FAQs

• How hard is it?
  • It's one of the easiest form of personal aviation requiring no pilots license or special training. However, a standard training course is HIGHLY recommended.
• How much does it cost?
  • Prices vary greatly based on your equipment selection but generally around $7,500-$14,000. Some used equipment can go lower and premium equipment can go higher. You'll also want to allocate additional funds for the training process; Rates vary by trainer and their available resources and experience.
• How high can you go?
  • You'll enter Class A airspace at 18,000ft which is prohibited, at these altitudes the air can also thin out a bit causing your engine to lose efficiency, your glider to lose lift and making it a bit harder to breathe. Most recreational flying takes place much lower however rarely exceeding 10,000 ft. If you’re closer to an airport or a controlled air-space, you may be subject to additional flight restrictions
• How fast can you go?
  • This depends greatly on your glider and wind, but usual air speeds are about 15-45 mph. If you're flying with or against the wind this will increase or decrease your ground speed respectively. Higher altitudes often have higher winds as well.
• How long can you fly?
  • 2-3 hours is a usual maximum but varies based on your fuel tank and engine efficiency. Nearly all motors are 2-Stroke, but there are a handful of 4-Stroke options that gain efficiency at the expense of weight and maximum power output. FAA regulations require that you carry no more than 5 gallons of fuel.
• How much does it weigh?
  • Depending on the model of motor you choose and how much fuel you put in, the typical range is from 40-80lbs for a foot launch setup. Trikes and quads can carry more weight. Your total equipment weight without safety equipment cannot exceed 250lbs.
• What are the laws regulating it?
  • There's a few, but the FAA takes a pretty light touch to aviation hobbyists. See FAA FAR 103 for details.