Hey guys,
Ive always been interested in... well fun stuff - SCUBA, paintballing etc. I live in the village of broadway in worcestershire (42 miles east of Oxford via A46) and I am absolutely dying to get into this sport. Im 18 and University is lurking by the end of September, so i want to get started as soon as possible really, however in truth, I know very little despite literally days of non-stop research. Please provide all the advice and help you can in the following areas.
1. Where to train and how much it will cost? I will train dont worry however i am under the impression there is no licence required and technically i could just pop on a powermotor and vanish (into a tree). If this is the case is it possible to be trained by a "hobbie flyer" with plenty of experience (and patience).
2. I will obviously need kit but i dont have much money. I have around 5k, which sounds quite a lot for an 18 year old but in reality 5k is an investment i cant really honour with university around the corner. So basically what am i looking at paying for a nice controllable wing and friendly motor. In addition if i have to compromise quality due to funds do i go for the better wing with an alright motor, or the other way round?
3. Again linked to cost. The idea has struck that i could potentially take people out on these gizmos while im at university and therefore offset my cost. I know this is a bit optomistic and i need a fair bit of experience before i can even consider annoying all my peers by taking girls on 3000ft dates, but in principle is this a reasonable aspiration and would i be able to get affordable insurance etc etc (any other info welcome here)
4. I know im asking a bit much but depending in the answer to question 1, would anyone be interested in mentoring me with a primary focus on: not dying, getting ripped off, getting arrested, where to go, theory, practical etc etc..
5. and finally... what is your basic kit list? Again cost comes as a factor.
Im sorry for taking up your time but i am genuinly excited about being able to fly at my leisure (weather permitting). The idea seems almost fictional!!! So if anyone can help me PLEASE DO!
Jonathan - i know i dont write well