Half Colin

You'll probably be best to contact the BHPA direct - 0116 289 4316 or office@bhpa.co.uk.

You can go direct to PPG with BHPA but not all BHPA schools offer PPG training. There's 3 ratings of CP: Tow, Hill and Power that are all at the same level but all preceded by EP. All schools start with EP but then some schools offer winch training which will lead to CP Tow whilst others offer hill launches which gives CP Hill and some offer power training leading to CP Power, but there's no requirement to do CP Tow or Hill before CP Power. Once you have CP you can do short conversion courses to add to your CP rating. I'm CP Tow, Hill and Power. So you could start with power and go free flying by adding hill or tow later if you wanted to. If you want to go the BHPA route you just need to find a school that offers the CP you want. I think it's just that a lot of guys start with CP Hill and then become frustrated with the lack of flying opportunities in this country and so convert to power. Which is what I'm in the process of doing. CP Hill with all the kit but now converted to power and on the look out for all the extra kit.

I've just got back from FlySpain and flew the same rig as you last week with no problems whatsoever. The heavyweights flew the V3 Moster on a Roadster 2. It was an excellent week and I'm now tow, hill and power rated and with a far better idea what kit I'm looking for. I liked the Spyder but I think I would like a little more power than the Top 80 Miniplane, although it was nice and light compared to the Parajet V3.

Great write-up Manfred. I'm going out there in March for my power conversion as I've struggled for a few years free flying in Leicestershire due to the lack of hills. I had a week with Flyspain in March this year and it's definitely a great place to learn and fly with great like-minded people.

Thanks Mike - the wing is 110-140 kg so I reckon all up flying weight I would be around the middle and I've read a review that says it's suitable for beginners. The reserve is up to 160 kg so probably a bit big but better that than a bit small. I know nothing about paramotors though so wondered if PAP is considered a good make and if so is that specific model about right for my weight and for a beginner.

Hi guys I started paragliding 3 years ago but have been frustrated as I haven't flown much at all due to living 2 in a flat county! I've seen a few Paramotors flying around Leicester, with one even flying over my house 2 weeks ago, so have taken the plunge and booked a conversion course with Flyspain next March. Having had a week with them in Feb this year it was a no-brainer to do my conversion with them. I don't really intend buying any kit until after my conversion course but have obviously started to have a look at what's out there on the second hand market. Not know anything about paramotors, I would welcome advice on what I should be looking at. I'm 85kg. There's a guy currently selling a PAP PA 125 1400 with a Dudek Synthesis 2 29m and a Gin Yeti 50 reserve. I think the wing is probably about right for me but what about the PAP?