Motorized paraglider
A powered paraglider is an ultralight aircraft
a) with an auxiliary engine on the back of the pilot, which is designed as a single-seater with a maximum take-off weight of 170 kg or as a two-seater with a maximum take-off weight of 270 kg, which allows take-off and landing from the pilot's feet, or
b) with the drive located on the chassis, which is designed for a maximum of two people, with a maximum take-off weight of 350 kg.
Practical definition of the category
The support surface is a paraglider, which is usually adapted by the manufacturer for this use (not every paraglider is suitable for connecting to a motor drive).
Machines are further distinguished according to the method of take-off and landing. Either the drive unit is equipped with a three- or four-wheel chassis in which the crew sits, or the pilot has the drive unit in a special pilot frame on his back and takes off and lands on his feet. This is colloquially referred to as a motor krosna. In both cases, the pilot can fly alone or with a navigator or passenger.
The device is controlled by control lines just like a motorless paraglider.
The acquisition costs consist of the own paraglider and the drive unit, the price of which varies from 80 to 300 thousand. CZK.
Operating costs are probably the lowest of all powered aircraft. Engines in single-seater machines have low consumption, around 3-4 l/hour.
The main advantage of a motorized paraglider is its favorable price, extremely low operating costs, low storage space and ease of transport and independence from the terrain. The machine can be transported unfolded in the luggage compartment of a passenger vehicle or taken with you on a flight abroad.
The disadvantage of motorized paragliding compared to other motorized aircraft is its low cruising speed (normally up to 55 km/h, although wings that fly over 70 km/h are now being used). Longer trips or overflights are very difficult in terms of time and the limited comfort of the pilot. The possibility of flying is highly dependent on the weather, especially on the strength and direction of the wind.