jonnorton

There is a lot of research at present in solar fabrics; you may find in a few years you can charge or perhaps even run an electric motor using solar cells within the wing.

How long are you all going to keep this up before someone lets it slip

Interesting We use a product that is used for moisture, stain, etc repellancy for any porous surface. Currently used on stone, concrete, timber, fabric. It is basically a non toxic, water based product that consists of fluorinated carbon atoms (as Teflon) in a weak acrylic solution. I think the best comparison would be Scotchguard. The product works by affecting surface tension. I had thought about mentioning on here before but having spoken with SW it seems (as mentioned above) as though a wing that has got to the point it is porous is probably becoming unsafe anyway. Would be interesting to try it on an old wing; just to see how it performs, I can also ask the manufacturer to give comment on compatibility with wing materials. One concern would be its flexibility, which may be limited Any Guinea pigs? Jon N

Is it just me or have we lost the tracking page?

I will have to assume the location at Lambourn is either unknown or top secret?

Will they be aiming for the flag pole or has another field been arranged?

Good Luck chaps! Enjoy It

Is there a reason why certain PMs get stuck in the outbox and others send ok? Thanks

Very interested; a good reason to get on with the training me thinks or it won't be possible!

Is the Cornwall air ambulance included as it's not on the Tip to Tip totals page?

Agreed! good day, I feel progress was made! Sun burn again though! even my two year old laughed at me when I got home. cheers

Right, finally putting finger to key for day one of my training with Simon and Colin. Was about to start typing a few days ago when Dazman produced his rather impressive blog, which I must say knocked me back a bit! I suppose I should start with why I am doing this. Looked into paramotoring with a friend a few years back but nothing came of it, then watched the Mission Everest film which re-kindled my interest (I think this is probably the case with a lot of newbies). The idea of being able to get in the air with a relatively small launch site and outlay on equipment was pretty irresistible. I flicked about on the internet, emailed Parajet and shortly after received a call from Simon. I then sought the approval of the almighty (wife) who seemed strangely keen for me to do it whilst asking how much ££ and telling me I had better be up to date with my life insurance! I reckon her thinking goes along the lines of whatever I might spend on paramotoring she gets to spend the equivalent on something else. I am sure others have had similar problems and any advice on wife management in relation to paramotoring would be appreciated. Anyway, day 1 at Lambourn started a bit hazy with Simon saying it was unlikely they would get in the air to give any demos. We discussed the equipment and theory (and Simon’s encounter with a curry the previous night and its effects, he still turned up though, that’s dedication!) and then we made a start with some ground handling. I was presented with very crisp new wing which I think at the time had been used very little. My first concern was the responsibility of keeping this impressive bit of kit away from the trees and bushes! First Simon showed how it should be done; with a good breeze coming up the slope Simon raised the wing, turned and ran off down the hill, managing to get off the ground for a short while. He re-appeared a few minutes later saying ‘sorry I wasn’t planning on doing that but couldn’t resist’ A short while later and it was my turn. What looks as though it should be straight forward in practice and makes sense in theory is not so easy at first attempt. Starting with a reverse launch and keeping an eye on the wind sock I raised the wing thinking it was pretty easy. I then realised that the hard bit is keeping it there! With directions from Simon, the simple instructions of left hand down (and right hand up) seemed to get little further than my ears. It seems so obvious but you end up concentrating so much on pulling down on the correct side that you forget about raising the other one!! I can now see why it is important to master the groundhandling before going any further. After a while I realised it is much easier to build the wall, turning the wing gradually towards the wind if required, rather than moving quickly backwards and getting it straight up - you seem to have a lot more control that way. I am hoping to a certain extend that it is like riding a bike and at some point it all clicks into place, the difference being that I think regular ongoing practice is required. After a couple of reasonably fair attempts (in my opinion) and a lot of poor ones the morning haze cleared much to the delight of Simon who could clearly be seen to grin as he unloaded a Parajet Macro from the van. This was the all important part where I get to see a paramotor in action (and Simon gets to play). Simon and Colin then wanted to test a smoke grenade for use in the Tip to Tip. They discussed how to carry, set off and eventually drop the grenade. All very interesting. I then carried on with reverse launches, occasionally stopping for a breather. By this point the sun was out and I was pretty knackered. I would like to say by this point I had got the hang of it but keeping the wing over head is going to take some practice. In the afternoon Darren turned up and Simon gave him instruction. I carried on with Colin and when the wind dropped off we tried some forward launches; these in some ways seem easier but not being able to see the wing overhead is a bit awkard. I was told that forward launches are probably more important in paramotoring as you really want to fly in a little wind a possible. A few more forward launches and a couple of reverse and I was sufficiently worn out to call it a day. I have to say that the sun and physical activity had caught me out, leaving me dehydrated and sun burnt! Lesson learnt – drink plenty of water! Having made things worse by having a few beers that evening the following day was a combination of sun burn, sun stroke, dehydration and aching muscles. All worth it though as I thoroughly enjoyed what I hope will be the first of many days. Thanks to Colin and Simon for their patience; not only were some instructions not sinking in but when interested in something I don’t’ shut up very often! I think at one point Colin suggested I close my mouth and open my ears. Should have done this the day after as I am already forgetting exactly what we did![/img]

Hello All, I am based in Ruislip, Middlesex and would like to arrange training at the nearest venue, would be grateful for assistance on how to get started? Also spend a lot of time in Falmouth, Cornwall and have access to farmland adjacent to the coast. Great location for paramotoring but reckon I should learn how first! Cheers Jon