Power paragliding seems similar to paragliding, but it is quite different. Many PG pilots are also PPG and know the difference which are more than just the engine. While it is true that towing with a static line is dangerous, this is not it. Lots have been learned about towing and the dangers of lockout (the one you mention) and those learnings are now part of the training that you need to take to tow and to be towed with a specially designed winch. Towing, when done correctly, is as safe or even safer in many circumstances, than other means of take off, including being propelled by an engine or launching from a mountain. If you already know ppg, I invite you to learn free flight with towing. It is very different and you will love it.
On tow we release between 1,000 and 2,000 feet. And once free flying, the max altitude is given by the ceiling (how high the thermals are getting that day) in Florida I've been at 9,000'.
@@paraglidingflorida got it, thanks :) I am a beginner pilot and fly in the mountains only so far, so have little understanding how hard it is to find a thermal in a flat area. But judging from your comment i guess you can do it consistently
Great video, thanks 👍
Saugefährlich
That’s how pilots get killed. I learned power paragliding. You can get slammed to the ground very fast from towing with a car.
Power paragliding seems similar to paragliding, but it is quite different. Many PG pilots are also PPG and know the difference which are more than just the engine.
While it is true that towing with a static line is dangerous, this is not it. Lots have been learned about towing and the dangers of lockout (the one you mention) and those learnings are now part of the training that you need to take to tow and to be towed with a specially designed winch.
Towing, when done correctly, is as safe or even safer in many circumstances, than other means of take off, including being propelled by an engine or launching from a mountain.
If you already know ppg, I invite you to learn free flight with towing. It is very different and you will love it.
How high can you get like this?
On tow we release between 1,000 and 2,000 feet. And once free flying, the max altitude is given by the ceiling (how high the thermals are getting that day) in Florida I've been at 9,000'.
@@paraglidingflorida got it, thanks :) I am a beginner pilot and fly in the mountains only so far, so have little understanding how hard it is to find a thermal in a flat area. But judging from your comment i guess you can do it consistently
@@abadonael yes. You can. But you must learn to read the sky and the ground to know where to search for them.
which winch type/model?
We use the e-winch produced here in Miami.
miamiparagliding.com/ewinch/
All nice and fun until the driver of the car decides to floor the gas pedal 😂.
Not really. The winch's job is to mantain the tension constant regardless of the car speed. When the car accelerates, the winch just gives more line.