Dominicppg

I should probably add a bit of balance here. I also trained with Paul Haxby and could not recommend him at all. I witnessed none of the positive attributes mentioned and in fact saw the very opposite with some students. I was also sold one of the AXB paramotors developed by Paul and his friend and had nothing but trouble with it - the most critical being that it cut out on me almost every flight, dumping me on the ground each time - to the extent that I was afraid to fly away from the field, knowing that at some stage I would have engine failure. I eventually gave it back to Paul and asked for a refund. He refused. This was over a year ago. I have never received a refund. Turns out I wasn't the first to have this happen to them, and I expect I won't be the last. I'm sure that some people will be happy with the training they get and may leave positive comments (as will an instructor's "friends"). Unfortunately when others have a poor experience in training it can put them off paramotoring for good. As a result, they're no longer around PPG forums to leave comments like this, and poor instructors end up with recomendations that they might not otherwise deserve. Fortunately there are several very good paramotor instructors in the North, and I would recommend people to have a look at them first. I hope this helps. Dom

You always have to make your decision on the day and on-site. Having said that something like XC Weather is a valuable tool and it would be useful to ask yourself why the forecast gives strong winds when everything looks good on the ground - perhaps the winds are strong a few hundred feet above the ground (check the clouds); perhaps there's a front moving in and the winds will pick-up later. However, if you rely too much on the forecast, which, after all is only one source of information, you will miss a lot of good flying opportunities. Hope this helps. Dom

I'm sure everyone has their own view on this, but I'll give you my perspective: I got training a few years ago from an indepent instructor. I have regretted it ever since, for the following reasons: 1. The instructor was terrible (despite some forum recommendations) 2. He didn't follow a proper syllabus, which left me with important skill gaps that I had to fill by doing further training elsewhere 3. I have no proof/certification that I am a competent pilot and am therefore unable to fly in certain places/events. e.g. I was unable to fly at Basse Ham in France last year (while BHPA pilots showed their cards and were welcome); I am also unable to fly with clubs in the area of France where I spend a lot of holiday time. 4. I have no insurance. Last year I couldn't get any. This year I'm told it is now available, but it is expensive. If I knew then what I know now, I personally would have gone the BHPA route. Given the cost of re-training and expensive insurance every year, in my situation, it would have turned out far less expensive in the long run. Your needs may be different, and I'm sure that if I'd had a good instructor following a good syllabus and giving trustworthy advice, life would have been a lot easier. We're in the same part of the world, so whatever you choose, I hope you don't end up with the same instructor I had. PM me if you would like any more details. Dom

Looks like a lot of fun. Dom

The trouble is, when you're spending a few thousand quid on a new wing, you tend to be a bit more risk averse. You look at what your friends are flying, perhaps have a test flight. I suspect that if a bunch of people you know bought less obvious wings and were very happy with them, you'd probably consider getting one yourself. But if they're all flying Paramania, Dudek and Ozone and are very happy with them, it makes sense to go with what you know. If the less well known brands are serious about making in-roads into the UK they would be wise to offer test flights (e.g. at Comps, Fly-ins) so that people can see for themselves how good (or not) these brands are. Dom

It can be tricky to set-up on your own - you can get the angle right while doing a hang-test and then it can be completely wrong when you apply power. You either need to do your hang-test with someone pushing on the prop (to simulate power), or you start a little back from the ideal angle and fly it briefly and adjust. Given everyone's different shapes and sizes, the recommended settngs may not be correct for you. Dom

Thanks guys. Great advice. Just went out and bought a Dickies Construction Fly Suit. Very nice in French Police Officer colours. Dom

I agree, you can't go wrong with Paramania, Dudek or Ozone.

