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The ability to travel so
readily with your aircraft is unique to powered paragliding. It's not
always easy, but it's almost always worth the effort. Taking just the wing
and a harness for free-flying is even easier.
Using public transportation,
especially the airlines, has gotten tougher since the book was published
and has become even more of a gamble. Transporting by any form of air may
get even more challenging as the TSA (Transportation Security
Administration) considers requiring all cargo to be screened, even what
gets shipped on cargo-only aircraft.
Fortunately, the other methods
outlined in Chapter 31 are still just as viable and affordable.
Gear Carriers From Cabella's
2008-03-12
Thanks to Daren of Connecticut Paragliding School for providing this tip
Cabella's
Outdoor Sporting Goods stores have hitch mounted gear carriers for the
4x4 quads. Put on a piece of plywood and some hooks and you have a very
nice PPG motor carrier for your car. Price complete is under $80 bucks
and is perfect for any size motor.
Borders
Crossing borders has problems
lately, too. Pilots traveling to Mexico have reported being turned
around because their craft are not registered and, even when they showed
registration documents, the border guard wouldn't let them through.
Consult with locals whenever possible before taking your gear across the
Mexican border. I've not heard of any problems going to or from Canada.
Be careful about offering bribe's, too, one pilot carefully offered to
cover any "expenses" and was rebuffed. There are certainly those willing
to accept bribes but it's no longer as universal as it once was.
Suggestions for success include
1. Have the machine disassembled so it doesn't look like an aircraft but
never do anything that would appear "sneaky". Do be honest if they ask.
It's "sporting equipment that lets you fly under a large kite." A
picture is helpful. 2. If
possible, have the paramotor out of view but not in a way that appears
hidden.
3. Like all human
interactions, treat them with complete respect, be honest, forthright
and friendly. 4. Register the
craft with USUA and have the documentation with you.
Alternative Travel
There's always a different
way to get around with this gear. God love portability.
Dave Moore, who lives in a Chicago suburb, has a field near his house
but it's too far to walk, especially toting his aircraft. His elegant
solution is pictured at right—a bicycle with trailer. Of course he made
it himself by crafting a simple bike hitch and welding it to a hand
truck that he bought from a hardware store.
Perfect! |
