alan_k

Top tip. If you have a choice of field don't choose one near a canal. The weather started very foggy this morning at home, cleared by lunch time but has remained foggy with limited visibility all day at the field, bugger.

You can postpone the purchase of a reserve. Your instructor will only be sending you up in benign conditions whilst training. If that's not the case I would consider changing your instructor. Some pilots don't fly with a reserve, me included, it's all about choosing when not to fly. I would probably be classed as a cautious pilot regarding flying conditions. I you have a doubt about whether to fly err on the don't fly side. I prefer to think about flying tomorrow rather than lying in a hospital bed. I will abort if the wind is too switchy, knowing if I really wanted to I could get airbourne. I have been to the field once and decided I just didn't feel up to it, no specific reason, so went home.

Bit like joining the local renegade hood but running away when any fight is likely. I agree about eliminating the major causes.

It's just that it is a lovely part of the world and my flying mate is down there a lot. Having the motorhome just makes it more attractive. Good to know there is a big local contingent.

Yes folks put on plenty of thinner layers. One of my instructors told me you can't be overdressed when flying in the cold.

Never mind Cornish pilots you may have a couple of regular visitors from the Midlands with having your own land.

Matt that's a fantastic post and most excellent plan. You seem to have heeded all the general advice for a newbie. I do hope the weather plays ball and you can progress at more than a snails pace when you get back from Spain. Yes and we are all cool dudes.

Love the inclusion of a PIC for timing control. I have done PIC programming in the past, my best was a controller for an amateur television repeater station. Plus a simple video graphics generator in a second PIC.

I'm so excited I've wet my pants. Not flow for 2 1/2 months. (Fibbed about the wet pants)

Brilliant, good one Stu!

Go for it both of you. I have flown on Xmas day in the past but we will be down the pub at 12:00 with friends and Christmas ales, so no flying tomorrow for me.

Good luck with that Paul. I don't think humans have enough power to weight, there is a reason why birds bones are hollow.

I would be keen on that Si as Shirley always accompanies me to the fly-ins.

Stop making us all jealous Stu .. Great that you got some good flying in, liked the fast drag landing.

Thanks Andy, is the APPI syllabus used in the UK though?

I believe it was 1996 that paramotoring was deregulated in the UK. This means you don't need a pilots license or a medical but you are subject to all the rules of the air contained in the Air Navigation Order. Training isn't mandatory although a lot of people think it should be, it's the first step to good airmanship IMO. The BMAA had a paramotoring syllabus many many years ago, now defunct, the two main routes now to training are the BHPA which teaches paragliding first, then paramotoring, plus the ParamotorClub syllabus which was developed with the help of a Senior Training Captain in the aeronautical industry.

I used to have a very long garage/workshop so fitted what was essentially a very long curtain track from end to end. I hung my wet wing up twice using soft face clothes pegs, then avoided getting it wet subsequently. Now if I think it is damp I open it up as much as possible in the lounge, draped across the floor and seating and leave overnight.

Hi Andy, I imagine that would be an even more bureaucratic problem. have you been revising with the past papers/exams available on line? Also when I took it I asked if I could take a French/English dictionary into the exam and was given permission. Bonne chance.

For early motors check out Rad Aviation, DK Whisper, early motors with the Solo 210 engine, including Fresh Breeze and Adventure (French). One of the market leaders is Vittorazi Moster 185. Nice project.

How glorious, good on ya Vince! (Not jealous really, hah what a fib)

Can always tell when the weather is rubbish as the activity on here is very low. I posted this 9 years ago, so for the benefit of all the new members here it is again. Green fields with unobstructed view, Man and machine plus paraglider too, With apprehension and excitement mixed, As pilot in command stands transfixed, Upon the endeavour to achieve the goal, Of leaving the ground and enlightening the soul. The kit is all checked, the engine warm for action, Lines taut it’s time to push on forward, The wing rises quickly with exigency to fly, The pull of the risers asserts its direction, A few steps now are all that are needed, Power, power, power the instructors shout heeded. Feel the lightness of footfall advancing, With each stride into the consciousness, The level of determination is all consuming, To keep the feet moving as gravity is beaten, Now airbourne the apprehension is receding, Flight is now yours, full with esoteric passion.

That's excellent news Si, it is a rather special place to fly from.

Excellent Stu! What trimmer setting are you using on landing?

I am flying the Deathmaster 2000 24m, had a short flight this afternoon, somewhat bumpy. Can be a bit fast on landing.

You know me too well Geoff! Some of it is for Christmas, specifically requested by friends. Oh and it DID make the steering slightly lighter...