irm750

Good point, well made Alan. I have taken to using 2-3 metre lengths of stripey red\white polythene barrier type tape instead of a proper windsock for the same reasons and in addition because it's cheap (or free depending where you find it!) and expendable. Very visible from the air too. This is the stuff I mean - Regards, Ian.

I use a bit of red ribbon tied to the fuel can handle to indicate when it's mixed with oil, and no ribbon when it's just petrol. I was given the ribbon during my EP free flying course. They tie a red ribbon to the harness to indicate that you are a novice when flying among others. Ian.

Hi Poz. You're right that this is definately a good sport for those who like their gadgets. Thinking through my own kit, some additional basics might include - 1) A sturdy pair of boots to protect your ankles and legs. (I use hi-leg military type boots) 2) I use clear glasses on overcast days and sunglasses on sunny days to keep flies and other stuff out of my eyes. I remember trying to pick a fly out of my eye when I was cycling and that was painful and distracting enough on the ground! (clear wrap around safety specs from screwfix) 3) A bog standard compass for navigation and confirming wind direction on the ground from your windsock. (milletts) 4) Talking of windsock, a telescopic windsock pole and spike is very useful (got mine from a kite shop) 5) An air map to show the airspace in the area you intend to fly (obtained from a flying school at a local airfield) 6) Flying suit to keep the wind off and provide pockets to store things. I use one piece motorbike waterproofs in the summer and Dickies quilted waterproof overalls when it's cold. 7) Earplugs to protect your hearing (I use custom moulded ones as I couldn't get on with off the shelf ones) I don't use any special filtering fuel tanks. My collection of fuel containers includes a 20L metal jerry can with spout, several bog standard 5L fuel cans and an 8(ish) litre fuel/oil mixing/measuring tank. I also use a 100ml plastic measuring cyclinder for accurately decanting 2-stroke oil (got it from the wine making section of Wilkinsons) I'm sure I'll think of some more and others will make reccomendations but these along with your list is good to be getting on with! Regards, Ian.

I found out that we have a Monster Raving Loony Party candidate standing in our constituency. I took a look at their website - http://www.omrlp.com After reading their "manicfesto" which was brilliantly funny, I now feel a lot happier and refreshed with politics! Ian.

I got mine from here - http://www.hucknetting.co.uk/stock_knotless_bird_nets-840_183.aspx?cp=1 Went for the sparrow proof (20mm) squares. Worth giving them a call as the will do smaller quantities. Best regards, Ian.

Sounds like bliss!! It's great when it all comes together to perfection, and finished off with a beer. Who could ask for more??? Regards, Ian.

I wouldn't worry about learning on a Revo. You have proven to yourself that it will free fly. I was taught and still fly on my Revolution and it has always been well behaved. I also did a free flying course to get some wing time before strapping a motor on and my free flying instructor had not been exposed to and therfore did not understand reflex technology and so strongly warned me away from it. I can confidently say that as a relatively new pilot I have (thankfully only rarely) chosen to fly in inappropriately thermic, gusty or strong conditions when I wished that I hadn't taken off. The Revolution got me back safely onto the ground when I am sure that a non-reflex would have folded up and gone home! Stick with it, chose an instructor or mentor you can trust and importantly who regularly flys paramotors and then enjoy the ride! Best regards, Ian.

............Seems I need to apologise to the organisers. There was a brief announcement at the end of December last year which I must have missed in all of the Christmas/New Year excitement! I will probably pay a visit on 24/25 April and will possibly enter the Open Championship in June once I've had more chance to prepare. Is anyone from here going to visit or enter either of these??? Regards, Ian.

With just over a week to go (yes, they really have given just over a weeks notice!), the date for the next leg of the UK Paramotor League has been announced - Email from andyair@btconnect.com to PPGCompsUK@yahoogroups.com "Date: Wed, 14 Apr 2010 22:17:35 +0000 Subject: [PPGCompsUK] Calling all Comp Pilots! The second leg of the 2010 National Paramotor League will take place at Boston Aero Club in Lincolnshire on the weekend of Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th April 2010. There's no pre-registration, so you just need to turn up on the Friday afternoon/evening in time to pitch your tent and attend the mandatory initial briefing at 21.00. Tasks commence from 07.30 on the Saturday morning and the event will finish by 16.00 on the Sunday afternoon. Fees are just £30 for the competition, camping and use of the facilities at Boston. For more information, see http://www.ppgcomps.co.uk/league" Best regards, Ian.

Wondering if I have spotted someone on here. There was a grey Smart Car on the A249 Maidstone bound near Sittingbourne. The car had a paramotor attached to the back (think it was a Pap or H&E) Was it you??? Best regards, Ian.

