pegasus1

I was wondering if its a side effect of altitude sickness Norman?

Is it the norm to buy kit off the internet like radios, altimeters etc? Obivously buying off someone you know is a good option. Isn't the reserve standard equipment? The idea about sharing is a good one, I was in a glider syndicate which worked well especially when I wanted to pull out. The problem I have is who else flys a micro? Do you need extra insurance to cover yourself flying and do you cover your kit under the household? Sorry for all the questions but I am a total newbie to it all. Thanks for the help so far, I appreciate all your thoughts!

At present Simon and I have begged and borrowed my kit just to get me to the starting posts. ( A huge thank you ). If I really get addicted, what do I actually need? What can I buy second hand and what shouldn't I buy second hand? What should I be aware of buying second hand and who should check stuff for me until I know what to look for? I am hoping to get on well with a Mirco Rad and would want a slow wing. What helmet, radio and GPS etc is best and ecomomical to start with? Like many of you I am on a tight budget and would like to learn from any mistakes you have made in the past.

..& I'm chuffed if I manage to send a text to the right person on my mobile........

Very impressive Col! If you don't need the cushion anymore can I borrow it please??

I was interested in the fact that someone ran out of fuel and had to land pretty soon afterwards at the weekend. Obviously you lot are far more technical than I, but I was wondering why there is no fuel gauge or way of showing how much you have in the tank. I assume you take into account how much fuel you have to how much flying time you have before you take off. Now I make no appologies, but being of the fairer sex ,I am prone to 'being away with the fairies' and as such it is highly likely that I will encounter this situation at some stage in my paramotoring career.( sorry Simon) . I can see that a float in the tank would not work as you can be bumping around up there. You can not have fuel lines where you can see them due to the lay out of the motor and the cage. Do I simply set my alarm or take to wearing a watch rather than relying on my 'phone? I am also assuming I am not the only person who has pondered on this point. Just something I thought I would throw out to you lot out of sheer curiosity.....

Hi Malc Mid life crisis? Lifes not a rehersal someone once told me. Sound advice.

Thanks all. I went up to the field today as I saw you all playing. Got everything ready and stood there like a lemon for ages as the wind dropped off immediately. Bet it increased seconds after I left! The science is correct and the wing/motor combination should have it in the bag. Pete, I do have a slight issue with the brakes.( just ask a very patient Simon) The husband did say he has noted an excessive, sudden use of the brakes when I drive too - perhaps that has something to do with too much forward propulsion?! I need to keep my arms straighter and not hestitate in the turn. This is where the tow up has been so useful on many levels. To understand how it all comes together, to get my confidence, increase the need to get up there for real and to see that you lot obviously don't work out in the gym!! :lol: Got time off on friday. Sky gods willing, there will be perfect conditions. I think I have seen all of you take off whilst I am still ground handling and its wearing a bit thin now......

Why is it when I have my wing nicely settled above me, everything is just right and I turn round to start a forward run....I can't?? I am unable to take one single stride. Its like trying to pull an artic, then I get dragged back and the wing collapses. I watch all of you having no problem. Help please When I have my motor on will it naturally alleviate the problem & do you lot pump iron in the gym all day?

I go into 'paint' and shrink them down to 80%. Then back into the paramotor club site and download them out of my pictures. Not quite sure how I found out to do that but it does seem to work!

Hey Chris I have only just got into computors so know where you are coming from. Down loading your photos onto your personal album is much easier than I thought it would be - honestly!! If I can suss it , believe me, anyone can

Absolutely fantastic to hear you have done that first flight Stuart! I am really chuffed for you Remember those hard days by the Ridgeway? Well they are a thing of the past now!! Its up and away for you - congratulations - any tips???

Count me in too please Simon. I was also wondering if the invitation extends to our better halves....

Hey Simon. You are an incredibly lucky man do you know that? You have not just sheep in your garden you have Wiltshire Horn Sheep. They are a rare breed that died out in Wiltshire in about 1820 and are now part of a reintroduction program. They are an Iron Age sheep which lack the need to flock closely together which is why you kindly provided a few with grazing rather than the whole flock. ( this option can be quickly and easily arranged)! The very best part is though, due to foot and mouth movement restrictions they can not be moved from their present field back to fresh grazing near Ashbury, therefore you are providing a animal welfare donation! These sheep do not produce a fleece but moult like a dog. They are however extremely good eating and the best way to conserve a rare farm animal, believe it or not, is to eat them. I can see some lamb coming your way..... P.S Anyone interrested to see what made Simon and Weesplat run around you can view Bob and Max on my album.

Depending on what state you buggers get into - I also have kennels so you can experience a stay in the doghouse!! Does this mean I'm driving???

Can I say the static winch idea is a particularly good one. Looking at the poor sods after they pulled me up last time I think volunteers will soon be very thin on the ground!!

Hey SLiM I have only been up on the rope so far so am right with you there. Hope to see you around soon to show me how to get off the ground....- Hey Simon, I can't work my PC either!!

I want to take this opportunity to thank the poor unfortunate lads who where in the field today when I needed a tow. So thanks to Simon, Weesplat, the Robs, Dave and Dan the Man ( as well as Ang who took some photos for proof of flight for the husband). I really appreciated the sweat and collapsed lungs it took to get me airbourne. It did not seem that much like hard work from where I was! All the ground handling fell into place and it felt very natural to be up there- even if it was only on the end of a long rope. I make a solemn promise to Simon to LAY OFF THE BRAKES. He is right- the wing flies fine by itself. I loved it and want to steal a motor now to soar like an eagle...or play in the sky like you lot!!

Always thought you are a great group of people......

I am always doing something a little off the normal to raise money for our tiny primary school in the village and cancer research. I have flown a plane, jumped out of a plane and now rather fancy standing on top of one . Is there anyone who knows anywhere that does it in Wiltshire, Berkshire or preferably in Oxfordshire? Someone told me that I might be too tall at 6ft- is this true?

Hey Warwick Welcome to the forum as well. I recomend the training blogs and ofcourse the albums to see how its done up here

Absolutely ridiculous that the Red Arrows can't do their display. Why can't we be proud to be British these days? Can Simon fly as fast if we strap a jet engine to his back along with the smoke canisters on his legs? Not sure what wing he would advise to use though?!!

I will try to make it at some stage in the afternoon - see you there! Simon give us a shout about that site please incase I don't make it. Thanks

Congratulations Colin- glad you gave your arse a rest!! Can't really say too much on the subject as I have not left yet let alone arrived, but well done anyway!

Hi Simon Count me in on 1 as well please!