jonnorton

Dave, I work on the railway so understand completely your point about paperwork coming into play if an incident occurs. They are very particular about training requirements, briefings, etc. You find yourself signing docs all the time that state - I confirm that I have received, read & understood. Just signing to say you have read is no longer acceptable. Could this forum have a simple disclaimer which all members must accept (tick box to accept), it could say that 'posts/comments on this forum must be taken as individuals opinions only and should not be taken as correct', or something along those lines. Even people who are qualified PPG instructors could still be placing themselves at risk by giving advise out of their 'official' training environment. Two ways of looking at it though, firstly the arse covering exercise which may not count anyway from a legal point of view, and secondly, that it wouldn't prevent bad advise potentially causing an injury / incident. Anyway, just thinking out loud really

Dave / Gordon, I see where you are both coming from, but wouldn't this forum be a lot quieter if people felt there was no point replying to a question because of the potential consequences. I would say that unless you are an Instructor, you shouldn't instruct, but is advice the same? I for one would not take the advise of one person alone, unless I knew something of that persons experience. To advise or recommend is not to instruct, is it? I believe there are other forums where posts are monitored and anything that is incorrect would be removed. I think the way things work here is self monitoring; if someone says or states something that is considered incorrect, another person will usually make a comment about it. I think it is good that a question can turn into a discussion, I do however think that all people should recieve training. Jon Dave you are infact right here- Liability is an issue. Unless you are a qualified instructor you shouldn't be giving advice. If you are a BHPA Club Coach, you can 'coach' a BHPA club member, providing they have a BHPA rating already. I've noticed a lot of people on this forum giving advice- desipite some very low hours, no rating or formal qualifications, and very little experience- you do need to be careful. The situation in the Repulic of Ireland, forces potential pilots to go to a recognised school to get a rating, before applying for their exemption certificate- this is by far a better system than the UK. More awkard, and certainly more work, but we don't get people asking if it's safe to land in 'wind shadow'.........

No, it aint broke, the leading edge has been taped to protect it.

The Top80 1400 I have came with the carbon prop taped, I can see the advantages of this but have read elsewhere that the tape will reduce the thrust. I bought the 1400 to get the extra thrust but wonder if by having the prop taped I am reducing it down to what I would have got from the 1250 anyway. Any thoughts? Cheers Jon

Hello Olly, I am sure you have by now had a look at this and other forums. I am in Ruislip, so just a short drive from Denham. There are a few places you can get training, but most will be the best part of an hours drive or so. Where are you based? I have been travelling down to Lambourne, near Swindon, takes about 1 hour 15 mins on a good day. Not a massive problem but if you can find somewhere nearer you may find you get through your training quicker, depends on how much spare time you've got. I reckon you would normally have had a reply from Simon Westmore by now but he is of playing until March (I think) Good luck Cheers Jon

I may be wrong, but I thought Neil Loughton had his pilots licence and that they were given a 24 hour 'test' flight cert by the CAA.

75kg, so top end of the recommended weight for the top 80 1250 and bottom of range for the 1400.

Don't know, I think they mainly use H&E. I was told this was bought for a trip to India but was surplus to requirements as he wanted something with a bit more power for tandem use. Spent a very long time trying to decide which motor to go for. I wanted the lightest possible; I know there are people who will say the weight isn't an issue as the wing takes it once your moving but as a newbie I think a lot is about confidence and I don't feel confident about running forwards over rough ground with a motor that is any heavier than it needs to be. I had looked at the smaller caged Top80 but was told that with my revolution on fast trim it wouldn't have enough power.

No problem, got it from someone who works for Skyschool

Thanks for the replies. I haven't used it yet, other than as a very expensive leaf blower! Even so am pleased with it as it seems well made, well balanced, very easy to start & quite a bit lighter than some other motors. Jon

Cheers thought so, just posted to give the little helper/s a reminder.

Is anyone covering the shop whilst Simon is away?

I bought a Windtech Windsos, anyone out there have any comments on them? http://www.windtech.es/products/windsos/index.html

Hello all, I recently bought one of these; a couple of people I have spoken to think the cage size could well be a problem for me due my height (5' 8"), just wondered if anyone else has found this to be an issue? thanks Jon

Losing weight is hard work and you don't get to eat everything you want......... could you two not have bought bigger wings and a more powerful motor Simon, I think a new Forum header is required... 'Tips & Adivce on Weight Loss' perhaps

Only a short clip but if you switch to HD the image quality is excellent compared with the usual Youtube. SW

I have spent most of the day asking myself why I wasn't there

Excellent. I think it is far better to do this proactivily now, rather than have it forced upon the sport at point, which I think would eventually happen.

[DanTheMan wrote: Very nice - I'd be tempted to keep the prop in the house to keep moisture from getting to it, especially in this weather. good thinking Dan, I shall see to it ASAP] Dan, I hadn't even thought about moisture problems affecting the prop, I can see it potentially being a problem for wood, but carbon?

Simon, Just out of curiosity, how much of the £20 will be going to the charities Thanks

Simon, Do I need to click the link to get one of the first 200 or is my name on the list from a few months back when I signed up for one on the Tip to Tip website??

Did anyone get one of these? I had a look but they didn't fit very well; felt like they were designed to fit people with a perfectly round skull. I think it is sometimes true that you get what you pay for. Please tell me I am not alone so I can stop worrying that my head is the wrong shape!!

Yep, me too please Ben. Eddies, will send a PM as will also be heading up the M40. Jon

Yep, slow for me too

Simon, Any news following your meeting with Farmer Dave 2?