Full Paramotor Course
Learn to fly
a paramotor
Learn powered paragliding from the ground up and work towards your NZHGPA paramotor pilot qualification, with structured, practical training in Christchurch.
25 flights
Beginner friendly
Flexible training
Start here
Start from the ground up
Never flown a paramotor before? This course takes you through the skills needed to become a competent powered paraglider pilot, from basic wing handling and ground skills through to powered flight.
You’ll learn to manage the wing, motor and your own decisions as one system, while building an understanding of weather, equipment and safe flying practices along the way.
The goal isn’t simply to get you airborne. It’s to develop the skills and judgement you’ll need to keep flying safely after your training is finished.
Is it for you
Is this the right course for you?
The Full Paramotor Course is designed for people who want to learn paramotoring without first completing a paragliding licence.
You don’t need
- Previous flying experience
- A paragliding licence
- Your own paramotor when you enquire
You do need
- A reasonable level of fitness
- The ability to carry and control the equipment
- Good coordination and willingness to learn
- A sensible approach to risk
- Suitable outdoor clothing and footwear
The training path
From first wing handling
to powered flight
01
Ground handling
Learn to control and understand the wing before adding the motor.
02
Basic flight
Build the fundamental skills of launching, flying and landing.
03
Powered flight
Introduce the paramotor progressively and learn to manage the additional weight, thrust and controls.
04
Independent flying
Build the skills, knowledge and judgement needed to operate within the limits of your training.
Training structure
25 flights of practical training
The Full Paramotor Course includes 25 flights, allowing you to build your skills progressively rather than trying to learn everything in a handful of sessions.
25
Flights included
G+A
Ground + Air
Practical training throughout
FLX
Flexible
Scheduled around weather and your progression
Twenty-five flights is the training structure, not a guarantee that every student will be ready to fly independently at exactly the same point. Everyone progresses differently, and your instructor will assess your skills throughout the course.
Timeframe
How long does the course take?
Most students complete the practical training over a concentrated block of days, followed by additional training as needed.
We recommend training as consistently as possible. Spending several days in a row with the equipment helps you build skills and retain what you’ve learned, while spreading training too far apart can mean spending time relearning things from previous sessions.
Weather and individual progression naturally affect how quickly you move through the course.
Train consistently → build skills → consolidate → progress
Weather
We don’t fly just because it’s a training day
Paramotoring is particularly dependent on suitable weather. Before each training session we assess the forecast and the conditions on site.
If conditions aren’t appropriate for flying, that doesn’t mean the day is wasted. We can use the time to work on ground handling, equipment, weather analysis, theory and flight planning.
Knowing when not to fly is part of learning to fly.
Equipment
You’ll need your own paramotor equipment
The Full Paramotor Course does not include a paramotor, wing or other flying equipment.
Unlike our paragliding beginner courses, we don’t provide a fleet of paramotors for students, because equipment needs to be matched to the individual pilot’s size, experience and intended use.
Before you start, you’ll need suitable:
- Paramotor
- Paramotor-compatible paraglider
- Harness
- Helmet
- Other required personal equipment
Need help choosing equipment?
You don’t need to guess what to buy. We can help you select equipment that’s appropriate for your size, experience and goals before you start training.
Course price
What it costs
Full Paramotor Course
Training with your own suitable equipment
$3,300
Equipment is not included in the course price. Students must provide their own suitable paramotor equipment.
What’s included
- Instructor training
- 25 practical flights
- Ground handling training
- Powered flight training
- Theory
- Weather and decision-making training
- Assessment towards the applicable qualification
Not included
- Paramotor
- Wing
- Harness
- Helmet / personal equipment
- NZHGPA membership
Fitness
A little fitness goes a long way
Paramotoring involves carrying and controlling a wing and motor on the ground, particularly during launching and landing. You don’t need to be exceptionally fit, but you should be comfortable walking, running and handling the equipment for short periods.
Before progressing to powered flight, we’ll make sure you’re comfortable with the ground handling skills needed to operate the equipment safely.
Skills
What you’ll work towards
By the end of the course, you’ll have developed skills in:
Equipment
Set up, inspect and understand your paramotor and flying equipment.
Ground handling
Control the wing and manage the equipment on the ground.
Launching
Prepare and perform controlled powered launches.
Flight
Control the aircraft, manage the motor and perform appropriate manoeuvres.
Landing
Manage the approach and landing safely.
Weather
Assess conditions and understand when they are suitable for paramotoring.
Decision making
Understand the risks involved and make appropriate decisions before and during flight.
Pilot responsibility
Understand your responsibilities as a pilot and as a member of the flying community.
Licensing
Working towards your paramotor licence
The course is designed to take you through the training and flight requirements needed to work towards your NZHGPA paramotor pilot qualification.
Completing the course does not automatically guarantee a licence. Your instructor will assess your skills and knowledge against the applicable requirements and complete the necessary recommendation and paperwork when you are ready.
FAQ
Common questions
Do I need previous paragliding experience?
No. The Full Paramotor Course is designed for people starting from scratch.
Do I need my own paramotor?
Yes. Training equipment is not included in the course. You’ll need suitable equipment for the training, and we can help you choose it.
How many flights are included?
The course includes 25 flights.
How long does the course take?
Training is weather and progression dependent. We recommend completing the training as consistently as possible rather than spreading sessions too far apart.
What happens if the weather is bad?
We don’t fly when conditions aren’t suitable. We use non-flying days for ground handling, theory, weather analysis, equipment and other training.
Do I automatically receive my licence after 25 flights?
No. The required flights are part of the training and qualification pathway, but you must demonstrate the required skills and knowledge.
Should I learn paragliding first?
You don’t have to. However, learning paragliding first and progressing to a paramotor conversion can provide a very strong foundation for powered flying.
Get started
Ready to learn?
Start your paramotoring journey with ParaPro.