page_title: Powered paragliding
section_title: Trikes and powered parachutes
hierarchical_section_title: Powered paragliding / Trikes and powered parachutes
caption_attribution_description: English: A powered paragliding trike landing
context_page_description: Powered paragliding, also known as paramotoring or PPG, is a form of ultralight aviation where the pilot wears a back-mounted motor which provides enough thrust to take off using a paraglider. It can be launched in still air, and on level ground, by the pilot alone — no assistance is required.
  In many countries, including the United States, powered paragliding is minimally regulated and requires no licence. The ability to fly both low and slow safely, the 'open' feel, the minimal equipment and maintenance costs, and the portability are claimed to be this type of flying's greatest merits.
  Powered paragliders usually fly between 15 to 50 mph at altitudes from 'foot-dragging on the water' up about to 18,000 ft or more with certain permission although most flying is done under 500 ft AGL.
  Due to the paramotor's slow forward speed and nature of a soft wing, it is not safe in high winds, turbulence, or intense thermal activity.
  The paramotor, weighing from 45 to 90 lb is supported by the pilot during takeoff. After a brief run the wing lifts the motor and its harnessed pilot off the ground.
context_section_description: Lightweight carts or "trikes" (called "quads" if they have four wheels) can also be mounted on powered paragliders for those who prefer not to, or are unable to, foot launch. Some are permanent units.
  In the United States, if the aircraft meets the ultralight definitions, no license is required. In the UK, trike-mounted paramotors are still classified as 'self-propelled hang-gliders' if the "performance of the aircraft
  remains equivalent to one that can be foot-launched." .  However, even in these countries, if the machine has two seats it is no longer an ultralight. In the US such a craft would be governed under the Sport Pilot rules and regulated as a light sport aircraft powered parachute which requires an aircraft N-number and pilots must be licensed.
  A powered paraglider differs from a powered parachute (PPC) primarily in size, power, control method, and number of occupants. Powered paragliders are smaller, use more efficient (but more difficult to manage) paraglider wings, and steer with brake toggles like sport parachutists.  Powered parachutes typically use easier-to-manage but less efficient wings, have larger engines, are steered by foot and may be able to take along passengers. There are exceptions; a growing number of powered parachutes use elliptical wings, some use hand controls, and many are light single seat aircraft that meet FAA Part 103 requirements.
caption: A powered paraglider trike landing
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