Solstice

Hi I am new to paramotors and trying to figure out what helmet to get. I liked the Bern/sena helmets and wrote a company to purchase it. They said that the sena will not work with the Icom A14 radio.... Does anyone know what helmet I can use with icom? 

Thank you, Randy 

After researching paramotors for months and trying to decide which one to buy between scout Enduro, Parajet maverick, air conception nitro 200 Titanium , Kangook lite , and virus XC2.. I have decided to go with Virus XC2.

The man training me said we can build it. But i am writing to your pros to ask what should I purchase to make this build? What's a very comfortable harness with pockets/compartments? When I buy the moster 185 plus engine will it come with throttle? If not what's a good throttle to purchase? Does engine come with motor mounts and everything I need?

Thank you, Randy

Ok great!  this makes me more confident buying this as my first wing. Thank you Brian! 

~Randy ~

So you had experience flying before using this wing.. I'm thinking about going with the Mac Para Charger even though I have no experience flying. IV read great things about it. Sounds like the worst thing is a butt landing... And from what I have read a lot of people do this starting out, lol

Thank you Papagyo   for your reply.

Sorry I didnt reply soon I lost the link to this forum .

That is the reason I asked between the two wings I have heard that with the Mac Para Charger. But I also read that its a wing that I wouldn't out grow for a while. I didnt know if I should risk buying it or not. So you have had only one bad landing? how many good landings after that? How long have you had the wing?

So many people said  the MAC PARA CHARGER is a great wing! I also was told it has bad flare and fast landings for a noob just starting out?

I was told the GIN PEGASUS was a better wing because of slower landings.

http://www.macpara.com/en/charger.html

http://gingliders.com/paramotoring/pegasus/

Any opinions?

Thank you, Randy

15 hours ago, alan_k said:

Yes, there are stand alone units called Aware Airbox GPS units, or there is the app RunwayHD for iphone or android http://www.airboxaero.com/

Perfect... I will check into them ?

Thank you! 

Randy 

Hi, 

I am getting a paramotor in the spring and just trying to do some research. I was wondering is there a app or GPS unit that would tell you if you begin to fly out of class E Or G airspace? I have seen on the vfr maps there can be small passages if one is to fly cross country and I don't understand how would you know exactly what airspace you are in. 

Thx, Randy 

I agree Juan.... Alot of great people in this group and in this sport. I'm blown away how Nice  people are in paramotoring. I had a guy on Facebook ask me to call him two days ago. I have never spoke or met this guy and he was kind enough to invite me to come to Virginia to fly with him and his friends. I told I would be honored to this coming spring when I get in the air.

Thank you for your opinion to this post too

Randy 

13 hours ago, Casper said:

I'm actually a bit surprised that so many are a bit open minded and see that there is a gray zone with this subject.

I think that Randy gives the impression to have the right mindset, so I see no real problem or added risk.
Should everyone consider training with friends if they have the opportunity? Definitely not. Should everyone consider PPG at all? absolutely not! But the few who do probably already know what they are capable of and what kind of friends they have around them.

But save the full stall training for a SIV or for Pal Takats upcoming instruction video........
And btw everyone should listen to the cloudbase mayhem podcast.
http://www.cloudbasemayhem.com/episode-52-pal-takats-x-alps-acro-and-what-you-can-do-to-stay-safe/
 

Just what I was looking for!  yesterday I was searching in Google for paramotor podcast...I just finished listening to it.. Great info thx man 

17 hours ago, AndyB said:

Good idea....let's start a list....

1. Hold the power on. I have seen 2 guy's who kept getting scarred at the change in angle as full power kicks in and nearly crashed by backing off!

2. Know when to abort the take-off.........and when not to. I had a tangled brake line that was much better dealt with at height.

3. Torque steer (well thrust really) correction. Which side and how much to expect. I have seen a guy pull so much brake he swung round the other way.

 

Thx again Andy, I have always been a note taker at whatever I get into. I have a notebook that I take notes and I have written these down ??

21 hours ago, AndyB said:

I observed 9 other people being trained as the same time as me. Four during my first week training and 5 the second. My first week was only 2 days as mother-in-law got killed on a zebra crossing and I had to leave!

One person was in the air and VERY competent on day 3. Two only flew once. And 2 others I know have never flown after doing the training. My point is that the amount of training is very dependent on learning rate - how able the trainee is to learn....and overcome the scary factor. The trainers I had were VERY aware of this.

