mazzy1026 Posted April 20, 2010 Share Posted April 20, 2010 Hello All My first post - go easy on me I've been flying fixed wing single engine piston for a few years now, but am really keen on taking up paramotoring. I've been researching into things such as flying locations, etc but one thing that has got me stuck is the equipment. I genuinely know nothing abut the different brands and varieties that are available. I'm not the lightest or shortest of people - about 6ft 2 and 18 stone - so what I'm looking for is something safe and smooth, nothing fancy. I know the combination of wing and engine is important, so can someone give me starting point, or advice as to a good all round wing/engine for beginners? Cost is important (as always) but I'm not going to be tight on safety - I've seen some really expensive gear, and I just don't know the difference between say a Dudek wing and a Paramania one! I just want quality gear - nothing flash. As for other things such as the harness and headset etc, I can think about these once I have a good idea in my head as to the above... Any advice at all will be a massive help - and who knows, may see you in the air one day! All the best Maz Update: I wrote this post a few days ago before submitting it here. Since then, I've spoken to Andy Walkden at flyschool, who most likely will become my instructor (not had a chance to meet up yet and get going). Any advice on the above would still be great - and I'll be looking for flying buddies around the area if anyone's interested in the near future!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aquatix Posted April 20, 2010 Share Posted April 20, 2010 Hi Maz, Andy's field is ideally located for you, but Paul Kilburn is also worth speaking to before you decide: http://www.manchesterparagliders.com/ Your size and weight limits the choice of wing & motor slightly, as you will need quite a powerful machine. I am a few inches taller than you and have a brand new Simonini for sale on here which would suit you perfectly. I'm only 15 minutes away down the M57 if you want to stop by and have a look. I may also be persuaded to part with my XL size Apco Thrust (09) which was brand new in November 2009 and has very low hours. Its a perfect beginner / intermediate wing - very safe & stable, easy to launch & fly. Its also good for free flying as well, since you have Parlick, Pendle & Winter Hill close by. There are a few of us who fly from Ince, Formby & Southport, so I'm sure you would be welcome to come & watch / chat one evening to see what its all about .... Regards, Alan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alan_k Posted April 20, 2010 Share Posted April 20, 2010 Hi Maz and welcome to the forum. Check out http://www.para2000.org/ for info on wings. Paramania Revolution, commonly known as the revo, and Dudek Synthesis in the larger sizes would suit beginner/intermediate. As previous post any paramotor with the simonini engine or the Monster from Fresh Breeze would also suit, check out www.freshbreezeuk.com cheers, Alan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mazzy1026 Posted April 20, 2010 Author Share Posted April 20, 2010 aquatix - appreciate that, thanks... I'll let you know how I get on with Andy, and may take you up on that viewing - I only work in Maghull, so would be easy to get to you. Perhaps when I'm up and running, we could meet up for a flight or something? I was actually at Ince airfield a couple of months back having a look around - I was tempted at microlighting (I have a PPL(a) and fly a PA38 out of Liverpool, but was looking for more freedom and less cost). I have to admit, the paramotoring is something I've wanted to do for a few years now, and I think the added freedom of being able to pack everything up in the car, and launch from your feet, is the selling point for me! Alan - some nice links there, thanks for those Cheers Maz Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flyingdoc Posted April 20, 2010 Share Posted April 20, 2010 Hi Maz, Welcome to the forum and the excellent fun of paramotoring. I trained with Andy and he is very good, he will also be able to give you very sound advice about which equipment to buy and when. Don't rush the process, Andy has school wings to play with and a school motor for your first flight. Enjoy! I am sure we will meet up sometime in the future as I often fly from Southport. This is the most fun you can have vertically!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mazzy1026 Posted April 20, 2010 Author Share Posted April 20, 2010 Thanks FlyingDoc I've already got a few nice routes planned out in my head, although I need to remember I won't be cruising at 90kts this time. I fancy the welsh coast (done it loads of times in fixed wing) but I'm guessing it will be a far different experience PPG Dont' suppose you have any online pics/videos at all? Cheers Maz Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alan_k Posted April 20, 2010 Share Posted April 20, 2010 Maz check out this thread for loads of cracking videos viewtopic.php?f=17&t=3711 Cheers, Alan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mazzy1026 Posted April 21, 2010 Author Share Posted April 21, 2010 AlanK - nice vids - I have a question (noob alert)... The guy in the second video down (by Outkast) is getting some very well defined pitch control there above the reeds (from about 3:15 onwards) - he seems to be rotating (pitch wise) up and down over the surface? Is he using power alone for this? My limited understanding so far tells me that the brake lines allow for turning through a 'yaw' effect, by slowing one side of the wing down - I didn't realise you could get such defined pitch control also? I welcome you to correct me Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aquatix Posted April 22, 2010 Share Posted April 22, 2010 The brake lines are also known as 'control lines' as they increase the angle of the wing in flight to provide a high degree of pitch control - which is very useful in turbulent air. Trimmers & speed-bar reduce the angle of attack in order to fly faster. Engine power also effects the pitch of the wing. There are some pics of us flying near to your area last week, between Formby & Crosby: http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/106192355570358463008/FormbyParamotor?feat=directlink Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alan_k Posted April 22, 2010 Share Posted April 22, 2010 Is he using power alone for this? Yes it looks to me as if he is. The Flat Top paramotor is quite a powerful machine. Simply put the brakes (control lines) are for turning, more engine power gives ascent and less power gives descent. Cheers, Alan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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