by Jeff Goin | Jul 22, 2024 | 09: Airspace, Accident Reports, Recent
To my knowledge, this is a first. [Originally published Dec 21, 2021 at 0608] Dec 21 at around 9am a single-engine Cessna 208 (Caravan) flying as a UPS contract carrier, collided with a powered paraglider, killing both pilots. According to this source the aircraft was...
by Jeff Goin | Nov 2, 2022 | 08: the Law, 09: Airspace, Recent, Safety
See also: ADS-B Test | ADS-B Out Overview | ADS-B Portable Transponder We tested the UAvionix prototype and it worked. Unfortunately, the market size and regulatory environment is too uncertain, so they won’t be marketing to us. You must have an N-Number. We...
by Jeff Goin | Nov 2, 2022 | 08: the Law, 09: Airspace
Visual Graphic to Understand Class E Surface Area We normally launch in Class G airspace and climb into Ek which starts at 1200 (or 700′) AGL and goes up to 18,000′. We canNOT fly in or over the “lateral boundaries of the surface area of Class E...
by Jeff Goin | Nov 2, 2022 | 08: the Law, 09: Airspace, Recent
A question was brought to my attention: Can we fly OVER Class E Surface area designated for an airport? These show some examples of where we can and cannot fly regarding Class E surface areas which are depicted with dashed magenta lines. There’s more here....
by Jeff Goin | Feb 25, 2022 | 08: the Law, 09: Airspace, 19: Risk & Safety, 28: Accessories, Safety
Good news. The test was a resounding success! See also: ADS-B Equipment Sales | ADS-B Out Overview | ADS-B Portable We did two flights. On the first, I went up in the paramotor while Tim watched on an aircraft’s traffic display in the hangar. During the entire flight...
by Jeff Goin | Feb 21, 2022 | 09: Airspace, 19: Risk & Safety, 28: Accessories, Recent, Safety
Colliding with an aircraft while paramotoring is obviously disastrous. Avoiding airplane flight paths, and keeping up a good scan are currently our best defenses, but that’s hopefully about to change. Most aircraft have cockpit devices — ADS-B¹ — that warn about...
by Jeff Goin | Jul 22, 2021 | 08: the Law, 09: Airspace
So what is “congested?” Ultralight pilots cannot fly over congested areas at ANY altitude. Both “over” and “congested” warrant interpretation but here we’ll focus more on congested. The short answer on congested is: it...
by Jeff Goin | Jun 6, 2021 | 19: Risk & Safety, 26: The Wing, Recent
We’ve covered small wings, because that’s been a trend for some years, but what about larger wings? Is it dangerous to fly big wings? This is really about wing loading: all-up weight per square meter of flat wing are. The chart in that article shows the...
by Jeff Goin | Jun 5, 2021 | 01 Training, 02 Gearing Up
See also Choosing a First Wing I hate to say this, but paramotor training is surprisingly dangerous. Thankfully, there are ways to hugely reduce the risk. Use instructors who use embrace best practices. A big one is insistence on benign-handling beginner wings flown...
by Jeff Goin | Mar 11, 2021 | 09: Airspace, 34: Cool Places to Fly, Recent
Can you fly the grand canyon? Yes, but with huge caveats. Mostly you can fly over the canyon, WAY over, but there are some airports where you’re allowed to takeoff and land from, climbing to the minimum altitudes within 3 miles of their runway’s center....
by Jeff Goin | Mar 3, 2021 | 26: The Wing, Educational
See also Paraglider Certification | Why for Paramotoring? | Paramotor Certification DGAC (Direction Generale de l’Aviation Civile) is the French FAA. They don’t actually certify ultralights, but rather require manufacturers attest that their wing behaves...
by Jeff Goin | Dec 26, 2020 | 19: Risk & Safety
This question was posed on a forum that I was included on. The short answer is “yes,” but there’s a lot more to it. A few years ago I was offered this immensely powerful machine to try out. It was normally used for tandems, weighed nearly 100 pounds,...
