UK CAA: Paramotor pilot ordered to pay £8,000 after injuring passer-by
Following a UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) investigation, paramotor pilot David Soos pleaded guilty to endangering a person. On 16 September 2024 he operated a paramotor trike recklessly in a farmer's field in Reedness, striking a passer-by and causing fractures to the victim's tibia, fibula and ankle. On 25 September 2026 Hull Magistrates' Court ordered Soos to pay £8,000 compensation to the victim. The CAA notes that paramotor and powered hang glider operators need no pilot licence or airworthiness certification, but must still comply with rules of the air, including minimum heights and distances from people and property, taking off and landing clear of congested areas, and staying out…
Impact and considerations
The case shows the UK regulator will pursue criminal enforcement over recreational aviation that endangers the public, and confirms that unlicensed flight is still bound by rules of the air. For businesses operating or organising low-altitude recreational flying in the UK, compliance and liability exposure are materia…
Key points
- David Soos pleaded guilty to endangering a person after a CAA-led investigation.
- The incident occurred on 16 September 2024 in a farmer's field in Reedness while the victim was walking.
- The victim suffered fractures to the tibia, fibula and ankle, with the ankle rebuilt using a surgical plate and 13 screws.
- On 25 September 2026 Hull Magistrates' Court ordered him to pay £8,000 compensation.
- The CAA says paramotor and powered hang glider operators need no pilot licence or airworthiness certification but must follow rules of the air.
- The CAA published The Paramotor Code with the paramotoring community to guide these requirements.
Sources and time
- Primary source
- UK Civil Aviation Authority
- Other sources
- 0
- First source publication
- 29 Sept 2026, 08:00
- Page published
- 29 Sept 2026, 23:56
- Last updated
- 29 Sept 2026, 08:00
- Original links
- UK CAA News：Paramotor pilot ordered to pay £8,000 after causing serious injury to passer-by | UK Civil Aviation Authority (opens in a new tab)Primary source · en · Published 29 Sept 2026, 08:00