Confidential Human Factors

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Maritime

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Paramotor display over populated area

Initial Report

Report text (summary): A screen shot from social media was provided of someone performing high-performance paramotor manoeuvres over [City]. This activity, especially over built-up areas, is highly risky and leaves minimal room for error. In the event of a wing collapse or engine failure, the pilot has limited emergency options. Deploying a non-steerable reserve chute in such an environment would result in a vertical descent, increasing the likelihood of landing on buildings, roads, or other hazards, which poses significant risks to both the pilot and the people below.

High-G manoeuvres also place additional stress on the wing, increasing the chance of a collapse, especially in turbulent air. Conducting such advanced flying over open areas or water would be far safer, offering emergency landing options and reducing risks to public safety. While the pilot’s skill is evident, this scenario sacrifices critical safety margins. Choosing appropriate locations and equipment, such as steerable reserves, is essential for responsible paramotoring and ensuring the safety of both the pilot and the public.

CHIRP Comment

The material provided with this report included a social media screenshot clearly showing high-performance paramotor manoeuvres directly over a densely built-up urban area. CHIRP reviewed the associated content, which was publicly available and almost certainly authentic; it did not appear to be AI-generated or manipulated. Based on the posts, the activity described was assessed as both highly hazardous and almost certainly in breach of the Rules of the Air.

Although paramotoring is currently unregulated in the UK – requiring no licence, training, or aircraft certification – paramotor pilots remain bound by the same airspace rules (Standardised Rules of the Air) as other aviators. The Paramotor Code (CAP2562) reinforces the requirement to avoid endangering persons or property, and to ensure that, except for take-off and landing, congested areas are overflown at safe heights (1,000ft above the highest obstacle within 600m) and only when the aircraft can glide clear in the event of an engine failure.

In this instance, the pilot was flying a basic paramotor wing, not one certified for aerobatics, and certainly not designed for the dynamic stresses of high-G manoeuvres. Any structural failure, turbulence-induced collapse, or engine malfunction would have left almost no margin for recovery and limited, if any, safe landing options. Such activity is not only dangerous for the pilot but poses serious risk to members of the public on the ground.

Notably, the individual featured is not a member of the British Hang-gliding and Paragliding Association (BHPA). BHPA membership offers structured training, access to qualified instructors and £5 million third-party liability cover. Pilots affiliated with the BHPA are generally more aware of their responsibilities and legal obligations and benefit from operating within a safety-focused community. CHIRP strongly encourages all paramotor pilots to consider BHPA membership as a matter of good practice. This incident also underscores the case for reconsidering current legislation, with a view to bringing paramotoring into line with other forms of crewed, powered aviation through appropriate training and regulatory oversight.

CHIRP advised the reporter to notify the CAA, who may choose to investigate or take enforcement action where aviation regulations have been breached. These reports can be made via either of the following:

While social media has become a powerful tool for sharing flight experiences, it also risks encouraging copycat behaviour. Inexperienced pilots may view such content as aspirational, without understanding the hidden dangers or legal boundaries. ‘Likes’ and positive comments on unsafe content can normalise reckless behaviour if it goes unchecked. As an aviation community, we all have a role in calling out dangerous practices when we see them – and this reporter is to be applauded for doing exactly that.

Key Issues relating to this report

The following ‘Dirty Dozen’ and other Human Factors were especially relevant to this report. They are offered to prompt reflection for pilots of all disciplines, particularly those flying in relatively unregulated environments where informal behaviours can quickly become embedded.

Negative Influences:

  • Lack of Knowledge – Without formal instruction, pilots may not understand the aerodynamic limits of their wing or the legal requirements of flight over congested areas. Performing aerobatics in uncertified equipment compounds this risk.
  • Lack of Awareness – The lack of viable landing options in the event of an emergency, particularly in urban areas, reflects poor situational awareness. The impact of wing collapse or engine failure in such an environment could be catastrophic.
  • Complacency – Familiarity with advanced manoeuvres can create a false sense of safety. Just because it’s gone well before doesn’t mean it will again, especially when flown at low altitude or over unsuitable terrain.
  • Lack of Teamwork – Operating outside the BHPA means reduced access to constructive critique, mentoring and formal safety frameworks. Without peer accountability, risky behaviours may go unchallenged and become normalised.
  • Pressure – Social media can introduce subtle but powerful pressures to perform for an audience, leading to escalating levels of risk-taking in pursuit of validation, approval, or online following.
  • Distraction – Filming and flying at the same time can divide attention, especially if managing camera positioning, audio, or trying to capture the ‘perfect shot’. Focus that should be on airspace, terrain and safety may instead be drawn to content creation.

Positive Considerations:

  • Aircraft Handling Skills – The pilot clearly has high levels of control and confidence in their equipment, developed through practice. However, skill must always be tempered with good judgement, appropriate environment and suitable equipment.
  • Community Vigilance – The reporter demonstrated the kind of proactive safety culture we hope to encourage. Speaking up about unsafe activity, particularly when visible to the public, is a responsible and necessary act that contributes to overall aviation safety.

Final Thoughts:

Paramotoring offers a unique and exhilarating way to experience flight – but its freedom comes with a duty of care. Without formal oversight, pilots must take personal responsibility for their actions, equipment and environment. Airmanship isn’t just about skill in the air; it’s about foresight, restraint and understanding the wider impact of how we choose to fly.