Educational
Here are all the chapter articles sorted by recency. Click the gray banner to see all the Sections and Chapters on one page, or click on the relevant categories.
This is supplemental material to The Powered Paragliding Bible with extras. We embrace reliable knowledge–here’s more on knowledge and how we can estimate reliability.
by Jeff Goin | May 8, 2019 | 26: The Wing, Reviews: Paragliders
It was a sad day when this easy database of paragliders, Para2000.org, went dark. I don’t know the story but the owner just let it die. At this point the best we have is an archived version of it as it was in September, 2018 which, for now at least, is...
by Jeff Goin | May 7, 2019 | 20: Competition, 26: The Wing
I plan on selling two of my competition wings, A 2016 Doberman 19 and a 2012 Viper 18, but that got me thinking, who would I sell them to? And is flying them more dangerous? Do they take more skill? It’s complicated, but the short answer is “no” with...
by Jeff Goin | May 7, 2019 | 25: Roots & Demographics
A look at the early machines that shaped our sport As best I can tell, the well documented 1981 flights of Mike Byrne were the first. He built the thing himself and dubbed it “paramotor.” There wasn’t anything to buy until 8 years later when Pagojet...
by Jeff Goin | May 7, 2019 | 08: the Law, 36: Instructors & Tandem
As of November 2018, instructors can now get certified to fly tandem students with wheels, an IMMENSELY valuable training tool for our community. We MUST act responsibly to keep this ability which makes teaching paramotor’s weird pendular behavior much easier,...
by Jeff Goin | May 6, 2019 | Communications
2019 Note: Bluetooth comm systems are becoming popular but have much less range unless you’re in good cell range. They have many advantages and a few drawbacks. Staying in touch is always problematic. Finally, a solution.| Ham License in a Day | Home Built Comm...
by Jeff Goin | May 4, 2019 | 06: Adding Wheels
Wheels are great for conquering the still-air launch blues, but what about once you’re airborne? They don’t do much good there and, for some, get in the way. So Jack Woods decided to do something about it. We don’t have the details but it’s...
by Jeff Goin | May 4, 2019 | 23: Motor & Propeller, Mx: Motor
Estimate the percentage of ethanol in pump gas, courtesy Conoco, Inc and EAA.org. See also All About Fuel. Most paramotor pilots use pump gas as opposed to avgas. In all likelihood, that means you’re getting alcohol, specifically ethanol, in your fuel. How much...
by Jeff Goin | May 4, 2019 | 23: Motor & Propeller, Mx: Motor
Extracting this much power from such tiny, lightweight motors, requires great care. The following will help you to make the most intelligent fuel choices for your favorite propulsion. Excerpted from Group K Technical Documents. See also Alcohol in Fuel, Does AvGas...
by Jeff Goin | May 4, 2019 | 20: Competition
Here are just some ideas for fun competitions created to decrease risk if the event is flown over land. The following requirements are meant to keep using pilot’s bodies. This would be tough for most competition pilots who fly uncertified wings at super high...
by Jeff Goin | May 3, 2019 | 08: the Law, 09: Airspace
Is It Legal to fly in Charted Wilderness Areas? Related: Who Owns the Air? | Criminal Violation Flying Over Park I was working on the airspace video section that deals with wilderness areas — those lines with blue dots as shown at right — and thought it...
by Jeff Goin | May 3, 2019 | 08: the Law, 09: Airspace
When Airport Managers Don’t Want Us by Scott Adair | Banning at Marion, OH? Yes and no. No if they are private and the owner says so, Yes if they have accepted federal grant money but with caveats. The basic tenet is, “you’re accepting federal money...
by Jeff Goin | May 1, 2019 | 16: Precision Flying, 18: Advanced Maneuvers, 19: Risk & Safety
When the “ship” hist the fan, don’t have a cow. Lest say you’re flying along in light chop when, out of nowhere, wham! You get whacked by some nasty piece of wild air. Feeling like a helpless marionette under a mischievous puppeteer, you...
by Jeff Goin | May 1, 2019 | Advanced Landings, Advanced Launching
Sometimes, they just look bad A tight, even curvy launch area can look daunting but, for someone able to steer their launch run, it’s no more dangerous than a wide-open site. The key is being able to steer your launch run and know that the area is wide enough....
