Foot Launched Powered Aviation (FLPA)

 

Paramotoring and powered hang gliding are a relatively recent evolution of the normal free flying sports of paragliding and hang gliding. A general description of Paramotoring and Powered Hang Gliding can be found in Wikipedia.

Although FLPA falls under the remit of the FAI's CIMA (microlight aircraft) Commission, the members of the IHPA voted unanimously to include FLPA within the remit of the Association at the 2005 AGM, as an extension of normal sports of paragliding and hang gliding. After subsequent discussions with the National Microlight Association of Ireland (NMAI) it was agreed that the activities of foot-launched paramotors and foot-launched powered hang gliders would be overseen by the IHPA, while the NMAI would be responsible for any variations of the sports requiring wheels to launch and land.

Please refer to the Learning to Fly pages for details of schools and courses, and join the IHPA's FLPA mailing list and forum.

The IHPA's FLPA Pilot Training Syllabus may be downloaded here.

 

Paramotoring in Ireland

The operation of paramotors in the Republic of Ireland is regulated by the Irish Aviation Authority. Although almost every other country around the world is actively de-regulating this sport and handing over governance to National Associations, the IAA in their wisdom have decided to take a heavy handed approach and impose its authority on this sport through the rule of law. You may view the relevant Statutory Instruments at the IAA website.

To legally fly a paramotor in the Republic of Ireland you must apply to the IAA for an Exemption or by under the tuition of an IAA approved instructor.

 

Applying for an IAA Paramotoring Exemption

To apply for an exemption pilots must provide

  • Evidence of an appropriate qualification - (IHPA or BMAA approved syllabus)
  • A valid JAR- FCL Class2 medical certificate - (valid for one year only)
  • A valid 3rd party insurance policy

IAA Rules Governing Paramotoring in the Republic of Ireland

The main rules governing Paramotoring in Ireland are summarised here:

1. Pilots must hold a current Class 2 medical.

2. Flights must be:
  • Conducted in daylight Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC)
  • Under Visual Flight Rules (VFR)
  • In Class G airspace only
  • Below 5,000ft above Mean Sea Level (AMSL)
3. No flight may be made at any height over:
  • Any town, City or built-up area.
  • Any area of commercial, residential or recreational use.
  • Any open air assembly of persons, whether gathered in connection with an event of public entertainment or otherwise.

4. No passenger may be carried on any flight except by a qualified instructor.

5. No flight shall be made for any consideration, hire or reward.

6. All flights shall be recorded in a log book.

7. The log book and exemption shall be made available within a reasonable period to:

  • An authorised Officer of the IAA
  • A member of the Garda Siochana.
  • An officer of the Customs & Excise.
8. Any accident involving substantial injury or the death of any person, or substantial damage to the equipment being used for flying shall be reported in writing to the IAA, irrespective of any liability, and also to the Air Accident Investigation Unit of the Department of Transport.

9. Any flight made under the exemption shall be in compliance with the requirements of the airworthiness Standards Department of the IAA.

10. The exemption shall only be valid while the insurance cover is active.

11. The current exemptions are valid for one year only.


These rules may soon be amended when a license system is put in place.

 

Obtaining a Class 2 Medical Certificate

A Class 2 medical may be obtained through any one of the IAA approved Aero Medical Examiners (AME) listed on the IAA website or on the Flying in Ireland website.

The Chief Aeromedical Officer is:

Dr. Annetje Roodeburg
Aeromedical Seaction
Irish Aviation Authority
Hawkins St.
Dublin 2.

Tel: 01 603 1512
Fax: 01 603 1400
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Dr. Declan Maher
Abbeyshrule
Tel: 01 295 8750
Conducts medicals on the last Thursday of the month. Charges around €90 / €65 for renewals.
NACI pilots use Dr. Maher for their Class 2 medicals.

 

Insurance for FLPA

At present the only company offering insurance cover for paramotoring in Ireland is On-Risk. It is unclear from their website whether this policy also covers powered hang gliding. Ask for clarification. Please let us know if you find another company offering similar or better cover.

OnRisk Paramotor, Paraglider and Hang Glider Liability insurance covers legal liability for damages and legal costs arising out of third party loss, injury, or damage arising out of your flying activities. Unlike many other companies OnRisk's policy also covers you if you are taking part in organised events or competitions. The premiums payable for Onrisk liability insurance are minimal compared to the damages that could be awarded as part of a liability settlement. Club and Group Paramotor, Paraglider and Hang Glider insurance is also available on request. This is annual policy covers hang gliding, paragliding and paramotoring for:
  • Liability for accidental bodily injury to third parties (excluding passengers and 2nd pilots) and accidental loss of or damage to property
  • Coverage for Flying Instructors available up to £2million for Third Party Liability
  • Up to £5,000 cover for Search and Rescue costs incurred
  • Loss of or damage to equipment when not in flight including whilst in storage or in transit

Note: this is only a summary of the cover provided. For full details of the cover provided by OnRisk contact Jane Roberts (OnRisk Ltd.) at 0044 2380 207630 and ask for a copy of the Key Facts Document and Policy Wording which is available on request.