If you are a quick learner and know will love it in the air then maybe a mate is not so bad. However, if you would appreciate learning at a nice slow rate then doing all the basics with a mate might not be a bad thing, but I would ask whether they are fully equipped to deal with all the things that could go wrong when you first fly.

 

Thanks Andy, I have never had any fear of heights and feel very comfortable and absolutely love aerial sights. I have read that it's 80%kiting experience to be good at flying paramotors. And my friend stresses that he wants me to be very very good at controlling the wing first. So apart of me is just having fun kiting right now... The other part of my brain is saying but the paramotor now and fly!! Lol. 

23 hours ago, Shorehambeach said:

So you spoke to a trainer / instructor 

.....he said training would consist of 7 to 10 days and to me that sounds like it will be rushing and throwing me into the air and calling me a pilot.

In an earlier post you said 

..I could save $1,500 to $2,000....

 

It sounds like you've already made up your mind.

 

Bear in mind that there is a big difference in participating in a sport and being able to teach it in a safe methodical manner. 

There is no correlation between learning this sport and anything else you've learnt or taught so far.

My attitude was simply - when something goes wrong, as it does with any ariel sport, I want to have the skill set and knowledge to give myself a fighting chance.  For me that could only be gained by proper structured learning.  

Good luck ! 

 

Earlier I wrote $1,500 to $2000 because I wasn't getting into to much detail... Actually I spoke with a man in Virginia (really nice guy like most people iv met in this sport so far) he claimed training would cost $1,600 if I also bought paramotor through him, if I already have a paramotor he charges $2,200 for training. 

And I agree.... What little kiting I have done its unlike any sport iv done... I have always been on the ground and wanting to be in the air. 

These two men isn't rushing me into the air at all... They insist I have full control of my wing on the ground before going into the air. When it's time to go into the air Jay will be sure to go over everything in Greta detail like he has with kiting (he likes to talk) ?and then we would use two waybra

15 hours ago, Casper said:

Lots of pilots with just a few years of experience would probably be amazing instructors if they just had the goal to be teaching. We who fly regularly are mostly not idiots who just got lucky that we didn't kill ourselves yet. We do this because we know how, and feel secure with our own decision making.

There is no reason to doubt another successful pilot. And if that pilot is willing to teach, and you feel that you pick up the knowledge, then it works, simple as that.

You already have the book by Jeff Goin, excellent. You have started kiting so you know how it feels, how hard it is, and you probably already know that you will keep kiting for the rest of your paragliding career because that's one part of what a skillful pilot do. To me it sounds like you take the right steps from the start. If you just progress it will come naturally. when balancing and playing on the ground is easy and controllable, then takeoffs will be almost as easy. And flying... steady on the gas, left break, left turn, right break, right turn. I bet you won't pull the breaks down to your ass and full stall, but some newbies without better knowledge accidently do this just before their first landing and hurt them self.

You will try dry launches with engine off, you try running with engine on, but without glider, you try quick and progressive throttle acceleration so you feel and understand the torque and how it might infect your body when you run. You practise forward and backward take offs, and the turnaround when hooked in.

But what's really important is your landings when you finally gets up in the air. They should be correct. So make sure you know what you are doing.

So yes, I absolutely think that good pilots can teach newbies. Would I do it, well it doesn't matter since in Sweden we have different rules.
But if I was in USA and had a skilled friend, then I would definitely take help from him and save the money.

Hi Casper, 

I agree with you about being a expieranced pilot. That is why I was thinking I would not have any problem training people with the skills I have as hobbies and i train people to become machinist at work alot. These two guys are very experienced flyers from what I seen and their hasn't been a question I asked that they has a answer for. And as I have been reading the paramotor bible it clarified what these guys are saying to me. I just want to be certain and have no doubts when I eventually fly. I want to know what to expect before I am in the air and these guys have radios in the helmets to communicate to one another and me when I launch. I feel confident in them but I was just curious what others experienced pilots thought about this. The best part is the one friend of mine told me to stop by everyday and he is willing to work with me. And I would but I am not as fortune as him and I have to work. Lol

As far as kiting goes it's absolutely blast and a awesome work out on windy days in love it! My friend said alot of people don't like kiting but I don't understand why not. We have a lot of good  laughs while doing it. 

