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Hi guys and gals, Where is the best place for me to buy an airmap? Cheers, Ben

Hmmmmmm, no previous selling history either...

I am assuming this is the same? http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/PARAJET-WHISPER-G ... 286.c0.m14

Ok, so we seem to agree that ground handling is best carried out under 'flight' situations, as in, with a motor and your actual wing - not a ground handling wing. Obviously this is dependant (i'd expect the majority of the time) on finances etc.. So, although the general consensus is ground handling is best practiced with motor and wing, it is not always practical and it in no means implies you rush out and buy lots of expensive stuff that could well be wrong for you. If you are not sure on the type of wing and motor best suited for you, don't make flippent decisions - an element of research and brain picking (on here, talking to experienced chaps) is highly advised. I guess this also suggests that if initially (with no ground handling experience) I do some research, ask some people and then decide on buying a particular wing that is not generally regarded as a 'newbie wing' and start from scratch with that, it should be less of a porblem than if I was using a 'slower' wing and then swapped. Surely my handling of the 'faster' wing will be all I know how to handle etc....? That about right? (he says as he checks his flippent wing bid on ebay...)

Hi mate, welcome to the club. Have a look round here for a guy called Gazza C. He is local to me in Herts, but I know he has a mate over in Banbury that he occasionally flies with... Hope that helps... Ben

Does it then make sense to ground handle with your actual wing? As opposed to having a seperate 'duff' ground handling wing? The principle must be the same. Obviously each type of wing has its own characteristics, so surely it makes more sense to ground handle with the actual wing you are going to use? I accept that us newbies don't (and probably shouldn't) run off like kids and buy the first wing on ebay....but it would make more snese to ground handle in the same condition you will be taking off in, ie, motor and actual wing?!? Forgive me if there are any obvious reasons for not, but enlighten me if there are...maybe damage etc.

I guess the only good thing to say is he obviously dies doing what he loved! One step closer to regulation...

Hi Francis, You might actually be more interested in a new 'harness' I have developed. It is very green and will reduce your carbon footprint (very PC in todays climate). It has a very broad range of uses and would suit your particular need ideally. There are two components to this harness with very little to go wrong. In fact, I can actually boast a 100% success rate (assuming accelerant is of the right standard). Initially you need the accelerant (in the form of madras - chicken or lamb, your choice). The second is the actual harness to 'catch and vent' excess gases, this in turn pipes along the ducting thus thermally powering a dynamic rotor (if attempting a DIY install, do not invert the rotor as expultion with be reversed), in turn using the girothermal coupling (patent pending) to 'expel and propel' this gas externally (possibly into the neighbours conservatory). Your situation couldn't be more perfect as an example Francis. Imagine, morning after the night before. You wake up and run to the bog, that madras is burning your ring so much you cannot feel your cheeks. Boxers down, harness on (it really is that simple. 5 out 3 cat owners recommend this product). That is it - simple. You go about your general bog-business and finish with a flush (or two, depending on buoancy and density) and what do you know? The immediate area is oudor free - you are literally a one man thermal generating power station! All with the added bonus of not having to use those deadly CFC air sprays...and you don't get a funny look from the missus when she go in next! Let me know if you are interested and i'll send over a demo. RRP is expected to be around the £39.99 (not including accelerant) and I am currently looking for distributors in the UK!

Oooooooh, sorry guys. Heard really bad things about this wing. I recommend you stay well clear - no bidding! It has nothing to do with me being the current highest bidder either

Hi Simon...are these still going or have they all gone? Newbie looking for a wing...and motor...and suit...and radio...and flight deck...and on and on... Ben

Or, whilst ground handling or freeflying a wing, record the effects, add a few bird tweets, chuck it on your ipod - run the headphone into your ear defs and away you go You could even add some Bach...

Ahhhhhhh, I get it now... not been here long enough to wittle down who on this site it might be though.....

Well, I met some guys lasy night and am now converted. I will be calling their instructor today probably. Much safer way to learn, and probably quicker too. Thanks all involved...and see you soon

Is the stig still the stig, as in Perry whats-his-face the old formula 1 driver or Ben Collins? Did they change drivers with the change of jumpsuit?? I would imagine that whenever 'The Stig' does something along these lines, they just put a professional in the specific area in the jumpsuit and pass them off as 'The Stig'...or maybe not.

Hi guys and gals, I've been toying with the idea of Paramotoring for about 2 years now, keeping fairly 'in touch' with the scene but never commiting. I have a gap in my busy schedule for a new hobbie... and I am tied between skydiving and paramotoring. PPG obviously wins when it comes to practicality and initial expense so will likely win. I have read all the posts with regards to this, that and the other, but never really see a straight answer to this... Is 'official' training really 100% necessary? I can appreciate the knowedge that can be passed down via instructors, but surely that can also be gained either 'in flight' or by research etc. Obviously I do not condone or recommend haphazardly impulse buying the wrong kit, chucking it in the boot and driving to the nearest take off point five minutes after buying it from some dodgy guy on ebay. But surely if you are strict and realistic, a few hours practicing with a teathered wing, a few more hours reading up on thermals, hang points, specific aviation laws and the 'maths' behind it all - will that not suffice along with some 'friendly' advice from like minded enthusiasts? I think it would be slightly different if the law stated you must get certified, but it doesn't, so surely it is not essential?!? I don't intend getting peoples back up, and I can see the advantage of being 'tutored' but still feel its not 100% needed. But then I am a newbie, probably naive and highly likely to offend or get flamed. Not my intention though. Thanks for reading and I look forward to your views... If the general consensus is that trainign is essential - could anybody recommend a good, local tutor? Thank you...