paul_axb

I know that in this part of the UK they are a very popular wing - maybe it is a regional thing that people have not seen one. Most of the pilots I know own an Apco wing, but we occasionally see wings produced by other manufacturers in this area. The problem with its popularity is that Apco have become victims of their success and this has caused longer than the usual delivery times. The expansion by Apco with the opening of a second factory will reduce the delivery times. Playing catch up with existing customers continues, and the Force will be with Gary in North Wales tomorrow where Steve will also collect his. I will have more deliveries of the Force in March, so the hard working Apco staff are doing their best to keep supplying the Force as quickly as possible.

Yes I have a demo medium Force and I will probably be in the Welsh Borders North Wales area during the last weekend in January when I have 2 Forces to deliver. Paul.

At the moment the Apco Force is the only reflex wing that is certified with the speed bar (without trimmers open) - maybe there is a new wing that has this certification, or one I may have missed? The Apco Force is the only reflex wing to use double siliconised material - excellent on those damp days to stop the wing becoming heavy and damp, or to prevent the dirt getting into the fabric. The material is the same weight, or lighter than equivalent nylon material, but has the advantage of lasting longer. I thought I would also add a comment in this topic regarding test flying wings to see how they compare - during my 10 years of supplying paramotoring equipment I have always had demo wings available available for my customers (not all sizes in the different types of wings), so I was able to give most of my customers the chance to fly before they buy. I think that it would be a good idea if dealers should have at least one demo wing, but what do the pilots and dealers think? I know that some people buy cars, bikes, boats etc based on a photo, sales adverts, recommendation etc, but I wonder how many people buy a wing without flying it? Paul Haxby

I have been informed that the problem with the Apco Thrust HP mentioned on the Picolights@yahoogroups.com forum has now been resolved. Apco are still busy with the production of the Apco Force and the availability of the large size seems to be keeping them busy through the winter. The opening of a new second Apco factory should help to reduce delivery times.

I understand that people are concerned about the lines being sewn directly into the wing, but damage to upper lines is very rare and Apco believe the reduction in drag and inceased performance of not having 30 - 40 taped loops on the underside of the wing is worth it. The load tests have proved that this method is as strong as taped loops. I have never damaged or needed to replace an upper line/cascade on any of my wings after nearly 20 years of flying, but if your ground handling causes you to catch upper lines around the propeller you may want to consider buying an Apco Thrust HP (or other wing with taped loops) instead - cost of repairs will be less (or you could practice your ground handling). If you want the reduced drag an extra perfornance then lines (that can last as long as the nylon fabric) that go directly into the wing make the difference. Paul AXB Apco UK Rep.

I will have a demo Apco Force with me at the UK Paramotor National Competition for people to try. If you are not able to get to there to test fly the Force then you need to contact your local Apco dealer to arrange a test flight. So far pilots who have test flown the Force have been amazed by the "easy ground handling and take offs, amazing stability, top speed that beats everything else that they have tried, positive handling in flight and excellent fuel efficiency". Apco say that this wing has become their best selling wing and the Apco staff are working overtime to produce enough to satisfy the demand. Apco are currently trying to arrange certification, but the general view is that this wing is for competent pilots with at least 10 hours flying experience. More details of the technical specifications can be found at www.apcoaviation.com

Just got back from my visit from Israel where I had plenty of different conditions to try out the Apco Force - low coastal flying at Tel Aviv, windy thermic stuff at Nazareth and a XC flight over the Negev desert. Despite the extremes I managed to fly without any problems (straight and level without any collapses) while doing a promotional video and photos - article may appear in the Paramotor Magazine 2 months from now. Definitley my favourite reflex wing - it is outstanding for its easy ground handling, stability (reflex, stall recovery system and HIT valves), speed and performance. The Apco Vista HP is still very useful for thermal cross country flying where the more efficient lift to drag ratio wins will gain the extra miles per gallon on light wind days, but for a solid fast wing I think this one will take some beating. The Apco factory staff are now working overtime to keep up with the demand for the fastest selling Apco wing so far and the waiting/delivery times may have to be extended if there is further demand. There might be a slight delay with getting the first demo wing to Simon, but you will have a chance to try one at the Paramotor National comp on the 13th June before I pass on the demo. I will be on my family holidays from Saturday until the 13th June, but I will try to make the demo wings available as much as possible after that. Contact your local Apco dealer for more infomation and a test flight. Paul

Hello Geoff, I dont think the Apco Thrust HP would be the type of wing most schools, manufacturers or I would recommend as your first wing. Normally a trainee pilot would gain initial experience on the Apco Prima, Karma or Thrust before deciding to fly an Apco Thrust HP. Learning on this type of wing allows you to progress with the decreased risks to your gear and yourself coupled with the advantage have a greater resale value. Well done with your success so far and I hope you get plenty of flying done in Spain Regards, Paul

I have had chance to try the Fusion, Nucleon & Vista HP and they are all very good and for me there is plenty of cross country potential with a wing that climbs well and maintains level flight with less rpm and has a good L/D ratio with less surface area and lines. The Apco Vista HP ticks all these boxes and must the best that Apco have produced for powered flying. I have already completed my fastest out and return flight from Doncaster to York using this wing. I think that Apco have produced an excellent reflexed wing with HIT valves and SRS that is worth a try (if you get a chance have go with the demo if you are at the UK PPG fly in or the Lord Stones fly in).

I need Alan Hunters contact details (or if he can contact me via the AXB Sports website) I can make arrangements to finish his instructor training before he returns to Saudi Arabia. Thanks Paul AXB.

My general advice is that you shouldnt try to run before you can walk and with the higher performance wings you will probably do more running and possibly more falling over. The manufacturers and instructors usually give advice and guidance for a reason and if you choose to go against that advice that will be your choice. If you are thrown into a difficult situation (because the air is never 100% predictable) with an easy to fly wing you will have an increased chance of you recovering. Good ground handling and good characteristics are important factors for your first wing and you can always connect the speed bar if you need a bit more speed. I find it strange that people complain about the speed of their wing and dont connect the speed bar. Your safety and life are more important than getting there 10 minutes faster than the next man and everyone can trim their wings or use speed bars to fly alongside each other (unless you have a point to prove). Performance and competition wings can hurt you if you are not ready to fly them - I know from experience. I know there are people that have the experience (from flying fixed wing aircraft or microlights) to fly a Apco Thrust HP or dudek synthesis as their first wing, but the greater safety margins that a more basic wing offers my be the reason that most people suggest saftey is the best option. One final point is that a wing is only as good as the pilot and although any wing can be flown badly you can look much worse on a performance wing flown badly. Get advice from manufacturers and instructors (it makes good business sense if they keep you flying safely so you become a long term customer) and listen to a good cross section of advice (and opinions?) from active paramotor pilots. Good Luck Paul Haxby AXB Sports Ltd