dehorridge

Many thanks. TTO do a nice Tach as well. Around £40 EACH. Darrel

Ok, Iv'e done a search and given up. Where can I get a nice cheap CHT from? Links please. And no I'm sure some £400 do everything box is great but I'm a man on limited means. So nice and cheap please. Thanks Darrel

So it looks like it has the older small head then. Is it just a case of replacing the head with the new larger one? Just a simple bolt it on job. Still I think I'll just keep an eye on it. As you say, ity should be fine. Darrel

Great. Thanks for the info. Any idea how I tell the difference between the heads? Not that I'll do much but it would be nice to know. The motor is a 2009 build.

Tapping into the infinite knowledge on this forum. I’m soon to be the new owner of an Airfer VR200 (it’s got the Fly, aka Walkerjet, 200 engine). It’s pretty low hours at 15 from new. As expected it looks in A1 condition. I'm getting it direct from the original owner. Of course I’m aware of the obvious checks (like making sure everything is tight and safety wired etc), what else should I be looking out for or checking? Darrel

And the only colour in STOCK !!!

I started training with Simon a few weeks back. Had a good few days of training and just when things were starting to gel the bad weather hit us. It's been a few weeks since I last saw any action and I was getting a little worried that i would forget everything I learnt. Anyway, I just picked up my new wing and thought I'd give it a quick go over the local park. Good news is that I remembered nearly everything. Flew the wing on the risers first time and had it nice and controlled. Climbed into my harness and managed a couple of pretty good reverses. Then the wind picked up (well gusts anyway) and I realised just how big a 34m2 wing is. After a short run across the field and looking at the impending weather (check out the 3rd photo) , I decided it was time to pack up and go home. So all looking good for that first flight. Just need a break in the weather and a decent day. Darrel

Happy to help. Darrel

Guys, Sorry I can't make this event although I'm sure you will all have a great time although I suspect a few will suffer from heavy heads. I was hoping to nose around for some second hand kit. I'm after my first motor. I just need some decent trust, I'm not worried about age etc since I'm good with the spanners. Can you keep an eye out and drop me a line or PM with any details. Thanks in advance and enjoy the weekend. I'll have my fingers crossed for good weather. Darrel

Low hang point for two main reasons. First I'm learning on a low hang point and I like the flexibility it provides. I could be tempted by a mid or low I guess. Stainless: I fully expect to bend it at some point. I can weld and fix stainless myself. I'm a large lad so I'm not overly worried about the weight for my first motor. 2 Stroke, because they are so simple and just rock on the power front. Darrel

Yes, saw that one. I met the guy on Sunday. I already have a wing and I would prefer a steel frame while I'm learning. Thanks for the tip anyway. Darrel

So I'm looking.for a secondhand motor. Low hang point, stainless frame.2 stroke with decent thrust ( 95kg pilot). I'm handy with the spanners so happy to work on it if needed. If you know of anything let me know. Budget flexible. Please PM me. Cheers Darrel

Hi Darrel, I see you are in enfield, I am in potters bar and have a free flying harness thats been sat in my garage for a while, you are more than welcome to borrow it for some ground handling. I think Morgy has a Bailey on ebay at the moment wich dont look like a bad deal. Outkast, What a star. Thanks for the harness offer. I'll only need it for a while. My wing is not due until the end of week. When it turns up I'll drop you a note. Thanks Darrel

Hey, I've spent many years developing my mono pack. I can see the envy in peoples posts already. Don't worry, if you work hard at it you to can become a larger gentleman PM me for details. Darrel

Andy, Good to see my work is a little use at least. Must admit that some of my original assumptions have proven incorrect. While I'm sure you could do it all on my original budget, I've decided to up the budget a bit. I've purchased a new wing and being a larger guy have invested in a new Dudek Syth 34. I should be getting it later this week. I've also figured out that I need an motor with some punch, and a decent frame, which means the cheaper second hand smaller motors are off the list. As mentioned earlier, £2000 to £2,500 seems more sensible. I've also decided that I need a harness so I can practise some with the new wing. They all seem to go for silly money so I'm on the hunt for one I can beg steal or borrow. Anyone???? Please PM me. So that and a good, high thrust, Low hang point motor are next on the list. Great instruction from Simon over the last few days and things are progressing well. Fingers crossed I'll be enjoying the season soon. Darrel

Thanks for the heads up. Just emailed the guy. Let's see if it checks out. Darrel

