norman

Hi Guys, Here is a PDF which provides a prospectus for PMC Mentor Courses.

The CAA do not recognizes any PPG training body. Training is not required to fly a PPG, the CAA do not get involved with PPG matters unless they have legal reasons to do so. That is how I understand the current state of play from CAA Flight Ops department.

Just picking up on Mark's comment above about the power of teaching as an aid to learning. This graphic is used during the CSM as an illustration of a number of things but look at where teaching sits in the scheme of things... If you teach - you learn big time. A point to note, Mentors do not charge for their service, they do it for the love of the sport and the desire to help people make it into the air. We keep the cost of the Mentors course to an absolute minimum to help them along. More info to follow...

Hi Guys, Here is a PDF which provides a prospectus for the Ordis Instructors Course 2009. Please note that the sample manual pages are not complete manuals, just examples and an aid to preparation for the course.

Echo Chris - who doesn't know the sickening feeling when that 'FLACK! - SPLATATAT' noise comes from behind after a tumble. What a pain in the butt! "C'est la vie mate!"

Balloons - when they are closed up and pumping hot air into the envelope, very little escapes apart from residual, radiated heat. Hardly a killer. When the envelope deflects and there is a large spill of hot air, or when the contained gas is vented to stabilise/stop the balloon from lifting, then a bubble, a shaft of air gets released. Being HOT in relation to the surrounding environment it is going to travel skyward with the characteristics of a scolded cat. If it meets a flexible nylon wing in passing what will that aggressive burp of energy do? I don't suggest that this happened to our unfortunate fellow paramoteur - but it might be another good reason to avoid le ballon methinks. New sport, new interactions with associated lessons to be learned? This poor guy may have stumbled into a situation that will be recognised in future - he may have saved lives or injury by exposing a hazard to us all very graphically. The AAIB will hopefully have something interesting to say about it later in the day.

I never met a pilot yet who doesn't love the kit he flies. EVEN Airbus people love their jets - uuuggghhhh, can you believe that?

I would agree with Tony, weight is important to a point but there are other factors which matter more when considering load bearing. The way the motor is positioned on your back, the way the harness restrains the whole unit for starters. I fly the FB Monster which is supposed to be one of the heavier motors available. Well, the above are so well considered and designed that the motor sits very comfortably waiting for the wing to take the weight off my shoulders. I can wander around the launch site with it on my back and it isn't a problem. Agreed within limits and by degrees - Weight, an overrated limitation that can become insignificant after a short run.

If I scrutinise your words carefully I note that you make no claim to 'normal' either Simon? Just as well, are any of us normal here? Happy flying, Nermal

Once again your colleagues snatch someone from the jaws of the reaper. What a debt to repay - life itself. Really pleased to hear that with a little help from his new friends, he made it.

This is a small community, it won't be long before we know.

Hi Whitters, Yes, general awareness of what's happening arond your block of airspace and letting others know what you are up to has to be a contribution to safety doesn't it? Examiner? The CAA allocate 'territories' to examiners and this can sometimes complicate things according to a colleague of mine who examines GA/RT and lord knows what else. I am looking at it and will let you know what comes out of the mixer. As for 'kit'. They require two laptops and dedicated software. That isn't too bad these days but it is a significant cost. I would need to be prepared to train and examine all comers in my 'box' of territory apparently. We will see.

Fascinating Rob, what a graphic illustration of what's out there for us. magic! All we need to do now is pack and Nike!

Well, I go to ower 'ouse!

Ben, Sold if you still have them. Please email or PM me.

Tom, I was on the hill with Alex today and they had to go to a valley for 30 mins GH on the 12m Marlins as it was too breezy. Great view on the top, blew my wig off tho'. LOL

Hi Guys, Does anyone have a set of risers that they don't need any more that we could use as a training aid? Would be prepared to pay a reasonable price. Ta,

All part and parcel of the electronics revolution. I am sure it won't be long before we find a active noise cancelling headset that has no mic (skull/jaw tech) for PPG. The benefits are massive in terms of comfort and comms clarity. I have just had special ear inserts made through Specsavers and am about to send them to Denmark (tbone) to have the headset made around them. This is a great topic, we have some very savvy comms/sparks people here who could steer this effort to great effect. I reckon there is a product with great applications across other sports in the idea as demonstrated by links like the one above.

Colin's the man, when he first aired it we all gasped a bit. It is a goodun' that's for sure.

Fantastic Rob.

It might be Colin's picture of Slim on the skyline?

No Pete, after a good night in! LOL

You can post any image from anywhere, all you need is 'point' at it on the internet and tell the forum software what it is (an image). http://img.skitch.com/20090824-mww44mk4b6xf1bdexmjmrjkm4n.jpg' alt='20090824-mww44mk4b6xf1bdexmjmrjkm4n.jpg'> You can 'right click' and 'copy the location' of ANY image on the internet and bring it to the forum by referring to it as above. Like this from this very page... Images bring posts to 'LIFE'. LOL

Hey Doc, if you have both then you always will be able to join the party. As for recommendations, that's difficult because so few are officially approved. Have a chat with Eddie at Micro Avionics oop North. He is a very helpful chap and knows the business inside out. I have his headset and it is excellent, most people who use his kit swear by it. He would be able to give you the skinny on handhelds. http://www.microavionics.com/