speedmouse Posted February 24, 2011 Share Posted February 24, 2011 Hey guys . Just a quick question . What is the maximum windspeed you guys suggest flying in . Cheerz jim Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slim Posted February 24, 2011 Share Posted February 24, 2011 It isn't the flying in high winds that is the problem. It's the taking off and landing. Also, high winds tend to be gusty which makes for a very uncomfortable ride not to say anything about the increased risk of a collapse in gusty conditions. The main problem in taking off in any wind at all is controlling the wing as it comes off the ground. As it comes up you've got a huge sail which will simply pull you over if the wind is too strong. A way of getting around that is to use the Cobra launch as demonstrated in this video: [youtubevideo] [/youtubevideo]Notice that he's starting with the wing upside down. My rule of thumb? If it feels a bit too windy then it is MUCH too windy S. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paramotormike Posted February 24, 2011 Share Posted February 24, 2011 Nice Video. Also when it’s windy, there is far more rotor (messy swirling wind) that will come off trees, buildings, obstacles etc. This can make launching and landing dangerous. I think many of us won’t take of in more than a constant 10mph. (Experts and people with big balls do faster). Its more hairy if the wind is gusting. Constant 10mph is safer than a gusting 5 to 12mph. Always look to land in clean air. Mike. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
speedmouse Posted February 24, 2011 Author Share Posted February 24, 2011 I do understand rotor and the implications on a flight and agree landing in clean air is always a good thing to do . I think i will take 10mph constant is a great limit and days without gusts is always a good idea .. Thanks gents Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skybound Posted February 24, 2011 Share Posted February 24, 2011 Also 10mph on the ground soon becomes 20-30+mph at height, so becomes a one-way trip. Clive www.bulldogparamotors.co.uk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paramotormike Posted February 24, 2011 Share Posted February 24, 2011 Maybe a one way trip backwards too! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
norbertflyer Posted February 24, 2011 Share Posted February 24, 2011 5-20mph on a nice sunny afternoon in the summer months, can give you some of the best flying you'll ever get. Not a beginner situation, but a great experience, if you're confident about your wing and abilities to handle thermals (and the odd collapse...). You can stay up for hours (engine off) on some days. This would also be my normal wind strength limit on a hill in summer. 12-13mph in the winter months on the flat is my limit, up to 20mph again on a hill. Richard Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
garyfreefly Posted February 24, 2011 Share Posted February 24, 2011 25mph But thats in my Microlight although Ive also had 9mph on the ground speed When my airspeed was 70mph....very nearly a bad situation Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
matt_k Posted February 24, 2011 Share Posted February 24, 2011 Whenever i lay my wing out for launch and the trailing edge gets blown over the wing i know thats my limit not to fly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
norbertflyer Posted February 25, 2011 Share Posted February 25, 2011 When I undertook my BHPA Paramotor conversion exam in 1998, I had to demonstrate 'safe' take-offs in 15mph winds. All of us were hill flyers, so it wasn't much of an issue. I don't think this is a requirement now. Richard Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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