You talked about landings and that's one thing I told my friend I look forward to doing it touch offs so I get completely comfortable with the  landings. 

I have talked to a trainer and he said training would consist of 7 to 10 days and to me that sounds like it will be rushing and throwing me into the air and calling me a pilot. Where as I would rather take my time and become really good with the wing first so I am not second guessing my lunches and always asking some to watch me and say launch or abort. 

On 10/21/2017 at 04:17, Juan Carlos said:

 

I think you should get a professional, your life depends on it,I'm not a trainer but if you come to Florida I fly with you .after you learn good luck 

Hi Juan, 

   Great video I enjoy watching all the videos I find on take offs and landings and anylizing then. I especially like watching the paramotor fails on YouTube to see where others have failed so I am aware of what not to do even though my friend tells me all the time... Its nice to see it in action of what not to do. 

Thank you for your advice I really do appreciate it... And I will have to take you up on that offer to fly with you on day... I look forward to it ??

On 10/19/2017 at 06:11, AndySV1K said:

Hi Randy,

Whatever you decide to do I hope it's very successful and you're up and flying and enjoying it soon.

The fact that you're discussing it here is a positive as it shows you're switched on and considering your options rather than just blindly jumping in and having a go without a care.

Just like you, i've come across scenarios in life where people are 'training' me and i've quickly got to the point where I thought you're simply not good at teaching!  Being able to do something well and being able to impart your skills to other people are quite different things.   But there are some great people out there offering training so go meet people and don't rule out the professional training just yet, see if you can find someone who you gel with,  you trust and who's willing to fit training around your budget.  As mentioned above, another factor is kit costs, if you slip and break a prop, that's probably two-three days in training costs with a pro who is likely to have perfected their training methods to minimise the slips and trips etc that cause little mishaps.

 

Andy.

Thanks Andy for wishing me success... I'm the type of guy that I won't quit no matter what and I am really looking forward to flying! ? sometimes I am really tired stubborn. My right foot was giving me problems and swelling up and the guy that wants to teach me to fly ask me over that day so instead of cancelling I taped up my toes & foot and went kiting anyway.lol 

As far as the guys training me I believe can go through all the steps of training, kiting skills, setting up paramotor hang points, hanging engine and have me practice with throttle and getting in and out of the seat. The only thing they can not do is pull me and the wing without the motor and get me in the air to practice take offs and landings. And from what I read their is mixed emotions of training that way. I know for a fact they are great pilots and always push for safety for  everyone around. I have watched them fly and I can't wait to get in the air. But my friend doesn't want me into the air until I know how to control my kite with accuracy so he is trying to keep my patient lol.

Randy 

14 hours ago, Casper said:

Also consider second hand gear for your first equipment. Cheaper and something to start with until you figured out what you really need.

About Black Hawk, I don't like how they advertise their stuff, everything is always better than the competition. 10x better, runs cooler, much more power, less sound, more durable.
Too much bullshit and when that happens I always stay away. So nothing negative about their products, I've heard good and bad about them, I think they are a bit pricey, but maybe you get lots of extras with the package, don't know.

Maybe this is an american way of selling stuff, because I can see the same thing with lots of other dealers just from USA.

On the other hand, I see more customers that praise the AC then I see sales pitch from sellers. The users absolutely love them, and some of the pilots who have switched have flown pretty much everything out there. Personally I would consider them. (I don't like a few things about their cages, but that's just me)

But there are so many good machines out there so if I didn't buy second hand I would need like 6 months just to compare everything out there.

Check kangook, parajet, adventure, fresh breeze, scout, nirvana, pap, pxp, miniplane, SkyMax, Paraelement, R.ultralight. MacFly, Fly Products, Flymecc and all the other brands out there. 
There are so much more out there then just the current hype, and some of the smaller brands sometimes have the most impressive solutions and features.

Think about more than weight, power, price, durability, because everyone will claim that they are best anyway. Look at hang points, comfort, harness details, torque compensation. materials used, read about the alloys. engine details, travel solutions, service, replacement parts and possible upgrades. Do you need a trike attachment? Do you need a bladder fuel tank as an option? What kind of throttle? What do the different brands offer? Right or left hand?

When you go over the details you don't have to let others decide for you if you should buy A or B.

Hi Casper, 

Thank you for all the great advice. I definitely don't want used equipment. From my experience in life there is to much bad stuff being sold. I even thought about a engine with low hours but then I am concerned if the owner did a proper break in period which is very important. 

