Paramotor and how to take the first step to fly with a giant butt fan

Restored from the Empower Network archive (2011–2017), lightly edited to meet our current advertising standards. Views are the original author’s.

Paramotor or paragliding you need to know the difference to fly the legally in Canada.

The two sports are so similar but when it comes to paperwork they are miles apart.

Here is a pic of what a paramotor looks like when flown with a paraglider. Also called powered paragliding.

If you are thinking about paramotoring or powered paragliding as some like to call it, you need to get a license if you plan to fly in Canada.

Buying a paramotor is the easy part. Getting proper instruction and doing the paperwork can be overwhelming.

In this blog post I will be explaining the first step that is required to fly a paramotor legally in Canada.

A paramotor pilot is considered to be a “Pilot Permit-Ultra-light Aeroplane” according to Transport Canada. Basically, flying a paramotor puts you in the Ultralight category for the same rules and regulations as flying a ultralight

All the ground training and rules would be covered in your powered paragliding instruction when you take a powered paragliding course to enable you to fly your paramotor safely.

This video below highlights the end goal to fly a paramotor with wheels.

First Step to get going with a Paramotor:

The first step is to fill out a Class 4 medical form also called a medical declaration for licenses and permits requiring a category 4 medical standard.

Don’t ask why Transport Canada makes this stuff harder than it actually is. The class 4 is a self-declared medical form stating that you are fit to fly your paramotor.

This is how Transport Canada describes it:

This medical declaration is used to determine the applicant’s medical fitness to exercise the privileges of their permit.

3 Parts to fill out prior to using your paramotor.

The class 4 Medical Declaration for Licenses and Permits Requiring a Category 4 Medical Standard form (Form # 26-0297) is composed of three parts.

Part A

Part A requires you to fill in your name, current address and other personal information. It is self-explanatory. Be sure to tick the middle box at the top right where it says issue/reissue ultra-light.

Part B

All ultra-light, glider pilots and powered paraglider applicants are required to complete, sign and date Part B of the medical declaration and have it signed by a witness.
If you do suffer from any of the ailments or conditions stated in Part B let your instructor know. I am sure they don’t like surprises when they find out you are on some medications or worst, have troubles come up while they are flying a paramotor.

James Johnson describes how to fill out the class 4 Medical Form

If you the applicant have ever suffered from any of the conditions listed in Part B, you must undergo a medical examination with a CAME.

CAME stands for Canadian Aviation Medical Examiner. Just another fancy name for a doctor who is qualified to check out pilots.

Don’t be discouraged if you have had a condition that is stated in part B.  You still may be able to fly a paramotor if you have a not so perfect health condition.

Paramotors are not fighter jets.

Part C

This part applies only to Student Pilot Permit-Aeroplane or Pilot Permit- Recreational holders.
If you are a soon to be powered paraglider pilot then this section does not apply to you. You do not need to see a doctor.

What to do after filling out the class 4 medical form?

When a category 4 medical declaration form is complete, mail back the completed form with a photocopy of your Canadian Passport OR Canadian birth certificate to your chosen powered paraglider instructor in Canada.

He or she will send your paperwork to their closest Transport Canada regional office. Then wait… Remember you are dealing with the government here.

An official medical certificate will be issued to you and mailed within a few weeks.

Once you receive it let your instructor know so that they can update your file and proceed to issuing you a student pilot license after the ground training is completed.

Make sure you carry it with you on your paramotor

You must have your class 4 medical on you at all times when flying your paramotor.

This is a rule when you fly a paramotor according to Transport Canada and would result in a fine if caught without it.

An applicant may have completed the category 4 medical declaration, but may not act as a flight crew member unless the candidate can produce the appropriate medical certificate. Refer to CAR 401.03 for more details.

Paramotoring so much? Time to renew your class 4 medical.

A pilot renewing a category 4 medical declaration should complete the declaration form 60 days before the expiry date of the medical certificate.

This will allow Transport Canada licensing personnel enough time to issue a new category 4 medical certificate before the original medical certificate expires.

Paramotor Only in Canada

An applicant holding a category 4 medical certificate may exercise the privileges of the appropriate permit or license while flying in Canadian airspace only.

Other than that fly your paramotor anywhere you want within the airspace rules you are flying in.

Make sure you send pics of you flying because all your friends will be jealous!

Here are some link to help you out for further paramotor information in Canada.

The overview of Transport Canada Class 4 Medical Information for powered paragliding, ultralights and other aircraft.

Where to find the class 4 transport Canada form on the Internet?

Go to Flight Crew Application forms:

More info that might come in handy flying a paramotor in Canadian airspace. TP 14371 – Transport Canada Aeronautical Information Manual (TC AIM)

Flying using a paramotor is the most amazing sport.

To feel the wind in your face and have your feet dangle while you fly over tree tops is hard to match.

If you are the type that is born to fly then this might be an opportunity to get started.

You know what i mean.

Have you always dreamed of flying?

Are you fascinated by watching the bird effortlessly soar in the wind? Now is the chance to learn to fly a paramotor and make your dreams a reality.

Contact Powered Adventure Airsports for more information to get started. adventureairsports@gmail.com or visit www.poweredparaglidingbc.com.

Ask for the class 4 medical to initiate the paperwork.

You never know…Your flying desires could be closer than you think.

This year could be the year to learn something new and fly a paramotor.

Thanks for reading and hope to see you in the sky soon.