Well I'ved managed my first day with Simon. How do they make it look so easy. Anyway, pending weather etc I expect to get a few more days under my belt in the next couple of weeks. Great news is that my brother, Chris, has started to learn also. He's another Enfield lad so there will be a few of us. Looking for a wing already so won't be long and I'll join you over the playing fields. I'll keep you updated. Darrel

Guys, Thanks for the comments and feedback. Of course I’ll run everything past my instructor before I buy anything. I realise my limitations so will always seek knowledgeable advice. Wing: While I would love a new wing, my thinking is that I’ll only need a beginner wing for a limited time. Given this and the fact that I would hate to be hit for a shed load of depreciation, I’d look at a good second hand one. Again I accept that knowing and trusting the history of the wing is key. I guess getting it checked and certified (tested) is a must. Motor: I’d be interested to hear what people think about this. Again I assume that some it will be down to the wing I get. Is there a typical thrust that I need for 150kg? As I mentioned before I’m very good with the spanners so I’m hoping I can find a good deal but accept that £1200 may be a little light. Again, there’s no way I can go new but is £2,500 the cheapest I’m looking at? Reserve: Great feedback. Thanks. I’ll have to discuss this with my instructor. Instruments: I have an electronic compass / altimeter. I’m guess that will be ok for now until I decide to venture a little further. Then it’s a GPS. Ear protectors: So how loud is it? I ride very loud motorbikes every day (over 100db). Is it louder than this. Actually I think my hearing is already shot due to the aforementioned riding. Thanks for the comments so far. Everything helps me in progressing. I guess a lot depends on my instructors advice and the risks I’m willing to take. Saying that I do like to live on the edge, I firmly believe you only get one chance to enjoy the moment so better make the most of it. Darrel

So here comes another newbie question. My hope and intent is that the collective knowledge of this forum can combine to provide some meaningful answers. Again, being a newbie, I’d suggest that the output is placed as a sticky somewhere easy for those interested to find. So my question relates to the start-up costs of paramotoring. While it’s pretty easy to trawl the internet for the main parts (motors and wings) I’m still not clear on the recommended starter kit list. My guess to date is: Training Wing Engine – Frame – Harness Reserve – Yes I know there is some debate but I would personally put this down Clothing – Suit, boots, Helmet and gloves Instruments – Compass, Altimeter, Watch, Mirror. Map – Air charts. Fuel – Containers and funnels. Mixing kit. So I think that’s about for the generic list. I know costs vary so I put my expected costs below. I’d be interested to hear if people feel these are reasonable. Training: Ranges from around £700 to £1500. Wing: After a Beginner wing (I’m 95kg naked), nice and stable with easy launch, control and land. I'm happy to change in a year or so I feel the need. New I’m guessing around £2,500. I am looking at second hand max £1500. Motor(inc Frame and harness): I guess I need some trust since I’ll be around 150kg all up. New I would say around £4000. Given I’m and engineer with a history of working on go carts, I believe I could get a good rig for around £1000 with £200 to service it up. Reserve: Well you don’t see many second hand that will take 150kg so I guess full price new is the only option. £500 Clothing: I have a motorbike helmet I can use – Will that work? I also have the latest fabric winter motorbike gear so I guess I can use that if needed. Cost new ? for me nothing (I Hope) Instruments: I would guess you can get all of these for less than £100. I have them already  Map: These are around £15 I believe. Fuel – I already have the various container but again I would say £50 to £100. So all up I guess my budget to be around £4000. What have I missed and what seems unreasonable. Darrel

Just up the road. What a small world. Assuming all goes to plan I'll join you for some practise in a few weeks. Nice to know a local contact. Darrel Be good to meet up with you Darrel...... Neil.. Sure. I need to check that my knees can take the weight of a motor first. One to many bike crashes I'm afraid. you mention a PPG flew over the playing fields. Is that allowed? Darrel

Close but no cigar. It's an SP1. Same brand but totally different beast altogether. My pride and joy. And yes a real bitch to tame. Still it makes life a little interesting. Looking forward to Saturday, fingers crossed on the weather. Darrel

Just up the road. What a small world. Assuming all goes to plan I'll join you for some practise in a few weeks. Nice to know a local contact. Darrel

I'm very new and not yet trained. I live in Enfield so like Dave will be looking for locals in a few weeks. Intending to visit Simon shortly to get it all arranged. Darrel