I have researched most of the paramotors that you suggested. I didn't care to much for the torque compensation on the blackhawk because they use the wing to compensate where as AC uses the angle of trailing arms and I would be able to use a lot more wings then on a blackhawk. And I know exactly what you mean when you said blackhawk claims their motors run cooler then any others. I was wondering if it's actually true or just a sales pitch. 

I believe I will go with the Nitro 200 Titanium and the MacPara wing after hearing from you guys on this post and from my research that I have done and read. 

I am usually a very very patient man.... But two months ago that all changed when I seen my first video of foot launching a paramotor! ?  I can't wait to get into the air!! 

Thx agian, 

Randy 

14 hours ago, AndyB said:

I can only say the Nitro is amazing.

Thx Andy I appreciate hearing your opinion about the Nitro.... I have not read anything bad about it yet but blackhawk had mixed emotions. ?

15 hours ago, papagyo said:

Solstice,

You will not be disappointed with  the MacPara Charger, launches super easy and is great to fly, I fly a 31m size. If it was me I would take the Nitro hands down.

B

Thx u have read great things about the MacPara as well... I have not heard much about blackhawk and its a package deal and it's their beginner wing. Thx for tour reply ?

Hi,

   I am looking to buy my first set up and after all my research I narrowed it down to these two :

1. a   Air conception nitro 200 Titanium

          $7,695

           28 HP   @8100rpm 

           165lbs thrust 

              Weight 42.6lbs

     1.b  Mac Para Charger Wing

          Size 25

         Price $3,200

         Total =$10,895

2.BlackHawk Talon 190 

    25.2 @8300 rpm

     170 thrust ( approximately) 

      Weight 54lbs

  Velocity Core Wing

 Package deal = $8,995

Which one would you buy for a beginner setup? I'm sure many people has asked this question but  it's a bit overwhelming. 

I also have to pick out a helmet which I have not even started a search on them yet any suggestions is greatly appreciated!  I will be flying in both the cold and hot weather. Do they have a helmet that the sheild snaps on and off like motorcycle cycle helmets?and do any helmets have air vents? I would want a good helmet and nothing to cheap. 

Thanks, Randy 

Hi Andy, 

    I am going to have to agree with you about a person can probably train better then some people who call themselves trainers . I see that at my place of employment all the time. Lol

That's why I bought a practice wing and have been letting my friend train me and to use my judgement to see how good of a trainer he is. So far he has been great and he can answer every question iv had. I guess if I feel confident when it comes time to Taking to the air maybe I will follow through with him and save Money. If I have doubts then you are right I would have a jump on schooling. 

I talked with a trainer just because I wanted to see what options I have but I didn't like that he  wanted $1,000 more then what I can get the air conception for online. He was the closest trainer to my house which is a hour and a half away. Where my friend who wants to train me is only 15 minutes away. 

I guess I will just wait and see how things go and take it day by day. 

And by the way I'm not sure why some. People don't like kiting..... I think it's a blast of fun!! ?

Thank you for your advice, 

Randy 

Hi Simon, the guy that's been fly 6 years and great guy! I can't say enough positive statements about him. He is definitely very VERY big on safety! He wants more people come to his farm so he has others to fly with and is will to work with me everyday.

Thank you for the advice, 

Randy 

Hi All. 

    I am new to the group 

I wanted to get peoples opinion on this... Three guys I know fly quads. One guy has been flying ppg & ultralight for  6 years, 2nd guy flying ppg&  over 25 years including sky diving, hot air balloons, and ultra lights. 3rd guy is fairly new and I think he just started flying this year.

About me I have never flown anything before......  but I  I came close one time when I fell out of a tree lol.  !!!!! I have purchased paramotor bible and been reading it,  researching a lot great material online and YouTube. I bought a old Apco wing  and have been practicing kiting and few days now. I was wondering should I let these guys train me to foot launch paramotors? Or should I seek professional training? I guess what I am asking is since you already know how to fly could you train someone? Or do you think a trainer would able to do a better job? I asked this because I could save $1,500 to $2,000.

It's kind of like saying I have been through classes to do stain glass, and ride motorcycles and I know for sure I can train anyone to do what I do without classes... In your opinion what do you think? Would  you train a friend or family member to fly since you know how? Or tell them to seek professional training? 

Thank you!