Damian Mchale Posted September 8, 2019 Share Posted September 8, 2019 Hi everyone. I live in blackrod (Bolton) and I’m looking for a field to fly from. Does anyone know any near BL65BN? Blackrod/Bolton/Wigan/aspull cheers in advance :-) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blackburn Mark Posted September 9, 2019 Share Posted September 9, 2019 40 miles (as the crow flies) just north of Clitheroe... its further than I would be happy to drive but its in a good spot for exploring some reasonably open countryside. £5 each time you use it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Damian Mchale Posted September 9, 2019 Author Share Posted September 9, 2019 Thanks. A little far for me. I currently fly from a field near Crewe so would only save me 10 mins driving. Wish I could find somewhere closer Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blackburn Mark Posted September 9, 2019 Share Posted September 9, 2019 Thought it might be. Looks like you have plenty of farm land around you, scour google maps for some likely spots within ten mins drive, print some pictures explaining what its all about and go and twist some arms Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
James Troup Posted September 16, 2019 Share Posted September 16, 2019 Hey Mark, please could I get some more info on this? I'm in Preston and in a similar position to the OP (sorry to hijack ). Cheers, Jim Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blackburn Mark Posted September 16, 2019 Share Posted September 16, 2019 11 minutes ago, James Troup said: I'm in Preston and in a similar position PM sent Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hodders Posted September 16, 2019 Share Posted September 16, 2019 It's a situation many of us have. Trying to find a field. At the end of the day farmers use fields to make money. Of the 4 local farmers around me, 3 have given a flat no. The 4th is far more reasonable and suggested a small field I could use. Problem is it's right next to a paddock that has horses in it. I suggested that together we saw how the horses reacted to the motor and some kiting. They were fine with the motor, the wing caused them to run around like headless chickens even when about 50m away. As a result it was a no go. A real shame. I did use a friends field a couple of times, but it was small, with a bit of a slope and now has horses in it. OK for very particular wind directions. I ended up having to land in a next door field without permission once due to a wind direction change whilst in the air. Luckily no crops had germinated so no harm done. I've also tried local airfields. One said "no 2 strokes" - I almost told him I had a four stroke just to see if it was an excuse. One said that he had had too many paramotors being idiots (low flying, pissing off neighbours etc) to risk it again. I managed to get to see him face to face and he was fine. Big issue was the runway was a narrow strip with a high hedge down one side and crops the other. Totally dependent on the wind being in the perfect direction for not just take-off but also landing. I've got two more local options to explore, but it is hard..... The USA lot have no idea how lucky they are - one with FAR103 and federal land, and also just having SOOOOO much space. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AndyB Posted September 17, 2019 Share Posted September 17, 2019 The farmer who lets me use a field has horses in the field next to where I fly. He says they are fine and will not be bothered. They sometimes used to dash to one end of their field, but now they seem to have got used to me. However, his cows like me and make setting up really difficult as they want to be petted on their noses! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
weegaz22 Posted September 17, 2019 Share Posted September 17, 2019 As a potential newbie to the sport is there any regulations in the UK around where you fly from? ie would you be allowed to do it from a large public park for instance?, i have one near me that has several football pitches that are rarely used for instance, or would i have to seek out private land? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alan_k Posted September 17, 2019 Share Posted September 17, 2019 Legally you need land owners permission. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blackburn Mark Posted September 17, 2019 Share Posted September 17, 2019 19 minutes ago, weegaz22 said: would you be allowed to do it from a large public park for instance? I would be very cautious about annoying people Avoid places that folks might get all territorial about (finely manicured parks etc) we are highly visible and make easy targets for busy-bodies to make a big fuss about. If you have a "common" or a bit of open and scruffy land, it is unlikely anyone will bitch unless you piss them off by flying over/near their house/property too often/to closely. Be stealthy and super polite Airspace knowledge is essential... get that wrong and CAA is likely to land on you like a ton of bricks! With some of the things that have gone on in the drone world, they might be itching to make a big example of people who get it wrong! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
weegaz22 Posted September 17, 2019 Share Posted September 17, 2019 (edited) 30 minutes ago, alan_k said: Legally you need land owners permission. I would obviously ask land owners for permission if it was a requirement to seek out private land, I had just wondered if there were any regs on prohibiting doing it from public land in the UK, I've seen a few american videos where they seem to have plenty of places to launch from and just wondered if we had anything regulating us, Eg; must be flown from an airfield etc I'm near Glasgow, so will be looking to start off doing some paragliding with Cloudbusters after my holiday Sept weekend, did wonder about grabbing a well worn wing for some ground handling practice and wondered if i'd be able to do it down the local park that's got 14 footy pitches on it and some land off to the side, but might just do the course and practice with Peter at his practice area, his course covers regs and weather subjects so would find out once i start but just thought I'd ask seeing as there was a subject already kinda talking about it. Edited September 17, 2019 by weegaz22 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blackburn Mark Posted September 17, 2019 Share Posted September 17, 2019 17 minutes ago, weegaz22 said: grabbing a well worn wing for some ground handling practice You are unlikely to get much ear-ache for kiting a wing but be carful, it can be dangerous if you underestimate the wind! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
weegaz22 Posted September 17, 2019 Share Posted September 17, 2019 1 minute ago, Blackburn Mark said: You are unlikely to get much ear-ache for kiting a wing but be carful, it can be dangerous if you underestimate the wind! Yeah i'm not gonna grab a wing till i have a lesson or 2 under my belt. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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