A New Paradigm in Aerobatics at OSH16

June 16, 2016 - EAA and the newly formed Paradigm Aerobatic Team are proud to announce the team’s first U.S.-based performance at AirVenture Oshkosh 2016. The Paradigm Team is scheduled to showcase their unique style of aerobatics as part of the evening air shows on Wednesday and Saturday July 27 and 30.

The Paradigm Team is made up of pilots from the United States, Spain, and France. Their ultralight powered paragliders, also known as paramotors, enable them to create an engaging performance reminiscent of an aerial three ring circus as the six pilots showcase the incredible maneuverability, precision, and performance of this relatively modern method of flight. Led by Eric Farewell, EAA 1153625, of Aviator PPG in central Florida, the pilots will each demonstrate their years of experience and expert skills to the crowd as they also fly synchronized aerobatic maneuvers never before seen in the United States.

Paramotor ultralights employ lightweight two-stroke engines worn by the pilot like a backpack. These engines enable pilots to fly as long as five hours on a tank of fuel while the gliders allow for speed ranges of 12-58 mph. As paraglider design has evolved, from simple wings designed to descend mountains to modern gliders boasting 9.5-to-1 glide ratios, so has their maneuverability, maneuvers that truly must be seen to be believed.

At AirVenture, Paradigm Team pilots will also use the parameter and paraglider’s unique pendular energy to perform an aerobatic routine like no other. Pilots will conduct maneuvers sustaining upwards of 6g and demonstrate formations that include their gliders actually touching one another. The Paradigm Team’s 12-minute act includes more than 60 maneuvers beginning with a formation launch and ending with a crowd-side landing.