Powered Paragliding

Powered Paragliding

Before you fly PPG:

Think about

  • Do I have permission to fly here?
  • What are the airspace requirements for my flight?
  • Are there any uncontrolled airports around?
  • Will my motor scare or disturb wildlife?
  • Are there horses or cattle around that will freak out when I bring my wing up?
  • At what altitude should I fly over certain areas to minimize impact?
  • Could my flight here jeopardize an existing relationship with the landowner?
  • Is my car parked in a good place?

Most importantly, be respectful

Because powered paragliders are considered an ultra-light aircraft, they are generally un-regulated and you, as the pilot, can take off and land in most locations as long as you have permission. You as the pilot are also able to fly lower to the ground then conventional aircraft. In fact, you can fly as low to the ground as is safe but there are things that you need to think about before you fly any area and land or take off at any CPC Club site.

CPC sites and PPG:

Within the CPC we have club sites that have been set up for paragliding use. Many of these sites have taken years, working with local authorities and land owners to get permission to fly there. Many sites require USHPA insurance because of liability concerns. It is very important that these sites be treated as paragliding sites and NOT PPG sites in order to preserve the appropriate relationships. If for some reason you think it would be ok to launch a PPG at one of these sites but aren’t positive, please call the site liaison to get their feel on the subject.

Airspace rules

As a pilot, whether you’re PPG or just paragliding, you need to have a VERY good understanding of the FAA rules that govern our airspace and sport. If these rules are broken, there can be severe consequences for both the pilot as well as the whole flying community. I have found that if you call governing authorities, like the FAA and parks and rec and ask for special clearance to fly in certain "gray" areas, they’re always more than happy to help and usually grant special access.

Please look over the following documents:

Preamble Federal Aviation Regulation Part 103

Federal Aviation Regulation Part 103

I’ll summarize a few of the big ones:

  • Don’t ever fly where you could cause a hazard to anyone (stay away from people) or could damage their property
  • Don’t drop anything from your aircraft that could potentially hurt someone
  • Don’t fly at night
  • Don’t ever fly in controlled airspace
  • PPG pilots must yield to paragliders and any other aircraft that is unpowered
  • Don’t fly over a town or a bunch of people. This is worded loosely in the FAR but generally, stay away from anyplace that has people below you or nearby.
  • Don’t fly in Class A, B, C or D airspace or parts of Class E as well as restricted airspace. Look here to check airspace before you fly.
  • Don’t fly in the clouds or too close.
  • Don’t harass live stock (horses, cattle, sheep ect.) and wildlife (birds, deer, whales )

PPG Sites and contacts

Oregon Coast

Brad and Maren – 503 861.2772
*All ppg take offs and landings are currently prohibited on Oregon beaches

Portland Area

Nick Blizzard 503.807.6515
Gabe Evans 503.206.9868

Sauvies Island

Nick Blizzard 503.807.6515
Gabe Evans 503.206.9868

Central Oregon

Nick Blizzard 503.807.6515

Resources:

Aeronautical Charts

Waiver and Liability Release form for Land owners

(other ppg pilots, feel free to add to this list)

Additional Thoughts

  • Try not to pee on the farmers fields
  • If you drive on a field, make sure you have permission from the farmer! Using a field for taking off and landing is different than driving on it. I’ve been lectured on how the catalytic converter on my truck could set the whole field on fire. General rule should be to never drive on them.
  • Don’t scare animals even if it would make the perfect shot in your video. It upsets people and I’m sure the animals don’t appreciate it either. This is one of the big reasons the whole Oregon coast got shut down.
  • Don’t fly by people, even if you think they’ll like it. You never know if one of them will hate it and complain to the landowner or authorities.
  • Be careful with sunrise flights and waking landowners up with the sound of a 2stroke motor.
  • Be mindful of migratory birds that may be around one month and not the next. If you don’t know, call someone and find out. This is a big one again on the Oregon coast.
  • Be SAFE and HAVE FUN!

This information was supplied to the CPC by Nick Blizzard. If you have any questions or would like to add to the list, please contact nick at nick(at)blizzardfx.com or by phone 503.807.6515