bingreed

Damn you, poxy rain... 2nd session postponed

I hope perhaps some kind soul might help me... Am currently looking for my first wing, for ground handling through to initial flights. Don't want to invest £2000+ in a new one yet, just to drag it around on the ground for hours on end, so secondhand it is. Looking at a Swing Arcus 5, it's XL (rated 105-130kgs as a paraglider) Notwithstanding the preference for replacement risers to convert it for powered flight, can anyone guide me on the all up weight range??? Have scoured t'internet but can only find paragliding weights quoted; understand the Sting is effectively the same wing aimed for powered flight, but there seems very little in common when it comes to weight ratings.... I weigh -ahem- 95kg, plus Bailey (30kg), wing (7kg), clothing/boots (10kg), camera/Kit-Kat/vario (5kg???) totals somewhere between 145 - 150kgs. 20kgs over the paraglider rating but I'm under power..... So the simple question is: will this wing be suitable for learning to ground handle & fly with an all up weight of up to 150kgs, or will I die horribly? (FYI I haven't discussed with my trainer yet - too impatient!) Thank you in anticipation xxx PS - of course, some kind reader might have an alternate wing they're just itching to sell me..........

Had my first proper lesson today with Mike at SabreAce near Braintree; I never imagined for one minute I'd be ground handling the 12m training wing (reverse) AND a 29m wing (forward) in my first two hour session! The wind varied from the lightest puff of air to a stiff breeze, swinging through 120 degrees, but I had such a blast! Struggled a bit with the reverse launch - not instictive at all yet - but the forward felt better and on two runs was comfortably up, central and felt (relatively) under control. It felt just amazing. Also had a wander across the field with their Bailey 2-stroke, getting a feel for squeezing on/off the power and anticipating the thrust. Giggled a bit. Really glad I've been reading the Paramotor Bible over the past few months; I know it's no alternative to proper hands-on training, but it made a huge difference today knowing what the different bits & pieces are called, and at least some of the theory... even if I couldn't put it into practice! Had just one drag across the field on my arse, but as I happily bumped along, still the smile never left my face... I cannot wait until I'm there again - hope this Training Blog will encourage anyone who's not sure just to get stuck in, they won't regret it for one minute. Not quite sure how I'll communicate the constant demonic grin though! There, that'll do! Love it, love it, love it - why has it taken me so long to bite the bullet??? Not sure when the next session will be (especially with the current weather pattern...) but I'll update accordingly. On a personal note, Mike was brilliant; clear instructions and a very friendly welcome. I very much look forward to working more with him soon. Bob

Upgrade to V4 crank... CHECK!

Nah, this is one hangover I'm happy with! Mightn't have taken the plunge without a little encouragement...

Thank you Rich - I've heard nothing but praise for Alex, and I'm really looking forward to getting stuck in. There's only so much one can learn from a book... maybe we'll catch up sometime at Rayne. Hope you have a great weekend, wherever you end up! Bob

Really just want to say "hello"... After dreaming for several years I started researching online & buying books - all the time getting more and more tempted... it's no good, I gotta fly! The time has come to grab the bull by the balls; I've booked my first session with Alex at SabreAce and I WILL FLY THIS YEAR (hopefully). Have so far resisted the temptation to buy all the kit... well, except one beer-fuelled eBay session - I'm now the proud owner of a rather lush Bailey 175..... oopsie I'm a 40 yo (midlife? what midlife..?) father to two (5 & 3) and husband to one (30ish), living in rural Suffolk with two dogs and several chickens. Run my own small photography business, but in The Real World trade agricultural commodities. Looking forward to meeting lots of new people, learning heaps from Alex and living life to the full. Wish me luck....