Powered paragliding

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**Description and Operation**:
– Powered paragliding is minimally regulated in many countries, including the United States.
– Flying speeds range between 15 and 50mph (24 and 80km/h) at altitudes up to 18,000ft (5,500m).
– The paramotor weighs between 45 to 90lb (20 to 41kg) and is controlled by brake toggles, throttle, trimmers, and speed bar.
– Uses include personal recreation, military applications like special forces insertion, and civilian activities such as search and rescue and photography.
– Operating in high winds, turbulence, or thermal activity can be risky, especially for inexperienced pilots.

**Safety and Regulations**:
– Powered paragliding is slightly safer than riding motorcycles but more dangerous than cars.
– Serious injuries are often due to body contact with the spinning propeller.
– Accidents in Germany in 2018 involved 232 incidents, with 9 being fatal.
– Pilots carry a reserve parachute for emergencies, and proper training is essential for safety.
– Regulations vary by country, with some requiring formal training and certification.

**License, Training, and Regulations**:
– In the U.S., U.K., and many countries, no license or specific training is required.
– In regulated countries like Canada, France, Italy, and South Africa, formal training by licensed instructors is necessary.
– Full pilot syllabus training can take between 5 and 15 days, and certification may be needed to fly with passengers.
– Paramotor pilots operate under specific rules to minimize risks in most countries.
– Different regulations apply in countries like the U.S. under FAA regulation Part 103 and the U.K. under the Civil Aviation Authority.

**Associations and Representation**:
– In the U.S., the sport is primarily represented by the US Powered Paragliding Association (USPPA).
– The USPPA allows two-place training by certified tandem instructors.
– Instructors in the U.S. are certified by the USPPA, while in the U.K., representation is by the British Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association.
– Other supporting associations in the U.S. include the US Ultralight Association (USUA) and Aero Sports Connections (ASC).

**World Records and Notable Achievements**:
– World records include altitude, distance, and speed achievements in powered paragliding.
– Notable achievements include long-distance journeys, record times to fly in all U.S. states, and campaigns supporting charities.
– Various publications and reports provide information on safety, accidents, and achievements in the field.
– Recognitions by organizations like FAI and Guinness World Records highlight the accomplishments in powered paragliding.

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