rocco

Hi Ian, yes the Monster is good for FBXL pilots! However, as we still had probs with prop striking the silencer I did not use full power. Something to find a solution for. I am looking forward to the longer flight next time and don't think the simulated engine failure exercise will be to hard/ The low flying one will be the challange I think!

After a long elapsed time due to weather and other commitments I have now actually flown a circuit rather than power hops! I thought I'd write a few line lines by way of a snall thank you for all those who have helped on here. This is a case of third time lucky. Afetr the usual GH, run across the field, same with cold motor and then live, we got to attempt one. This was going well when a combination of rafio failure and unfavourable change in wind ruled this one out. Attempt two saw an Eastly wind and I got permission to use the back field of my local airfield (I also fly a Cessna 172 here). Also progressed well but during the test flight by my instructor, the prop was occasionally just making contact with the silencer. By the time we had made adjustments, we were within 5 minutes of the curfew for flying and I was not willing to damage the good neighbour policy. And so to attempt three. Using the same venue as attempt three (unfortunately this is not available to Paramotors normally) things looked good, however the wind was not quite the forecast direction so a slight uphill run would be required. A bit of GH and runs to check skills before kitting up. However, during this period, the wind droped from the ideal 5 mph to make the launch even harder work. A few attempts with a break in between meant we were getting to the last two trys. On the penaltimate one, it all came together and I was airbourne! Time for steady circuit, at lower heights than I am used to and I don't normally see the hares scattering below me! It was an interesting comparison on cotrols sensitivity to my normal fixed wing and something I hope to improve on with experience. Working round to finals on a terrain defined circuit shape, things seemed to line up well and I chopped the power on command and glid in, flaring for the landing and ran of the speed with my legs! With the weight of a Monster on my back I was glad I stayed on my feet. And so the initial entry to the sport has been done, rather later than planned but hey with our weather what can uo expect. How did I feel? Relieved I had brocken my duck, analysing my performance and kit to see what I could improve but mainly wanting to do a longer flight so I can get in the seat and relieve the pressure on Bob and the Boys (!) and enjoy a new style aviation experience. Thank you to my instructor for the patience, encouragement and wise words and also those on here who have helped and advised along the way. Cheers, Rocco.

Unfortunately I was only at the FOS on Friday and nearly bought something at the auction. Gusiness bar was rather magnetic. Where abouts were you based? Nearly went solo on Wed but ran out of time (airfield curfew). Hopefully weather will hold this week!?!?!?! Weather and work has truly slowed things up but hope to be able to fly with some members this year.

I was at Goodwood FOS and decided to have a cast done for the Jelly earplugs. Brilliant for the bike etc. I knew they also do them with built in drivers and was going to get them as well for the iPod. However, they had a new prototype which the police and Renault F1 team are trying. These have drivers to hear radio, etc. AND microphones to pick up voice in the ear canal (?) Apparently they work very well. The Renualt test drivers could communicate but still had some low frequency noise but they are in 120db enviroment. I mentioned the possible use in our sport and they will get back to me with a possible solution using a connection box to patch in radios, MP3, etc. The expected cost including cast is likely to be £250. Not cheap but excellent noise reduction, comfort and minimum kit/bulk. I'll update this when I have more news. Cheers.

Dan, congratulations. I hope you will instruct "new" Dan when to flare to cushion the arrival!! Look forward to wtting the head when we finally meet.

Hi, I share the frustation, been waiting weeks for first powered flight and closest I've come is a tandem paraglider flight whilst on holiday. I did manage to fly the C172 on Wednesday before the fronts came through to get an aviation fix though. Roll out summer!! Cheers, Rocco. P.S. Francis, like the idea of your new site. As a Paramotorist myself but you having a foor in both camps, what would be the route to getting a FAI approved certificate?

Stuart, sounds like a milestone weekend (and good weather to follow). Well done and enjoy. Rocco.

Ian, can you recommend a particular SIP adapter? Cheers, Rocco.

Hi Francis, I am going on a diving expedition in Sept to dive on unknown Normandy wrecks and wondered if I could fly the coast for some R&R. I am currntly under training for PPG so hope to be OK by then but won't have a PPG qualification so don't know how or if the FAI accreditation thing wil work for me. I do have a brisitsh PPL and CPL though, but probably doesn't help. Is this going to be doable or should I bin it? Cheers, Rocco.

Hi, assuming all goes well with my training, I have an opportunity to take my kit to France in September. Does anyone know what the regs are and what I would have to do to able to fly? Many thanks, Rocco.

Had my second visit to Redlands this morning, just like to say thanks for the welcome to everyone and especially Clive for his help and Piers for the trek. Perhaps a harder day for GH for me but the flight in a C172 much easier in the afternoon! Cheers, Rocco.

See you there!

I thought you would like to see the changes made in response to this incident. Rocco.

Further to the above, don't use 999 on a mobile but use 112. This is because 999 calls don't go through to the emergency services but to the mobile companies screening facility. This is due to the number of false calls. So for fastest response dial 112. Rocco.

Richard, this is the picture of the mount idea from PPG Bible as promised. [/img]

Hi, I think there is a section in the PPG Bible that covers photography and shows a video pole arrangement. I can look it up tonight when I get home if that helps.

Would have been up for this but still at GH stage with little chance to progress in this weather!! Very interested in future trips.

Hi Vacey, I sympathise with your situation; I am even heavier but slightly ahead of you in terms of decision making. More expert people will add comments I am sure but essencially you should have no problem; it is just a case of choosing the right size wing and motor. I am going the Dudek Synth 34 route as that will give sufficient lift so i don't have to run too hard! Clive Bunce who imports them I am sure will advise. In terms of motor, the good news there are several designed for heavier pilots/tandem use. Three to consdier are the Fresh breeze Monster, Parajet Macro and PAP F2. Some people will also say you can get away with less power. That in fact is the problem; everyone is so helpful you will gets lots (and slightly contradictory advice! ). But in summary, you are well within the range for this sport and you have the added advantage of probably having you own site to fly from!! Drop me you email address via PM and I can forward some links I found or was sent to help. Cheers, Rich.

Hi, I am looking for an inexpensive harness to use for GH practice. Does anyone have one or could suggest a source? Thanks.

I had quite a few problems with pages not displaying/timing out when I first started using the site ( a week ago) bu things are better now.

Hi Lawrence, I am new to this as well and thinking of starting. I am sure the active chaps will be along soon but a lot of them fly from Lambourn and there is another site near Basingstoke. Good luck with your interest.

Ditto the above re Synth for novice, heavy novice at that!! Any advice would be useful.

Just a quick hello, wondered if there are any flyers in NE Hants? Eons ago I was a P1 Hang Glider pilot and much later qualified as BCPL multi QFI (which has lapsed). Looking for low cost, low hassle fun flying and have spotted paramotors. Therefore I am trying to find out some more/get started. Cheers, Richie.