Frequently Asked Questions

ParaTactical provides a unique One-on-One training experience catered specifically to the requirements of each student pilot. Unlike most other training programs that give you a specific number of days to reach proficiency, we train to a specific standard regardless of training time. As our student pilots have varying backgrounds, some students may take additional training time to become proficient in various flight and academic tasks. ParaTactical will continue to work with the student pilot until proficiency in all skill areas have been achieved.

While no activity is risk free, Powered Parachute and Paramotor flight are amount the safest types of flight. These systems fly at relatively slow speeds and use the pendulum effect to maintain a vertical attitude without pilot input. Coupled with quality training, continued proficiency and flight within weather limitations, a pilot significantly minimizes accident risk when operating either a Powered Parachute or Paramotor system.

POWERED PARACHUTE:

A powered parachute is a powered aircraft comprised of a flexible or semi-rigid wing connected to a fuselage so that the wing is not in position for flight until the aircraft is in motion. The fuselage of a powered parachute contains the aircraft engine, a seat for each occupant and is attached to the aircraft's landing gear.

While in flight, and due to the design of the wing, PPCs effectively travel at a fixed airspeed, typically about 25–35 mph. PPCs operate safely at heights ranging from a few feet off the ground to altitudes as high as 10,000+ ft (3.05 km), but typical operating heights are between 500 and 1500 feet (150–500 meters) above ground level (AGL). Equipped with a 5-15 gallon fuel tank, PPCs can typically be flown for about two hours before requiring refueling while maintaining a fuel reserve.

Unique to a Powered Parachute is its steering control system. Unlike general aviation aircraft which are controlled primarily via hand, powdered parachute directional control is accomplished with the pilot’s feet leaving the hands to manipulated the throttle and front nose steering levers. This provides for much more simplistic system flight input and less pilot fatigue.

Powered Parachutes are available in two types: Ultralight and Light Sport.

Ultralight systems are single seat, carry a maximum of 5 US Gallons, weigh less than 254 pounds, and do not require an FAA Pilots License to fly.

Light Sport Systems generally have two seats, no limitation on fuel capacity and require the minimum of an FAA Sport Pilot License to operate.

The majority of Powered Parachutes use ROTAX engines. These engines are either 2-stroke or 4-stoke reciprocating powerplants produced by the Aviation Division of the ROTAX company. They typically have dual carburetors and dual ignition to provide increased redundancy. Most powered parachute engines produce 50 -100 horse power.

PARAMOTOR:

Paramotor is the generic name for the harness and propulsive portion of a powered paraglider ("PPG"). There are two basic types of paramotors: foot launch and wheel launch.

Foot launch models consist of a frame with harness, fuel tank, engine, and propeller. A hoop with protective netting primarily keeps lines out of the propeller. The unit is worn like a large backpack to which a Paraglider is attached through carabiners.

Wheel launch units either come as complete units with their own motor and propeller, or as an add-on to a foot-launch paramotor. They usually have 3 (trike) or 4 (quad) wheels, with a seat for one occupant. These are distinct from powered parachutes which are generally heavier, more powerful, and have foot-controlled steering.

Power plants are almost exclusively small two-stroke engines, between 80 cc and 250 cc.

The pilot controls thrust via a hand-held throttle and steers using the wing's brake toggles and weight shifting. This requires a continuous hands-up arm position and necessitates one hand manipulate both a throttle and steering input toggle simultaneously.

A typical paramotor weighs between 45 and 75 lbs. Fuel can add up to 20 additional pounds. The size of the paramotor wing and engine required depend on the weight of the pilot: the heavier the pilot, the larger the size of the wing and thrust required to launch.

All Paramotors fall under CFR 14, Part 103 (Ultralight). They are limited to one seat, a 5-gallon gas capacity and a maximum powered weight of 253 lbs. While two seat systems are available, pilots must maintain a United States Powered Paraglider Association Tandem and Instructor Rating and fly under an FAA wavier.

Training costs vary and depend upon several factors. Current ParaTactical prices are as follows:

Powered Parachute:

Ultralight Program with your equipment: $3500

Ultralight Program using our equipment: $5000

Paramotor:

Program with your equipment: $3500

System and Wing combinations vary from around $12,500 for quality used equipment to upwards of $45,000 for new.

Because the ParaTactical training philosophy focuses on “training to standard and not time”, we cannot train under an hourly schedule.

It depends on which training option you have selected.

All Paramotor student pilots will need to purchase their own equipment prior to training.

