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Copyright © 2009
Jeff Goin

 

 

Powered Paragliding Bible

Chapter 12: Setup & Maintenance

Go here for troubleshooting tips, here for more general hardware tips.
Jan 15, 2007 | Section II | See other PPG Bible Additions | PPG Suspension Systems | High vs Low hookins

Our flying machines look so simple and, in most ways, they are. But proper setup and maintenance is critical. Cheaper, too. These PPG Bible extras should help keep you, or at least your gear, airworthy.

A lot of this information is just too specific to put in the book but it's no less valuable. Plus, technology will hopefully improve enough to someday make spark plugs and mixed gasoline seem quaint.

But for now, we spark, mix, and fix.

Correctly adjusting your harness is incredibly important for both safety and comfort. Numerous accidents have resulted directly from incorrectly adjusted harnesses. The instructor that you bought from or a pilot who is intimately familiar with the gear is your best resource.

A Quick Note About Oil

Many, if not most, experienced instructors believe that synthetic oil is better for a number of reasons. Motocross riders have sworn by it for years and they regularly run their engines to death and back.

But for those who travel, getting decent oil on the road is tough. In a pinch, many gas stations carry 2-stroke oil but it's not ideal. You can get synthetic oil in the Lawn & Garden department at Walmart under the name Polan (other departments may have 2-stroke oil but not synthetic). Menards carries Pennzoil in a 1 gallon container. Most motorcycle shops will also carry high quality synthetic 2-stroke oil.

A Quick Note About Fuel

In general, regular auto gas mixed with a good 2-stroke oil, at the prescribed ratio, will work in almost any 2-stroke motor. But there are benefits of using higher octane gas, especially for higher compression engines. Here's more information on fuel, octane and what you'll find in different fuel types such as Avgas. Here's more on alcohol in gas.

A Quick Note About Fuel Containers

New regulations stipulate that retail gas containers have spill resistant venting. That's noble but doesn't work well for our application—they're slow. A great solution is using the gas containers from Motocrossers. Their shape and flexible hose gets into our confined tanks easily and, having a regular vent means the flow rate is great.

The cans can be ordered on the web or purchased at motorcycle and kart racing shops.


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Remember, If there's air there, it should be flown in!