Hi Andy. Welcome to the Kent corner of The Paramotor Club. I mostly fly in the Maidstone area but also have access to sites on Sheppey and down on the Romney Marsh. A flying friend called Shahid lives on the coast near Whitstable, so not far from you. You are very welcome along when we are flying - Should hopefully be out over the weekend if the current forecast pans out. I have sent you a PM with my mobile number if you would like to call. Cheers, Ian.

That will have been my instructor Andy and a friend called Shahid. You're right, they took off from Nicks holiday park! I couldn't fly as I was off to see my sister and new baby in Peterborough. Missed a good days flying but there will be plenty of other opportunities and it's not every day that you get a new nephew! Best regards, Ian.

My misses had this happen on her hotmail account a few months ago. She changed the password and it's not happened since. Ian.

An "alternative" way to describe your car. Worth looking at some of the questions and answers! My favourite - Q: I az got a pitbull that don't like fiting or nuffink. Would you konsi.. consed.. fink about a part x. its got burberry coats init and spikey collar and i've superglued its ears up to look ard. 19-Mar-10 A: dat wicked 4 yr dogg mate, init. As it got tat oo. I is well likein burberry init. Got some wicked D&G shades for da pup as well. Is it bitch cuse me wants an earn wiv its kitten fings if it a good breeder. http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=230451057921#description Regards, Ian.

http://www.terrafugia.com/ Takes less than 30 seconds to transition from plane to car! And only $200,000. Ian.

Hi Gary. You should be able to find a stockist local to you. If you look in the yellow pages under bearings or drive shafts and make a couple of phone calls you will be going in the right direction. I found a local supplier and then bought 2 belts (one for fitting to the machine and one for the toolbox just in case!) Or you could just go online and get them posted to you! Good luck! Ian.

Based in Medway/Maidstone. Andy taught me and is very safety orientated. http://www.aeroaviation.co.uk/index.html You are welcome along next time we fly especially as you're probably only about 30 minutes from us! Please mention my name if you decide to speak with Andy so that he knows where you came by his details. Best regards, Ian Mooney.

Before it got rear ended in the last lot of snow I drove an old Citroen C15 van which would take the parajet without having to take the cage apart. Accurately fits your description as it's not pretty but is majorly practical and cheap (especially at 40 mpg) and if you have a bulkhead and blanked out windows it keeps theiving eyes off of your flying gear. If you're in Spain they're quite plentiful too! You should be able to get a good one for £2k (Although I do like the Delica recommendation as well!) Ian.

Very clever!!! It's a bit mesmarising! Ian

We have about 9" of snow with a bit of drifting. Nothing that my old series 3 landrover can't handle! Been out working in it, although couldn't really use the van even if I wanted to after some dozy cow slammed into the back of me in yesterday evenings blizzard. Took nearly 4 hours to get from Sheerness to Detling (about 17 miles) last night due to jack-knifed lorries and wheel spinning rear wheel drive cars blocking the road! Take care, Ian.

This is what we got up to. Amazing how much fun you can have with a bit of snow, a wooden pallet and a 4.0 litre jeep! [youtubevideo] [/youtubevideo]

I know you have been looking forward to this since before Christmas - Enjoy!!! Just had a quick thought (happens occasionally! ). The weather forecast and sky looked flyable but there was still the occasional, unexpected snow shower so I reluctantly decided not to fly. Flying in rain/showers has been discussed on here a fair bit, but I was trying to imagine being caught out by a snow shower. I know that our wings work on positive internal pressure which might keep some snow out, but inevitably some will get into or on top of the wing and as it can't run away like rain it wouldn't take long to build up. This would get heavy, creating a less than healthy situation. After some thought I decided that if I ever got caught out by a snow shower I would look for a safe place to land (big enough to take off again from if the snow stopped) and get my feet safely on the ground. Any thoughts? Ian.

I agree with all of the above posts and applaud Si Morts proactive approach to keeping a positive image of our sport but I just wanted to clarify something. It is not illegal to fly below 500ft in the UK, even when not taking off or landing as long as you obey any local flying restriction and "Except with the permission in writing of the CAA, an aircraft shall not be flown closer than 500 feet to any person, vessel, vehicle or structure." http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si2005/20051110.htm In addition I would say that although this is the letter of the law, common sense should also prevail if we are to promote our sport, create good PR and try to ward off punative restrictions being imposed on us. Best regards, Ian.

If the tablets get stuck in your throat, do they give you a stiff neck???

Don't you mean a twin head petrol fume ignition system??? Lol!