Myanmar junta's motorized paraglider kills 40 at festival
A motorized paraglider bombed the Thadingyut Festival in Chaung U, Myanmar, killing at least 40 and injuring dozens, sparking global condemnation.
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When working with motorized paraglider, a lightweight aircraft that blends a flexible wing with a small engine to let you launch and stay aloft on your own power. Also known as powered paraglider, it gives pilots the pure joy of soaring without needing a runway.
The heart of any motorized paraglider is the paramotor, a backpack‑mounted engine with a propeller that provides thrust. Without the paramotor, the wing would act like a regular paraglider and rely solely on wind. The paramotor decides how quickly you can climb, how far you can travel, and even what kind of terrain you can tackle. Next up is the wing design, the canopy shape, cell count and line layout that determine lift, handling and stability. A well‑designed wing can keep you smooth in turbulence, while a poorly cut one will make every gust feel like a roller‑coaster. Both paramotor and wing design are essential because the motorized paraglider encompasses the engine unit and the fabric wing as a single system.
Motorized paragliders sit inside the broader world of ultralight aviation, a category of aircraft that weigh less than 600 kg and don’t need a pilot’s licence in many countries. This classification matters for regulations, insurance and where you can legally fly. Because you’re operating in ultralight space, flight safety, protective helmets, reserve parachutes and pre‑flight checks becomes a non‑negotiable habit. Safety gear reduces risk and lets you push the limits of speed and distance while staying in control. In practice, safety requires you to inspect the paramotor’s engine, test the wing’s lines, and always wear a helmet – the same diligence you’d see in high‑adrenaline motorsports like MotoGP or rally racing.
All these pieces – paramotor, wing design, ultralight classification and safety gear – link together to create a unique flying experience that feels both like a sport and an adventure. Below, you’ll find articles that dive into the tech, the thrill of competition, the best training routes and the real‑world stories of pilots who chase the horizon with a motorized paraglider. Whether you’re curious about the gear, looking for safety tips, or just want to see how this niche fits into the larger motorsport universe, the collection ahead has you covered.
A motorized paraglider bombed the Thadingyut Festival in Chaung U, Myanmar, killing at least 40 and injuring dozens, sparking global condemnation.