seth

Hi. Thanks for your replies. To reply for Francis777.... Thanks for the advice. The last thing I would ever do is to just takeoff from somewhere where I didn't know for certain that I could do so. This is why I've yet to fly in England and why I have posted this topic. After reading many threads on the Paragliding forum, I understand how important specific flying sites are and how much work goes in to securing them, so I deffinately won't go upsetting anyone! If Farmer Dave doesn't reply to the thread, I'll send him a PM as he should have good local knowledge. I have spent a lot of time in England as a large part of my family is from this area, but never such a prolonged period. As much as I love this country I never fail to be suprised by just how tightly land is controlled. As an example, I own a ralatively small area of land back home with a grass landing strip. I have never complained when people have used it for takeoff's or landings without asking my permission, and I don't know of anyone in my area that would complain, as long as crops and property were not being damaged and people were not messing around. This also applies to a lot of public areas, including recreation areas. I'm deffinately not saying the states are any better to fly in than England, but land control seems to be a fair bit more relaxed. Of course, if you do upset someone you are far more likely to get shot, which thankfully has never happened to me, although a friend once took a shot to his wing. Thank you all once again.

Hello A couple of months ago I temporarily moved near Torquay in Devon from the states and will be here until approx Feb of 2009. Sorry about the length of the post, but I have lots of questions. I have flown light aircraft, powered and un-powered Hang Gliders for over 10 years and took-up Paradliding, then Paramotors a couple of years later. I do not have any recognised British qualifications as Arkansas is kind of a world away from here. Since moving here I have purchased a cheap motor & Paraglider / paramotor wing, along with airspace maps & GPS, but I'm kind of at a loss and could do with some advice about local flying... 1) Do local laws allow you to foot-launch take-off from PUBLIC & COUNCIL operated spaces, such as parks and cliff sites? - obviously without many people around? I'm thinking Torquay beach, Paignton beach & the headland around Watcombe BMX track. 2) I have read conflicting reports about Eastern Dartmoor. Some people say you can fly under power, some say you cannot. I understand Dartmoor has firing ranges and low-flying military aircraft. Incidentally I saw a paramotor flying about 2000 feet over Haytor a few days ago, so I presume it's legal? 3) I have no desire to join local clubs as I have quite limited time in which to fly due to commuting and family. If I have to, I will, which brings the next question about British insurance - Do I legally need it and can I get it, not having UK Club Pilot qualifications? I only have a few hours each week to fly, and less as the nights are getting longer. Your advice would be appreciated. Seth