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Powered Paraglider Tandem Program

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Program Details

July 17, 2006

Please download the files to your computer before viewing for better reliability.

To see the entire tandem program, please download this file (PDF).

New Rating Application form.

New Recommendation form for existing USPPA Instructors.

Instructors must be members of USUA to access the tandem program and the first year will be free for an existing USPPA the instructor. Then after that the cost will be $45 per year ($20 annual registration and $50 biannual processing fee).

Definition of Powered Paraglider Tandem Unit

July 17, 2006

FAR 1.1 defines a powered parachute as "a powered aircraft comprised of a flexible or semi-rigid wing connected to a fuselage so that the wing is not in position for flight until the aircraft is in motion. The fuselage of a powered parachute contains the aircraft engine, a seat for each occupant and is attached to the aircraft's landing gear." 

If it carries two people and falls under that definition than both the craft and the pilot must become certified under the FAA's Sport Pilot Rule. We will have more on this distinction as the FAA allows.  

Clearly a foot-launched tandem, such as that shown at right, falls under our program as do many wheeled tandem machines where the pilot uses the paramotor harness. Here are some guidelines that we feel put a wheeled craft in the aegis of our Tandem Program.

1. Detachable harnesses rather than built-in seats are the primary pilot and student support structure.

2. The motor unit and its harness are the same when flown foot launched or with wheels and, when the paramotor is separated from the wheeled cart, can be foot launched by an average pilot in a 5 mph wind or less on flat terrain.

3. The motor unit and its harness can be easily separated from the wheeled cart.

FAA's Ruling Comments

When the FAA issued its final rule, it gave reasoning on many sections including the definition of a “Powered Parachute” and is obvious that they had no desire to include paramotors. The FAA writes (our comments in gray):

Several commenters requested that the powered parachute definition be broadened to permit paragliders and paramotors, or other forms of foot-launched aircraft. Some commenters were opposed to identifying these aircraft as powered parachutes. The FAA does not intend light-sport aircraft to include foot-launched aircraft because the variety of these aircraft combined with the lack of an aircraft fuselage and an aircraft geometry based on the individual characteristics of the operator would not be consistent with the FAA’s desire for training aircraft built to specific design and performance standards.

Some commenters proposed specific language for the definition of a powered parachute...the language in the proposed definition stated that the engine is an integral part of the aircraft. The definition is revised to specify that the engine is a part of the fuselage, as was intended by the FAA. 

This is another area that excludes us from Sport Pilot since the engine, when it is on the detachable paramotor and not the wheeled portion, is therefore not part of the "fuselage."

Solo craft need not adhere to this definition since they are ultralights falling only under FAR part 103. They must weigh less than 254 pounds empty (no pilot, no fuel) and carry no more than 5 gallons gas.

Also, the revised definition specifies that the seats are a part of the fuselage. That is consistent with current designs and was intended by the FAA. The language in the proposal did not address this consideration.

Again, the pilot's seat, when part of the paramotor, is clearly not a part of the "fuselage."

The FAA received comments that the definition for powered parachute aircraft should not be limited to aircraft with a fuselage. The FAA does not agree for reasons stated in the proposed rule and notes that to remove this restriction would permit foot-launched vehicles, such as powered paragliders, to be considered light-sport aircraft. The FAA retains the requirement for a fuselage in the definition.

The proposed rule stated: “A powered parachute means a powered aircraft that derives its lift from a non-rigid wing that inflates into a lifting surface when exposed to a wind.” This is changed to state: “A powered parachute means a powered aircraft comprised of a flexible or semi-rigid wing connected to a fuselage so that the wing is not in position for flight until the aircraft is in motion.”

The proposed definition also stated: “A powered parachute is propelled by an engine that is an integral part of the aircraft and is controlled by a pilot within a fuselage that is suspended beneath the non-rigid wing.” The definition is changed to state: “The fuselage of a powered parachute contains the aircraft engine, a seat for each occupant and is attached to wheels or floats.”

We consider this a powered paraglider tandem unit since the harness is part of the foot-launchable paramotor and not the cart. The wheels are essentially an add-on. It is clearly a foot launched unit that uses the normal paramotor harness even when the wheeled cart is attached. Plus the student is supported in a harness.