by Jeff Goin | May 9, 2020 | 18: Advanced Maneuvers, 19: Risk & Safety, Reserve Parachute
I’m a huge fan of evidence-based understanding of reality. Evidence comes in levels of quality and knowledge in degrees of certainty. In science, we go where the evidence leads–a trait that has led to the most reliable knowledge in every endeavor. That...
by Jeff Goin | May 9, 2020 | 03 Handling the Wing, 26: The Wing, Mx: Paraglider
Nearly all newer paragliders have nylon rods in their leading edges to improve inflation characteristics and hold shape better during low-pressure events (near collapses). Some have them in the trailing edge. Those rods don’t handle sharp bends so special...
by Jeff Goin | May 5, 2020 | 01 Training, 08: the Law
Currently, foot-launch tandems ARE allowed in the U.S. with a certification by USPPA.org and two other orgs. There is no cost from the organization beyond annual membership dues of around $40 / month. In fact, anyone who gets their instructor rating is entitled to...
by Jeff Goin | May 2, 2020 | 19: Risk & Safety, Parapinions
Paramotor pilots talk about doing barrel rolls at low altitude as being stupid. Airplane pilots talk about how strapping a spinning prop to your back with 2 gallons of gasoline below a hot exhaust is nuts. Desk jocks talk about flying single-engine, single-pilot...
by Jeff Goin | Apr 30, 2020 | Accident Reports
Launches near center of field, heading ACROSS it. Doesn’t keep turning left. Wire strike immediately shorts lines, which cut off power, saving his life. The video makes it look like he just launched into wires. Was it just a severe misjudgment? Or was there...
