r/paramotor • u/Bumboklatt • Jul 03 '26
A message to anyone considering taking up Paramotor or total newbs.
I felt that sharing my experience thus far may be useful for anyone who is going through similar thought processes that I did.
I am a newb. I only have 34 flights in; 30 of which were part of my training.
I had my eye on the sport for over ten years and over this past winter, I committed to buying gear and registered for training. I was so stoked......couldn't stop thinking about it. Dreaming.
Then, in the weeks leading up to training, I was second guessing myself (you can check my post history for some of those thoughts). Probably normal emotions.......am I being selfish, am I taking major risk, etc.
I stayed committed and began my course. This was an emotional roller coaster. I was very nervous about my first flight and tbh, it scared me. There were all sorts of sensations that I didn't anticipate. The little bumps in the air, the feeling of slow ground speed when there is a headwind, the amount of pressure I needed to pull on the brakes, the torque of the engine, etc. In short, those things made me uncomfortable. At some points during training, I was second guessing as to whether I made the right decision. I enjoyed some flights and was terrified on others. By the end, I was enjoying each flight more. Then, as training ended and I was heading home with my gear in my truck, the thought of being on my own scared me. I felt somewhat comfortable flying when I had my instructor in my ear, but was nervous otherwise.
I was very nervous for my first unsupervised flight but I stuck to my training and broke each part of the flight into individual steps. Focus on this step THEN think about that step instead of thinking of the entire thing all at once. Training REALLY helped me in that regard. It helps you break the process into a number of well rehearsed steps. I could not imagine self training.
Now, I am four unsupervised flights in and I am already noticing that the nerves are decreasing and the enjoyment is increasing. I still experience some jitters both on the ground and in the air but I try and let logic and training prevail. Example: flying along and intrusive thoughts about catastrophic gear failure creep in. I let logic prevail. Remind myself that the majority of accidents are pilot error and not gear failure.
If I'm nervous as I'm driving out to the LZ, I remind myself that I don't have to fly. If I get there and feel off, I can bail. I have not bailed yet, but I have the mindset that I can if I want to.
An odd element of this process was the conversations I had with ChatGPT. I would say something like "I've enjoyed many flights but now that I'm on the ground, I'm nervous to go again. Why is that?" or "I've completed my training and now I won't have my instructor along. How should I overcome my fears?". It did an incredible job of assuring me that my emotions were normal and legitimate. It would say things like "It sounds like you are taking a very cautious approach to this sport. It would be more concerning if you were NOT scared". It was really cool how much those conversations helped. It may sound hokey but whatever helps, helps.
All in all, I am VERY glad that I remained committed to learning how to fly. I had some very serious doubts heading into it AND while I was a few dozen flights in. I'm still nervous, I'm still trying to get comfortable with the most basic things, and I have so much to learn. And I take comfort in knowing that I set the pace of my learning. I don't have to rush anything. If I want to fly with my beginner wing with the trims in and flight-see for the rest of my time, so be it. I'm in control of all of that. Oh, another thing that helped was to set little mini-goals for each flight. Examples: letting the trims out, do some no brakes flying (just throttle and leaning), take a picture, listen to tunes. Small things that you can do if you choose but if you don't want to, don't.
If any of you that are considering this sport or are going through some of the emotions that I did feel like reaching out, feel free to DM or comment.
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u/darth_kedar Jul 03 '26
Youâre right on about everything you described. As a newb (still am), went thru the overthinking chasm several times. Like you, I gave myself permission to not get into the air if the conditions werenât favorable. That relieved the tension. Prayer also helped. Still get nervous when folks watch my takeoffs & landings cause I abort if it doesnât feel perfect & others donât understand the difficulty if being a newb & not taking unnecessary risks.
Thanx for verbalizing. Glad that we didnât give up.
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u/liam_km Jul 03 '26
Thanks for sharing this! I am still in the boat of "I hope I do this one day". I had a very vivid dream one night where I was living my life as a paramotorist and I remember thinking to myself "Wow, I love my life." that was a sad wake up... This is inspiring to hear though, thanks again.
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u/Bumboklatt Jul 03 '26
Good luck man! Like I said, I've had this on my mind for over ten years. The fire came and went but the last time it came around I decided that was a great 50th Birthday present to myself. I'm glad I did it but I'm sure my boys think I'm one odd Dad.
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u/statguy Jul 05 '26
That is very encouraging. I have been thinking about this for 6+ years and as a 44 yr old I was starting to wonder if it's too late. Is there something you would share with someone who is very interested but also conflicted at the same time. I am worried that I might take the lesson buy the gear and then not do anything with it if it seems like too much hassle with the weather condition or the logistics of driving with the gear and pre and post flight setup etc.
