Each year for International Women's Day, FAI shines the spotlight on women in air sports. For 2025, we met with French paramotor pilot, Sandra Moreels, to discover how she pursued her passion for flight from beginner pilot to international competitor. 

Since learning to fly, paramotor pilot Sandra Moreels has worked hard to train and improve her skills, seeking support from mentors within the community to prepare her for the challenges of competition. And her hard work and dedication has paid off: selected for the French team, she represented her nation proudly at the 1st FAI World Paramotor Endurance Championships in 2024, contributing to their Team Champion title by winning two Snake tasks. 

Moreels hopes that her story will inspire other women to give paramotor a try.

The FAI World Paramotor Endurance Championships in 2024 was your first international competition - how did you find the tasks, were you well prepared? And looking back now, how did you find the experience overall?
Yes, the 2024 FAI World Paramotor Endurance Championships was my first solo international competition with the French team, and my second solo international competition overall, as I had previously competed in the Endurance Open UK in June, where I ended 9th out of 42 and won the "Best Newcomer" trophy.

I was well prepared technically thanks to my training, my coaches' advice, having competed in national competitions, and also with guidance from more experienced pilots. In France we are lucky to have a strong federation (FFPLUM) that organises regional and national competitions, as well as SIV ('Simulation d’Incident en Vol', or simulating unstable situations in flight) training courses. These opportunities provide a great way to improve and gain experience in a structured and supportive environment.

The international level pushed me to go even further. The tasks were demanding, combining five-hour-long navigation, precise fuel management for economy tasks, and precision challenges. They taught me a lot about my strengths and areas for improvement.

Looking back, it was an incredible experience—intense and full of emotions. I was especially happy to meet pilots from other countries, some of whom may even become friends. Standing on the top step of the podium with the French team was an unforgettable moment of pride.

France became Team Champions at the FAI World Paramotor Endurance Championships 2024.

What was your original journey into paramotor - what were the biggest challenges you faced as a new pilot, and in particular, did any female pilots support/encourage you?
I discovered paramotoring with Ailes en Ciel Club in Normandy, thanks to my husband, who is a pilot in five out of the six ultralight classes and offered me the opportunity to get my license. At first, I thought I would never be able to manage so many new techniques and handle the heavy equipment. But as soon as I started flying, I was fascinated by the freedom it offered—the ability to take off from almost anywhere and explore the skies on my own terms.

The challenges were numerous but incredibly motivating. At first, it was just about learning to take off and land safely while finding time to train while balancing family life and work. Then, with competition, I had to seek out information, look for support beyond my local club, and build my own training environment. I started strength training to carry my motor more easily—it weighs around 30 kg with fuel.

I was incredibly lucky to meet Pascal Vallée, who became my technical and mental preparation coach. I found Claude Monfort online to help me build my competition engine—he has since become an official Vittorazi Service Center. Kiki Gloriant from Eagles Paramoteur invited me to join the training sessions he created in 2024 for the team. Sponsors like Ozone, Vittorazi, and Fly Products also helped me continue improving and competing.

All of this requires time, organisation, and commitment. Last year, I travelled over 11,000 km for paramotoring, completed two SIV courses, and attended two advanced training camps. I’m also fortunate to have a husband who understands, supports me a lot and takes care of our son when I am away.

Women are still a very small minority in this sport. However, some female pilots have been a great source of inspiration, like Marie and Coralie Mateos, who are incredible pilots. The support I received came from a mixed group of passionate pilots, both men and women, who encouraged me along the way. Incredible women like Marie-Françoise, Nadine, Nathalie, Céline, Armelle… were often there to share advice and motivation.

L-R: Morgane Planton, Sandra Moreels and Séverine Deutsch from the French team at the FAI World Paramotor Endurance Championships 2024.

You could have chosen to fly just for fun, for leisure - what made you enter your first competition?
A pilot from my club, Thibaut Laine, had been competing for a year when I got my license. He invited me to join him at a regional competition, where we had to follow a line and match photos to locations. It felt like a treasure hunt—I loved it! I finished 5th out of 23 pilots and met so many great people.

Competition seemed like a great way to learn in a structured and safe environment. It’s like an intensive training course in a short period of time. I also love challenges and pushing my limits. At first, Thibaut and I decided to join forces and compete in the tandem category, where I was the navigator. We won the 2023 French Championship together. Then, in 2024, we started competing solo.

How long have you been on the French team, and how did you get selected? 
I joined the French national team in 2024 after achieving good results in the national championships. The selection is made by the national technical director and the French team coach, based on results, equipment, and also motivation and dedication. It’s a big responsibility but also an incredible honour. I wasn’t expecting it, and I was so happy when I found out I had been selected!

The French team at the 1st FAI World Paramotor Endurance Championships in 2024

There are several female pilots on the French team - but still a small percentage overall. Are you involved in any projects to promote paramotor to women? 
Yes, there are still few female pilots in ULM (only 2% out of 16000 pilots licenced through the Federation FFPLUM in France), although we are starting to see more in competitions and on the podiums in all categories.

I try to show through my journey that paramotor is an accessible sport for everyone and that you can balance passion, family, and sports commitment. Through social media and direct interactions, I encourage women who hesitate to start, and share my experiences to help them gain confidence.

To all the women who hesitate to try paramotor: just go for it! And if you have any questions, I’d be happy to talk about it.

Finally, what has been your proudest moment involving paramotor?
It’s hard to choose just one!

Participating in my first World Championship and winning my first world title as part of the French team was an incredible moment. I still have so much to learn and improve, but I was beyond happy to win both Snake tasks, as I love this type of challenge. That moment felt like a dream I never imagined possible just a few years ago, and I’m incredibly grateful to my coaches and everyone who has supported and helped me along the way.

Another unforgettable experience was carrying the Olympic flame. It was truly fantastic—an incredible honour and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I was selected thanks to my company, which recognised my commitment and achievements in paramotoring. Walking with the flame in Normandy in May 2024 was an emotional and deeply meaningful moment.

 

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Women with Wings

• Find more stories, interviews and anniversaries of women in air sports on our Women with Wings page.

Image credits: Sandra Moreels / FFPLUM / Caitlin Smith