christian

Most of us have a bias towards our own machines, so it is going to be difficult for you to make a decision based on what we write about our machines. I am 80/85kg and the field that I generally use is at 300m I have a Miniplane Top 80, it works for me because: The geometry of the machine makes it a delight to fly, almost no torque steer It’s one of the lightest. Which makes it easier for you on the ground and you are less likely to stumble if you are not struggling with a heavy machine. It’s fuel efficient. Which means that you have to take up less fuel for a given length of flight, which means that it’s lighter still. It’s relatively quiet. Which means you are less likely to disturb anybody, which is important. It’s tried and tested. Probably one of the most sold motors in the world and has been out there for more than 10 years. You aren’t paying for the privilege of being somebody’s test pilot. The parts are readily available and inexpensive. There is a great informal network on the internet and it is easy and quick to find help on any aspect of the motor. The compromise is that it is not as robust as some machines. Generally speaking, go for the bigger brands until you know better, and avoid Dell. A big engine with more thrust might sound like a good idea, but it is probably not a blessing for a new pilot.

Don't buy anything until you have completed your training. Listen to your instructor, but remember that he/she may have their own bias if they deal a particular brand. If you go to a reputable school then you will not go far wrong. There is no such thing as the perfect paramotor. Motors have their good points and bad and you have to choose the compromises that suit you. By delaying the decision to buy until after you have trained you will have given yourself the time to acquire knowledge to understand those compromises. Welcome to a great sport, Christian

Or warm up before you clip in. Very frustrating for you.

Legally you should also carry an up-to-date air map and have a minimum of 20mins fuel in your tank. My experience echos Alan's, I have found the French very positive towards flying. As for flying in the mountains it would be smart to hook up with a local club who will be familiar with the meteorology. It can quickly turn ugly in the mountains.

I have just come back from seeing the mechanic, Jean at Mecafly. Check out the very useful site with exploded parts diagrams. I asked him about the oldest motor that he services..........it's a Miniplane Top80 with 1200 hrs. And it turns out that Jean flys a Miniplane too, for all the usual reasons, but also another one that I hadn't heard......the parts are cheaper. Don't forget to change the gearbox bearings at 100/150hrs. I left mine a little late and they were in a shocking state. Christian

It's not a forum, but Free Aero is a good paramotor site. Some good articles and reviews, but 60 - 70% is aimed at paragliding, rather the paramotoring. And there's the Paramotor FB group, again it's not a forum, but it's better than nowt.

Noise? They had an electric paramotor flying at Blois last summer. It was not significantly quieter than a Miniplane. Christian

I never fly without one, it might give me a 2nd chance and I owe it my family. I flew with an Aussie pilot for a while and he never bothered. None of the French pilots that I know use them. It's a personal thing. Fly safe, Christian

That's exactly why you need to be able to see between your legs.

I reckon that it would take me another 7 years, by which time my knees will probably have given up Reserve? I have the Miniplane Snip L. It has a velcro pad on the top which I occasionally use for my phone, but I seldom fly with anything. The Snip L is quite small, so I can still see between my legs. Fingers crossed for some better weather for you lot.

At 200 hrs I am just getting mine run in. The local Top80 mechanic tells me that he services one with 500+ hrs.

Thanks Nico

That's a very useful comparison. How does the Sirocco compare with the Roadster2 & the Spyder? Christian

This seems to be primarily about paraglider harnesses, but some paramotor harnesses could have the same problem buckles. http://en.free.aero/

Yes

Castrol Power 1 Racing, which is the replacement for Power TT. Originally at 1.5%, but for the last 120hrs at 2%. The change was not through any knowledge of my own, just following the advice of a French mechanic with loads of experience on Top80s. Another modification that you might consider is to replace the handle on the end of the starter rope with a loop of 12mm marine bungee. It works a like an 'agricultural' flash starter and makes it much easier to re-start in the air. I think that there's an old thread on it somewhere in this forum. If you can't find anything, drop me a line and I photograph mine for you. Christian

Cas I've got over 200 hrs on mine and I have yet to see a machine that I would rather own. From the background in your photo I guess that when it comes to mechanics you know what you are doing, but this still might be useful to you..... Had Robinson of SouthWest Airsports in El Paso has put together a great set of 'how to' documents for Miniplanes. Here's the link.http://www.elpasoparagliding.com/ppgtechinfo/ppgtechinfo.htm Another good source of guidance is the Top80 Yahoo group, post a question and you will usually get an informed response pretty quickly. I hope that I am not teaching my grand mother to suck eggs, Christian

Notch, I switched mine off and on to confirm that they were working. There is a difference, but not much. I often have to wear ear defenders all day for my work, so I am quite used to adjusting them. Maybe I just had a duff pair. To be more accurate about the wire, it was the wire from the earcup to the microphone. The outer sheaving came away where the cable enters the earcup..............and this was the very first time that I used the microphone. Having said all that, NoiseBuster were very good and refunded the purchase.

I got these recently and they were terrible. A wire came out the first flight and there is almost no difference in the sound level whether they are switched on or off. I fly a Miniplane, which is not a noisly engine. Christian

Just before you land, put one foot in front of the other. You will automatically start running/walking when you hit the ground and are less likely to end up on your knees. It worked for me, Christian

A salutary story and a reminder to all of us......... https://www.facebook.com/notes/paramotorgermanycom/my-accident-or-never-start-your-engine-on-the-ground/1160922187272476 Got to respect him for having the courage to share it.

That's terrrible news. May he rest in peace.

I use 10 Nm on both wooden and carbon props on my Miniplane.

I have had both on my Miniplane. The carbon prop (E-prop) is significantly lighter and so spools up more quickly, giving an instant boost that is sometimes fun to use. But carbon props are more expensive to replace if you should break one. I prefer the look of the wooden prop, it's more 'magnificent men in their flying machines'.

Try the Top80 Yahoo group.