by Jeff Goin | May 1, 2019 | 19: Risk & Safety, Advanced Landings
What a useful skill it is to be able to land where you want without power. Pilots of all craft recognize the importance being able to put it down after thrust stops thrusting. We PPGers are lucky in just how small of a place we can alight, even landing on tiny targets...
by Jeff Goin | May 1, 2019 | 19: Risk & Safety, Log: Enterprise
Click here for Stretching Glide to Shore, Road or Point While planning the Panama Canal flight an interesting subject came up regarding selection of altitude. We all know that the higher you go, the farther you can glide. This flight had one portion that followed a...
by Jeff Goin | May 1, 2019 | 13: Flying Cross Country, 19: Risk & Safety, Advanced Landings
Chapter 19 Situational Emergencies | Stretching Glide Story Having the motor quit is no big deal if you’ve got a good landing option. Sometimes, though, even the best plans leave you needing to stretch your glide. The PPG bible covers this in nicely but...
by Jeff Goin | May 1, 2019 | 01 Training
Anyone can declare themselves an instructor so make sure they are at least certified by the USPPA or USHPA. Even better is that they come recommended by a responsible, trusted pilot. There are a few great instructors that aren’t yet certified but it is up to you...
by Jeff Goin | May 1, 2019 | 19: Risk & Safety
“I’ve been in the water several times, it’s not so bad” is like saying “I played Russian Roulette several times, it wasn’t that bad.” The reality is that going into the water, even shallow water, without automatic flotation...
by Jeff Goin | May 1, 2019 | Propeller Safety
Passive starting safety for paramotor pilots, thanks to Randy Bridge It’s inspiring to see pilots making this sport safer while realizing that choices will be made. Such was the case of Randy Bridge who implemented an idea that will work with essentially any...
by Jeff Goin | May 1, 2019 | 28: Accessories, Propeller Safety
Pap has a cool idea for their clutched machines. It was probably made to prevent the prop from free spinning during transport, but it can also provide some protection during start. Just like the “Rope Trick,” leave the prop cover on while starting. If the...
by Jeff Goin | May 1, 2019 | Propeller Safety
This is a variation of the original “Prop Stopper” by Francesco DeSantis. Hands, limbs, and heads get mutilated at an depressing rate and experienced pilots seem to be the most at risk, probably because of complacency. Clutched machines are no safer than...
by Jeff Goin | May 1, 2019 | Accident Reports, Propeller Safety
A horrible accident happened while a pilot was walking with his paramotor. It was idling but, at some point, possibly after powering up to warm it up, the throttle stuck at a high power and he lost his footing, falling mostly sideways then face down. It went to nearly...
by Jeff Goin | May 1, 2019 | Propeller Safety
For clutch equipped machines | Rope Trick II another version As we’ve covered, props eat body parts on a regular basis. Clutched machines are no better since, although the prop may not spin at idle, it sure spins up fast at throttle-up. Further, the fact that a...
by Jeff Goin | Apr 30, 2019 | 18: Advanced Maneuvers, 19: Risk & Safety
It looks dangerous for a reason! Phil Russman and I fly powered paragliders (and just paragliders) together a lot. We’ve become rather comfortable working in close proximity—to the point where we can do it consistently and smoothly. It started with camera work...
by Jeff Goin | Apr 30, 2019 | Accident Reports
Thermally conditions dump experienced PPG pilot A mid-day sojourn in moderate winds went sour for one high-time paramotorist resulting in a nearly disastrous impact. Surprisingly, the pilot walked (probably limped) away. At 20 feet or so while landing, a quick...
by Jeff Goin | Apr 30, 2019 | Accident Reports
On Friday evening, several hours after I had left, tragedy struck when Richard Biggerstaff (right) was, according to two witnesses, doing a spiral from which he hit the ground. There was a small post-impact fire that was extinguished almost right away. Another pilot...
by Jeff Goin | Apr 30, 2019 | Accident Reports
This enforces how surprisingly dangerous tree “landings” can be Sherburne Country Sheriff, 45°25’10.16″N – 94° 1’6.58″W. It was covered in Brainerd Dispatch CLEAR LAKE — A 54-year-old Brainerd man died Saturday after he...
by Jeff Goin | Apr 30, 2019 | 19: Risk & Safety
How Safety relates to Experience Experience gives you the potential for greater safety. You can either spend that margin on flying more often, or in a wider variety of conditions, or spend it on safety—flying in the same conditions but with wider margins. It’s...