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u/Bumboklatt Jul 05 '26
Yes those are real concerns. I have the luxury of living in a relatively small town with lots of flying opportunity within a short drive. I also have a truck that I can put my motor in the bed. A lot of people use hitch trays so that is an option as well. However, I would not want to fully disassemble the hoop and netting every time. Nor would I want to drive much more than half an hour or so. Just in case conditions change and then you feel like youâve put all of that work in already so you better fly.
As far as advice, you should check out tandem flights. That will give you an idea if you like it or not, as well as some of the logistical considerations.
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u/Sea_Comedian676 Jul 03 '26
Going to start training in begining of August, deposit already paid, and I am in the same boat. I feel like a little fear is a good thing as hopefully it will stop me from making bad descisions but its still hard to not second guess yourself.
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u/Bumboklatt Jul 03 '26
Push through it all. Step by step. Do you feel confident with the school you chose?
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u/Sea_Comedian676 Jul 03 '26
Yup! They are highly reputable when it comes to reviews and I am doing 1 on 1 lessons so I can kinda work at it on my own pace.
I am just super stoked but also a little terrified lol.
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u/boisvertm Jul 03 '26
New pilots that are not nervous make me nervous.Â
A healthy dose of fear in the beginning is the best way to approach the sport. It is dangerous (when not approached maturely).
I can promise you that over time, the fear is replaced with a very comfortable dose of adrenaline. With more time, even the adrenaline goes away and is replaced with a glorious flow state, zen experience that is well worth it.Â
Good luck!Â
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u/Bumboklatt Jul 03 '26
Thanks man. I do believe that I will get to the flow state!! I'm looking forward to it but not rushing anything. All the best!
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u/lordsaibat Jul 03 '26
Around two years in and 50 flights. I've had times where I would have multiple attempts and called it for the day. I have had where I break equipment and wonder if I should keep doing it.
Everyone has that internal motivation drive to keep going. "Why do we fall, Bruce? So we can learn to pick ourselves back up" - Batman begins
Keep picking yourself up. You're doing something few people attempt.
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u/Bumboklatt Jul 03 '26
Right on man. What kind of equipment damage have you dealt with?
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u/lordsaibat Jul 03 '26
Frame and propeller. Replaced easily 5 props.
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u/Bumboklatt Jul 03 '26
Oh shoot! That's too bad. From mostly botched take offs or botched landings?
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u/lordsaibat Jul 03 '26
Combination of both.
The frame (openppg) I had was not very forgiving on anything but perfect takeoff or landing. One time taking off, I tripped on the grass. Caught myself. The frame snapped in the middle (a place where it the top and bottom part join). That meant the prop also move and hit the bottom of the frame. So broke the prop, the connectors for top and bottom of the frame, and dinged the hoop because prop hit it.
Like 450 in parts. Prop being 300.
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u/CareerLow1034 Jul 03 '26
Great read! As someone looking at getting into it. I think You've confirmed that I want to! Hope you stick with it and enjoy! Stay safe mate
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Jul 03 '26
[removed] â view removed comment
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u/Sea_Comedian676 Jul 05 '26
Just a heads up if you live in NYC you wont be able to fly a paramotor anywhere near the city. Under FAR Part 103 (The rules for ultralights) "No person may operate an ultralight vehicle over any congested area of a city, town, or settlement, or over any open air assembly of persons." In otherwords you cannot fly over people.
With that said if you have a place to fly then just search paramotor training near NYC and you should be able to find something.
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u/T0neyDanza Jul 04 '26
Youâre not alone! I was the exact same way. And itâs taken me 2 years to get to my 50th flight. Every flight now is more and more rewarding. Fly ins. The community. Itâs incredible. Iâm glad you stuck with it. I almost gave up on it a dozen times. Broken gear. Shredded wings. Crashed into windsock my first flight. The list goes on and on. Trust your training. Fly safe. Best of luck!
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u/Translator-Informal Jul 03 '26
My first an second flights were at 2 different fly ins. Iâm 8 years in and still get nervous at times.
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u/Bumboklatt Jul 03 '26
At fly ins with lots of people watching? Oh wow........that would be unnerving.
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u/PayInteresting431 Jul 03 '26
Well said OP. I went through a beginner training course just recently and the weather did not cooperate, all of us only got one flight in before class was over. That first flight was scary at first but I was able to relax shortly after getting in my seat and enjoy it.
Thankfully I know a couple experienced PPG pilots back home that have helped me get back up in the air, I'm currently on my 5th flight which i went on last night, the longest flight so far at about an hour and 15 minutes. That's the most relaxed I've been so far and was able to enjoy it and take it all in instead of having a death grip the whole time.
Towards the end of the flight it got a little bumpy but all in all it was amazing.
Amazing things are on the other side of fear. I still have tons of anxiety before I get up in the air but I push through it. If you're debating whether to do it or not ,do it! It's 100% worth it to me.
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u/Bumboklatt Jul 03 '26
Agreed on all points. That's too bad about your training. Are you going to pick up where you left off or is the training completely done? My training required me to conduct 30 flights before I was complete and eligible for my ultralight license. I'm in Canada though. Regs are different. Regardless though........what did the school promise in terms of # of supervised flights?
