shaggydog Posted July 21, 2009 Share Posted July 21, 2009 Hello, I am a skydiver who may be interested in learning to paramotor, I have couple of questions which I hope someone may be able to help with. The thing which attracts me to your sport is the freedom to take off / land / fly around local to my house rather than having to drive to an airfield several miles away. I would like to know what restrictions if any exist regarding take off / landing sites, I know that permission from the landowner is required (this is not a problem) but are there any other restrictions? What size does the area need to be? How likely is it that I can use the 1 acre field next to my house? The second question regards the areas where I could fly unrestriced, I live in a relatively rural area of Nottinghamshire and occasionally see paramotor pilots over my house. Where can I find information on whether I need permission to fly around in a particular vicinty or not? Any information will help, I am just trying to ascertain if your sport is something I want to persue before I comitt to training / equipment etc.. Thanks - Martin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phil_P Posted July 21, 2009 Share Posted July 21, 2009 Eyup Martin, where abouts are you in Notts, as we stand a good chance of pointing you in the direction of someone in your area to chat to. I'm in Newark, and starting to develop some good flying site resources that may be open to others. Depending on the shape of your acre, it might well be flyable with the caveat that wind strength and direction will make a big difference. You can pretty much use any land that you have permission to use for landing and take off, as the famous 500 foot rule part of the Air Navigation Order (ANO) under the control of which we fly, is suspended during these phases of flight. Just be aware that if you solidly used one particular plot and got unpopular with neighbours, it's conceivable that planning authorities could get involved. Regards, Phil Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shaggydog Posted July 21, 2009 Author Share Posted July 21, 2009 Ayup Mate, I live in a small village called Eakring not far from Newark along the A616 towards Ollerton. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phil_P Posted July 21, 2009 Share Posted July 21, 2009 I know Eakring. I will send you my details by Personal Message so you can phone or email me and maybe sort out the chance to at least have a play with a wing. Phil Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shaggydog Posted July 21, 2009 Author Share Posted July 21, 2009 Awesome...thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alan_k Posted July 21, 2009 Share Posted July 21, 2009 A rough rule of thumb for take off area is 200m in front of you for newbies, reducing to 100m when you're experienced. Having space to land safely in case of engine out when your 10 feet off the deck is always welcome. Some space to the sides is required in case the wind direction changes, it's surprising how a little breeze can change direction on an open site, particularly when the sun starts heating surrounding areas. No large trees in the vicinity of your take off path either. Cheers, Alan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alan_k Posted July 21, 2009 Share Posted July 21, 2009 Where can I find information on whether I need permission to fly around in a particular vicinty or not? All the info you need is on the relevant air chart, showing any restricted areas, danger areas etc. Cheers, Alan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mhazeldine Posted July 22, 2009 Share Posted July 22, 2009 I've found the reality of finding good fields is much harder than I'd expected. When I set out I had visions of just popping down to a local field and taking off, but that's not been the reality for me. Fields with crops in are no good. Horses nearby are a problem. Farmers are reluctant to let you use fields with cattle/sheep in. Sloping fields are difficult if wind in wrong direction, then if you add airspace restrictions, trees, buildings, busy roads, pilons, rivers, houses, you're not left with much. And then you've got to convince the owner to let you use it. I'm on the edge of EM airspace, so perhaps more restrictions in my area. Is anyone else finding it hard to find sites? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coggie49 Posted July 24, 2009 Share Posted July 24, 2009 I've found the reality of finding good fields is much harder than I'd expected. When I set out I had visions of just popping down to a local field and taking off, but that's not been the reality for me. Fields with crops in are no good. Horses nearby are a problem. Farmers are reluctant to let you use fields with cattle/sheep in. Sloping fields are difficult if wind in wrong direction, then if you add airspace restrictions, trees, buildings, busy roads, pilons, rivers, houses, you're not left with much. And then you've got to convince the owner to let you use it. I'm on the edge of EM airspace, so perhaps more restrictions in my area. Is anyone else finding it hard to find sites? The short answer to the above is "YES" but still trying. Dave Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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