surrey-dad

Thanks Alan. You are of course right, as there are indeed still some threads left for me to read, including the one you mention. IMHO both reasons are one and the same. Too much work for the suits to get their heads around such a marginal sport, for the small potential revenue to justify their attention in the first place. It sounds almost patronising... Andy

Thanks Simon - I will print that out, and accidently leave it lying around in a suitably noticeable position. Andy

Thanks Alan - how could I forget my all important undercarriage ! Andy

Having just read up on the camera - it looks pretty awesome as well. I love the idea of the three video capture modes : Full HD: 1080p HD @30fps 127° FOV Wide Angle: 960p HD @30fps 170° FOV SlowMo: 720p HD @60fps 170° Ultrawide FOV The other main upgrade is a completely redesigned power system, which was the main reported weakness of the non-HD model. The new Li-Ion battery will last 2-3hrs, and evidently includes an internal heating system to keep the battery warm and extending its life during winter use. There is also a new extended battery option, for long haul trips. HD Helmet Hero - Preliminary Review So this is going to be added to my rapidly lengthening Xmas list. For once my better half is not going to be able to complain that she hasn't got a clue what to buy me for Christmas : * Paramotor * Wing * Helmet * Harness * Reserve chute * Head mountable HD camera * Flying suit * GPS / Vario * PPG books & maps * ...etc. etc.... Have I forgotten anything ? Andy

Awesome video FlyingDoc !It almost makes one feel like jumping off a cliff ! er NOT !!! Andy

I think you have hit the nail on the head as to the real reason for the lack of UK regulation (so far) ! You express similar concerns to those held by many on this forum. IMHO I think that the entry price of the sport, is high enough to deter many of the testosterone charged youngsters who would rather lay out money on a fast car or bike. Standing in a field waiting for a decent breeze, somehow doesn't quite have the street cred they are looking for. As to regulation, it takes time for any new stream of aviation to be established and recognised. The CAA itself wasn't established until 1972, more than 60 years after the first powered flight in the UK. It then took a further decade until the Civil Aviation Act was passed. In all such cases it takes a small group of dedicated exponents of such sports to try and establish appropriate guidelines and standards to help legitimise and regulate their sport. I see the current PCOM initiative (by the likes of Norman, Simon et al) in the same light. They are pioneers in an embryonic sport that may well start to grow rapidly with the advent of lighter and more reliable (safer) motors and wings. As far as self-regulation is concerned, it has to be seen to work. But this is extremely difficult without a clear set of commonly agreed guidelines in place, overseen by some sort of parent organisation. So the greater the number of UK PPG exponents that buy into initiatives such as PCOM, the more likely it has a chance of influencing any future regulation. I for one wish them every success with this brave (and often thankless) task. Andy

Great video Tom ! Oh to have the resources and time to paramotor ones way around the world ! But they certainly look good candidates for one of the five team places for the Ultimate Thailand Explorers competition. Andy

Thanks Tom - just the ticket !That was where that default setting was hiding Cheers, Andy

Hey - what about the FlatTop I can hear Dave say... Andy

Yikes!

Hi - the FAQ mentions that : However I cannot find the appropriate radio button in my Profile to add my signature by default.Am I looking in the wrong place ? Many thanks for any help you can give, Andy

Compelling logic !

Off topic a bit I know...But whatever you end up doing, please don't go scaring the cr@p out of the wildlife like this bloke... (1m26s Ostrich, 4m30 Vilderbeest, 4m45s Elephants) - Bl@@dy irresponsible ! [youtubevideo] [/youtubevideo]Horrible to say, but by the end I was almost willing him to have engine trouble and start thinking of a safe landing place... Definitely NOT one for my favourite 'Videos of the Week' Andy

NB: These are not my own video clips. They are just some of my favourites found whilst doing my newbie research into PPG. Off to southern Spain for the next video clip. If you also like the idea of flying over a series of hilltop castles, then this clip is for you. Great quality video of lovely spanish countryside north of Cordoba, NB. Start at ~2m to miss pre-flight chat. First castle at 2m05s (As always right click on video to choose to view YouTube in larger wider format) [youtubevideo] [/youtubevideo]Andy

Cool - will you have it with you at the Flagpole on Saturday ? If so can I have a play ? Cheers, Andy

What - never ! [youtubevideo] [/youtubevideo]Andy

Yes China is still a bit like the wild west when it comes to IP - having lived out there for 10 years. It is not just BMW engines that get copied. Unbelievably blatant but true: Andy

Hi leggettf and welcome to this forum ! You have definitely come to the right place for friendly help and advice. As a fellow newbie, there are far better qualified folks here to answer all your questions. But in the absence of a response so far here is my 5cents worth... Update: Hah, just noticed that PeteB has responded whilst I was searching for some links PPG in the UK is (currently) unregulated, so no need for a CAA license.Having said that it is highly recommended that you get properly trained. It is a good idea to start by finding a trainer or local club before laying out serious dosh on kit. Some offer taster days. In my case I went up to see Simon and the gang in action up at Lambourn - which gave me a great idea of what was really involved first hand. I have added some possible contact details in your area below. Common sense would say best not to fly right over one. But check out the following recent thread on this subject:Flying Over A Prison This is obviously subject to a number of factors such as your weight, equipment, relative wind speed, engine rpm etc. Some folks here are keen XC PPGers, and seem to manage flights of 2 or 3hrs on the current fuel tank limit of 10L. However that rule is to be removed soon, which will extend range at expense of takeoff weight. Always a compromise.There are some medics on the forum that may be able to answer the toxins question for you. Having trawled through previous threads, here are two possible contacts who might be able to help in your region: Paramotor pirates - who are based out of Hull. Their website and Trevors contact details are included in this posting: Paul Haxby - is based out of Doncaster I have seen Pauls name recommended a number of times here. His mobile is (07946) 548 292. Anyway hope that is a helpful start, and I am sure that others will be adding their comments shortly... Andy

Great advice Phil! I am (slowly) saving up my pennies in the hope that some folks might consider offloading unused kit early in the new year. That also gives me some time to appease my better half by selling a car that is similarly unused and "taking up valuable garage space" Anyway if you know of anyone that might be considering such a move please bear me in mind Cheers, Andy

Thanks Ian - much appreciated. Andy

Sounds great Simon - please add me to the list.Did any folks find overnight accommodation nearby last year that they could recommend ? Andy

Simon - off topic I know. But that was your 4000th post !Another forum milestone Andy

Great price Whitters !Please keep us posted on how you get on with loading software (Memory-Map and/or TomTom) onto it. Andy

Well here is something completely different from this years Coupe Icare. It looks like a toy version of what Whitters and his colleagues fly around in. Another Electric PPG with tiny prop. Not sure if the inventor (a) believes it dramatically reduces parasitic drag, (b) is just a wannabe heli pilot, or © both? NB. Skip the first 40s if you don't want to see the band. [youtubevideo] [/youtubevideo]Andy

Nice one thanks. I like practical low tech solutions Andy