Irish Regulations

 

Current Situation

Paramotoring or Powered Paragliding / Powered Hanggliding is recognised by the IAA (Irish Aviation Authority) as a form of motorised sports aviation. At the present time there is no licensing in place for this form of aviation.

The fact that there is no licence in existence does not give us the freedom to do what we like. We are all bound by Airlaw in Irish Air Space the same as motorised road vehicles are by the Road Traffic Act.

The Legal situation regarding Powered Paragliders / Powered Hang gliders operating in Irish Air Space is an evolving process, one  that we are committed to resolving to everyone's satisfaction (in so far as that is possible) in close cooperation with the IAA. 

So for the time being to fly a Powered Paraglider / Powered Hang glider legally within the law you will need a written exemption from the IAA.

Some Air Law that applies to Paramotor pilots in Ireland

To fly legally you must apply to the IAA for an exemption after you have completed your training at a school that is registered by the authority. ( We are the only school operating in Ireland at present that has official IAA authorisation to instruct students in this activity) On applying for an exemption you must have evidence of training undertaken from an approved school (IPPHA syllabus is accepted)  also have a current Class2 medical Certificate and produce your pilots logbook .Class 2 medicals are available through IAA approved AME ( Aero Medical Examiner) A list of AME's are published on IAA website: www.iaa.ie


Irish Air Law

1 Have a current Class 2 medical cert

2 All Flights must be conducted in daylight Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC) under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) and in Class G air-   space below 5,000ft above Mean Sea Level (AMSL).

3 Any flights made under the exemption shall be in compliance with the requirements of the airworthiness Standards Department of the Authority.

4 Your pilot 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 . c. An officer of the Customs and Excise.

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 No passenger may be carried on any flight.

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 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.

10The exemption shall only be valid while the insurance cover is in force.

11 These exemptions are valid for one year and need to be renewed and renewal can be refused at any time by the Authority.

12 You must have permission to land and take-off from any lands in Ireland.

13 You must have permission to land and take-off from Irish beaches ,without such permissionits is illegal .

  *The above Air Law can chance from time to time and its your responsibility to be fully aware, ignorance of the law is no defence in a court of law.                                                                            

 

*You have been flying powered for years without attending recognised training courses but want to fly legally in Ireland? Contact  approved schools for details of Paramotoring Assessment course.

 

To date many powered pilots have been issued with these exemptions going back as far as 1996.

It is everyone’s duty to protect our immediate sporting aviation activities which are: Paragliding, Hang gliding, powered Paragliding, Powered Hang gliding from potentially disastrous consequences in the event of any misadventure in Irish Air Space by uncaring or inexperienced individuals operating powered or unpowered gliders.

This situation is fluid and progressive; Our goals are safer skies for all and the long term growth & prosperity of our sports in Ireland .