by Jeff Goin | Apr 30, 2019 | Accident Reports
The lessons in this captivating and sad story could save my life, maybe yours, too. A hiker got lost in the woods and faced a cold night in deteriorating weather. This is the story of a helicopter rescue gone horribly wrong. It is a powerful reminder of forces that...
by Jeff Goin | Apr 30, 2019 | 23: Motor & Propeller
This is one of the most confusing aspects of paramotor dynamics. Here are the basics: Various torque effects conspire to twist your body left (belt drive), redirecting thrust that now pushes your body left, which causes the wing to bank right like in the illustration...
by Jeff Goin | Apr 30, 2019 | 05: First Flights, 22: Aerodynamics, 23: Motor & Propeller
If you remember one thing about Loaded Riser Twist, it should be: At liftoff, if the wing is leaning right, your body will tend to twist left. Thrust will push your body more left, aggravating torque twisting effects It isn’t related to torque directly but it...
by Jeff Goin | Apr 30, 2019 | 04: First Flight Prep
One of the more common paramotor crashes happens because of torque twist. At least one has been fatal. So what to do? First and foremost practice what to do if it starts: Reduce power, reduce brakes. It’s better to land straight ahead or with minor turns than it...
by Jeff Goin | Apr 30, 2019 | Accident Reports
One of the sport’s more common control-related accident types See also Understanding Paramotor Torque, Fixing Torque By Hand At this point he has twisted 90 degrees to the wing, looking towards his right hand, and still under power. This is the natural torque...
by Jeff Goin | Apr 30, 2019 | 15: Advanced Ground Handling, Accident Reports
Playing around cost me my first-ever hospital admission After 2 days of flying my brains out at Glammis Dunes we headed down to Pilot Knob, the Dune’s southern reach and site of a single mountain protruding unnaturally through the dust. It also has some...
by Jeff Goin | Apr 30, 2019 | Accident Reports, Propeller Safety
It happens to even the most conscientious. Thanks to this pilot who had the balls to share his horrific experience so that others will hopefully avoid a similar fate. The pilot writes: I would like to begin with a little history of my background to help emphasize...
by Jeff Goin | Apr 30, 2019 | Accident Reports
Rapid wind change ensnares PPG Pilot. Thanks to the submitter for his willingness to share. The evening started with little wind and clear skies. A friend and I launched at 7:20pm from our favorite flying field just east of Colorado Springs. The first half hour of...
by Jeff Goin | Apr 30, 2019 | Mx: Troubleshooting
The motor continues to run even after activating the kill switch | Emergency Kill All gas paramotors that I’m aware of shut down the engine by preventing a spark. The preferred method is by shorting out the coil with a switch on the throttle stem. Anything that...
by Jeff Goin | Apr 30, 2019 | 27: The Motor Unit, Mx: Motor, Propeller Safety
Simple, effective alternative ways to shut off a motor Being able to quickly shut off a motor is critical for several reasons, yet kill switches are easily disabled at their multiple connection points. So it’s good to have a back up. Here are some ideas. Spark...
by Jeff Goin | Apr 30, 2019 | 18: Advanced Maneuvers, 19: Risk & Safety
Second only to water, doing steep maneuvering, especially low to the ground, is our sports most dangerous engagement. For many pilots, once they get some time under their belts, it’s fun to explore what’s possible with a powered paraglider. But the risk...
by Jeff Goin | Apr 30, 2019 | Propeller Safety
You wouldn’t think this could happen. During launch the pilot somehow got his calf muscle into the prop while making large strides. As of Sept, 2007, I know of two similar incidents. The only solution to this is make sure your machine doesn’t allow it. Is...
by Jeff Goin | Apr 30, 2019 | Accident Reports
by Phil Hyland, submitted by Jerry Starbuck. Thanks to USUA Club#1 It’s insidious. You look down for just a moment to take care of some problem and lose focus on your primary task: aviating. Jets crash due to it, too. Plus, focusing on distractions frequently...
by Jeff Goin | Apr 30, 2019 | 24: Weather in Depth
Invisible eddy that eats us for lunch Rotor and mechanical turbulence are close cousins. Rotor is the rotational swirl that forms downwind of certain shapes, usually a persistent, strong rotational flow. Mechanical turbulence is a more random stirring of the air...
