FAQ

Yes, in Canada a license is necessary. Only 5 hours of flight time and 30 take offs and landings are required. Your Instructor will help you get licensed when you do your training.

Transport Canada Ultra written test for license $125.00(one time fee)

Aircraft Registration $85.00 (one time fee)

Yearly membership with COPA $80.00 (allows you to purchase insurance)

Yearly Insurance $110.00 to $130

Do you Provide Training?

Fly High Paramotors provides Powered Paragliding training by a professional, certified by transport Canada instructor. Please email for more information and training scheduling.

What happens if the motor quits running?

Most normal powered paraglider landings are accomplished with the engine intentionally turned off. If the motor unexpectedly quits running, the pilot flies the paraglider normally, and glides for a routine landing.

How is a powered paraglider controlled?

Powered paragliders are turned by pulling down on the appropriate left or right control line that leads from the vicinity of the pilot's respective shoulder to the trailing edge of the paraglider on the respective side of the wing for the desired direction of turn. Climbs are accomplished by increasing the power output of the paramotor through the use of a hand held throttle. Descents are accomplished by reducing the power output of the paramotor through the use of the hand held throttle. To climb a PPG pilot increases power by squeezing the throttle. To descend a PPG pilot reduces power by relaxing pressure on the throttle. To turn left the pilot applies pressure to the left control handle and to turn right the pilot applies pressure to the right control handle. To reduce speed for landing, after gliding to within a few feet of the ground with the paramotor turned off, the PPG pilot applies pressure to both the left and the right control handles simultaneously.

Where can I fly a powered paraglider?

From and to any relatively flat surface that is reasonably free of obstructions such as power lines, trees, and fences as long as the flight is not conducted over congested areas or within certain controlled airspace without prior permission.

Paragliding is as close to the feeling of flying like a bird as you will ever get. It is free flight (non-powered) in its purest form. A paraglider is a foot launched flying wing. It is convenient because it is easy to carry, easy to setup, and easy to fly. Paragliders are constructed from nylon and coated with silicone (UV protection). The pilot is suspended from incredibly strong mylar or kevlar lines. The pilot flies in a harness positioned like a reclining chair for maximum comfort in the air. When flying, you can actually soar like a bird taking advantage of rising air in the form of thermals or ridge (wind) lift.

Is paragliding scary?

Paragliding is the simplest and most serene way to fulfill your dream of free flight! You jog down a gentle slope and glide away from the mountain. You do not free-fall or jump off of a cliff. Your launches and landings are slow and gentle and, once in the air, you will probably be surprised by how quiet and peaceful the experience is. Even if you have a fear of heights, it will rarely be a factor, since there is no sensation of falling. Your solo lesson will require more effort (physical and mental) than your tandem lesson, but it lays the basic groundwork necessary to becoming your own pilot. If you would like to watch the sunset from a comfortable seat in the air, supported by the buoyant evening air, with perhaps an eagle or hawk joining you off your wing tip, then paragliding is for you.

Who can do paragliding?

Paragliding is about finesse and serenity, not strength and adrenaline. As in rock climbing, women often do much better than men because they don't try to muscle the paraglider around. If you choose to hike to launch then you'll want to be in good physical condition, but you can also drive to most popular flying sites. More important than physical conditioning, is being physically and mentally alert and prepared. To be a successful paragliding student and pilot, you need to be able to think clearly and to listen well. Paragliding is about peace and serenity. Paragliding does not require a large amount of physical strength therefore many people can enjoy the sport for hours on end. More important than actual physical conditioning is physical and mental alertness. On the other hand if you are looking to lose a couple of pounds paragliding is a great way to get yourself back into shape.

What can you do with a paraglider?

Paragliders are designed to soar. The duration record is over 11 hours and the distance record is 300 kilometers. Average recreational pilots, utilizing thermal and ridge lift, routinely stay aloft for 3 hours or more, soar to altitudes of 15,000' and travel cross-country for great distances. In addition, paragliders can be easily carried and launched off of most mountains. Paragliders have been flown off of almost every major peak in the United States and Europe as well as off of Mt. Everest.

How do you get started?

The best way to start is with a tandem introductory flight. This gives you a taste of flying. Once you have seen what it is like then you can sign up for an Introductory Course. Under radio supervision, you will fly solo from the training hill and progress to higher flights, all in two days. The basic techniques of paragliding -- launching, turning, landing -- are fairly easy to learn. The length of the course is designed to compensate for weather constraints and different learning curves. If after your introductory flights, you want to continue with paragliding, the next step is to enroll in a Novice Certification Course which will teach you about micrometeorology, different launch and flying techniques, safety procedures, etc. It is best to complete the Novice Course in a concentrated period of time