druffuk

I got an ex-demo Dudek Marlin to use as a ground handling wing so as not to trash my new Revo, after all it is my main flying wing and want to keep it in tip top condition. It also means that I can take it out in higher winds during the winter period so that I'm on track to get flying in the new year..... The best money I have spent since buying my motor....

Glad you had a good time up at Lambourn Surrey-Dad. Indeed, everyone is very friendly and so helpful, you can learn so much from listening to all the advice. Even when the wind isn't quite there it is worth the trip for the social.

I'm just gutted that I haven't been able to make it up to Lambourn for awhile as weather and other commitments have scuppered my plans.

Anyway, happy flying and hope to see you up at the flagpole soon.

Simon,

I don't seem to have a golden thingy....

Need to sort out getting some flying in too, what with work commitments and the bad weather. Was hoping to make the weekend but this seems to be scuppered by my family....

Anyway, look forward to catching up with you soon.

NNNOOOOOO!!!!!!!

Sorry guys, was hoping to attend my first fly-in and have been scuppered by a family event. Not happy and the weather is looking so good too.....

Maybe by the next one, so need to kick some butt and get up for my first flight.

Everyone that is going, have an awesome time!!

Waiting, waiting.... British weather sucks.....

Hey Simon, great minds think alike.... Wouldn't mind one of these myself.

It was good to meet you on Friday, hope you get up in the air soon.

D@n

Not good, lets pray for better conditions soon otherwise the rain will be back....

Depending as to whether I'm in the air by then and avoiding work commitments I would be interested....

Sorry JC, am new to the sport and not completely up with what's available hence my questions/interest. Thanks for posting the video, very interesting to see a deployment and its effect. I guess that this would still react the same if the wing was collapsed?

Not having yet got into the air I am alittle put off by the race aspect, especially for such a large cash prize, as I feel that I would be at a disadvantage. I would also agree with other sentiments shared on this forum, while many would play the game I'm sure a small minority would take it very seriously and may cut corners in the effort to win and in my view this is when accidents can happen.

In my opinion I think the Gumball is a good model for this type of event, and one that is proven. There are no prize money incentives, the teams are competing for the prestigious accolade of ‘Spirit of the Gumball’ Trophy - a prize for the person that embodies the free and fun aspect of the event. Other awards include ‘Most Stylish’, Best Car, etc….and each sponsor awards their own trophy for whatever seems fitting. All participants also receive a trophy for simply participating.

It seems that many on here enjoy the social aspect and I think an event of this kind should promote this side of the sport and indeed embody what it is to be a member of the Paramotor Club. Maybe the answer is to run two events together, one for those that want to race and one for those that don't, each flying a slight different route...

Just my view as a newbie, no doubt those more experienced pilots will have a better understanding and have a more informed viewpoint.

As you say, it probably depends on the situation. I guess the fact that there isn't a cutaway means that it has never been a problem. My interest in this came after speaking to an ex-RAF officer who was quite concerned that there was not a cutaway option.

An interesting discussion tho...

Does anyone have any stats on how many reserves have been deployed in emergency?

So in that situation, when the wing rights itself in terms of going back above you, don't you still risk a tangle with the reserve?

Interesting points there Phil_P, although I can't figure out how the wing would be anywhere other than above you.

Surely the fact that a person with a paramotor is heavier than the wing would mean that even if the wing collapsed below you it would eventually comeback above you or ??

Some of my family have been on cycling holidays in Europe and they cost somewhere between £400 - £1500 depending on location. This includes board and food.

Hope this starts the ball rolling with a benchmark figure.....

When you throw a reserve, do you cut away the wing first?

No matter what happens to the wing it will always be above you, so what stops the reserve getting mixed up with the wing? For this very reason parachutists cut away their primary chute before launching the reserve....

I would be interested to know if anyone on here has actually used a reserve, and what the experience was like?

These are awesome!! I love pete b's special one.

Gutted!! So wanted to get up there but the day conspired against me.... Hope the weather is this good in the week.

Can't make it this morning as planned but going to try and get up there this afternoon....

I tend to store my wing in the garage and would also use that to dry it out as I don't think I've got enough room in the house.

I'm hoping the fact that my garage has a caverty wall means that it won't be as damp as those with a single wall.

Does that sound OK, or do I need to bring it in the house? Sure the constant variations in temperature within the house isn't good for storage whereas the garage probably keeps a more constant temperature?

It always worries me when I start to read these types of posts. Being that this is my first wing and have had no long term experience in the correct procedures, I often question whether I'm doing the right thing.

Will you be available tomorrow as I can't make today? Metcheck says the weather is looking good.

Is there any reason why people choose to dry the wing in the house? Why not a garage?

Probably being dumb but hey-ho.

I've bought my own kit but I would imagine something like this would appeal to those that don't quite have the finances to do so or would like to get into the sport without having to spend alot on kit at the beginning. It would also allow people to try before they buy, which I imagine would also be bonus to many....

The other option might be to set something up similar to a performance car club, where paid-up members can have access to a number of different motors and wings and can have access to them for certain periods within the year.

I hope I can make it but it is too early for me to be able to commit 100%, unfortunately work will have to come first.

I doubt I'll be up in the air by then (bloody weather means not been able to get much training in) but will go for the social at least.

Very cool!!

I hear that. The weather here has not been good....

I take it you guys have been down at White Sheet Hill or ?? I'm hoping to do a couple of top-to-bottoms off there soon.

Good luck with it all, might pop over and see how you guys are getting on.