by Jeff Goin | Apr 30, 2019 | 26: The Wing
See also: Paraglider Certification This may help understand what led up to creation of the short-lived DMSV. In 2008 Paramania wanted to get their gliders certified for sale in Germany. The main certification body said they must be certified as regular paragliders...
by Jeff Goin | Apr 30, 2019 | 01 Training, 19: Risk & Safety, 26: The Wing
Wanna Learn Powered Paragliding Safely? Get a wing that won’t kill you. After analyzing student accidents, including two fatalities, I’ve changed the way I look at beginner wings. This is important: the wrong wing can kill you (here are tips to the perfect...
by Jeff Goin | Apr 29, 2019 | 26: The Wing
See also DGAC | DMSV | Why Use Certified Wings For Paramotor We recommend new pilots fly certified gliders since they’re not equipped to be test pilots. Even though the motor may change a wing’s handling, and certification is not done with a motor,...
by Jeff Goin | Apr 29, 2019 | 26: The Wing
Condensed version of a DHV article by Michael Nesler | Click here for his detailed original Plastic rods in paragliders have become ubiquitous. Is it hype or do they help as much as they seem to? DHV pilot Michael Nesler sheds some light. There are different types of...
by Jeff Goin | Apr 29, 2019 | 01 Training, 26: The Wing
This question comes up frequently, especially when someone buys a wing that claims to be certified but later finds out it’s not. If there’s no label describing its certification, it’s almost certainly not certified in that size. Some wing sellers say...
by Jeff Goin | Apr 29, 2019 | 19: Risk & Safety, 22: Aerodynamics, 23: Motor & Propeller, 26: The Wing, Advanced Launching
Some wings, when combined with some motors, will oscillate. You swing back and forth in shallow little banks with no pilot input. It’s caused by a variation of Loaded Riser Twist where one riser has more load than the other–a fleeting condition that...
by Jeff Goin | Apr 29, 2019 | 19: Risk & Safety
Notes from users, observers and/or manufacturers about potentially unsafe conditions Paramotors, wings, harnesses, risers, helmets and other gear are subject to failure. This section is an effort to share knowledge of known maladies that could impair flight safety....
by Jeff Goin | Apr 28, 2019 | 27: The Motor Unit
These guys have been quietly building an electric machine for the past four years–work that has paid off by creating a salable drive train that can be used by other makers. After seeing pictures, I inquired with the usual questions and the lead developer,...
by Jeff Goin | Apr 28, 2019 | 08: the Law
Sometimes our government lets us down | About Congested Areas see 2009 July 25 Confidence Restored in FAA see 2010 July 13: Problem moved Flight Service District Offices are where the day-to-day FAA operations are conducted. If you run afoul of aviation law,...
by Jeff Goin | Apr 28, 2019 | Mx: Motor
This is, unfortunately, a lot of work. You’ll need a drill, 1/8″ drill bit (for the rivets), a rivet gun, rivets, rubber bands (to hold the starter pawls) and nerves of steal. OK, copper nerves may work but you’ll still need that rivet gun. Thanks to...
by Jeff Goin | Apr 27, 2019 | 01 Training, 08: the Law
I sometimes get this question about paramotor ratings and thought it would be good to answer it here. Voluntary efforts at recognizing accomplishments have been around for many, many years, the best example being Red Cross’s, and other certification programs for...
by Jeff Goin | Apr 27, 2019 | 29: Home Building, Reviews: Paramotors
Note: this post is kept for historical reasons. As of 2019 the only Kit that I’m aware of is an electric machine at OpenPPG.com. As of 2010, if you were looking for Kit Paramotors, there were two that I’m familiar with. Neither of them is still around....
by Jeff Goin | Apr 27, 2019 | 09: Airspace, First Flights: Launching
June 27, 2007 | Section III Mastering The Sport | Chapter 17 See also Airspace for Paramotor Pilots These instructions show how to overlay a sectional chart onto a Google Earth map. This allows you to pinpoint your launch site with Google Earth then overlay the...
by Jeff Goin | Apr 27, 2019 | 01 Training, 36: Instructors & Tandem
Any paramotor or paraglider school worth using should have a quality simulator that lets students learn the basics before going aloft on their first flight. Of course they must also become extremely competent with ground handling (kiting) the paraglider which is the...
