mazzy1026

Pat - yes, let them out and see how amazing it is. Also, give the tip steering a try - you will love it! As long as you keep your trimmers the same on each side, you'll be fine! Lee - yeah for me it's a balance of not requiring too much power vs speed and trim setting. I don't wanna rev the nuts off the Moster too much!

Thanks guys Yes, the day I started using the tip steers, I never went back to the brakes! So easy, and like you say, can still get a pretty decent turn rate. Easier on the old arms too

Thanks chaps - interesting... I think what I'm doing seems the way forward: takeoff and land on zero or above, and don't climb on trimmers all the way in (although I'd question it being actually dangerous). Is it fair to say that the wing is less stable (or more susceptible to collapse) the more you pull the trimmers in? I ask this mainly because of the selling points of reflex, and the fact that you're naturally going slower with trimmers in. It's at this point I would wonder, what's the best trim setting for "throwing it around" a little? In reflex mode, you're not suppose to use the brakes - so at what point do you achieve a balance of wing stability (based on trimmer setting) and application of brakes, given said setting? Cheers, Lee

Hi All... Would you consider it dangerous to fly under power with trimmers fully in (slow)? I'm on a Synthesis 34, and normally take off/land according to what I was taught (and what it says in the manual) at or above (faster) zero, depending on the wind. My style of flying at the moment is slow, steady and high - taking in the views. Therefore, I normally cruise around between zero and 2 (need a fair bit of power to maintain level flight on full speed). Experimenting whilst airborne a few nights back (and enjoying the tremendous speed difference when on full fast trim) I tried pulling them all the way in to slow. I noticed a remarkably easy climb, with much less power than I am used to. My first instinct was to wonder why it wasn't my policy to always climb with the trimmers pulled fully in (like I hear so many other pilots doing, who will take off and land with nothing else for "ease"). But after some discussions and thinking about it a little more, it has become apparent that it can actually be dangerous to fly under power, when on full slow trim due to higher angles of attack and stall potential? I'm asking this after seeing a couple of recent collapse videos (which are for no apparent reason) and in my somewhat naive quest to believe that a wing just doesn't collapse for nothing, I'm trying to eliminate all possible factors - hence the question about slow trim Cheers, Lee

Pete - sold

Thanks for the replies gents... You'll have to forgive me, but what's 2m and how does it differ from a PMR? The headsets look good on the MA site - I suppose the other thing to thing about is the compatibility when talking to other pilots? I fancy the idea of the noise cancelling headset/helmet - presume any compatible radio can be used (give or take an adapter)? Cheers, Lee

Afternoon All... When I started PPG, I'd spent that much money on all my gear etc, that I ended up with a £15 skateboarding helmet from Halfords, a PMR radio from Maplin (one of their high spec one's in fairness) and a basic converted headset. Whilst it's moderately comfy and perfectly safe, one thing that is frustrating is the lack of clarity when talking to other pilots. It's nigh on impossible to communicate, given the interference and external noise. If you had the money for something that functioned really well (not interested in bling) what would be a good setup? I'm talking a couple of hundred pounds say? My main goal is to be able to communicate mid air, as clearly as possible - and I'm open minded to a closed helmet as well, keep the wind out your face! Any ideas/recommendations? Cheers, Lee

Thanks Pete - naturally a very valid point! Why are these any better though, that's the question? Square shape aside...

Thanks again Rich

Noob alert... Looking at a set of maillon's for my reserve (I have an Apco Mayday BI (big lad)). On the surface - these look great, especially the price: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/8mm-MAILLON-RAPIDE-316-STAINLESS-STEEL-RAPID-QUICK-LINKS-CLIMBING-CARABINER-/200876658121?_trksid=p5197.m1992&_trkparms=aid%3D111000%26algo%3DREC.CURRENT%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D14%26meid%3D5747670374677738237%26pid%3D100015%26prg%3D1006%26rk%3D1%26sd%3D200876658121%26 Thing is (and here's what I mean about noob alert) why are they so cheap compared to these, for example (not picking on this website as such, they are generally more expensive everywhere outside eBay): http://shop.flybubble.co.uk/maillon-rapide-standard-stainless-steel-8-0-mm-oval Probably being over cautious here (like to cover all angles) but I wouldn't expect either of these to fail under sudden load? Is there something specific to look for when buying these? The one's on eBay have a CE stamp, with a load value of 1100 KG printed on them. Cheers, Lee

Thanks Rich I was in "Edit account settings" in User Control Panel, where it says: I thought that was the only logical place to do it, but apparently not! Your suggestion has worked Cheers, Lee

