An exemption to the Air Navigation Order (ANO) 2016 has been
issued to allow foot-launched self-propelled paragliders (more commonly known
as paramotors) or self-propelled hang-gliders to be fitted with devices to
support weight during take-off (e.g. wheels), with no change to the applicable
regulatory requirements. Previously such aircraft could only be ‘foot-launched’,
since the addition of wheels to a paramotor chassis would have seen the
aircraft classified as a microlight aeroplane, therefore needing a pilot’s
licence to fly.
In order to meet the conditions of the exemption, the
aircraft must have an unladen mass (including full fuel), of no more than 70
kgs. An additional 5 kgs is permitted if the aircraft is equipped with an
emergency parachute. To limit the performance of the aircraft, the chassis and
wing combination must have a stall speed or minimum steady flight speed in the
landing configuration of no more than 20 knots. This is to ensure that the
overall performance and kinetic energy of the aircraft is kept similar to existing
foot-launched aircraft. The exemption is
also limited to single occupancy. It will be issued for a 12 month period and
the impacts carefully monitored in co-operation with the GA community.
A number of factors are behind the decision to issue this
exemption. In the past, the CAA periodically received enquiries from people who
were unable to foot-launch paramotors due to physical injury or disability.
Normal policy would have been to recommend they obtained a National Private
Pilot’s Licence (NPPL) with microlight class rating and fly an aircraft fitted
with wheels, even if the aircraft was otherwise identical to a foot-launched
variant that could be flown without a licence.
We have a duty to make our regulations proportionate and we
believe this exemption offers a more equal access to the activity while
retaining appropriate limitations. Pilots wishing to fly aircraft not covered
by the exemption (for example two seat aircraft) or the existing ‘self-propelled
hang-glider’ definition in the ANO, must obtain an NPPL for the relevant
aircraft category.
All aircraft must comply with the Rules of Air, as set down
by in the Standardised European Rules of the Air (SERA) and the UK Rules of the
Air 2015. It is the responsibility of pilots to familiarise themselves with
these rules and not endanger other airspace users or third parties on the
ground in the
course of their flying activities.
Aircraft flying in accordance with the exemption must also be
insured in accordance with the applicable European aircraft insurance
regulations, Regulation (EC) No
785/2004, since they will no longer by covered by the exclusion for foot–launched aircraft. Pilots should ensure their insurance meets the requirements
applicable for the mass of their aircraft and carry their certificate while
flying. We will be working with the GA community to ensure this is fully
understood. As the responsible authority for the European Regulations, the CAA
also reserves the right to inspect insurance documentation and verify that the aircraft
is appropriately insured.
The full text of the exemption can be found in ORS4 No. 1224