by Jeff Goin | Apr 27, 2019 | 01 Training, 36: Instructors & Tandem
This valuable training tool has some dark corners of its own. There have been a number of serious injuries and at least one fatality during towing operations. As a training aid it is valuable and widely used to introduce new students to flight without the risk of...
by Jeff Goin | Apr 24, 2019 | Mx: Motor, Mx: Troubleshooting
Most paramotors use a manual pull starter due to its simplicity and light weight. They’re slightly more reliable than an electric start because no battery is required but they’re far from perfect. Problem Possible solution or link. Pull starter feels...
by Jeff Goin | Apr 24, 2019 | Mx: Motor, Mx: Troubleshooting
The ready supply of U.S. held parts for this machine is one of its draws. See also Specifics on the Top 80 There are at least three types of redrives for the Top 80 and several different gear ratios. The ratio is the number of teeth on the big gear divided by the...
by Jeff Goin | Apr 24, 2019 | Mx: Motor, Mx: Troubleshooting
Membrane carbs are sensitive to the pressure required to push the needle valve off its seat to allow fuel into the chamber: pop-off pressure. This tool makes it easy easy to do. There is a fairly wide pressure allowance and that the what you measure with the motor...
by Jeff Goin | Apr 24, 2019 | Mx: Motor, Mx: Troubleshooting
Ding the tip of your carbon prop? Is the prop in good shape otherwise? This may work to repair it if the damage is minor. It’s based on the same technique as covered in Chapter 12 of the PPG Bible. Flying a repaired prop could cause injure or kill a bystander if...
by Jeff Goin | Apr 23, 2019 | 12: Maintenance, 23: Motor & Propeller, Mx: Troubleshooting
It’s always good to support your local dealer to better ensure he/she stays in the business of providing support. But it’s also nice to know where parts are available can get you airborne when the dealer is unavailable or is not providing good service. As...
by Jeff Goin | Apr 23, 2019 | 22: Aerodynamics, 23: Motor & Propeller, Mx: Motor
Which prop you choose depends on which redrive you have. A high ratio means the prop spins at a slower speed and needs more pitch–a bigger bite. At some point of increasing pitch, efficiency suffers and/or the motor will bog down and won’t get up to its...
by Jeff Goin | Apr 23, 2019 | Mx: Motor
Spark Plug Selection Thanks Dave Moore and Brian Del Campo with this information. The NGK BR9ES is the most common plug. Do not combine it with a resistor cap–the spark will be too weak. Redrive & Bearings Visit the Top 80 parts site listed above to find the...
by Jeff Goin | Apr 23, 2019 | Mx: Troubleshooting
Anything related to fuel or getting fuel to the motor including gas tank See also Choosing Fuel & Oil | Does Avgas Run Cooler? Is Avgas Cooler? Priming Fuel Tank Repair The fuel system provides fuel to the carburetor. It usually consists of a tank with vent...
by Jeff Goin | Apr 23, 2019 | 23: Motor & Propeller, Mx: Troubleshooting
Causes and cures of this motor killer Heat is a paramotor’s mortal enemy. Worst cases have the piston welding itself to the cylinder wall in the mother of all motor failures: a seizure. A close cousin is the piston burning a hole through it’s top. Molten...
by Jeff Goin | Apr 23, 2019 | Mx: Troubleshooting
Automatic Decompressor These use vacuum from the motor to create a hole in the cylinder so that the motor is easier to pull through compression. It must remain open for easy starting and stay closed afterward for proper running. If the decompressor is stuck open...
by Jeff Goin | Apr 23, 2019 | Mx: Motor, Mx: Troubleshooting
For those who have aftermarket exhausts that vibrate and self destruct you will find this an early and easy fix before yours self destructs. Take a TOP80 standard crankshaft seal (for this application) and install it over the stinger. Place the silencer firmly against...
by Jeff Goin | Apr 23, 2019 | Mx: Motor, Mx: Troubleshooting
Thanks Scott Traverse There are a number of preventative measures you can take to avoid needing the troubleshooting guide. The picture at right shows one such mod but most are much simpler. Minimize vibration by using high temperature silicon around and through...
by Jeff Goin | Apr 22, 2019 | Mx: Troubleshooting
One of the most likely places for problems to appear is the tuned pipe and muffler. They usually revolve around vibration and cracking from heat. Exhausts usually have two parts, the tuned pipe and silencer. A few, like the box muffler of the long-retired Solo 210...
