bathboy

Simon,

Yes please, I'd love to learn more.

I can supply props that have been damaged, repaired, damaged etc.

Cheers

Paul

I was invited to as new local site tonight, as forecast a tad windy brought the Action 27 out of semi-retirement. Turns out the site was near the slope up from the canal, so some of the wind was a bit messy.

My launch was good, so at about 50ft I went to full reflex and more power before leaving the field. Sure it was bumpy, but at no time did I feel at risk. At about 700ft above launch my upwind speed in gusts was down to 3 mph, downwind it max was 54mph. I landed on full trip and still only had minimal penetration forward speed. Felt more like landing a round parachute straight down than the usual wing runway approach. I then convinced the other two with either bigger or less reflex wings NOT to fly.

In hindsight... I would not fly in those conditions again. BUT if I do it will be on the Action 27, as it is still amazing in serious wind. It is too small/fast for me in no wind. I had to eat early morning nil-wind dirt to find this out, so last year found a ReAction 31 for that.

THANK YOU MCJ for the stunning Reflex wing section

Cheers

Paul

As stated in heading i am looking for a Dudek Marlin 12m Wing either new or second hand for ground handling practice anyone have one for sale or any info on where i might buy one thankyou.

Simon

Hi Simon,

I played with a foil kite to learn reverse v forward handling. It is not that much smaller than a Marlin. You are welcome to try it.

Cheers

Paul

Simon,

Please count me in

Is it fair to assume the date is April onwards?

Cheers

Paul

All,

The weather is looking good for training / flying tomorrow. I have just had a call from Sal to say that we can use the Ridgeway field.

I intend to be there ealry for a flight, and training from 10:00 as I have not had a flight in ages.

As before, on the B4000 between Ashbury and Lambourn (follow the White discs with black arrows on)

SW

I'm very interested as it is a great location - but as I've flown loads locally recently - I'm not desperate enough to travel miles without a good forecast. What is the source of the "The weather is looking good for training/flying tomorrow" forecast?

IMO over the last few months the met office seems to be the most accurate around for Bath/Bristol/Swindon?

http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/uk/ ... _wind.html looks gusty/windy. Also nearly identical to last Saturday's forecast for Sunday:-(

Cheers

Paul

I had actually thought about attending a P&P this year but it is a long way so I'm not too upset. Especially with the uncertainty of the weather. Maybe next year.

Cheers

Mark

I hate to do this as I know how hard organising people is. Please put me as 1 maybe for Oxford.

I'm not choosing between PMC examiner over instructor me and the mrs just LOVE the hills.

So the 3D location of Pie N Peas, that I can also have long scenic walks with the non-flying family is the winner.

Unless....

Oxford a third of the distance, when the Met office say only drinking weather.

Cheers

Paul

I'd be very interesed in having a go, with some training... ideally over a couple of days.

Many others?

Cheers

Paul

I recon if we get enough people interested we can have them at the Fly-in to suck some out of you. (maybe on the Friday morning so that the blood is still mostly blood and not beer.

SW D

I gave Thursday afteroon and their blurb advised wating 24hrs before gliding. I assume risk of G-force blackouts?

Cheers

Paul

So there you go........Ive passed the mod that Ive done to Paramania and this forum .....plenty of feed back from this forum but no responce from Paramania at all .. ...shh....nobody will get hurt.....(hope)... .Get it sorted PARAMANIA......its a great wing ....dont kill somebody because your too proud to improve it.......

Just back from holiday so catching up. So sorry if out of date info.

IMHO for at least a year, the debate about slipping knots of the Revo has been going on without a reply or corrective action.

Looks like a Nelson eye is being used by Paramania and those that should know better to look at this problem. Are you saying the Fusion has the same problem?

The knot is designed to slip. As any climber will tell you. It is the worst knot to choose as it increases the risk of it slipping into the prop.

I'm stunned it this world of liability that people make and sell this "known" problem. The fix is easy (and cheap) as proven in this thread and by another make of wing.

Power to the forum. Come on guys, get this fixed. It only has to stop it slipping once on one wing to save a life. When safety/accidents are concerned, if it can happen it will happen....

Cheers

Paul

P.S. This isn't a dig at anyone. Just the mention of spiral... at this time of year... reminded me that Kev would have shouted the loudest to make this sport safer. So I'm trying to do it for him.

Thanks for those stats Paul. Which one were you flying at mine 2 yars ago ? Did you fly out across the moor that evening and how did it fare for speed against the rest of the gaggle ?

I have the Reaction on my list of maybes if it's cheap and s/h but I dont think it's as fast as the Synth or the Fusion. The Fusion would have economy I reckon. When I flew it on normal trim my engine was just chugging along like on my Atis 2. Great glide. Want to fly one again with instrument s next time. I do prefer a smaller wing so G R is an issue. Always open to suggestions though and want to fly them all on the same day. If someone could be there to lay them out and just pass me the risers I wouldn't even stop the engine. Then I'll write a review. LOL

See you soon too I reckon. Might have such a day !

