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SAGELAND FALL 2013 20
Safety is always a consideration in powered
paragliding because, in a typical year, there
are at least one or two fatal accidents nation-
wide. Like all pilots, Jackson takes precau-
tions. He carries both a cell phone and a GPS
unit that others can track so that they can find
him if he is out of cell phone range or inca-
pacitated. While flying, Jackson continuously
scopes out areas where he could land in a
hurry if needed.
“I love to fly, but I don’t take unnecessary
risks,” he said. “I don’t fly in wind over 15
miles an hour. If it’s questionable, I don’t
launch.”
Although Jackson has not had a crash since
2009, he has had to make a couple of emer-
gency landings. Once, at the Salton Sea in
California, Jackson ran out of gas.
“I was having too much fun and ran out of
fuel flying out there flying in the desert,” he
said. The wide-open spaces made it easy to
glide in for a landing.
Another time, he was flying over a field just
north of Madras when a fouled spark plug
caused his engine to quit. He was able to land
safely in a cul-de-sac in a neighborhood
where no houses have yet been built.
One thing that makes powered paragliders
safer than you might expect is their low rate of
speed compared to other aircraft. If there is no
wind, Jackson cruises at about 22 mph.
Somewhat counterintuitively, high altitudes
are safer than low altitudes for pilots. Jackson
usually flies between 200 to 300 feet above the
ground — high enough to avoid obstacles
such as trees and power lines, but low enough
to clearly see the earth below.
Legally, powered paragliders can fly up to a
dizzying 18,000 feet, but Jackson said, “I’ll
never go that high. It feels like I’m in a satel-
lite when I’m at 1,500 feet or 2,000 feet.”
Regulations and organization
Powered paragliders are classified as ultra-
light vehicles by the Federal Aviation Admin-
istration and as such, they are exempt from
many of the regulations that apply to larger
aircraft.
Ultralight pilots are not required to have a
“... I don’t take unnecessary risk.”
Jackson, soaring high above east Madras.