paul_grover

Hi Just had an irate chicken farmer on the phone complaining about a very low (less than 200 feet) paramotor just on the edge of the New Forest south of Fordingbridge (red wing). Apparently scared the bejeezus out of his now (mis)laying hens and also horses in a nearby field. Pilot didn't seem to understand that he wasn't waving back but shaking a fist. I'm pretty pissed as the farmer's a friend who's agreed for me (and friends) to use his outlying pasture to fly from on an f off and go basis. It's taken almost 2 years to finally get off the ground (thanks Steve Haze) and I'd hate to lose his confidence that we're not all idiots. There's all that empty New Forest to play in so why fly low over farms and horses? Would have thought that was basic stuff here in the Forest. Writing this in the knowledge that the culprit is probably not a member, but if you are -use your brain... Worst is I fly a red synth too so he phoned wondering if it was me !!@!@. Paul

Ha! no worries - maybe you know my brother! see you soon

Hi Mark - Friday was pretty good too! Thanks for all the help and advice (and for staying nearby). Lucky to have two castles and the English Channel to help with wayfinding Can't wait to do it all again... Paul

btw this thread has reminded of something I saw somewhere - (my hero: Alberto Santos-Dumont!) paul

Thanks Gordon - it was sure worth the wait! 4 flights and 2.5 hours now... feel like I'm on the way I'm still relatively new to it but from arrival to readiness I should say it takes about 15-20 minutes (especially as for some reason I'm fingers and thumbs when it comes to attaching the tank!). Think I could get it down a little but I can live with that. paul

Hi folks I got myself an Icaro Fly UL helmet last autumn but since starting to train I've decided to use my left hand for throttle (leaving right hand free for more dextrous things like taking photographs. Trouble is the PTT on the peltor headset is on the left hand side too. Does anyone know if it's easy to swap it over without wrecking it? If so any advice would be much appreciated... paul

Hi - I've been lurking for quite a while. Finally got off the ground for my maiden flights last week under Steve Haze's watchful gaze... I bought a Thule Easybase last year as well as the 'Easy bag' - which up till now (because of the weather) I've used primarily for camping kit. Although a little wary at first I'm beginning to get more confident that it's not going to fall off the back. Bailey V5 without cage fits nicely in the bag and although I don't think it really needs it I add a strap round the whole lot secure it to the vertical bar. Seems to work nicely - completely water/dust proof. Just don't tell me "i told you so" when I report it lost on the M27! Paul

I like that...thanks stuart pg

Thanks Paul I guess that if they didn't work, by now I would have heard all manner of horror stories about racks and motors falling off on motorways... If I do use it I think I'll take the cage and prop off and just carry the chassis (covered for weather protection). How do you secure yours to the easybase? I was thinking of kayak straps but open to any better suggestions. I like the idea of carrying it upright but guess the problem is the high centre of gravity and making sure it can't move. pg

Thanks eddie Not sure I've completely made up my mind but spent the afternoon making a plywood base (with a camping mat glued to the top to add some give)... will only know if I trust it when I jump on the back paul

Thanks Tom - hmm... think I've seen that before...how could that be wrong??

Thanks Phil - not so worried about theft more about bending moments.

Thanks all... ok so I should come clean and say I have a mini (so the motor's not really going in the back) I'm not so worried about the motor falling off the rack - that'll be down to me securing it properly - more about the system itself - seems like a big cantilever to me: have there ever been cases of the rack falling off the tow bar? I was fine until the Bailey was finally sat in my garage - now I'm feeling rather more maternal!! Feel I'm being drawn towards a small trailer at the moment. If I did, is it ok to lay the motor face down rather than carrying it vertically (can't think of any but guess that's what this forum's about). Questions questions - thanks in advance pg

Hello - I've got a Thule Easybase and wonder if anyone out there is using one to transport a paramotor? It's great for camping stuff but that didn't cost the same as my new motor - just a little concerned about whether the connection to the tow bar is up to the job. Any advice gratefully received... Paul