Dave

Dave,

I was on the Action 27 two years ago. I was last to launch and soon caught up... then needed to circle and S-turn to slow to others pace. My landing was a tad fast though

You will get a step change is top speed moving from non-reflex to reflex. IMHO most proper reflex wings have very close top speed with trim out + speed bar. There is a bigger difference if you just use the trims without speed bar.

e.g. a mates Revo is faster when we both only use reflex trim, but I'm slightly faster when we both use reflex trim + speed bar.

If I were you, I'd consider buying two second hand trusted reflex section wings of different sizes (should cost less than the latest new wing). Then whatever you want to do (acro v XC), whatever the wind speed (nil v choppy), you will have the 'best' and 'safe' wing for that flight, and a spare wing, and maybe some spare cash.

Now we can carry bigger tanks, is economy a significant enough issue to spend £1000s to fix, if you don't want to enter the Nats? When I had the Action 27 + 10 ltr tank it was, but now I can just carry more fuel

Cheers

Paul

I'm sorry to hear about your prop Alan. I imagine it must be a bit disappointing. When I was training I almost had such a moment when the leg straps weren't tight enough and started sliding down my thighs. I did get of but almost aborted.

Like to know what sizes your Fusion and Synthesis are, and any comparisons on speed and handling. They are the 2 I'm looking carefully at as I'd like a faster wing now. It might fit this thread but if not you can pm if you want.

Thanks

Dave

Gabe, Dave,

If it helps, I think the wing type, size and what you do with it is as important as the motor thrust.

From my limited experience with three different wings, all about 20 flights, all with the same-ish thrust, from a 6 year old Parajet (172cc) Compact motor with 3x99cm prop.

1) Nova Rotor 31 + trim out = average speed 15mph = rare use of full power = good economy (never tried with speed bar)

2) Action 27 + trim out = average speed 25 mph = frequent use of full power = poor economy

(+speed bar needs full power for level flight)

3) ReAction 31 + trim out = average speed 25 mph = medium use of full power = medium economy

(+speed bar 3/4 power for level flight)

That said the Nova felt 'nicest' to fly low and slow in no wind, the Action 27 felt safest to fly in crap wind, changes direction fastest, but the hardest to launch in no wind.

For me the ReAction 31 is 'almost' the best of all worlds... but if the wind was always 5mph or above, I'd go back to the Action 27 and carry more fuel!

IMHO the Action/ReAction is the safest wing section/design. Until another section has been around as long with so few (no?) incident.

None of these are scientific tests with a 'standard' weight. Beer capacity can adjust me from 90-95kg and fuel carried changes from 5ltr to 12ltr.

Cheers

Paul

And then later...AT NIGHT...

People like this are going to get us regulated sooner or later.

Regulate what and who? The one person flying, the thousands with the happy tablets or the tens of thousands who pish on the grass...

Cheers

Paul

Why are you selling Nygel?

Regards.

Togsie

No one reason, a combination of many things really, but basically I am just not getting on with it and not making any progress. I know I will regret giving it up for the rest of my life but on the other hand I also know that if I carry on I will end up doing some seriuos damage to my kit, myself, or both - none of which I can afford

Nygel

Hi Nygel,

Have you tried a wing that is easier/slower to launch? You are not the first 'newbie' I know who sold their Revo + motor as they couldn't make enough progress. The Revo is a good wing, but not as forgiving as a slower wing when you are learning to fly? I'm sure I/we can find/lend you a slower one, if you want another go.

If you must sell, please can you tell me the vintage of the Parajet? I do know someone who is interested, but it must have the Mallossi barrel and head like mine.... 6 years old and no engine trouble.

Cheers

Paul

Any flyers out there from Edinburgh or East Lothian to set up a club in this neck of the woods?

I'm fom down Souf, but have flown here.

How far are you from Gullane? where my mate also saw Piers.

I'm there again in a month and so, PM or email me you want to meet?

Cheers

Paul

In production the answer is Pre Preg carbon but.....

No one uses this to make paramotor blades with due to the cost. The next best thing is to vacume bag it all but that's a hasstle.

The truth is, I am 99.9% sure that NO ONE will be doing it the only way that works so your never going to get a perfect set.

SW

We agree, they cannot be made or repaired without checking the balance!

Hence it would be worth adding a cheap fleBay electronic scale to the kit and instruction to balance, as I'd say any repair would need a check and likely re-balance.

I got one for about £8 after my recent mid-air mishap. Normal repair then used the electronic balance to guide where to plug solder to make tip weight the same. So far so good...

Cheers

Paul

....Flexon Batterns (which also help to reduce the weight of the leading edge of the wing, making it MUCH less work getting it over your head.)

SW

reduce the weight... making it MUCH less work... feels so wrong. A bit like a fat bloke thinking buying titanium washers for his bike will make him cycle MUCH faster. How much actual weight has it saved from the wing? My guess is less than 1%

Good technique (and being a bit fit-n-healthy?) are more likely the key to MUCH less work

Cheers

Paul = Moderately fit + Moderately fat - Good technique

I did point this out myself to Gilo.

the key with this is to weigh in the laminates and resin before you produce the blade. Its that simple. (when making a new set)

They hand made them and did not weigh the resin or fabric before production hence the different weights.

