Build and Fly a Paramotor - safely and inexpensively

Step 15: Know the Rules

In the US, Paramotors fall under Federal Aircraft Regulation 103
The full list of rules and regulations can be found here:
http://www.ultralighthomepage.com/FAR.part103.html

In Canada, the laws are a bit stricter than in the US, and can be found here:
http://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/civilaviation/publications/tp185-3-09-feature-729.htm


(FAR 103) - overview

(a) Is used or intended to be used for manned operation in the air by a
        single occupant;
(b) Is used or intended to be used for recreation or sport purposes only;
(c) Does not have any U.S. or foreign airworthiness certificate; and
(d) If unpowered, weighs less than 155 pounds; or
(e) If powered:
    (1) Weighs less than 254 pounds empty weight, excluding floats and safety
        devices which are intended for deployment in a potentially catastrophic
        situation;
    (2) Has a fuel capacity not exceeding 5 U.S. gallons;
    (3) Is not capable of more than 55 knots calibrated airspeed at full
        power in level flight; and
    (4) Has a power-off stall speed which does not exceed 24 knots calibrated
        airspeed.