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One of the
coolest things about this craft is the ability to safely launch in
ridiculous places. Back yards are such places. Most of them aren't
launchable but mine is a fortunate exception. While it has the usual
yardly obstructions -- shrubs, trees, buildings, etc., it is also blessed
with a taxiway for airplanes. Yes, it is tree-lined, but there is ample
room to make it safe in the event of undesirable motor antics. If the snap
naps, I'd have nary a problem landing.
This evening didn't look very good so I opted for roller blading. But on the way to the van, I must pass my parathings--wing,
motor, helmet--constant reminders of what could be. I'd looked at the FSS
weather an hour prior and, while not super nice, there was nothing
dangerous. I stepped outside for a final look, going into wind-check
mode--watching tree limbs, feeling the breeze with extended arms--you know
the drill. "This doesn't look that bad," I figured, and it's
been 4 days since my last flight. OK, Just a quickie.
A light westerly breeze of 7 mph percolated around the houses. That
made for an interesting launch down the North/South taxiway. After getting
the music, camera, and radio, I laid out as
pictured above and clipped in. Inflation was towards the taxiway with a
right turn to run
north. Things had to go right lest the nearby trees score a little nylon
treat. Fortunately they did -- I was spring loaded to abort, just in case.
The launch itself was so rewarding. I could have used other techniques
but there's just something appealing about trundling through that plush
green grass, steering to and down the centerline then running into the
air. Man do I love that liftoff!
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Above:
You're looking north down the taxiway that is in my back yard. I inflate
towards the west (left) then turn and takeoff down the taxiway. I make
sure I'm running down the centerline before actually throttle fully up for
liftoff. Those trees on each side have paraglider eating branches and
every launch try for a bite. So far they've gone hungry every time,
too. 1.
(Below) It was huge.
And it had big, sharp fangs dripping with neurotoxins. At least that's
what my urban imagination told me. And no, it doesn't have anything to do with this
story except that I saw it before escaping to the sky.
2. Tim: happy it didn't fly and unwilling to get close.
3. But to bring it back to this story, There was a deadly spider now
roaming on the Chicago suburbs, I plotted my escape. Quickly, to the paramotor!
   An
overactive imagination--What are you talking about?
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