by Jeff Goin | Nov 24, 2020 | Electric Paramotor
Electrics are coming. They’re quieter, cheaper to operate, have far, far fewer moving parts, don’t struggle to start, and can be fueled from your house or car. Eventually the battery buggaboo that limits range will make them fit the desires of more and...
by Jeff Goin | Nov 2, 2020 | Accident Reports, Log: Hang Glider, Recent
There I was, enjoying a little cruise about the countryside, visiting many of my local haunts, including a flyby of runway 4 at Kermit Week’s Fantasy of Flight. Just before reaching the intersection of Fantasy’s two runways, I throttled up to climb. ...
by Jeff Goin | Nov 2, 2020 | 08: the Law
FAR 103 | AC 103 | Preamble to 103 | FAR 91 for Ultralights Adopted: July 30,1982 Effective: October 4,1982 (Published in 47 FR 38770, September 2,1982) SUMMARY: This amendment establishes rules governing the operation of ultralight vehicles in the United States. The...
by Jeff Goin | Oct 31, 2020 | 09: Airspace, 10: Flying Anywhere, Recent
How we Know This is True Understanding Class E surface area can be a pain. And is somewhat controversial. The link above handles the controversy part. Above is a control tower airport (DBQ) and its D in dashed blue lines. X’s show what’s off-limits without...
by Jeff Goin | Oct 28, 2020 | Electric Paramotor, Recent
I recently got a question about the state of ePPG. Why don’t we see more electric paramotors? As a big fan of the breed, I’m rooting for its success, but am also a realist. Go to a gathering and you’ll find very few, if any, electric paramotors. Why?...
by Jeff Goin | Oct 23, 2020 | 08: the Law, Recent
Related: Who Owns the Air | Pilot Gets Criminal Violation for Flying OVER Park | Arrested Pilot: Law Enforcement Run Amok A Maricopa county judge completely missed the mark and convicted paramotor pilot Taylor Siljander of violating a county park rule. Taylor, a PHX...
by Jeff Goin | Oct 22, 2020 | 08: the Law, 10: Flying Anywhere, Recent
I get emails. This one concerned flying under power lines or bridges, so I’ll offer up my pair of pennies. There are two common questions: Is it legal? And is it safe? As usual, it depends. One thing: if it looks dangerous to you, it is! Does that opening, in...
by Jeff Goin | Oct 21, 2020 | 08: the Law, 09: Airspace, Recent
See related article Who Owns the Air | Law Enforcement Run Amok | When Judges Get it Wrong In October, 2020, A Phoenix area pilot, Joshua Stanaland, was cited for flying his paramotor OVER a park in Arizona. I was tagged on a social media post, and after looking at...
by Jeff Goin | Oct 15, 2020 | 09: Airspace, Recent
Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR’s) are off-limits airspace. They carry degrees of repercussion, all the way up to getting shot if you blunder in, especially towards what the TFR is protecting. Don’t fly in TFR’s. But where are they? Finding...
by Jeff Goin | Oct 14, 2020 | 16: Precision Flying, Recent
I recently flew my Ozone Viper 4 18m and hooked up the speedbar, something I don’t do very often. Turns out there was a 15-18 mph wind only 500 feet up and I was able to go stationary by pointing straight into it. With GPS speed displayed on my phone, I eased...
by Jeff Goin | Oct 14, 2020 | 19: Risk & Safety, Covid-19 Coronavirus, Parapinions, Recent
There’s a raging pandemic going on. I get it. Covid-19 is deadly and must be taken very seriously. Once you’re confirmed to have it, you have between a 1-in-50 and 1-in-1000 chance of dying depending on a bunch of things. Those are not great odds. But...
by Mee Too | Oct 11, 2020 | 04: First Flight Prep, Accident Reports, Propeller Safety, Recent
This was a first to me. Thanks to Sam for sharing his experience so we all can learn. After mounting a motor on a frame, he started it on the ground, is the most common practice. At idle and half power it was fine but when he went to full power the prop flexed into...
