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Around the United Kingdom RAF Paramotor Challenge

15 May 2022

Paramotor on the back of personnel.

The sky’s the limit for three members of the RAF Force Protection Force as they get ready to attempt the awesome feat of flying approximately 3142 miles along the coastline of the United Kingdom on Paramotors – a World first!

During August 2022, RAF Regiment Squadron Leader Tim Taylor, Flight Lieutenant Michael O’Hara and RAF Police Flight Lieutenant Andrew Whisker will be taking on this mammoth task to celebrate the RAF Regiment turning 80 and the 100th anniversary of the formation of the RAF Armoured Car Companies.

Leading up to the main event the team will carry out 4 training flights to prepare them for the many pitfalls they may come across.  Navigating through cluttered air space whilst covering undulating terrain will create unique flying conditions and will test their aviation skills. 

Follow the progress @RAFRegiment

"This challenge will test the skill, knowledge and endurance of these aviators. This epitomises the RAF’s spirit of innovation challenging the ‘Higher, Faster, Further’ boundaries of aviation. I wish the team luck in their endeavour around the coastline of the UK."

Air Vice-Marshal Suraya Marshall
Air Officer Commanding No 2 Group

This attempt will be the first for the RAF and the Armed Forces, as no Service currently has a Paramotor Team.  Although not a new sport, a Paramotor, combines the easy flying characteristics of a Paraglider wing with the autonomy and range of powered flight.  Paramotoring is one of the easiest and safest forms of flight to master and offers the kind of flying experience that is unmatched by other forms of aviation.

Personnel with parachute deployed.

During the RAF Regiment 80 and RAF Armoured Car Companies 100 anniversary year, the RAF Regiment will be raising money for the RAF Benevolent Fund and the RAF Centurion Fund.  The Paramotor Challenge is a part of this celebration and fund-raising.

Paramotor on the back of personnel.

Event programme:

  • Exercise Cassino - May 22 - training flight across the Hadrians Wall
  • Exercise Al Amein - May 22 - training flight across the peak district, including the crash site of a B29
  • Exercise Wahabi - June 22 - training flight from Skegness airfield and North Norfolk coastline
  • Exercise Al Whaki - July 22 - training flight from RAF Honington to RAF Honington
  • The Paramotor Challenge - August 22