Paramotoring, a fusion of paragliding and microlight flying, began its ascent in the early '90s. Despite its apparent simplicity, this "flying chair" has achieved grandeur, soaring 7500 meters above the Himalayas and completing 1200-kilometer non-stop flights.
Pushing Boundaries with Advanced Equipment
Modern advancements have enabled pilots to fly faster and with greater agility. Young pilots united under the PARABATIX team have been pioneering this new air discipline known as "Air Racing," showcasing their skills and acrobatics in a thrilling new format.
Exhilarating Race Format
Racers fly meters above the ground at speeds up to 70 km/h, performing breathtaking manoeuvres with astounding precision. The courses, featuring giant inflatable pylons, challenge pilots with tasks like "The Great Race" style objectives. Navigating through giant spheres, lifting super-large rings, and high-speed figure-eight flights are just a few of the functions these top pilots undertake.
Understanding Air Racing
Each race involves navigating a low-altitude aerial track marked by 12-meter-tall pylons. Each track is unique, requiring pilots to touch a stick to signal their start and finish, adding an element of precision to their speed.
Race Challenges and Scoring
Races are timed, with pilots aiming for the fastest completion. Obstacles and interactive ground elements may offer bonus seconds for completion. For instance, Batixball requires collection and relocation along the track for bonus points.
Example of a Typical SKY Race Track
A typical air race track is described with green trails indicating the flight path and white dots marking pylon locations. Pilots must navigate tasks like pushing giant blue balls out of marked rectangles, adding complexity to the race.
Scoring System Each air race is timed, with the fastest pilot topping the leaderboard. The cumulative time across tracks determines the final Parabatix ranking and podium positions.
Variations of Air Race Tracks
- Speed Track (SR): Focus on the fastest completion of a pylon-marked path.
- Bonus Track (BR): Collect bonuses along the track for time deductions.
- Freestyle Track (FR): Pilots choose their route and tactics for the quickest completion.
- Special Air Races (SSR): A mixed-type race involving time and specific tasks like unique takeoffs, landings, and show-stopping moments.
Time Limit Rule
Each track has a maximum time limit. Failure to complete the track correctly or within the time frame results in the maximum time awarded to the pilot.