A paramotor is an aircraft consisiting of a motor with a harness, attached to a paraglider. A major advantage with the paramotor is it will launch almost anywhere, giving the pilot great autonomy and many choices for launch sites. What is essential in launching a paramotor is facing the wind in a wide open, free of obstacle field. The distance required to safely launch a paramotor is between 5 and 15 meters (50 feet) while landing requires only 1 meter (about 3 feet). However you cannot launch a paramotor just anywhere like next to a city or in controlled air space. Paramotors are regulated by federal air regulations (CAR) exactly the same as all Motorised Ultralight Aircrafts. Read more and get all the info on Transport Canada ’s regulations concerning Ultralights and specifically paramotors.

With a weight ranging from 14 Kg to 22 Kg, paramotors can take you as high as 3000 to 4000 Meters (you can add around 4 Kg for the fuel tank). Also, paramotors don’t require being in great physical shape other then running a few yards with the gear on your back for launching. On average, and for a constant set of conditions, a paramotor transporting 5 liters of fuel will fly for 1h30 and for around 3h00 with 10 liters and so on. Also, some models can be quickly disassembled (even the cage) and packed in a car, making it very practical for the travelling pilot.

When the wind blows less the 10 Km/h, it’s preferable to launch with your back to the glider (or forward launching). With stronger winds, inflating the wing facing it then reversing and launching is the preferred technique (reverse launching). The maximum speed at which a paramotor can fly is normally between 30 Km/h and 40 Km/h. Foreward motion, combined with wind, inflates the paraglider and maintains internal pressure, giving the wing it’s shape which permits it to fly. The motor does’nt give higher speed to the glider, but permits a fast climb even in stable air. Regardless of horsepower, horizontal speed will stay the same. Paramotor is a safe sport due to the flexible wing which maintains a smooth glide in case you run out of fuel, assuring a safe return to the ground.

Paramotor training is divised in three parts :

First part :	Ground training and training hill (paraglider)
Second part :	Winch launch flights (paraglider)
Third part :	Motorised flights (paramotor)

Ground handling and training hill lessons are given individually, or you can buddy with another student and share one instructor. The advantage is sharing the cost of an instructor (you should either have your own gear or plan an extra for the second gear rental).

Première partie de la formation : au sol et sur la pente école

The first lessons in the paraglider training program are dedicated to the discovery of the gear and the wing while learning the basics of handling of the glider on the ground and in the wind. This step is relativally short but is essential. You generally need 2 or 3 lessons to have all you need to master the elements in this first part of the training.

The next lessons focus on practicing launching and landing. At DVL, we have a 60 foot training hill, specially designed for the learning of paragling and hang gliding. The key elements in this part of the training are: Glider control, the launching, piloting the glider and landing. These lessons will take you to your first few seconds of flight, and prepare you for your first solo winch launched and mountain launched flights. Ususally 4 or 5 lessons on the training hill are required to end this first part. You can also, if you chose to, take a tandem flight at altitude with an instructor to practice manouvers, although this is generally not a requirement. Solo practice on the ground and on the training hill between lessons is strongly reccomended in order to rapidly progress.

 

When your instructor feels you’ve mastered the first part, you’ll be ready to complete 10 solo flights, on a paraglider and with radio guidance, using the winch for launching.

 

The third part of the training program consists in completing 5 hours of solo paramotor flights supervised by your instructor. You should check for instructor availability for booking your lessons.

All the gear for the first and second part is supplied by DVL, but when you get to the 5 hours of solo motorized flights, you’ll need your own paramotor as DVL do not rent paramotors.

If you want to purchase your own paramotor, we can assist you in.

In order to obtain a lisense to fly a paramotor, you’ll need to be 16 years of age and :

• have a medical certificat
• have accumulated a minimum of 5 hours of motorized flight
• have a minimum of 30 launches and landings
• have passed with 90% succes the written ULTRA exam
• have a letter of recomendation from a certified flight instructor

 

We are open daily for ground, training hill and altitude flights.

 

Day
Monday	9 h to noon
Tuesday	9 h to noon
Wednesday	9 h to noon
Thursday	9 h to noon
Friday	9 h to noon
Saturday	9 h to 17 h
Sunday	9 h to 17 h

Ground handling and training hill lessons are given at your availability. We recommend reserving 1 week ahead to make sure you get the schedule of your choice.

 

Day
Monday	-
Tuesday	15h to 19h
Wednesday	-
Thursday	15h to 19h
Friday	-
Saturday	15h to 19h
Sunday	15h to 19h

 

We always recommend you call to check for weather conditions before coming to the school for your lessons.