manxean

On 21/05/2016 at 11:32, Skywards said:

Hi folks,

Since learning about pramotoring it's fast becoming an obsession. Keen to get myself some very good kit and find a tutor mentor as I can see that safety is king and there are some lessons I'll need to learn. 

I'm ultimately interested simply in gaining altitude and cross country distance covering (admittedly that's likely to be the UK as the Isle of man is tiny! (Is it safe to fly the 16 miles to Scotland in appropriate weather with enough experience and good altitude so you don't end up getting wet! - needless to say wearing a lifejacket!).

The only school I've tracked down on the Isle of Man nolonger seems to offer PPG lessons only offering traditional paragliding (which interests me a lot less as I could only do it near mountains rather than on flat terrain and using it to commute or travel when weather permits is out. 

I would also be keen to purchase kit imminently and at the very reasonable prices would be going for new stuff (given how cheap it is better not to have something that's already got some wear and tear on it).

I weigh about 60-70kg and am a little shorter than average.  Would want to be able to climb but super fast climb rate isn't essential - covering greater distance on the fuel tank is preferred. Wing wise I'm looking for something noob friendly that won't collapse easily - from what I've read that means something without quite as good handling and potentially slower max speed (although this likely impacts on tank range?). One other thing I'd consider in the future is tandem launching with my partner (although from what I read this may very well require a separate motor given the increase in weight).

All advice re which brands/models are most appropriate and would be comfortable during longer flights and also someone to point me in the direction of all important safety training preferably without having to fly off the isle of man!

Should say Im not seeking formal qualifications!  Just the joy of flying and a way of fair-weather commuting that will be the envy of everyone I meet!   

Thanks all!

Hi their is a very small number of people with paramotors on the island and the paragliding club also has equipment for its members to use. Currently no one is flying the motors down to changes if life thrown are way. If your still interested let me know and I will try to point you in the right direction. 

There has been a recall on SupAir Paragliding harnesses, with the buckles sticking. I have a paramotor harness which has the same problem. The recall relates to harnesses with B08 stamped on the buckles but it also relates to harnesses produced in 2007. There is a notice in this months Skywings or further info on the Northern Paragliders website. I would advise everyone who has a SupAir Harness to check there buckles and make sure they are not sticking regardless of codeas mine is not the code above. I am awaiting a response.