dannyb

I would say running in is a good idea (iaw miniplane instructions). As im sure you know, inside your engine there are high tolerance components, hammering around at considerable RPM. Letting everything settle and wear in over a period of time should see everything lasting in the long run. However, as Simon rightly points out - motor bikes seem to react better to a 'thrashing' from early on. Im not sure how its so different between bike and car engines, but this does seem to be the way it is. As for me, Im hoping that the thing that gets me into the air will keep me there for years to come, so its 'softly softly' for me for the first few hours! Dan

Hi Matt, I cant comment on your machine, or on what your engine manufacturer would suggest. However, I own a PJ Volution 2 (2 stroke) and within the documentation supplied with it, is the following extract.. FLIGHT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS · The Parajet 2 XT 172 engine has been run-in prior to shipment. This means that your Volution 2 is ready to fly. It is important however that excessive throttle is NOT used for at least the first 10 hours of flying. For example, do NOT depress the throttle fully for more than 30 seconds at a time. A well run in engine will outperform an engine that has been run at full power for long periods right from the start. You can potentially damage a new engine with excessive throttle. Hope this helps, Dan

Haha! There are other ways of making sure your engine is running correctly without having expensive gear attached to it i guess. This forum is full of people that have perfectly serviceable engines and have no instrumentation at all. Its your choice, but im guessing you will have more flights you would have wanted to video (especially in sunny Spain), than down days due to broken motors! Id get the Go Pro! Dan

Hi Poz, Im currently in the process of fitting the Flymaster M1 engine management system to my PJ Macro, (only because i was able to get it cheap mind)! I agree that monitoring stuff like RPM and especially CHT is probably a very good idea - especially as a badly set up carb, running lean can destroy the engine! As long as everything you add doesnt weigh too much, I think the diognostic benifit is well worth it! As for fitting, the whole thing came with a very comprehensive guide - but to be honest its unlikely you'll need it. The only thing complicated with the M1 is the seting up of the fuel sensor, but everything else was very straight forward. The CHT is basically an extra washer that you'll need to fit under one of the cylinder head nuts, and the RPM is measured by a wire that is wrapped around the HT lead. Obviously, how that is all sent to the instrument you are looking at could be different to mine, but its unlikely to be anything too challenging. Let me know how you get on. Regards, Dan

There was a prop in that picture?? . . . I just didnt see it!

If it vents with that burner lit, things could get interesting!!

There doesn't appear to be a hot air vent, where do you suppose that would be? Dan

Congrats dude! Our best wishes go out to all of you! Dan + Elayne

Haha! You dont need a button - shall we just call it a round 10%? haha Dan

Hmmmmmmm, bulk order you say . . . . Errrr Simon???? Dan

LOL, It did cross my mind mate but gladly neither of us did anything of the sort! Was such an amazing day - im itching to do it again (hopefully tomorrow)! Any sign of your Rotron yet? I bet you can't wait!! Dan

Haha! I'll let her know! Dan

Cheers Andy, but i think its going to take more than a romantic night out for this one!! I still need to get LOADS more air time to know exactly what kit I want / need, but I imagine that the list would be something like a Parajet Macro with a Mayday 20 reserve and a Revo 2 wing. Now, my wife is somehow (Ahem) under the impression that all this will cost around a thousand pounds new. If any of you meet her, DO NOT correct her on this assumption!! Ha ha Dan

Thanks Andy, It'll be great seeing you at Membury again! Sadly, this Sunday I'll will be working but i will be back over there soon! Dan

Cheers guys! That was such an amazing day and the video is awesome! Also, thanks again Simon, the course so far has been fantastic - can't wait to get into the air again!! P.S - Does anyone know where i can get a motor and wing (without the wife killing me)?!?! Dan

The course Simon runs is really tough! You dont pass until you can successfully swap wings mid flight! Can't wait to see my vid and i have to say, the standard of filming that day was fantatic! Btw, the editing looks really good Si - I take it the new Mac has landed?! Dan

It was excellent We are now officially "one flight experts" Darren Haha! Freakin' awesome man!

It may feel like a long road mate, but stick with Simon and the other instructors and they'll steer you right! Its a fun journey, I promise you! BTW, Darren and I flew for the first time this morning - It was AWESOME!! We had a weather window first thing with clear skies and little wind, so it was worth the early start. I dont know about Darren, but I'm still buzzing now! My wife is officially sick of me talking about it! See you both in the skies soon Dan

Mental! If you like cycling videos, I found this trawling the tube. If you can, watch in HD Dan

FINGERS CROSSED!! Welcome to the club guys - it was great meeting you both today! Hope to see you around the airfield in the near future!! Dan

Welcome back dude! Trust you all had a good time?! btw - Did you bring any of the good weather back with you, not got any training in here since you left! Dan

Good evening all! Been lurking on this site for a few weeks now and thought it was about time I said hi! My name is Danny and I currently reside up in sunny Oxfordshire. I've been researching paramotoring for a while and I have to say this site has been fantastic. The blog section has given a real insight into the sport and I have learned a great deal from this alone! I'd also like to say a big thank you to Simon Westmore, Pete and all the other instructors present at Membury for the opportunity to visit airfield today and let me poke around asking questions. A massive thank you also to the students there too! Ian for sharing your experiences and Ernie for letting me try out your harness! I've met some top people today and look forward to seeing you all again soon as the boss (wife) has given the whole thing the green light! Simon, I'll drop you a line to arrange timings etc if that’s ok?! Look forward to meeting you all again soon! Danny