SW

That would help make the total weight the same, but how would it stop the CoG (tip weight?) from moving around depending how the resin, carbon, air? ended up distributed inside the mould?

Cheeers

Paul

All,

...May even get it to the point where you can buy a mould for your prop! with instructions and kit for repair???

SW

Would be worth adding a cheap fleBay electronic scale to the kit and instruction to balance, as I'd say any repair would need a check and likely re-balance.

Many moons ago... I helped Giles unpack about 50 new Compact props. The spread of 'balance' numbers from props that were made in the same mould was amazing. I think one number was CoG and the other total weight. Some were grouped as close as possible to make matched sets with dots of the same colour.

Cheers

Paul

When i just feel like selling all my gear and getting another motorbike,this weather does my head in especially when your restricted doing what we all have a passion for,anyone else get like this! I know if i sell up im gonna regret it

Tis a mix of luck and planning. Maybe I'm just lucky... but I've had my best year to date of the four I've been flying.

I've learnt the hard way to improve my odds by:

Decide if it is flyable when still at home - if not, enjoy doing something else!

Don't travel to far to fly - less chance the weather is different and a lot less annoying if it is.

Assume you will fly! Get everything ready to fly as soon as you get to the field, assume weather will be good when you are ready.

Yes socialise, but do less when it is flyable.

Cheers

Paul

Anyone else going this year?

We are up market from the usual Friday to Sunday, park anywhere, with no tent, piss-up. Won an in-the-know Maison Blanche 7x5 camping pitch on eBay, so now going Thursday to make the most of the luxury!

Cheers

Paul

So the Fusion 23 is max 120 kg placard weight for pg or with motor AUW Simon. ?

Dave

PPG Weight Range

Fusion Size (m2)

23 = 60 - 120

26 = 70 - 140

29 = 80 - 160

Pete b

Hmmm, don't get to carried away with these numbers, they do not mean it behaves the same top and bottom of the range.

Please, please, please us common sense, and IMHO what has been 'proven' in the real world, in all conditions, on each wing sections v loading. This can take years.

Accidents are usually a combination of circumstances that multiply then bite. I'm not saying don't fly small or highly loaded wings, but please consider it with an open mind. Two very experienced people flying 'small' wings have had fatal accidents.

Cheers

Paul

... I think I may have hit the killswitch while wriggling around to get in the seat, certainly wakes you up when you are only a couple of hundred feet up and suddenly no power

The last two flights I've 'missed' the seat. Somehow the harness straps or my arse have changed!

Since last year learning the hard way (Malc knows!) not to rush and wriggle to correct it. I try to see not being in the seat as a big deal, but what can happen trying hard to get into the seat can be. Mine was a brake I'd stored correctly going back (and cage going forward) so it was eaten by the prop

So now, after lifting legs/knees, if the expected seat does not apppear, I keep my legs up and just hang on to the power and brakes until I've gained plenty of altitude (= time) to gently fix it. Although it does my stomach in - for what seems like hours - it is a lot safer to circle the field and gain time. Also, everyone says it is doing wonders for the six pack

Cheers

Paul

Flew on the 1st June with Piers up at Stroud of a Polo field. Bowling green flat on the top of a hill. Evening flight that went really well until I tapped the stop button getting into the seat. Unfortunately the battery was only part charged so a restart wasn't possible.

A bit too far downwind to glide back so lobbed into a field. The sun set and the pub didn't do food... bugger. Soon be up there again and back into the wide blue yonder.

Norman, it was a classic fun with mates evening. I can't wait for the expanded the story:-)

Cheers

Paul

I was always going today, but thought I'd missed any chance of flying and it would be a social looking, at the forecast. Decided to take the gear, as good often follows bad weather.

Everything worked out, I had a lovely flight around Oxford catching thermals with the engine off, chatted with plenty of old and new faces, and made it home so see family, as agreed!

Thanks all - hope to see many of you around Weymouth?

Cheers

Paul

I am not that bothered about the economy side,

I think 2 hour ish stints in the air works well for me.

This Aus trip is not a race, in fact if we find somewhere nice on route we may even stay there a day or two to do some filming. So the capacity for long hours in the air is not a requirement for this trip.

Another reason is that we will be ahead of the ground crew by an unsafe margin if we stay in the air for too long at a time.

A 90 min flight across mauritania (dusty roads like Aus) ment for a 1-hour wait for the ground crew when I landed just about evey time. (which is already to long on your own in the middle of nowhere if you have a broken leg or get bitten by a beasty.)

SW

Am I missing something here? I've always assumed you chosen somewhere with loads of sunshine as this would be the power source? It must me easier to get sponsors if you are setting/following the trend of green-ish environmentally friendly projects. So something that has batteries that work long enough (and are safe) it the heat would be key.

Cheers

Paul