Ultralight Powered Parachute student pilots may use ParaTactical equipment for a fee during the training.

All student-provided equipment must be inspected prior to training, is required to be safe for flight operations, and appropriate for the pilot’s size. Fees apply to this inspection. It is strongly recommended that you consult ParaTactical prior to the purchase of any equipment.

PARATACTICAL IS NOT A DEALER FOR ANY BRAND. All student pilots are different. We advise students during training of various system options that would meet their physical, fiscal, and flight requirements.

Ultralight Programs are generally 4-7 “good weather” days.

ParaTactical runs contiguous training programs. Student will arrive on a Monday and train every day until complete. We can occasionally accommodate sequential weekend courses coordinated at time of scheduling.

ParaTactical Field is located 12 miles north of Elizabethtown, NC and 1 mile southeast of Ammon, NC. The training facility is located 7 miles from a major family-centric resort community (White Lake, NC). Many Student Pilots bring their family to enjoy the lake while the pilot is in training. Year-round lodging is available.

Contact ParaTactical for a free orientation. Upon completion of the orientation, we can discuss training availability.

Yes, Instructional Powered Parachute and Paramotor Tandem Flights are available for fee. Paramotor ($350); Powered Parachute ($450). Tandem Instructional Flights include 30 minutes of system orientation and 30 minutes of flight time.

Very calm. Powered Parachute and Paramotor flight normally occurs either early morning or late evening when the winds are calm creating a smooth and relaxing airborne experience.

During flight, Pilots are always on the lookout for safe landing areas. If the engine stops, the Pilot will glide the system to the ground. Many normal landings are conducted with power off. Most modern wings have between a 6:1 and 8:1 glide ratio that product soft controllable landings regardless of engine status.

Powered Parachutes and Paramotors are two axle aircraft or vehicles and fly at a fixed speed of approximately 25 to 35 mph.

Powered Parachute burn 3-4 gallons and have a fuel tank capacity of 5-10 gallons. Paramotors use around 2 gallon and hour and generally have a fuel tank capacity or 3.2 gallons. This allows for a maximum flight time of 1-2 hours while maintaining a 30-minute reserve.

While Ultralights are legal to fly to the upper limits of Class “E” airspace (17,999 msl), pilots can generally reach around 5000-10,000 feet depending on weight, weather, and system configuration.

Pilots can fly 25-50 miles on one tank of gas in a no wind environment depend on fuel tank size and burn rate.

As per the FAA, Ultralight Pilots can train themselves. However, this is EXTREMELY risky. Find a quality instructor, pay the money, and proceed through a regimented program. You will save money in the long run on broken equipment. Your training does not have to be with ParaTactical. There are a lot of very competent instructors. Find one that will work individually with you to achieve your flight goals.

While the answer to this question depends on the system configuration, wing size, and engine thrust, the below is a general guideline.

Powered Parachute: Up to 325 lbs.

Paramotor (Foot Launch): Less than 180 lbs.

Paramotor (Wheel Launch): Up to 225 lbs.

When appropriately weighted, Powered Parachutes and Paramotors can launch and land in relatively small spaces. However, pilots must take the time when launching to perform a final check on risers, wing lines, and wing cells to ensure the system is ready for flight.

A proficiency pilot can do this with a Paramotor in about 50-100 feet and with a Powered Parachute in about 300 feet.

Remember, you must always factor in runway obstacles. While you may be able to launch in 50 feet, it may take you 1000 feet to be able to clear the trees at the end of the runway.

Landings can be very short (pinpoint to 100 feet) depending on wing glide ratio, wind, and pilot proficiency.

No. Only FAA (Powered Parachute) and US Powered Parachute Instructors (Paramotor) can provide tandem flights for compensation. These flights must be conducted while in the performance of training.

Ultralight Pilots may not fly at night. Pilots can fly 30 minutes prior to official sunrise and 30 minutes after official sunset with an approved anti-collision light.

Reserves are not required. However, a Reserve is strongly recommended for Paramotor flight.

There is no minimum age for Ultralight Pilots. However, Student Pilots must demonstrate maturity and the ability to comprehend and retain operational and academic information.

No. Ultralight Pilots fly under their own cognoscente.

Pilots fly in a three-dimensional world with the additional of vertical space. Over 99% of the airspace in the United States is fly-able for Ultralight Pilots at some altitude. The key is to receive training on FAA Sectionals and other key items such as Temporary Flight Restrictions that will allow the pilot to understand where they can fly legally.