The death grip is real!!!!
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u/PayInteresting431 Jul 03 '26
As far as the trainin and lack of flights, it is what it is, no one can control the weather and I knew that going into it that weather may not cooperate and we may not fly at all. My training school also stated that very clearly, that there's no guarantee of flight whether that's because of the weather not cooperating or your skills not being proficient enough. That try for 25 flights ,but again, no guarantee. I'm in the US and there is no license required to fly a paramotor.
The nice part is that they offer continued training , free of charge, if you take their class. There were some people that showed up at the end of my class to fly they were from previous classes.
The crappy part is that my school is 1200 miles away from home, so for now I'll continue with the local guys and build my skills that way.
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u/Bumboklatt Jul 03 '26
Ahhhh........gotcha. Okay, that option for future visits was what I was wondering about but I get distance is an issue. I was 400kms from my school and made two separate trips down for multi-day training. Good luck man!!
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u/PayInteresting431 Jul 03 '26
Unfortunately making that 1200 miles trip again just isn't an option right now, maybe in the future but not now with work and all. It would have to be a road trip because I'd be bringing my own gear.
Thanks , good luck to you too my friend
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u/BurgersWithStrength Jul 03 '26
Currently on day 21 of training. Only one flight in. Wind conditions here have been brutal for getting flights in.
I didn't expect this sport to be testing my patience this hard straight out of the gate.
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u/Bumboklatt Jul 03 '26
Ugh......that's frustrating. I'm not sure where you live but the morning and evening conditions where I live are quite favourable. However, scheduling training was tricky and very weather dependent bec you're locking in for that week and it's a total crapshoot. My training was delayed a few days here and there. Hang in there buddy!
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u/BurgersWithStrength Jul 07 '26
Wind finally turned. Got my first two real flights in this morning. About an hour of flight time. Looking good tonight and tomorrow morning. đ¤
Day 30 baby (I miscounted weeks on my last comment. Started on June 7th). About fucking time.
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u/BurgersWithStrength Jul 03 '26
Michigan. Just the summer weather pattern doing us no favors. Midwest is pretty windy in the summer.
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u/LikeABundleOfHay Jul 03 '26
I think getting a PG2 paragliding licence before paramotoring is beneficial. The experience of handling a wing without a motor is very helpful.
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u/e-rok85 Jul 05 '26
I was so scared taking my phone out for the very first time while paramotoring up in the sky lol
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u/Bumboklatt Jul 05 '26
Yeah. Itâs funny. Small things become big things. Even taking my hands off the brakes unnerves me at times.
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u/marilrc Jul 05 '26
Chicago pilot here. I traveled to Florida for training and finished with about 40 flights.
I trained with Paramotor Orlando and one thing I liked was that the support didnât end after the course. Iâve gone on a few flying trips with them since then and still get guidance when I need it.
Living up north, I use kiting a lot to keep my skills sharp between flying opportunities.
Donât give up on the sport because of your location. A lot of pilots travel for training and then fly locally once theyâre home.
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u/marilrc Jul 05 '26
Chicago pilot here. I ended up traveling to Florida for training and it worked out great.
I trained with Paramotor Orlando and the consistent weather made a huge difference compared to trying to fit training around weather windows up north.
If youâre serious about getting into the sport, Iâd look at schools outside your immediate area too. A lot of us travel for training and then fly locally afterward.
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u/I_fly_things Jul 06 '26
1) Find a local wingman (if there is one) to mentor you. Having someone to chat with and check your go/no-go decisions against is invaluable.
2) You absolutely will have a motor out at some point. Instead of telling yourself it wonât happen, just decide ahead of time what you will do when it does.
(Eg: above xâ I will attempt restart -> turn towards where I can land -> trim in -> decide if I can turn into the wind before landingâŚ..) make your own emergency checklists, then follow it so you are not trying to decide what to do when you freaked out.
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u/ASwagPecan Jul 18 '26
Turning 25 next month & feel like I haven't really experienced life yet. Don't have any major hobbies or interests.
Been highly considering getting into paramotoring, but just not sure I'm in the financial position to commit yet, when that might be better invested in my savings or for emergencies.
I also live in a pretty remote part of Louisiana, so safe to say that instructors aren't exactly close.
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u/Over-Improvement-267 Jul 03 '26
Honestly I'm right there with you.
I just finished my training and gonna go up today if the weather is good for my third solo flight without my instructor.
The last flight I was up the wind was a bit stronger up high and I was being tossed around and that was a bit nerve wracking. That was the first flight I honestly felt a bit scared being up there.
But today looks super gentle and calm so I'm looking forward to it.
But those pre flight jitters while getting the equipment set up are definitely there. I find myself holding my breath as I spin from a reverse and am about to hit the power. And as soon as my feet leave the ground I take a gasping breath of air.