This page needs to be updated to reflect the IAA's new Paramotoring Licence
There are two entry routes to flying a paraglider under power in Ireland:
- Paraglider pilots holding a Para Pro 3 (Novice) pilot rating (or above) may complete supplementary training and apply for a PPG Skill Endorsement, or
- People with no prior training in paragliding may enroll in a Paramotoring School and train specifically to qualify as a Paramotor Pilot, which is a different skill set to pure, free-flight paragliding.
Powered Hang Gliding (PHG) is only available as a Skill Endorsement to an existing Safe Pro 3 (Novice) pilot rating.
The IAA is in the process of developing a licencing system for the operation of Paramotors and Powered Hang Gliders but, until this has been finalised, the IAA require all FLPA pilots to apply for an Exemption (to the licencing system). The current rules for applying for an Exemption are summarised below. However, until the details of the FLPA Licence is finalised, pilots wishing to fly with a power unit should contact the IAA directly to confirm the requirements of the Exemption and their obligations.
The main rules governing Paramotoring in Ireland are summarised here:
1. Pilots must hold a valid Class 2 medical at the time of any flight.
2. All Flights must be conducted in daylight Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC) under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) and in Class “G” airspace below 5,000ft above Mean Sea Level (AMSL).
3. No flight may be made at any height over:
a. Any town, City or built-up area.
b. Any area of commercial, residential or recreational use.
c. Any open air assembly of persons, whether gathered in connection with an event of public entertainment or otherwise.
4. No passenger may be carried on any flight. (unless instructor)
5. No flight shall be made for hire or reward or for any valuable consideration.
6. The pilot shall maintain a record of all flights made under this exemption in a suitable log book.
7. The pilots log book and Exemption shall be made available within a reasonable period to:
a. An authorised Officer of the Authority.
b. A member of the Garda Siochana.
c. An officer of the Customs and Excise.
8. Any accident involving substantial injury or death of any person or substantial damage to the equipment being used for flying shall be reported in writing to the Authority, irrespective of any liability to report the same information to the Air Accident Unit of the Department of Transport.
9. Any flight made under the exemption shall be in compliance with the requirements of the airworthiness Standards Department of the Authority.
10. The exemption shall only be valid while the insurance cover is active.
11. The current exemptions are valid for one year only.
These rules may soon be amended when a license system is put in place.