Welcome to the Rough River Open Paramotor Classics – the first classics-style paramotor competition held by Freedom Flight Academy in the heart of Kentucky, designed to bring together pilots from across the US for a true test of skill, precision, and strategy! Pilots new to competitions will compete in a "Discovery Class" where Gaggle can be accessed at any time, whereas pilots who want to compete "by the book" will follow the same rules as they will face in international competitions.
Inspired by the legendary British Open Paramotor Championships (BOPC) and fully aligned with FAI Sporting Code Section 10 standards, this open event celebrates the core of paramotor competition: navigation, economy, and precision. No high-speed slaloms or extreme endurance here – just pure classics flying that rewards smart planning, efficient fuel management, centerline discipline, and pinpoint control.
Whether you're just interested in learning about FAI rules and competitions, a seasoned PPG3+ competitor eyeing international comps, or a skilled pilot looking to level up your game in a supportive, fun environment, this is your chance to shine. Open to all qualified pilots in PF1 (solo foot-launch) and PL1 (solo trike) categories.
What to Expect:
Tasks drawn from the FAI Annex 4 catalogue, including:
Pure Navigation
Hidden Turnpoint Hunts
Precision Corridors
Snake Circuits (centerline adherence, speed control)
Fixed-Fuel Economy Distance, Endurance, and Optimal Speed legs
Spot Landings
Bowling Landings
Combined Nav/Eco challenges
Daily task announcements via notice board and group chat
Real-time scoring and verification utilizing Gaggle - Flight Recorder (waypoints, corridors, no-fly zones, penalties auto-calculated – with manual marshal scoring for precision landings).
Flying windows optimized for Kentucky's beautiful mornings and evenings (approx. 0545–0945 & 1730–2030 CDT), with up to 7 weather delay days (Airport is reserved through 9 August)
Safety-first culture: mandatory briefings, sealed GPS rules, collision avoidance priority, no external aids, and a jury for fair play
Why Rough River?
Nestled at Rough River State Park Airport (2I3) – a pilot-friendly gem with a 3,200 ft paved runway, grassy launch zones, and stunning 5,000-acre lake views – this venue offers diverse flying: lake overflights (flotation required), river valleys, farmland, rolling hills, and thermal pockets in the nearby Appalachian foothills. On-site lodge, cottages, 250 tent/camper/rv camping spots, marina rentals, restaurants, disk golf, trails, and more make it family- and crew-friendly. Ethanol-free fuel available across the road. Check out the scenery here:
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Event Highlights:
August 2-5, 2026 (preferred window; can extend until 9 August for weather)
Registration, equipment checks, safety briefs, and practice on Day 1
Multiple tasks per day, provisional scores posted quickly
Evening socials, pilot debriefs, and awards ceremony on Sunday.
Prizes, trophies, and recognition for top placings in each category.
Opportunity to build competition experience toward becoming a USPPA Team Pilot.
This isn't just a competition – it's a celebration of paramotor skill, camaraderie, and Kentucky's incredible flying landscape while supporting a great cause. Come test your wings, make new friends, and help put Freedom Flight Academy on the map as America's go-to destination for classics-style PPG action.
Entry & Requirements:
Minimum USPPA PPG2 (or equivalent demonstrated experience)
Signed waiver, equipment check (reserve and flotation strongly recommended, helmet mandatory)
(details TBA – limited spots for safety & fairness). Registration will be open once this event page reaches 100 "going" and/or "interested" responses.
Questions? Message the page or drop a comment below!
Let's make history in the skies over Rough River Lake!
Safe flights, fair winds, and see you in August 2026! 🚀🪂
#RoughRiverOpenParamotorClassics #ParamotorClassics #USPPA #PPGCompetition #FreedomFlightAcademy
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