.	Flying Was For The Birds.....  Until Now ! Ohio Powered Paragliding WE HAVE MOVED - NOTE OUR NEW ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER: 20683 Hull Prairie Road Bowling Green, OH  435402 419-823-1270

Q:  How long can I stay up?
A:  Most machines can stay up  1.5 -2.0 hours or more.  Auxiliary tanks can be added for the die-hards who can't seem to get enough air time.

Q:  What is the maximum wind speed I can expect to fly in?
A:  For new pilots I recommend flying in straight and steady maximum winds of 8-10 MPH.  When you first start flying, if you fly with wind gusting of more more than a 4 MPH differential, you will probably be in the air wishing you were on the ground instead of on the ground wishing you were in the air.  Winds on the beach are usually very smooth and will allow you to enjoy flying in higher winds of even 15 MPH or more.

Q:  How much space do I need to take off ?
A:  In an eight MPH head wind, most pilots will be off the ground in 5-10 steps.  In zero wind this could be 20-40 steps.  All these variables play a part: pilot weight, pilot skill, paraglider size,  paraglider glide ratio, thrust of the paraglider motor, and density altitude (this is the altitude it feels like you are flying in based on the barometric pressure or density of the air, the temperature, and the humidity).   PPGs must always take off directly into the wind.  The limiting factor for many flying sites is not the ground area available but the free and clear air space (without trees, buildings, and power lines) required to climb out of an area directly into the wind.

Q:  How high is a PPG able to fly?
A:  The two cycle engines used on PPGs might allow a pilot to climb to somewhere between 10,000 and 15,000 feet.  The less dense air at higher altitudes reduces the amount of oxygen available for combustion in the engine to where climbing higher becomes impossible.  At a certain altitude, at full throttle, the engine can only produce enough power to maintain level flight. - you top out, so to speak.

Q:  How high is a PPG allowed by law to fly?
A:  We fly as Ultra lights and must follow the rules set out in Federal Aviation Regulation (FAR) Part 103.  Unless flying near  Class Rated Airports, the maximum altitude is 18,000 feet. Oxygen is required above 12,500.   We refer to a chart provided at local airports called a sectional map.  The sectional map spells out the controlled airspace in any given area of the country.

Q:  Do I need a pickup, van, or trailer to transport a PPG.
A:  Aside from the thrill of literally running and flying into the air, one of the appeals of PPG is the ease of transport.  Most PPGs can be broken down is 5 minutes and placed in a compact car.  The Airfer Tornado fits in the front seat of a Toyota Corolla and the cage and paraglider easily fit in the back with room for two passengers.  Check this out

Q:  I would eventually like to take someone up with me.  What is required?
A:  As an ultralight, powered paragliders are limited by law for single place use only.  Right now, the only way to fly tandem is to become a Basic Flight Instructor ( BFI) and fly with a waiver from the FAA.  Tandem PPG flight is something that takes a great deal of experience and should only be considered as a teaching tool.  Most of those doing tandem PPG are experienced instructors using it as part of their training and promotional program and not just for fun.  If you want to have your kids, wife, friends, or relatives experience PPG, give them a tandem training flight as a gift.  A dedicated tandem paraglider alone can cost $3000, in addition to your personal paraglider, and would not even be appropriate for solo flight on a regular basis.  A tandem capable machine like the Airfer Bimax cost $5200 plus another $400 for tandem bars, straps, harness, and caribiners.  A lot of tandem flights can be purchased for that kind of investment.