poz Posted November 27, 2009 Share Posted November 27, 2009 (edited) Hi Not really a blog (cannot sit at the computer for long enough), just a quick account and a video. I've read about and watched so many other pilots first flights that I really thought I knew how it was going to feel. It looked so easy. I was wrong. What you can't see from watching a video is the amount of information going through your head and the amount of weight going through your spine as you set off for a forward launch. F**k paramotors are sooo heavy! Anyway, after some unfortunate and untimely injuries (knackered lower back and then a broken big toe, 2 days before my course started), I finally made it to Skyschool for a week of training at the end of October. I found the whole experience a much tougher than I anticipated. In my 46 years I have faced lots of technical challenges and even more physical challenges, but not many that are together as technically and physically demanding as launching a paramotor for the first time. I think, watching experienced pilots, that a lot of it is down to technique, such as NOT leaning forward as you run. So, I survived my week without any further injuries and came away with: 6 forward launches 3 reverse launches * failed launches 1 cross country 1 huge smile If you watch the video, you'll probably be smiling at my lumbering, bent back launch technique Now, I cannot wait to get my kit, but like Tom, I cannot imagine launching myself without that reassuring voice in my ear shouting "POWER, POWER, POWER!" [youtubevideo]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L7UHIecfZUM[/youtubevideo] Cheers Dan Edited November 27, 2009 by Guest Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted November 27, 2009 Share Posted November 27, 2009 Nice landings dude! SW Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
outkast Posted November 27, 2009 Share Posted November 27, 2009 wish my first landings were that good Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pete_b Posted November 27, 2009 Share Posted November 27, 2009 wish my first landings were that good Wish my last landing was as good as that Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
outkast Posted November 27, 2009 Share Posted November 27, 2009 wish my first landings were that good Wish my last landing was as good as that Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
karan_thapa Posted November 28, 2009 Share Posted November 28, 2009 Nice landing ..................... I also want to land like this, I know for this landing i have to practice more & more. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alan_k Posted November 28, 2009 Share Posted November 28, 2009 I think, watching experienced pilots, that a lot of it is down to technique, Dan Superb Dan, well done. Once you've mastered the technique you'll wonder why it felt so difficult. Best landing I've ever seen from a newbie Cheers, Alan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dantheman Posted November 28, 2009 Share Posted November 28, 2009 Textbook stuff mate, from the other Dan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tommcb6016 Posted November 28, 2009 Share Posted November 28, 2009 Nice one Dan! Glad you made it in the end Now, I cannot wait to get my kit, but like Tom, I cannot imagine launching myself without that reassuring voice in my ear shouting "POWER, POWER, POWER!" It wasn't that bad in the end, looking at the video you know how to do it! the rest is all about confidence and timing Tom Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
poz Posted November 28, 2009 Author Share Posted November 28, 2009 Kind comments. Thanks guys! Had a bit of a problem on my last couple of flights in that on my approach, out of the seat, the harness slipped off my left shoulder leaving the whole thing hanging off my right. There was absolutely nothing I could do about it and was left wondering what was going to happen when I hit the deck. I've posted the vid of the landings below. It doesn't look very dramatic, but I have to tell you I was crapping myself on the way down. I tightened the chest strap and went off again and the same thing happened again Unfortunately, that was my last flight, so I didn't get to the bottom of it. Maybe I've got slippy shoulders! [youtubevideo]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tSQXpWk6zqE[/youtubevideo] You'll notice the comment at the beginning of the 2nd landing about the launch starting well and then.....well, turning to rat shit. Bottom line was I used too much brake to get me off, then the torque, then my attempts to put things right, Alex jumping up and down screeming down the radio. Makes for a very cringy video clip.....which I suppose you want to see. Actually it didn't feel anywhere near as bad as it looks on the vid, which I suppose is not a good thing because the wing looks a bit too close to stalling for comfort and I should have been feeling that. Damn, I was doing so well, building quite a nice reputation as a competent newbie Anyway, definitely a lesson learned. [youtubevideo]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=73iu_l6Ec3o[/youtubevideo] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alan_k Posted November 28, 2009 Share Posted November 28, 2009 A lesson learned, that's a good thing. Thanks for posting, a refresher on brake input is welcome. There are so many little things to consider, particularly if there are any distractions such as new kit or toys. Cheers, Alan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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