How do you stay warm when flying in winter? Obvious choices are: Layers - can be too hot on the ground so you end up sweating & cold in the air Good base layer - do these work, if so, which ones? Flying suit - can be expensive Heated kit - can add weight & complexity Accessories - ? How do you make sure you're not too hot (and sweaty) on the ground, but warm enough in the air, even if you fly for a few hours at a time? Dom

Hi Vince. Good to know there's someone I can contact for parts when I'm back in the UK. Dominic

Looking for a new paramotor a few months ago, I asked about the Titanium Ultra 130. It would appear that not a lot is known about it in the UK. I eventually ordered one in October, direct from Air Conception in Paris (I'm currently in France). When I get to fly it, I'll let you know if it's any good. Basics are: Similar frame design to Miniplane (although in titanium) Engine is the Ventor 130cc Thrust is 64kg with 125cm carbon prop (claimed) Weighs about 21kg (claimed) Electric start only (dual start is an option) Price (with weight-shift bars) about £4,000 (converted from Euros) The power to weight looks good. However, the Ventor engine is an unknown to me, so I can only hope it's reliable. I will let you know how this goes and how easy/difficult it is to get parts. Waiting time was supposed to be 6 weeks. Recent e-mail says it'll now be January 8/9th at earliest before I get it. Unexpected delay is not a good start. They did apologise and offered to post it to me when it's ready. Just as well the weather's crap here in France. Will keep you posted. Dominic

Thanks Christian. This is very helpful. I'll get in touch with both forums. Dominic

Thanks Christian. I originally tried to contact two (nearby) ULM clubs via the website you mention, but the first said that I couldn't fly with them and the second just didn't reply. I suspect they were strictly light aircraft and microlight clubs. I know a few in the UK that are the same. I checked out Alan's list (thanks Alan) but these are all 2-3 hours away (most are around Reims. Perhaps I should been more specific and mentioned that I'll be in Meaux, just 30 minutes east of Paris. I have tracked down a PPG club about 40 minutes away and have e-mailed them. I'll keep looking and will post if I find a friendly (welcoming) club in the area. Dominic

That's brilliant! Thanks Alan. Dominic

I'd like to do some flying in France in the next few months. I'll be based about 30 minutes east of Paris. I know a lot of French airspace is open to PPGs up to FL195 but am concerned about the restricted airspace around Paris. Any members or visitors know of any clubs or PPG pilots in the area that I could meet up with, have a chat with and perhaps fly with? Would be a great help. Thanks. Dominic

Sorry to hear about the Yorkshire Owls website looking out of date. Fortunately the club is very active and open to anyone interested in PPG. The club is based near Wetherby; meetings are north of Wetherby (close to where the A1 meets the A59). Members come from all over Yorkshire & Humberside (York, Hull, Worksop, Huddersfield, Whitby, etc). The club is managed by Ed Cunliffe - I think his number is on the website. Very friendly and helpful guy. Give him a call, come along to the monthly meeting and any fly-ins. Loads of info about PPG and very helpful and experienced people. I wish I'd known about the club before I started my training. Hope to see you around some time. Dominic

I'd like to know. Dominic

Thanks guys. This is very helpful.

Great videos. Amazing achievement.

(I suspect this question has come up before - if so, can someone point me to the original thread) Anyone know the rules and regulations around paramotoring in France when you're on holiday? Dominic

Well done Simon. I trained with a PMC instructor so haven't been able to get insurance, so this is great news. Although I completed my training successfully (and also did further training with my instructor), I didn't get a certificate to prove competence. Do you know if we will need some sort of proof of competence? Dominic

Thanks for your write-up Neil. I had pretty much given up on finding anyone for a point of view on this. Sounds like you're happy with the machine. I always thought the Flymecc 100 looked fantastic. However, the 110s I saw at Basse-Ham weren't as inspiring - perhaps it was just the models on show. Have you had a chance to weigh the machine ready to fly (without fuel)? How does it compare weight-wise to the feel of the Ros125? Would also be great to hear your thoughts on reliability of the 110 engine when you've added a few more hours on it. Dominic

Looks like the answer is No.

Anyone have the Flymecc Carbon 100? I'd like to get an owner's perspective on the paramotor. Not so interested in a seller's perspective at this stage. Any (warts and all) thoughts would be very helpful. Thanks. Dominic