SAFA Skysailor Magazine

14 SKY SAILOR November | December 2022 Powered paragliding pilots continue to conquer new challenges The Pico Club, Australia’s longest running paramotor club held the sport’s first official gathering of pilots, known as a fly-in, all the way back in 1991 at Jeff Hoffman’s farm in Milbrulong, NSW. Prior to this, what few pilots there were, would get together for impromptu flying weekends when weather conditions were suitable. Back then, the sport was in its infancy, not a lot was known. That small handful of guys, mainly out of Victoria, were crazy enough to strap engines (often converted motorcycle engines) to their backs and lob into the sky. True pioneers! For many years ‘The Pico‘ event as it became known, was the only fly-in held in Australia. It’s still held every September at Jeff ‘Hoffy’s farm. Powered paragliding (PPG) events have grown in popularity. Today, events across the country can attract up to 40 pilots at a time. Brett Paull, a SAFA member and PPG pilot since in 2006, shares his insights into the sport, the skills needed and what makes pilots choose this mode of flight over others. “For me, the appeal of PPG is the escapism, getting away from the rat race. Like a surfer needs a wave, like a skydiver needs a parachute… I need to fly,” Brett explained. “A big difference between PPG (otherwise known as paramotoring) and regular paragliding is that while paragliding relies more on suitable weather conditions and finer canopy control to stay airborne, motors worn on the pilot’s back enable PPGs to stay in the air and travel great