May 30/14 – Training with Scott and David

What a great day. I started Scott in the morning – as usual grass was wet but since it was recently cut, it wasn’t a big deal. There was no wind at all so I taught Scott how to do power on inflation. Once once he had it down it was absolutely no issue for him to take off in completely calm air. As the time when by we were getting more and more wind and taking off was easier and easier. This is first time Scott was using his own unit. All went well – seven flights in the morning. Or

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Both David and Scott finished.

CONGRATS!

June 1/14 – Order PPG bible

The most complete reference manual on Powered Paragliding just got better again!. Lots better. Color has been improved, new diagrams were added, existing diagrams improved, and new photo techniques clearly show progressive tasks, including launch and landing and animation extracts have been added. There’s brand new material including more on reflex wings. New paramotor techniques and accumulated wisdom since edition 2 came out have been incorporated. Thanks to the many who have contributed suggestions and editing.

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Even as a third edition it was an enormous undertaking. Hundreds of hours were spent on editing, 3D animations, diagrams, and layout. This was our largest print run to date which helped keep the price down in spite of higher printing costs.

Some material is best presented in a plain, easy-to-read book. It provides quick access to the exact subject matter with in-depth material that is digestible at your own pace. The PPG Bible is just such a book for the sport of paramotoring. It is a fun, informative, easy-to-understand and, most of all, thorough treatment on the subject of powered paragliding.

You’ll find a concise presentation of material for anyone serious about flying. It will be appreciated by those just learning to fly as well as those wanting to master the sport, to explore all it has to offer

There is complete, but understandable coverage of airspace and regulations as they apply to paramotor pilots. Edition Three has improved these diagrams even more and new text improves clarity on this sometimes difficult (and otherwise boring) subject.

If you are:

  • Considering the sport? This will tell you all about what trade-offs are made and what to avoid.
  • Just getting started? Know what to expect, and know how to prepare for training.
  • Setting out on your own? Clarify the vagaries of rotor, micrometeorology, airspace, rules, field selection, etc.
  • Curious? This answers questions. Many, many questions about everything from aerodynamics to history.
  • Into photography? This will offer tips that may save much aggravation about getting good pictures from a PPG.
  • Thinking about competition? This has the lowdown on what it is, how it’s flown and, better yet, what to practice to become proficient.
  • If any of these apply, then this book is for you.

If you have ever wondered about the sport of powered paragliding, this will answer your questions. Everything from selecting an instructor to buying gear to learning what to do with it.

It starts out with most basic bits required using pictures to clarify better then words ever could. There are over a hundred pictures and diagrams in over 290 pages. It finishes with tips on mastering techniques required for the finest level of control.

For the curious there is a thorough section on Understanding the Sport which delves into several areas such as the unusual aerodynamics of a craft on a swing.

Many practical tips for setting up gear are included. How to tie brake-line knots, how to set up a motor harness and how best to adjust it for preventing potentially deadly torque turns. These are just of few of the many useful pieces that can enhance your understanding of the sport or possibly save your life.

Complete coverage of the regulations and airspace includes the charts and material that make easy work of USPPA’s PPG3/Instructor Written test. This is practical information for the adventurous pilot who sets out for parts unknown – how to get what you need from sectional charts without bogging down in unnecessary detail.

Many, many diagrams help make sense of complicated concepts and introduce some new ones. From the parts of the paramotor to Aerodynamics, our sport is explained in concise ways that encourage understanding. A real effort is made to avoid wordiness while keeping it interesting.

Clear up confusion on obtaining weather including detailed descriptions of using the Flight Service Stations. A resource section lists useful places to go for this info too.

After getting the basics down, learn how to fly into a controlled airport and what you need to pull it off. Sample conversations with Air Traffic Control are included.

Many eye-popping photos help the enjoyment and make it a great way to show others the sport. Enjoy!

Cost $ 55.00

May 30/14 – New used gear

I am selling Miniplane paramotor – it is an older model but only slightly used. It has the venerable TOP 80 engine, 125 cm wooden propeller and updated hand throttle from RS Ultra.

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It will come with Sky Paraglider Fides 2 size XS. This package would be suitable for pilot 140 to 180 lb but perhaps up to 200 lb for those young guys who can run like a wind…

Complete package ready to fly $ 6500 + HST

May 29/14 – Flight with my buddy

A very good friend of mine is turning 50 tomorrow so I took him for nice flight and lunch today. We had blast buzzing the Niagara Peninsula at 220 km/h per hour…

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May 29/14 – Brent, first solo on his own

My first solo flight away from the watchful eye of Andre.

The conditions were perfect but I still  found that i was a bit nervous. I took extra time to ensure all the safety checks and pre-flight checks were done. As soon as the wing was up, steady, turn and gas on; the nerves went away. I had a great 1 hour flight topped off with a soft landing.

Andre; Thanks again for the freedom to fly.

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May 28/14 – Training with Jim and Mark am and pm

The morning sessionwas very short. Grass was soaked and we had no wind. This is typicall for am. Wind started to pick up around 8 am and grass dried a little. Jim took off and had a half decent flight.

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Mark also had one pretty good flight. Wind sterted to gust up badly so that was it for this morning – 1 flight each.

We got together in the evening as well. Forecast was not ideal. 20 km/h which is as much as one can take. Jim took off first but he had very very rouch flight – air was super turbulent. Given the forecast, which was telling us that wind will stay like that, we decided to pack up. Kind of waste of a day. Oh well, what can you do.

May 27/14 – My wings…

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May 27/14 – Is getting into PPG cheap or expensive?

COST OF MY PRIVATE PILOT LICENSE:

62 hours dual training – $ 50.00 for instructor per hour, $ 135.00 for aeroplane with fuel per hour + HST = 209.05 then 209.05 X 62 = $ 12961.10 for dual training

35.9 hours solo at $ 135.00 per hour + HST = $ 152.55 per hour then 152.55 x 35.9 = $ 5476.54 for solo time

Ground school $ 450 + HST = $ 508.50

Books and study guides $ 400.00 + HST = $ 452.00

Cost of REC and PPL exams 350.00 + HST = $ 395.50

TC fees REC 55, PPL 55, = 110.00 + HST = $ 124.30

TOTAL: $ 19916.3 to get the PPL

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COST PPG FLYING:

Cost of training $ 2654.86 + HST = $ 3000.00

UPAC manuals $ 75.00 + HST = $ 84.75

Average gear $ 9300.00 + HST = $ 10509.00

Aircraft registration $ 110.00 + HST = $ 124.30

Ultralight license fee $ 55.00 + HST = $ 62.15

Insurace $ 119.47 + HST = $ 135.00

TOTAL: 13790.65

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So in summary. I have spent 20 K to get PPL, I do not have plane and will be renting it

at $ 152.55 per hour.

Those who purchased PPG gear and training  spent 14 K and will be paying approximately $ 8.00 per hour for gas and oil

AS YOU SEE PPG FLYING IS VERY CHEAP! 

If you do not believe this, price out Harley Davidson, Sea Doo, ATV,  snowmobile or a boat…

AND IF YOU JUST WANT TO “FLY” IT IS BETTER…

May 27/14 – Paramotor maintenance

I got the morning off but not really, the paramotors needed some cleaning and some basic maintenance.

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Done!

May 26/14 – Finally!

OK, it’s here. I can pile up bunch of people in an aeroplane, fly it down to Bahamas and enjoy some extreme island hopping…

I can do that, because I just got my private pilots license!

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I would like to thank my instructors Chris, Scott and Conrad and everybody else at the St. Catharines flying club for getting the job done!