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Fly Products is a longstanding builder of quality paramotors and has
come out with a Pollini powered machine for those who like low hook-in
points. Fly is well supported in the U.S. by Aerolight.
The test was flown at Beach Blast in May 2010 with a light breeze at
75°F on a Spice 22 wing. My weight is about 150#. Sorry the review isn't
much more than an initial impression since I only flew it once.
Weight: I didn't have any scale measurements. Felt comfortable
while walking around and I was able to keep the weight easily over my
feet without being pulled back.
Harness & Suspension: The harness, designed by SupAir, is comfy
and well-enough padded. It has fixed, low hookins, which is unusual.
It's like the Walkerjet/Flattop in that there the bars don't articulate,
meaning less weight shift.
Starting (-): Pull starting was conventional with the addition
of a primer bulb which I like. Three squirts of the primer and pull. The
Pollini starter has been an issue for reliability although I'm told
that, as of November, 2010, that's been improved upon.
Ground Handling & Kiting (-): Comfortable.
Launch (-): Straightforward. Like any low hookin machine
the risers are lower and so your hand position will be lower -- just
something to get used to.
Climbout (-): Good.
Flight, comfort, ergonomics: Very comfortable in flight. And I
loved the throttle and its cruise control.
Weight Shift (-) Limited. Like any machine without
articulating arms, you have to tilt the machine and/or warp its frame,
usually a combination of the two efforts garners about 3 inches of riser
travel.
Torque (-):
Torque was manageable and commensurate with the power, with about 15
degrees when I went to full power during climbout. That is, I put my
legs out, went smoothly from idle to full power and saw how much my legs
moved.
Thrust (7): Very powerful, appropriate for the weight.
Endurance (-):
Didn't get to test endurance.
Vibration (9): Extremely low. I flew another Pollini powered
machine and the vibration was average so it could have been an extremely
well-balanced prop but at least it's good to know how smooth it CAN be.
Sound (-): Average to quiet and with a good timbre.
Safety (-): Average. Nothing in the notes here.
Construction (-):
Seems well built with good cage strength. You should have no problem
with power forwards and the cage rim is smooth so lines will slide up
nicely.
The netting is
riveted around the whole cage so, if one section needs replacing, the
netting will have to be de-riveted, then riveted on the new piece.
The Pollini engine is air cooled and has an
integral clutch and geared redrive. That worries me a bit in terms of
maintenance when just the gear reduction or clutch needs work. I don't
know what's involved with getting at those various parts. It may be easy
but that would warrant checking out.
This one had a primer bulb and started
easily.
Reparability (-): Average--if you bend something you'll need
an aluminum welder. The cage pieces should be readily available from
Aerolight.
Transport (-): Breakdown is typical and it will transport easily
in a van or SUV.
Cost: I don't have cost numbers, visit
www.Aerolight.com for details. Overall:
Comfortable, well built, good power and extremely smooth. A bit tougher
for newer pilots with the low hook-ins but easier than those with
articulating arms. |
