Resumo

OLSON, Mark E.. Powered paragliders in biodiversity exploration. Rev. Mex. Biodiv. [online]. 2006, vol.77, n.2, pp.297-305. ISSN 2007-8706.

Transportation technology is key to biodiversity exploration, and innovations often provide new access to biological questions. Powered paragliders are very small powered aircraft developed for recreational use that have great potential for use by scientists. I provide an introduction to these aircraft based on my experience studying tree crowns in tropical Mexico, with the aim of giving sufficient information that the suitability of powered paragliders for a given research project can be evaluated. The aircraft consists of a parachute-like fabric wing from which the pilot hangs (the paraglider), and a small gasoline motor behind the pilot. The benefits of these aircraft include portability, low cost, slow flying speed and the consequent ability to fly relatively safely at low altitudes. Because takeoff and landing are accomplished by running, paramotors can be operated from fields that are too rough for airplanes. Because they are so small and the wing has no rigid parts, they are vulnerable to turbulence and must be flown in very benign weather. Likewise, they are heavy and awkward when on the ground. As a result, they are as excellent observation platforms in localized areas, but inadvisable for transport of people or cargo.

Palavras-chave : aerial photography; aerial surveys; aviation; exploration technology; field work; flight; paramotor; transportation.

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