About, Our Team & FAQs

What is a Paramotor?

Arguably, the simplest form of powered aviation. Paramotoring combines the easy and simple control of a paraglider wing, with a lightweight engine to power the aircraft over long distances.

parajet maverick paramotor vittorazi moster 185 my19

Paramotor, refers specifically to the combination of engine, frame and harness. Paramotors are build to be lightweight, strong and extremely safe. Engines can range from 80cc to 250cc and are usually powered by 2 stroke petrol. This means, with relatively small hassle, we can extend our range by landing near suitable fuel stations. 4 stroke (regular unleaded) and electric are less common propulsion methods too.

The Paramotor wing is a modified paragliding wing, typically with a reflex profile (something you’ll learn about in training). The wing remains inflated by air pressure passing through and over the wing. To steer the wing, you simply pull on brakes attached to back side of the wing, this slows down that side (same principle as sticking an oar into water to slow down).

Our Team

Meet the team that are going to teach you how to fly. Our full-time instructors have nearly 40 years combined experience on Paramotors, with 30 years combined teaching time. The team love paramotoring and are on the field every flyable day of the year. We live and breathe paramotoring.

Simon Westmore

Chief Flying Instructor

Simon started flying immediately after leaving the Army. His first employer was a super keen Paraglider pilot who was able to introduce Simon through tandem flying. Simon is additionally qualified to pilot helicopters and fixed wing aircraft, however Paramotors remain his favourite. He loves the epic flying locations the UK has to offer.

FOUR FACTS

Simon has been flying for 19 years, instructing for 15 of those
Carried out aerial work for National Geographic, TopGear & Channel 4
Became the first paramotor pilot to fly across the Sahara
Organised and completed a charity flight from John o’Groats to Land’s End

Colin Borland

Full Time Flying Instructor

Colin always wanted to fly, after researching fixed wing and sailplane flying, he discovered Paramotoring. He set to work learning everything he could over four months eventually teaching himself to ground handle. Col then decided to receive formal training and was one of the first pilots through Paramotor Training. 14 years later, he’s still loving every day on the field.

FOUR FACTS

Widely regarded in the community as the king of teaching ground handing
First pilot in the UK to start paramotor engine after a tow launch
Learnt to fly 14 years ago at Paramotor Training
Flew a charity flight from John O’Groats to Land’s End

Ben Raven

Part-Time Flying Instructor

Ben still remembers the first time he saw a Paramotor in the sky, that feeling of awe mixed with an overwhelming desire to take to the skies. Since discovering a passion for aviation during private pilot training, Ben has taken aviation on as a way of life. He believes that Paramotoring gives a sense of freedom and enjoyment, not found in other forms of flying.

FOUR FACTS

Ben once flew to a McDonalds to grab McBreakfast
Converted a Sprinter van into a go anywhere Paramotor wagon
Learnt to fly with Paramotor Training
May occasionally be found ‘DJ-ing’ at the PMC fly in events

Paul Goodwin

Part Time Flying Instructor

Paul has always had an interest in flying. Since the first time his feet left the ground he has never looked back. Whether it’s flying to the shops or catching a nice sunset, as long as the weathers good, he’ll be airborne! A full-time military training instructor, Paul takes any available free time to either fly or help others out at the airfield.

FOUR FACTS

Paul’s favourite kind of flying is cloud surfing
Paul flew to Tesco and forgot to buy milk.
Learnt to fly with Paramotor Training
Paul is always up for going flying

FAQs

Knowing where to start with Paramotoring can be tricky, here are some of the most common questions we get asked.

How long does it take to learn?

On average it takes roughly 3 days to get flying and then another 4-5 days to complete the syllabus – but we are not counting, if it takes you a little longer, no problem.

Do you have to do all the training in one go?

Once you are booked in, all we need is a call the evening before to confirm that the weather is suitable. We are on the airfield every day weather allows so you can fit training around weather, work or family commitments.

Do I need to buy equipment first?

No, in fact we recommend against it until you have had a flight or two first. We have a range of top end, well maintained, modern kit which you can use for your training. When you are done we can point you in the right direction for the Paramotor and wing that works best for you. We can supply new or second hand kit.

Is insurance expensive?

Currently insurance costs around £140 per year. Whilst it is not legally required, you may find it hard to find somewhere to fly from without it.

Will I be able to fly from my house afterwards?

This depends on a few things, assuming you have the land and clear airspace, then yes you can. The Paramotor Club is also a great place to meet local pilots who often get together in groups to go flying. There are loads of these groups all over the UK.

How much does the kit cost?

If you wanted to buy the very best, newest & safest kit you can expect to spend around £8-9000 for everything you need. There is also a great second hand market which we will help you to navigate though when the time comes. Good second hand kit can be purchased for around £4-5000.

Do I need a licence?

Paramotoring in the UK and many other countries in the world is an unlicensed sport. You will get the Paramotor Club Rating card as proof of training which will allow you to travel overseas to fly and obtain insurance.

Start Learning to Fly Today

Give us a call to schedule your first paramotor lesson

07983 428 453

Purchase Online

Testimonials

Here’s what our happy students had to say about our their training:

“The first flight was amazing and one of the most incredible experiences of my life. Simon’s voice in my ear the whole way round kept me super relaxed and I felt really safe.”

Ben Raven

“The thing I liked most about the training was that once you have finished and completed the syllabus, you are still part of the club and warmly welcomed at the airfield. It’s a great little community and I’ve made lots of friends outside of my normal circle.”

Paul Francis

“Great to deal with making me feel very relaxed at every stage. Safety being his number one priority while still making the whole environment a fun place to be. Would recommend to anyone. Thanks Simon and Colin”

Graham Voyle

“Highly recommend. Great atmosphere, great kit, great team. Had my first flight with in a month now had over 250 flights”

Lee Moss

“I’ve always wanted to fly but couldn’t justify the money it takes to get a private pilot license. I found paramotortraining.com and then got addicted to watching them fly on youtube. I called Simon and explained that I wasn’t the fittest of 42 year olds. He explained that it didn’t matter how long it took, his team will get me flying. The team made me feel very welcome.”

Danny Kellett

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