by Jeff Goin | Apr 22, 2019 | Mx: Troubleshooting
Start with the simple and cheap. Here are some that qualify. Repair cracks. Under air loads they can cause an aerodynamic imbalance besides sapping power. Static balance. Make sure the bolts are tightened evenly. If the prop is askew widthwise on its mount (making one...
by Jeff Goin | Apr 22, 2019 | Mx: Motor
Straight talk about this nearly religious subject | Fuel Feed Problems | Is Avgas Cooler Avgas or Mogas? Castrol or Pennzoil? 2% or 3%? What’s best for my engine? Ask this question in a room full of paramotor pilots then take cover. Instructors and dealers will...
by Jeff Goin | Apr 22, 2019 | Mx: Troubleshooting
If your motor doesn’t start on the first few attempts, something is wrong. Continued pulling without corrective action will just wear the starting system and decrease your respect for the prop—making a life-changing prop injury more likely. Troubleshooting is...
by Jeff Goin | Apr 22, 2019 | Mx: Troubleshooting
Problem Possible solution or link. Calculating Redrive Ratio If you have a paramotor for which you don’t know the ratio you can calculate it using one of several methods, measure the radius (or diameter) or count the teeth. Here are the details of each method....
by Jeff Goin | Apr 22, 2019 | Mx: Paraglider
Paragliders are like film. Remember that? They like it cool, dry and dark. Care is sweetly simple–keep them reasonably clean, don’t stuff or fold tightly, and get them inspected periodically. The paraglider is more important than the motor in that...
by Jeff Goin | Apr 22, 2019 | 23: Motor & Propeller, Mx: Motor
Testing the difference in running temperature between car gas and av gas There’s a lot of dispute as to which is better to run in your paramotor, avgas or mogas (as in motorcar), especially with the higher ethanol content of mogas. But one claim is significant:...
by Jeff Goin | Apr 22, 2019 | 21: Free Flight Transition
Launch and landing sites are frequently in tight spaces with little room to maneuver. Plus, you may be sharing the site, especially launch, with numerous other pilots. It’s not the place to have marginal wing handling skills. The USHPA has a ratings program...
by Jeff Goin | Apr 22, 2019 | 21: Free Flight Transition
A day with a good motor instructor will be money well spent. The PPG bible devotes an entire chapter but here are some of the things you want to learn. 1. Learn about the extreme risk of getting injured by the prop. There’s more to it than meets the eye. 2. You...
by Jeff Goin | Apr 22, 2019 | 09: Airspace
Can you paramotor at an airport whose control tower is closed for the day or night? I’ve always understood that when a control tower closed, the airspace reverted from D to E. That would keep the entire surface area off limits to us without permission from the...
by Jeff Goin | Apr 22, 2019 | 09: Airspace
To a paramotor, everything is heavy. But this article concentrates on where you can expect airplane traffic including airliners, to fly relative to airports. We know to stay out of the airspace around large airports but must also be vigilant when simply nearby. The...
by Jeff Goin | Apr 22, 2019 | 09: Airspace, 10: Flying Anywhere
Powered paragliding can be done almost anywhere so careful choices must be made. You want to fly inside the dashed magenta lines? It’s easy in Class D (control tower) because there’s someone to ask. But what about airports like Truth Or Consequences (TCS)...
by Jeff Goin | Apr 22, 2019 | 09: Airspace, 10: Flying Anywhere
If you fly high, look out. A surprising amount of air traffic zips through airspace that we are allowed to use. Making matters worse is that we probably only see a fraction of the airplanes that pass within a mile of us. You can almost count on it that they...
by Jeff Goin | Apr 22, 2019 | 04: First Flight Prep, 12: Maintenance
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...
by Jeff Goin | Apr 21, 2019 | 34: Cool Places to Fly, Entertainment
People love to have fun everywhere and PPG certainly qualifies My impression of Iran, coming from the general news media, wasn’t one of people playing and having fun. In my head I knew better—that people are basically the same everywhere, and that most...
by Jeff Goin | Apr 21, 2019 | 01 Training, 19: Risk & Safety
See also “Free Training In 50 States: Kurt Fister” It’s well established that skimping on training is a bad trade, especially the “Free Training” offers. Some may succeed but many more fail afterwards due to frustration, equipment damage...
