Chrisbayliss Posted February 13, 2012 Posted February 13, 2012 Hello all, I'm a wanna-be from Rugby in Warwickshire. I'm currently learning to fly flexwing microlights with Flylight at Sywell Aerodrome in Northampton, but I have a good friend who been paramotoring for a few years. I've always thought he was a bit crazy doing it but the more I learn about flying whilst doing my NPPL, the more I realise that whilst paramotors are the cheapest way to fly, they are also the safest. So I intend to fly both. I have a couple of million questions to ask, but the only one really relevant at the moment is about training. Can anyone advise me on a good instructor local to Rugby? I don't fancy doing a block course, but doing the odd day here and there when the weather suits which is why locality is important. Also, being closeby will help keep cost down as any spare cash is being burned by NPPL training at the same time. Any help on local instructors will be great fully received, PM me if you'd prefer to keep your advice confidential. Cheers all, Chris. Quote
phil1975 Posted February 21, 2012 Posted February 21, 2012 Chris, I can't help much with the training question but I'm in Lichfield & am happy to help with the million other questions if that's any use? Quote
Chrisbayliss Posted February 21, 2012 Author Posted February 21, 2012 Cheers Phil. I've been in touch with some people about 20 mins away from me who I should start training with soon, so once I've got stuck in to that I'll no doubt be in touch. I worked in Lichfield about 4 years ago. Where do you fly from? Quote
phil1975 Posted February 22, 2012 Posted February 22, 2012 Chris, I have two sites I can use ( dependant on wind direction ). One is public & one is private land. I haven't flown either yet, but I will be from next week. I'm next to Whittington golf course. Quote
carlwarren Posted February 22, 2012 Posted February 22, 2012 Chris, I have two sites I can use ( dependant on wind direction ). One is public & one is private land. I haven't flown either yet, but I will be from next week. I'm next to Whittington golf course. Hi Phil. I'm close to Cannock. Would be great to catch up ... Do you fly on your own ? Or a group ? Would love to fly local. Let me know. Thanks Carl Quote
phil1975 Posted February 22, 2012 Posted February 22, 2012 Carl, I'm only here temporarily - got about 2 months left but you're more than welcome to fly from here whilst I'm Still here. Let me know your number & we'll have a chat. Quote
Chrisbayliss Posted February 25, 2012 Author Posted February 25, 2012 I'm starting tomorrow, near Market Harborough. It's like Christmas Eve, I won't sleep tonight! Quote
Chrisbayliss Posted February 26, 2012 Author Posted February 26, 2012 I had my first paramotor lesson today, and for this we did an hour or so of ground handling with (so I'm told) an old 80's wing. I was doing reverse launches and managed to get the wing in the air without too much trouble, but I was apparently over braking while trying to stay under the centre of it. This was starting to get a little frustrating after a while, but when I was forced to turn forwards by the wing, I just ran for it! One of the guys (I forget your name, but cheers anyway) then ran behind me, pushing me, shouting "Run!" and this gave me my first airborne moment as my feet left the floor by about 2 inches!!!! I was flying solo!!!!! For two seconds, but who cares!!! Result! Off to the the pub to celebrate. But muscles I didn't know I had are aching already. Quote
phil1975 Posted February 27, 2012 Posted February 27, 2012 I think I arrived just as you were getting airbourne, assuming you were using the yellow wing? Loads of people there & a couple of cheeky flights made the (unplanned) trip well worth it! Quote
Chrisbayliss Posted February 27, 2012 Author Posted February 27, 2012 The yellow wing wasn't me, I had the very colourful 80's wing that looked like one of Kajagoogoo's shell suits. You may not have noticed it as it spent a lot of time flat on the ground. Quote
Chrisbayliss Posted April 2, 2012 Author Posted April 2, 2012 I had my first flight today! Unpowered, but I was about 10ft in the air and flew a few hundred feet from the top hill of Burton Dassett. Result!!! Quote
benjamin2012 Posted April 11, 2012 Posted April 11, 2012 I had my first flight today! Unpowered, but I was about 10ft in the air and flew a few hundred feet from the top hill of Burton Dassett. Result!!! Hi Chris, As a newbie myself can I ask who you did this with? I want to learn! Thanks, Ben. Quote
Chrisbayliss Posted April 11, 2012 Author Posted April 11, 2012 I used a borrowed wing from a friend who's self taught and been flying for years. It's very old and not particularly crisp anymore, but it's flyable. I'm just spending as much time as possible ground handling with it. Quote
benjamin2012 Posted April 12, 2012 Posted April 12, 2012 I used a borrowed wing from a friend who's self taught and been flying for years. It's very old and not particularly crisp anymore, but it's flyable. I'm just spending as much time as possible ground handling with it. Hi Chris, That is cool! It is a shame there is not any tutors around Warwickshire (that I can find!). I will keep searching and will be flying soon. Have fun and let me know how you get on. Thanks, Ben. Quote
Chrisbayliss Posted April 12, 2012 Author Posted April 12, 2012 Have a look at www.marstonairfield.co.uk Not strictly Warwickshire, but not that far away from you and they're a good bunch, very friendly and helpful. Quote
benjamin2012 Posted April 12, 2012 Posted April 12, 2012 Have a look at http://www.marstonairfield.co.ukNot strictly Warwickshire, but not that far away from you and they're a good bunch, very friendly and helpful. Hi Chris, Thank you for that, I will have a look! Many thanks again, Ben. Quote
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