Got it - thanks Pete, sounds the way forward. I now open the debate

Thanks Pete So, based on this, looks/sounds good. I am covered for any damage (getting sued) I (or my wing) may cause by landing out, or dropping out the sky. Dare I ask, if there will be any complexities if it's not the wing that does the damage (i.e. a prop coming off)? I will write to them at this point I think. Cheers, Lee

Hey I'm getting this error upon entering my password in the email settings page: I'd like to change my email address, can someone assist? Cheers, Lee

Cheers asquaddie... Wrote to AXA this morning (through the 'normal' generic website) and they can't give me any confirmation as to this service (admin doesn't have the availability to search through their thousands of brokers) but from what I gather it seems genuine - their response: "We will not underwrite this type of insurance direct at axa but this doesn’t mean that the brokers who deal with us will not be able to get this insurance from us. I cannot confirm to you if this quote is genuine as we deal with many brokers." I'm a natural sceptic, and the Austrian website is very amateur, so it doesn't fill me with confidence. However judging by various comments on this site, it seems ok. Would be interesting to hear from anyone who has made a claim through this? For £120, it does seem very good. Edit: Just noticed they require a wing registration? Cheers, Lee

Morning all... I’ve been sourcing some potential insurers for covering me whilst flying, and have come across this: http://www.flugschulen.at/axa/english/index.html What I’m trying to do, is get some insurance for flying etc, without having to join a club and do an exam (I’m hoping this thread doesn’t wander off into “that” debate). I’ve had a couple of land-out’s now and it got me thinking – it would only take an irritable land owner to be displeased at me bending a few blades of grass... Anyone got any experience or reviews of the above service – any good, genuine? Cheers, Lee

Thanks guys So it looks like you have gone for the camcorder option.... As for the mounting, it looks like this would do the job without me breaking something: http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/FOTOPRO-SPORTS-Cycling-Camera-Mount-Camcorder-Video-HD-/170611223385?pt=UK_SportGoods_CyclAcces_RL&hash=item27b938ab59 Thanks again - I'll go with the Sony for now and see how I get on! Cheers Maz

Afternoon all In the interests of saving £300 for a GoPro (as I already have a small Sony HD Camcorder) I was thinking of getting a camera mount instead. Found a few online, and just wondered what you think? What other ways have you lot mounted cameras? Here’s a few ideas – this one could maybe go on the frame, the beauty being that the camera can be positioned once attached: http://www.cameragrip.co.uk/acatalog/heavy_duty_flex_arm_kit.html This mini HD 2 doesn’t look bad for the price actually, but do wonder about the picture quality: http://sport-cam.co.uk/mini%20hd2.asp?cat=148 Even something as cheap as this could be a winner, as it would allow attachment to a helmet (mine is vented): http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/FOTOPRO-SPORTS-Cycling-Camera-Mount-Camcorder-Video-HD-/170611223385?pt=UK_SportGoods_CyclAcces_RL&hash=item27b938ab59 This page allows for a customisable solution, allowing you to choose a mount, arm and adaptor, which would allow for positioning of the lens once mounted: http://www.ram-mount.com/EmptyPages/CAMCORDER/tabid/1543/Default.aspx What do you think? Cheers Lee

Yeah, it's a fantastic machine! I am sure the motor will be fine - plus it gives me incentive to drop a few kilos

Thanks guys... I'm a bit heavier than that, and will probably be 150k all up at best - so am still slanting towards the BI. Had a coupe of competitive quotes today - like you say Alan, it's something I'll hopefully never use! Cheers Maz

Morning All For a while now I've had my sights set on an Apco Mayday BI (big lad). However, at £600 I need to be sure before I fork out! Just wanted to weigh up some other possible options (which I'm hoping to generate here) Do you think it would be worth looking for a second hand model, and if so, what would your criteria be? Never deployed/less than 5 years old etc? Or are there other models that would offer the same descent rate that I may have missed? Ebay generally doesn't have much to offer, so where would you look? Cheers Maz

Cheers Dave - sounds good... Alan, yes I did - however there's been issues with fitting the engine in the current frame, hence there's likely to be a 12 month wait at best. The chosen option now is to install the Moster instead....chat to you about it when I see you next Thanks all Maz

Afternoon All Just after people's opinions/thoughts on the above motor? It's high on the list of possible outfits for me... I'm on a Dudek Synth 34 (not a small lad)... I believe the particular model will throw out around 70kg of thrust. Cheers Maz

One more thing... Do you guys use the pre-loaded maps on these, or go for specific aviation maps?

Brilliant, just what I needed! I seem to recall my instructor having the eTrex, and it was very nice indeed. I'll weigh them all up and let you know how I go! Cheers Lee