by Jeff Goin | Apr 21, 2019 | 24: Weather in Depth
Really this is more for soaring pilots who look for the least little indication that a thermal may be about to “pop.” And if they’re low enough to be looking for these cues, they’re only a few dozen seconds from committing to landing. Chapter...
by Jeff Goin | Apr 21, 2019 | 01 Training, 26: The Wing
I get frequent questions about what glider is best for beginners. Training accidents show this to be a critical choice. Several trainees have died in accidents that would not have happened had they been flying benign, appropriately sized school wings. A good...
by Jeff Goin | Apr 21, 2019 | 13: Flying Cross Country
These are large versions of printable vector blanks for those who may enjoy a manual challenge. The one at right is a sample showing how the circle graph is used for calculating winds. This is decidedly old school in our environment where GPS’s inhabit...
by Jeff Goin | Apr 21, 2019 | 08: the Law
Most of us who fly these things are free spirits, we want to be able to go where we want, when we want. But what if you spook your neighbor’s million-dollar stallion into an injurious Rampage? Laws are civilization’s way of defining the boundaries between...
by Jeff Goin | Apr 21, 2019 | 25: Roots & Demographics
There is a complete chapter on PPG history but it ends when powered paragliding first started in the U.S. This fills in more detailed information and extends it. Those who have made a contribution to the sport in some significant way are included. If you know of any...
by Jeff Goin | Apr 21, 2019 | 16: Precision Flying, 18: Advanced Maneuvers, 19: Risk & Safety, 26: The Wing
It seems that wings are getting smaller so I thought it might time to explore their behaviors, risks and benefits. I, too, have come to love flying smaller sizes but there are, as always, tradeoffs. What we’re really talking about is flying heavily loaded. After...
by Jeff Goin | Apr 21, 2019 | 12: Maintenance, 27: The Motor Unit
Besides regular mechanical maintenance, treat your motor to low humidity storage, good fuel run through a filter and shade. The metal parts may not care about sun exposure but the harness sure does. Ours have ridden behind the Enterprise for years and show why...
by Jeff Goin | Apr 21, 2019 | 31: Traveling with Gear
This clever contraption by Johnson Qu may be the best platform I’ve seen for ease of carrying. It’s better than a the standard version because the frame tucks under a rail, negating the need for straps. You’d probably have a backup strap that also...
by Jeff Goin | Apr 21, 2019 | 31: Traveling with Gear
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...
by Jeff Goin | Apr 21, 2019 | 31: Traveling with Gear
Customs requirements for powered paragliding gear Getting gear across borders can be a hassle, even more so for those who are in the business. All a private individual has to do is show that it’s his and that he’s not selling the gear. That can be done...
by Jeff Goin | Apr 21, 2019 | 31: Traveling with Gear
Dave Moore wants to save his fuel for flying. Fortunately he doesn’t have very far to go so pedaling is acceptable propulsion. Although this one people-power motor doesn’t go very fast, it has good fuel economy–about 18 miles per pizza slice. He...
by Jeff Goin | Apr 21, 2019 | 15: Advanced Ground Handling
During Britton Shaw’s Endless Foot Drag near Fort Smith, AR, the wind blew a steady howl. It was nasty by beach standards but decent for the midwest. Importantly, it was steady enough to play, so play I did. Thanks to John DeFranco who recorded much of it...
by Jeff Goin | Apr 21, 2019 | 28: Accessories, 37 Maximizing Fun
Adding a soundtrack to flight makes the high that much higher. Few will dispute how music can evoke powerful emotions, amplify feelings and lift us to new heights. Movie makers spend millions perfecting the soundtrack—sucking the viewer farther into the experience....
by Jeff Goin | Apr 21, 2019 | 04: First Flight Prep, 12: Maintenance
Spreadsheet guru Glen Boyd started writing a quick & dirty sheet for calculating gas mixes for his own use. With a basic understanding of US & UK (Imperial) gallons, liters, and a Metric Converter calculator, he wanted to work out the conversion factors from,...
by Jeff Goin | Apr 21, 2019 | 04: First Flight Prep, 19: Risk & Safety
Chapter 19 covers emergencies that involve analysis, Chapter 4 covers emergencies that requiring more immediate, essentially automatic, action. Feeling unwanted wing turn just as you lift off, for example, is a Chapter 4 type immediate action emergency. Students...