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Francis777 - Good point about using these risers in paramotor mode with a low hang point machine, this would probably put my brake handles uncomfortably low as they are in a good position just now.

After reading other replies on here with regards to reflex wings I am just going to keep the Epsilon for the foreseeable future. Good glide ratio and gentle landings prob make up for the lower speed compared to a reflex. Plus I'd miss having it for free flight.

Outkast, how are you finding your PAP 1100? Have you had many problems with it? I've had 3 flights on mine but have always been a bit unsure about the small amount of play on my swingarms. Just bought the new model arms so that should restore some in-flight faith! Does your model have the fuel tank above the engine like mine? I think mines is a really old model but has only been flown about 50 hours, just had a recent overhaul and runs sweet! I'm 84kg and it still scoops me off the ground fairly easy.

Although the DULV cert is up to 146 the manufacturer claims it is designed for up to 166 kg. So definitely strong enough for your AUW.

The Epsilon 5 is a superb thermaller and I would be in no hurry to trade her in until I was absolutely sure I didnt want or need the 8.6:1 glide any more!!

Once you have attained the same skill levels in PPG as you have in PG you will be in a better place to judge perhaps?

Also "reflex" is not any particular wing, rather a design and aerofoil concept. Which particular "reflex" wing are you considering in exchange for one of the best designed, widely appreciated and superbly built wings on the market?

Perhaps the new paramania Fusion will be as good in the lift and on a glide?

If I can blague one for my forthcoming week (10 days) in the Dolomites I will let you know

I already have a motor and a trike sorted (thanks Pietro)

You're right, I should spend more time at ppg with this great wing before deciding if I want to go for a reflex 'style' wing. Would be nice if I could afford a pg and a reflex wing but whilst I can afford only one for both disciplines I'd be as well to keep the Epsilon. I know you can get paramotors risers with trimmers for this wing, they might make it fly quicker for ppg without having to be on the speedbar full time.

Cheers

Joe

Hi

Please can someone experienced back me up that my wing and motor combo is safe?

I use an Advance Epsilon 5 for free flight and will be using this same wing for paramotoring with a PAP 1100as.

The weight range for free flight is 75kg to 106kg, my naked weight is 84kg so my 'all up flying weight' is quite near the top of the range when free flying.

The DULV have certified this wing up to 146kg for paramotoring. My PAP must weigh about 20kg dry I think? It hold 8.5 litre of fuel when full but I'm not sure how much weigh this adds - about 5kg maybe? That would make my all up paramotoring weight approx 130kg (or less) which I 'think' I'm happy with!

Anybody fancy swapping or part exchanging this wing for a nice reflex wing? Logged 85 hours with no damage, rips or repairs.

Cheers, Joe.

Thanks for the replies guys. I think I just need to get some more hours under my belt and I'll be loving it.

Malcs, funny how we are all scared of different aspects of paramotoring - you say you disliked landings but on my first 3 flights that is the bit I've enjoyed most because the motor is off and I'm looking forward to being back on the ground in one piece! Having hundreds of PG landing experience probably helps to.

Aditionally, take-offs don't bother me either, I know my technique and my kit is in good order so that inspires confidence. Thinking on it now I feel most apprehensive when applying full throttle (slowly) in flight and the wing pitches back - I know that its not going to fall behind me as I have no brakes on and the PAP 1100 is not a very powerful unit for my weight (naked 85kg) so power stalling it is highly unlikely. Thanks for clarifying the wing positioning Francis77!

Like you say, its better to be cautious and have a little fear to keep you on the ball.

Joe

Hi

My friend and I have been paragliding for a few years and we both just recently embarked on the long held dream of powered flight.

Are there any other free flyers on here who also paramotor and how did you feel during your early powered flights?

I've had three flights on my PAP in good conditons but don't seem to be able to fully relax and enjoy the experience...yet. I cant put my finger on what it is, maybe I'm just not used to a noisy motor pushing me along after so many hours of silent soaring and in my head I'm thinking stuff like 'there is so much that can go wrong here!' and 'oh, look how far back my wing is!'

There's no good reason to think like that as I am methodical and consistent in my pre-flight checks, my gear is in great nick, I have always flown in calm conditions and I fly sensibly.....there's really no reason for being nervous.

Many pilots reckon free flying is riskier than PPG due to the rising air that gliders seek. I've had my fair share of edgy free flying moments and coped fine so paramotoring shouldn't play on my mind from a safety point of view.

Hopefully my confidence will grow as I get more flights under my belt and I will learn to relax and enjoy my dream!

Joe

I just bought the new PAP arms from Skydragons. They come complete with bolts and shackles which is handy. £145 delivered. Here is the link if anyone is thinking of getting some:

http://www.skydragons.co.uk/index.php?p ... Itemid=161

Cheers, Joe.

As a slight aside,

One of my students has recently purchased a PAP (with new arms fitted) and he called me saying that he picked the motor up to put it on his back and one of the arms fell off!

This was only due to a loose bolt holding on the arm and no means of securing the bolts used to fit them.

As it happens he was not going for a fly, (not at that point) but worth mentioning sonce were talking about them

SW

Hi Simon

Wasn't loctite used on the bolts? Do you know of any other methods of securing bolts other than wirelocking or peening the heads?

Thanks for the advice. I'm going to try and get the new arms this week. They do look a lot more substantial than the existing set-up with offset shackles. £100 or so seems a small price to pay for peace of mind!

Joe

If you find that the new bars are too much for you at the moment, I could run up a pair of bushes to press into your old arms if you give me dimensions.

Regards

Thanks Phil, I've got some new bushes which the previous owner supplied me with but I've decided I'm going to get the new arms. Cheers anyway, Joe

Thanks Malc, those arms do look better. I'm guessing play at the pivot is reduced due to that end of the arm being beefier? Do you know if the arms come with the bolts and shackles? Do you know how much the arms cost?

Cheers

Joe

Hi All

This is my first post on here. I've recently bought my first paramotor - a PAP 1100 AS. Noticed that there is quite a bit of sideways play on both swingarms where they connect to the cage/frame. The retaining bolts are plenty tight though. Do you think this side play is undesireable or dangerous? Should there be some sideplay or should the bars be totally rigid and resistant to sideways motion? The previous owner supplied me with new bushes for the bars so these may need to be replaced which could solve the problem.

Also the motor has some modified shackles to counteract the torque effect, the bolts for these go directly through the swingarm and I'm wondering if metal on metal is asking for trouble?

Thanks in advance for any help/thoughts.

Cheers, Joe.