Paramotor Terminology I

  1. Paramotor: A motorized backpack unit consisting of an engine and propeller that provides thrust for powered paragliding.

  2. Paraglider: A fabric wing with lines and risers that, when inflated, generates lift, allowing a pilot to glide through the air.

  3. Thrust: The forward force produced by the paramotor's engine and propeller, propelling the pilot and wing forward.

  4. Risers: Straps or lines connecting the pilot's harness to the paraglider wing, used for control.

  5. Lines: Thin ropes connecting the risers to the paraglider wing, transmitting control inputs from the pilot to the wing.

  6. Carabiners: Connectors used to attach the risers to the harness, facilitating quick and secure connections.

  7. Trimmers: Adjustable straps on the risers that control the angle of attack of the paraglider wing.

  8. Throttle: A hand-operated control that regulates the power output of the paramotor's engine.

  9. Cage: The frame supporting the paramotor's engine and protecting the propeller.

  10. Harness: The seat and suspension system worn by the pilot, connecting them to the paramotor.

  11. Reserve Parachute: A backup parachute carried by paramotor pilots for emergency situations.

  12. Landing Gear: Wheels or other structures aiding takeoff and landing on flat surfaces.

  13. Pilot-in-Command (PIC): The person responsible for the operation and safety of the paramotor during flight.

  14. Windsock: A conical textile tube indicating wind direction and speed at a launch site.

  15. Ground Handling: Controlling the paraglider on the ground, including inflation, taxiing, and takeoff preparation.

  16. Foot Launch: Taking off on foot without assistance, a common method in paramotoring.

  17. Trike: A wheeled unit allowing seated takeoff and landing, often used by paramotor pilots.

  18. Launch: The process of becoming airborne from the ground.

  19. Altitude: The height above a specified reference point, usually measured in feet or meters.

  20. Airspeed: The speed of the paramotor through the air, crucial for control and navigation.

  21. Glide Ratio: The ratio of horizontal distance traveled to vertical distance descended during unpowered flight.

  22. Weight Shift: Shifting body weight to control the direction of flight.

  23. Banking: Tilting the paraglider wing to one side for turning.

  24. Pendulum Effect: The swinging motion of the paramotor beneath the paraglider during flight.

  25. Wing Loading: The weight supported by each square meter of the paraglider wing.

  26. * Vortex Ring State (VRS): A dangerous condition where the paramotor descends rapidly in its own downwash.

  27. Wing Overs: A maneuver involving aggressive weight shifting to induce a steep turn.

  28. Spiral Dive: A controlled, spiraling descent maneuver.

  29. Barometric Altitude: Altitude measured using atmospheric pressure.

  30. GPS Altitude: Altitude measured using GPS technology.

  31. Crosswind: Wind blowing across the intended flight path.

  32. Headwind: Wind blowing directly against the flight path.

  33. Tailwind: Wind blowing in the same direction as the flight path.

  34. Rotor: Turbulent air behind an obstacle, often encountered near the ground.

  35. * Polar Curve: A graph showing the relationship between airspeed and sink rate.

  36. * Pitot Tube: A device used to measure airspeed.

  37. Stall: A condition where the airflow over the wing becomes separated, resulting in a loss of lift.

  38. Angle of Attack: The angle between the oncoming air and the chord line of the wing.

  39. In-Flight Adjustments: Changes made to the trimmers or other controls during flight.

  40. Spot Landing: A precision landing on a specified target.

  41. Wind Cone: A visual indicator of wind direction and relative speed at an airfield.

  42. Ground Speed: The speed of the paramotor relative to the ground.

  43. Torque Effect: The twisting force created by the rotation of the propeller.

  44. Bollard: A sturdy anchor point used for ground handling or training.

  45. * Torso Twist: A technique to counter torque effect by twisting the torso.

  46. Wind Gradient: Changes in wind speed and direction with altitude.

  47. Ground Speed: The speed of the paramotor relative to the ground.

  48. Dead Air: Calm or still air with minimal thermal activity.

  49. Back Fly: Flying the paraglider wing backward.

  50. Forward Launch: Taking off by moving forward.

* not very common but interesting. We will talk about these in class.