Lee Jackson

Personally I like to fly with a chart and compass... a bit nerdy I know! This weekend I've flown a total of 87 miles (via two flights) and I used a chart all the way. Never used a gps before though so not sure of how much easier/harder it is. The only other bit of information I need is groundspeed and height. Height I can guesstimate closely enough (for clearance purposes) but groundspeed is a tad tricky... and is vitally important to know if I have enough fuel to get where I'm going. For now I just check my iphone, usually just once as I'm scared I'll drop it, then I squirrel it away. Anyway back to the point... I don't want to be anywhere I shouldn't be, probably no more than anyone else wouldn't want me there!

Gary Smith and I have been discussing a trip down the Ouse Valley for a while now. Tuesday 11th Aug 2015 looked like the day to do it (if you trust weather apps). We flew from St Ives to Huntingdon, then St Neots and back. Well I actually didn't make it back but Gary did! An enjoyable evening flight, despite the rain and the unforecast headwind! [youtubevideo] [/youtubevideo]Fly safe amigo's! Lee (Reaction) Jackson

I'm saddened to say it but I'm going to have to miss this one I shall focus on getting a bit wonky at the South Africa vs Samoa rugby instead! Fly safe and stay dry party people! Lee (Reaction) Jackson

OK, so I didn't take any pictures. But I do have a bit of film on my head cam from Saturday evenings flight. I've quickly edited it, during a lunch break today, and shoved any old crappy free music on it - sorry but it really isn't the best. Nothing spectacular, I'll leave that for next year! [youtubevideo] [/youtubevideo]Fly safe Lee (Reaction) Jackson

I've cobbled together a couple of videos in the past week or so, after some evening flights. I'm still a very low airtime pilot with a shed load to learn (a mere 13 flights), but absolutely loving being aloft... hence the videos! [youtubevideo] [/youtubevideo][youtubevideo] [/youtubevideo]The videos aren't the best and the first one was popped on facetwit so apologies if you've already seen it! Fly safe amigo's! Lee (Reaction) Jackson

Cool!

What on earth caused this? Is the pilot perhaps a little bit light for this wing and it was trimmed to slow... whilst being throttled too hard? Anywho I hope the pilot was fine!

Well here's confirmation from another Lee (we obviously breed like rabbits)... Whilst breaking in my Moster Bulldog 'Silent' I had a wee mishap. The prop bolts were not torqued correctly (by me) and so my machine became an 8000rpm kindling distributor! T'was quite a spectacle I can tell you! Anywho I had luckily bought a spare prop when I acquired the machine, however my prop bolts were bent and knackered. I called Clive who sent six freshies in the post first class for the very next day. As a result I was able to complete my break in procedure and make use of the good weather to fly the beast! Clive didn't even take a penny from me!!! Praise be!

Ooh... very interesting. What's the deal with visiting pilots? If we have third party insurance can we come and fly from there (or any of your other sites)? Obviously paid for.

I was up the last couple of nights (from my local rugby club), but decided to concentrate on staying alive rather than taking selfies... I'm just not that relaxed in the air yet. The mind moves to anything other than flying and the revs drop off etc! Will keep working on it!

Get well soon Pete!

Woop woop... most excellent. I've just cleared it with Mrs Wifey. Castle Rising is only about 3 miles away from there!

Well done that man... us mere mortals can but dream!

Exactly as Lee has said... a kind of lift as you're walking back. Best of luck ... another Lee

I'm far from an expert... but I've done my share of ground handling. I'm sure I'll be corrected if I'm wide of the mark here but you'll needs to use your A's to get it up in a reverse (and maybe the same for a forward too). I hold my leading A's (mine are split) together in my left hand and a brake in each hand. No need to step forward first with a reverse, just step back whilst pulling up with the A's. Keep walking backwards... if you stop it will drop! The brakes are in your hands for corrections or you can dab both brakes if the wing overshoots. When making corrections use the brakes close to your body, pulling close in to your sides not away out to the sides. Personally I think you need to do a reverse in a 3-10mph wind. Anything above that will have you face surfing doggy do's!!! I forward in anything less. Personally I don't need to use my A's for a forward... but this is usually more specific to your wing type. I have a floaty easy to launch wing - a trouser cough will get it aloft! As for where you're doing it, parks and gardens can create mixed up air (from trees, fences, nearby buildings etc) which will only make your task harder still. Regardless of wind strength I'd advise you to get out in a very open area with clean air. Also wear a helmet - even if you do look a muppet. You'll find that once it all clicks it clicks! Best of luck and I applaud your enthusiasm!

Bugger... I may have already jinxed it as its looking gusty now! Sorry everyone, my screw up!

Its great to see that the weather is looking good, for now, for the 19th! Fingers crossed it stays that way. Now I was on the original 'green list' of pilots, but I guess things may have changed since that was created. How do I get myself involved again for this Saturday? I'm up for coming down from Cambridge for this and I'm happy to be a pilot or to be a ground helper. That said, I have only two flights under my belt (but that doesn't phase me) and you may not want such newbies in the air. Many thanks Lee

Hi Simon, Unfortunately I have a wedding that weekend, and the bride won't change the date... so you're going to have to!

Thank you Alan and Pianoman

Hi everyone, Firstly please forgive me, this should be posted in the radio/comms but I need a quick answer so have posted this here (please feel free to move Simon) I ordered, and paid for, a Yaesu VX-7R radio back in November, which I have not received (this has been an uphill struggle). I originally chose this radio as I understand it can cope with 2m and airband. I have been chasing the supplier today who have now asked if I would prefer another Vertex unit as they cannot get the one I ordered (and paid for). Can anyone recommend a radio that I can opt for... or should I just ask for my money back? I already have a couple of Midland radios so have PMR covered. So is there a 'best' radio to get for general paramotoring? Many thanks for any assistance with this. Lee (ReactionJackson)

What does the maximum extended weight refer to? E.g. as with ITV wings. Mine lists the following: Minimum in flight weight - 110Kg Maximum in flight weight - 150Kg Extended Weight limit - 180Kg I'm 90Kg, the motor is 30Kg, Clothes, Boots, helmet, camera, radio etc maybe another 15Kg... so all up I'm somewhere around 135Kg (not including fuel... yet). Am I too light on my wing or about right?

I can't even watch... fecktards!

Hi Simon, I'd like to join the fun if there's still space. If not I'll happily cause mischief on the ground at one of the test sites. Looks like a great day out to me Lee (Reaction) Jackson

Please forgive me all, but I like to share positive feedback where its due. Micro Avionics went above and beyond this week. My Pm100 headset was received, examined, repaired and dispatched within one working day... absolutely brilliant!

That is off the scale... you've got to be seriously wrong in the head for that! Personally I'd feel happier being attached to the bungee by my John Thomas... mind you I'd only end up hitting the floor!