Gilmour Dickson

Scout video on clutch or not I don't use a clutch because the machine I bought was 2nd hand and there was not much choice. While technically they do add a layer of complexity they are pretty simple devices on millions and millions of chainsaws and scooters and are not difficult to check or replace. There are just too many advantages compared to non-clutched IMHO. And for sure they do not rob power unless slipping. Same as a belt! I do agree that seeing them as a safety device in terms of ground starting can give a false sense of security.

As far as I can remember (when trawling through manuals before buying a Spyder) the same disclaimer about acrobatic flying is in the manual for the Roadster2. It (the Spyder manual) goes onto state that in SIV the only manouever that should not be done is accelerated collapses "due to the nature of the profile and the tab positioning". Based on that I suspect that the disclaimer is all about the wing design and absolutely nothing to do with being lighter weight.

Hi Dean, I am no expert but for what it is worth here is my 2 cents: Like you I bought a mint condition Rodeo 2nd hand. The only other machines I have flown have been Parajet Volution 3s so its not like I have a lot of experience of different machines. I got mine at a great price and a mate knew it's history from day one (about 5 hours). I bought it before training and with a wing that I subsequently have replaced. I went against all the advice (i.e. buying once you have completed training) and this was largely because I live in Zambia and motors are hard to come by... the price was a good deal. More than good in fact, so I decided to grab it before someone else did. Plus the only other pilots in Zambia all fly Nirvana and the dealer in SA is quite good. Looking back with 20/20 hindsight I should probably have held off, but I would never have got such a deal again and importing was going to be a headache but to be honest I am happy with the motor and have got to know it and now with a better wing I am happy with my choices. The wing is always going to be a far more important factor than the motor... Again with 20/20 hindsight I should have tried harder to get the seller to split the package and tried to get the motor only. Pros: - simple construction: frame brakes down very quickly and easily into 4 sections. - Powerful. No complaints about the simonini lacking power. Smooth too (especially with 3 blade prop). - Friendly and helpful people at Nirvana HQ! - I like how the harness is quickly detachable. I have an old PG harness for groundhandling but at times it is good to be able to kite in the harness you fly in. - Electric start. Having witnessed a motor go to full whack on start and a guy put his hand into the prop (very very lucky to walk away with bruised knuckles!), not to mention scary stories/pictures on here and FB I am a fan of electric start. It just makes it easier and therefore that bit safer as there is less temptation to fire it up on the ground to warm it. Cons: - Heavy. It is heavy. There is no getting away from that fact. It is now an old design and AirConception, Parajet Maverick etc etc etc are all a fair bit lighter with similar power. Having said that the Simonini engine while heavy does have a pretty good reputation for reliability. - High hangpoints means it is not as good at weightshift pilot inputs as lower hangpoints. Endless pros and cons type debate to all this. Bottom line is that everyone (including Nirvana finally) is moving or has moved to lower hangpoints. It does weightshift though. For me it is not an issue as I am low airtime and more into cruising than anything else at this stage. Apparently higher hang points are easier to launch, and where I live I will take every advantage when it comes to launching. What else... Always double check the plastic frame clips. If one is open the prop tips can catch it and that is not good for your prop tips! It is quite robust. I had a fairly big smash and totally destroyed the two bottom cage sections and a prop but everything else and myself was okay. The battery charges in flight and there is an XLR output socket so if you are into say long XCs then you could very easily rig a USB charger or run other gizmos. Not that I do. If you can source a Nicad battery pack with the same voltage from an older battery drill then it is a bonus! It is a strong machine. I have done power launches on it no problem (well for the rodeo at least!). The easy break down of the kit is a bonus. I am lucky that my site is 10mins from the house and I have a pickup, but if the pick up is off and I am using my troopy LC then I am very thankful about how easy it is to set up and take down. As regards harness size, take a look here. I assume yours (like mine) has a Dudek harness. While this is a newer version I am guessing the sizing is the same. I am not a big guy (80kgs and 5"9 maybe) and mine is labelled XL. It is totally fine. https://www.dudek.eu/en/products/powerseat-comfort-high.html

I have never done it Andy, but I would have thought that Andalusia being what it is the easiest and least hassle way would be to send the Nitro on one of the dozens of UK - Spain shipping companies that do regular freight runs. I quick online scan shows 25 kilos to Spain in 2-4 days for Euro 26 as an example. As I say I have no prior experience, but I have read about a few instances of airlines getting problematic with paramotors. https://www.ecoparcel.eu/

rsquared, I just got out a measuring tape and 26cm seems to be pretty accurate from big toe to the bit of my heel that sticks out the most! Hope that helps.

I bought a pair of the big, heavy Hanwags. With a very dodgy ankle after shattering a heel years ago they literally have been a super solid purchase. I would never have got through CP training in a ploughed field without them. The Hanwag fitting to me seemed very exact. I am a 8.5, with Merrils or Salomons I take a whole size above. The Hanwags that I bought in an 8.5 give me just enough room to wear semi-thick socks and be a good fit. Even thin socks still allows the boots to be really tightened up and become very supportive. I bought online (living in Zambia there ain't much choice) and to be honest they are I think about the only time I bought a brand online that fitted right first time. Hope that helps and also works for you.

Congratulations on the ordered wing. There are three of us flying in Zambia, my good mate (sadly lives a days drive away ) has just taken delivery of a r2 replacing his original roadster and cannot be happier. Interesting considuring he has 10 years ppg flying and I thought was going to go for something twitchy for his new wing, but is delighted with the r2 My count down to Algo begins... synthesis LT and boots and helmet are packed, can't wait. Still a bit unsure about redoing cp, it's a lot of cash, but I hope that and the guided week get me to where I want to be or at least back on the track. Lookingforward to the video. Greetings from Passau where the fog means I cannot even be recovery guy for the local (very friendly )pg guys who sort of took me under their wing and let me drive them around when I was at my wife's family last leave.

Well done Manfred and thanks for sharing this. I have really enjoyed reading it. Being face down in a field with a V3 on the back in Spain is something I managed to do as well! Look forward to the video.

Hi Manfred, I have really enjoyed reading your training report - brilliant! I did EP/CP early this year with FlySpain, and in fact Nick and I were room mates for two weeks. He got the bug so bad he went back to be a trainee instructor! I think I saw his posting of your launch on my facebook feed - great! Like you my progression has been a bit on an off, I live in the wilds of Zambia (literally) and with no club scene/others nearby to fly with I have struggled a bit. A nasty experience with rotor (that cost me an entire cage and a brand new carbon prop on my nirvana rodeo and some aches and pains) on takeoff put quite a dent in my confidence. So I have booked two weeks in Feb with FlySpain. Hopefully Markus and Nick will be there then. Plan is to re-do CP and then a guided week. Anyway I hope the last few days went well and look forward to the conclusion of your report. Like you I have nothing but praise for Rob's operation out there. Ric W, Niall, Markus were outstanding.