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One thing that makes a project like Master PPG doable is the people I
get to work with. Such a great selection of humans—capable flyers and
just plain fun to be around. A recent trip to Portland, Oregon is a good
example.
Parts of the script address subtle differences between launching and
flying high hook-in vs low hook-in machines. It's not much, but warrants
mention so I wanted to include it. I needed a modern designed
low-hook in machine flown by pilots who are experienced with it. Given
proper adjustment, the wobbling that many pilots, me included, find objectionable can
be minimized and nearly eliminated. This video will showcase that fact
and show how.
During a scheduled overnight in Portland, Martin Blazczyk and Steve
Newman agreed to brave the cold for some demo flying while I taped.
Normally Portland is relatively mild with highs around 45. Not this time. The
night before they got snow fall. Again. But these guys are troopers and
no mere snow was going to stop them.
 Lighting,
in general, was terrible, what with a thick overcast and all that white
snow, but there are advantages, too. Namely, you don't get shadows. And
I do hope to get more footage but much of what I shot will certainly
work for the planned narration and graphics.
I'm happy to have material that works. Even if I get better looking
shots later, at least this is very functional. And these guys did a
great job, especially considering the cold weather. It was cold enough
that I turned down an opportunity to fly. Chilly and me just don't see
eye-to-eye.
Martin went first and did a perfect side hill launch, required of the
direct crosswind.
Their motors, both 100 cc clutch driven affairs, struggled a bit with
the cold but worked well enough once warmed up. Their wings, on the
other hand, loved the cold. On one launch, Steve inflated perfectly, his
motor petered out, and he just stood there with the wing hanging above
in almost no wind. It was bizarre.
Both Martin and Steve did multiple fly bys both seated and hanging. I
recorded 6 inflations from different angles and got several great shots
of getting into the seat and others. It was fun and I got video to go
with probably a full minute worth of script. Plus I'll be able to use
some of the footage as a foundation for graphics that will show proper
setup.
Thanks to both for their hospitality and willingness to brave such
unwelcoming weather.
Australia is next and we've got plans for a bunch of different types
of shots there, weather permitting. Can't wait. Even if we don't get the
first foot shot, it will be fun experiencing the other side of our
world. Hopefully I don't fall into space.
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1. Taping Martin on one of many flybys where he
demonstrates getting into the seat, rapid throttle ups and weight shift.
2. Martin flying by close.
Photos by Steve Newman. The complete set can
be seen here on
Flikr.
Master PPG Overview
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