The Civil Aviation Authority said the case highlighted the serious consequences of operating paramotors in a reckless or negligent manner
File photo of a paramotor in the air(Image: Getty Images)
A paramotor pilot admitted endangering a person following an incident in East Yorkshire. David Soos of Goole, is said to have operated the vehicle – a propeller driven device that can take off – in a reckless manner, injuring passer-by in a farmer’s field in Reedness.
The 64 year-old was ordered by Hull Magistrates’ Court to pay £8,000 compensation to the victim, who is in his early 40s, who had been on a bi-weekly walk through the fields and suffered fractures to his tibia, fibula and ankle which was rebuilt by doctors using a surgical plate and 13 screws. An investigation into the incident was led by the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
In the court hearing that followed, CAA prosecutor Deborah Baljit said that Soos had been preparing the paramotor for flight when it began moving at pace towards the victim, who was unable to jump clear. Soos was apologetic and took the victim to hospital.
Paramotors are an unregulated form of transport and operators do not need a pilot licence or an form of airworthiness certification, but they must comply with rules of the air. That includes keeping above the minimum heights and distances from people and property, taking off and landing well clear of congested areas and not operating in controlled airspace.
Michael Macdonald, head of international safety and general aviation at the UK Civil Aviation Authority, said: “This case highlights the potentially serious consequences of operating paramotors in a reckless or negligent manner. At the Civil Aviation Authority, we are committed to maintaining the highest standards of aviation safety and will take enforcement action where alleged breaches of aviation regulations result in risk or harm to others.
“By prosecuting we are protecting the public and maintaining confidence in the high standards set for aviation safety in the UK.”
The Civil Aviation Authority published The Paramotor Code in co-operation with the paramotoring community to guide pilots on the rules of the air.
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