Steve

In fairness, it should be pointed out that you will inevitably end up going to fly-ins and hanging out with paramotor pilots and talking bollocks. And drinking beer. And talking bollocks. 

Well done, it will get easier very quickly. 

Nice one Stu. 

Nice try.  

Ha. Putting pressure on Simon to have a fly-in.   - As if that were possible.  

Congratulations on your progress.  

You should think about wearing a helmet for ground handling and also some thin gloves. 

I've had it quite a lot on my paramotor that has a PWK carb - float bowl carbs are more susceptible.

29 minutes ago, cianpars said:

And if you can't answer their questions, just wing it.

Uhhh, that's the worst one of the week ...  

1 hour ago, admin (Simon W) said:

Basically I think anything that is not seen as 'normal' in the office on that day would result in a no. 

SW

Got it in one - I came away from it all with the conclusion that they didn't understand it, despite my efforts, so they just went to the default setting of No. 

After a two year battle trying to use common land (!) and parks, in 2012 I presented a full report the to national parks along with insurance, qualifications, experience, and written support from nearby landowners, users, etc. and eventually received a two page written reply stating why it was deemed inappropriate use of the land. I'd had enough by then (and also met others who encountered similar problems) so just found better places to use. Don't know about the intricacies of the law but I wasn't prepared to drag it out any further.  

I'd love to know where these parks are that have areas clear of people and kids and have cooperative wardens. I've even gone into battle with the BB National Park and got nowhere. I hope you appreciate how lucky you are.  

You'll probably get nowhere with parks, I have spoken with park wardens and councillors several times about it and they don't like it. It's not like flying a kite, you will have to consider other park users more - you will be kiting whilst walking backwards, may be caught by a gust, if you're a novice you might not control where the wing comes down, etc. Can you get out of town? Farmers are often helpful, and once they know you and you want some flying fields they'll be more willing to say yes. A bottle of Scoth often helps. 

Good work and thanks for posting. 

Hope it's that rather than piss-poor management. Just called The Loft and they have 2-3 weeks lead time. Guess where I'll be going ... 

I just gave Aerofix a call to book my wing in for a service and they told me that they were booked solid until the end of May.

I used to use them a lot but haven't since they changed hands. Never had to wait more than a couple of weeks usually.

May have to try The Loft this time. 

They launch really well. I remember when I couldn't be arsed to relay the wing after the wind changed direction so launched it downwind. I didn't even apply power to start with, just foot power. 

What was wrong with the Revo2? 

Don't depend on an LED light - Know your fuel burn rate and/or get a retractable mirror. 

I'd go 26m for a beginner. 

28 minutes ago, AndyB said:

Nope Steve. Unless I wish to fly dangling, not in the seat....then the only way I can get in is to lift my weight up. Getting hold of the risers by wrapping hands around the complete riser, just where the brakes would park, is by the safest way to do it.......because the brakes remain in your hands and are not pulled by the action of lifting yourself up. Thus, there is no need to let go of the brakes either. 

If I took your advice then I would pass out at some point from hanging around!

It does sound like you need to take a close look at how your paramotor harness is set up and go back to basics. If you can't get into your seat without hauling on your risers I would suggest that you think about starting your set up from scratch in a hang test until you have it right. 

2 hours ago, AndyB said:

I can only get into my seat by griping round both risers and heaving my weight up, while yanking legs up repeatedly.

With respect Andy, do not encourage pilots to do things like "heaving their weight up on their risers" when getting into the seat. If you want to do that, that's your own concern but please don't suggest these things where new pilots might read it and think it's acceptable or a safe thing to do. I assume you are a relatively new pilot? 

43 minutes ago, bigdaddy said:

Yeah, I need to do a hang test - good shout. Can you think of an easy budget way of doing this? Setting up on the swings at the local park maybe...

I've done it using my kid's climbing frame (a sturdy one) with some climbing rope. I know someone who used their kids swing (again, a hefty one) with the swings removed. If you buy a Parajet they'll let you use their custom built rig.  

Have you spent any time adjusting your shoulder straps? Also do a hang test to get everything set up properly. 

It's dangerous to fly hanging from your harness as there is the risk of suspension trauma and blacking out. 

On 17/02/2018 at 11:48, AndyB said:

At take-off, full power, quickly, no messing around. Hold full power until climbed to decent height. Always holding full power at take-off also gets you used to holding the same/right amount of brake on the side needed to prevent torque steer. ie. to climb away straight it will always feel the same.

I wouldn't use that as a general rule at all. I don't need full power for launch. I also wouldn't be doing my climb with one brake applied - if you are having major torque steer then either change your set-up or if in the air use weight shift. Braking under full power is asking for trouble IMHO. 

We handed Connor's van over to him on the weekend. Here's a video of the day.

1 hour ago, AndyB said:

Go to Parafest and see all the machines in one place!

 

Or if you can't wait several months go to the PMC Fly-in next month.