, clip airspace but every step is taken to minimise this, for example by insisting on additional exams for entering even informal cross-country competitions and the mandatory submission of GPS traces.

On the insurance and licencing questions, the vast majority of pilots are trained at approved schools, study exams including air law and have two million pounds worth of insurance.

I did fly a paramotor rig once but apart from it being cheating it was far too noisy and heavy for me to even consider getting one.

Cheers,

Rich.

A1 Paramotors
 

Hi

The paramotor pilot who you refer to was coming back into my Brooklands Farm Microlight strip which is between the A14 North and the A1.
It is the home of Paramotoring in the UK we have held some of the largest Fly In's and National Competitions at the field which has been
established for over 10 years at this site.
The approach back to the field from the Southwest brings the pilots in on the West side of the A1
as the East side of the A1 has a large lake to the south of the field so it is always safer to run alongside West side of the A1 before
turning in to the field.
The majority of Paramotor pilots in the Uk have had training and do know about the Air Law. Met. Nav. Weather etc. As we teach to pilots who train at the Paramotors UK. site.
Over the years all types of pilots have been converted to Paramotoring.

We do not fly oversized pillowcases LOL as one guy has stated on this link. But very high tech designed wings which have variable geometry adjustable in flight to suite conditions. each year they get more and more refined in there design.

The sport has been around for the past 25 years. and since the exemption was introduced in 1996 there has been no
deaths in the UK making us the safest form of aviation in the UK so we must all be doing it right.

Low flying is generally carried out on set aside fields either side of the main runway for safety reasons this is to get the student pilots used to
there landing approach without the need to use the main runway which can remain clear for Microlight use. For any of you who pass by the site
and are interested in seeing the sport close up please feel free to drop in you would be more than welcome. directions at the following www.paramotorsuk.co.uk

You could also see how we can actually fly below ground level now there is something which will leave you thinking.

Footlaunch1

Below sea level sure, I can understand that, but below ground level unless you've got a tunnel!

;) ;)

Stik

quote
Below sea level sure, I can understand that, but below ground level unless you've got a tunnel!

I will wait till a few more come up with there questions till I let on how we do it
:D