Dragonphotographic

I don't know the history of the Middlemoor site, but looking at it you are almost certainly correct. I designed the security camera system for them last year and as the site develops I have to keep calling back (That's what I tell my boss anyway) Great excuse to get some action shots of watersports while I wait for the owner to finish a lesson or something. If it wasn't for the bleddy great string of pylons etc nearby it would make a pretty good flying site as well I think?

Thanks for posting these Francis. I love this area and am a regular visitor. Be it for nature photography or visiting many clients like the Middlemoor Water Park I was on the levels today and quite surprised to see how flooded they still are. Wouldn't have been much good for flying this afternoon though. That wind was hitting 40knotts+

Just seen Dan on BBC Spotlight Southwest. Is there no escape? LOL Great plug for Tip to Tip Dan

What's the projected all up weight of this motor mounted in a flying frame? Projected cost would be nice too. We all have to budget for upgrades huh? LOL

Just a note for those who may have missed it, or like me want to see it again. Mission Everest will be repeated on Saturday 12th April 2008 at 2100hrs on More 4, and again an hour later on More4+1

I'm going to be on my way to bristol and Wales at that time and I have no way of recording it. Can someone put it on youtube please? Break a Leg Dan

No kit yet. I know what I would LIKE, (Bailey 4 stroke engine in a titanium frame + Dudek Synthesis) but to be honest, my starter kit is going to be from the secondhand market in all likleyhood. No bad thing I think. I've been scouting possible landing sites for the Tip to Tip guys for the last week or so. I wanted to get involved in a brilliant project and my 'Day Job' means I cover a huge area and have a few good contacts which have paid off. as a bonus, a few possible regular flying sites have presented themselves, so we'll see what happens.

Hi Steve, welcome to the club page Like you my aviation adventures have been severely curtailed in recent years due to costs and kids. Microlights are great, my gliding instructor had one of the very first in the UK back in the early eighties. He treated a few of us to some trips around the airfield etc. At the time it was awesome! LOL. I did look at them when I made the decision to look at flying again, but for the same reasons you have stated it's a non starter. That's when I came across PPG and I really can't wait to get started. At the moment I'm reading everything I can find, watching all the videos etc and getting a lot from this site. As for your questions, Dave, Simon and others are far better qualified to answer than I, so I'll leave it to them. As for flying in Devon, one of the aims is to scout a few possible sites and make contact with a trainer as soon as, keep watching for the latest progress. Who knows, if we get a few interested trainees we may even be able to persuade Simon to spend a weekend down here to get us started on the basics huh? Yes Dartmoor is full of rocks. The idea is to miss as many of them as you can!

He he, thanks for the recommendation. I'm not sure my current budget would take me to Newton Abbot, let alone the French Alps! But I'll certainly look him up as soon as.

Interesting footage of the Epac test rig being flown on the electricppg website. Also a pic of Gilo flying one

I haven't started training yet Dave, still trying to find a local instructor etc. I headed over to Axminster to recce a site for Tip to Tip. The farmer there has allowed flying from his land in the past, so I'm going to keep in touch. Perfect location for exploring the Blackdown Hills and also the Jurassic coast from there

Had a day off today so headed over to Axminster. we have been offered a refuelling site just outside of town next to Yarty Bridge. the field is all but flat and has excellent road access for the ground crew. There is also a second field next door that can be used for parking etc. If you do a Google search for Axminster, then show the sattelite pic, you can clearly see the fields with marquees etc and the parking to the southwest of the town Photo in my album for those that know the area, it's the site of the annual Axminster Show, right alongside the A35 An interesting bit of info while I was talking to the owner, he has in the past been happy to allow paramotors and microlights to use his land. Think I'll keep in touch with this chap

hi Dave I am on the southeast side, right by the A38 and close to the Devon and Exeter racecourse. Beautiful flying country between the two of us

Hi All Brand new branch, looking for pilots, flying sites. Looking to have some fun in the skies over Devon? give us a shout Drop in and say Hi. A warm welcome awaits Mark

LOL, that would work too

Just a quick thought. Would it be a good idea for any given group to decide who their lead pilot is going to be on arrival at the site? also, choose a second in case the first is not available at the end of the day for any reason. This information, along with time the first call was made, can be written down and displayed at the site, say inside someone's car windscreen for later arrivals. The ATC at Lyneham has extended a very professional courtesy in establishing a clear written procedure, it would be good to reciprocate. Like I said, just a thought

Hi Alec from a fellow Newbie. Check out the training blogs and please add your own. I haven't flown yet, but I'm learning a lot from those who have here

Hi Mike Like you I'm a newbie and a photographer looks like Tip to Tip 2009 is going to be well covered

Congratulations guys, that is a MASSIVE and far reaching development! Well done to all concerned.

I'd already thought of the leg to Mere. If needs be I can go further along and scout another stop, say near Axminster or a bit further. I'm guessing that having permission in various places 'just in case' would be a good thing, sort of back up and contingency etc.

First visits and meetings are done. One confirmed landing site if needed and one requiring further input on monday or tuesday. Basic details sent to Norman. Photo of permitted site in my album Sorry about the crappy pic. It's the best I could get from a moving car and the lo-res doesn't help much either

The prevailing winds on that part are Westerlies, although that can be anyone's guess if the last couple of years are anything to go by. I have some appointments over the weekend visiting people and sites for possible refuelling stops etc within 5-10 miles of the halfway point of day 2. What I intend to do is just gather some basic info, take some pics and pass all this on to Norman for assessment and consideration. The fact that the trip is hopefully going to be accompanied by a media circus of some description will help in some cases(Golf courses, showgrounds and country house hotels), and hinder in others (farmers). It's going to be an interesting weekend. Fingers crossed

After speaking to Simon today, he suggested I put a few pics in my Gallery to show the kind of shots I take. Feedback always welcome, and hopefully soon I'll be able to add aeriel photography to my skills set

Is this updated? I only ask because I see a couple of very longish legs without stops as it stands. I have seen the photos and how slim and lythe all you guys are (compared to me anyway) and was wondering if at least one more stop in Devon/and/or Cornwall would be an idea based on this route so far?

He he, I can hear Andy Wilman, the exec producer of the show kacking his knickers right now! Great idea, and I agree, if you don't ask you don't get. Probably a non-starter as far as the BBC is concerned, but a celeb visit to one or more of the LZ's would definately be a bonus