by Mee Too | Oct 10, 2020 | 01 Training, Recent
I was 39 years old when paramotor consumed me. Nearly took over my life is more accurate. Little did I know how deep the dive would be, and boy has it been a fun run. At first it was mostly older people then some youngsters (to me) started joining in, probably the...
by Jeff Goin | Oct 9, 2020 | 01 Training, Educational, Recent
I recently got a question about whether bruising on the arm was to be expected since it concerned him about training safety. After all, we learn in airplanes all the time and it never involves getting bruised. I had no idea. It happened to me and I always assumed it...
by Jeff Goin | Jul 24, 2020 | 13: Flying Cross Country, 22: Aerodynamics, 23: Motor & Propeller, 26: The Wing, 27: The Motor Unit
Here is how to maximize range for the current wind conditions. For crosswinds, see below. First, a few comments about the problem. It’s covered briefly in the PPG Bible but here is more detail. As the book says, use best glide speed in calm wind, fly faster in a...
by Jeff Goin | Jul 5, 2020 | Educational, For Sale, News
PPG Bible 6 is off to the presses! We’re working on creating an audiobook. This is a sample of Chapter 1. This is our most significant update yet–a clear, CONCISE, and professionally-illustrated guide for anyone wanting to learn, then excel as a paramotor...
by Jeff Goin | Jun 11, 2020 | 31: Traveling with Gear
The ability to shipping or travel with a paramotor is one if it’s greatest assets. But there are dark corners. Traveling by Airline Airline travel with paramotors is fraught with risk. Traveling by Car This is where the craft shines most brightly. There are lots...
by Jeff Goin | May 29, 2020 | 08: the Law, 09: Airspace, 28: Accessories, Instruments
See also: ADS-B Test | ADS-B Out Overview | ADS-B Equipment Status Collision avoidance would sure be nice to have, especially for those of us who fly in airplane-infested skies like near airports. It’s our obligation as FAR 103 pilots to avoid other traffic but...
by Jeff Goin | May 25, 2020 | 08: the Law, 32: Photography
Drones rock for capturing stills and video of paramotors, but laws have been enacted to limit their use and require certification. Interestingly, it takes more FAA involvement to fly a drone (unmanned aerial system or USA) than an ultralight. In the U.S., if your...
by Jeff Goin | May 24, 2020 | 32: Photography
Dana Denny may have the best Chase Cam pictures ever. They come from putting well-designed gear to its best use. One of his shots adorns PPG Bible 6 Chapter 32 on Photography. He was kind enough to provide information on what was involved in the process which is shown...
by Jeff Goin | May 21, 2020 | 07: Weather Basics, 08: the Law
Flying ultralights is quite permissive in the U.S. There is no list of approved medications for ultralights (us paramotorists) and no medical certification is required, even for tandem training. FAR 103 doesn’t mention fitness for flight at all, expecting that...
by Jeff Goin | May 14, 2020 | 08: the Law
You’re a professional pilot considering flying paramotors, or other ultralights. What’s the risk to your license? FAR 103 regulates ultralight flying and requires no pilot license or aircraft certification, but it’s still an FAA regulation. Violating...
by Jeff Goin | May 10, 2020 | 12: Maintenance
Fuel line degradation causes lots of problems. Depending on what fuel and fuel line you use it can fail in unsavory ways after only a year. Some types commonly found on paramotors degrade internally releasing gunk into the fuel filter and carb. Namely the piece past...
by Jeff Goin | May 10, 2020 | 27: The Motor Unit, Mx: Motor
The 60+ year old marvel of technology that powers our flight is a nearly perfect match. Finicky, yes, but given the power, we get out of it’s few pounds, we can’t be terribly surprised. Tuned Pipe When the piston moving upward, it’s expelling...
by Jeff Goin | May 9, 2020 | 01 Training
Learning to paramotor appears to be the riskiest time of flying paramotor. Thankfully, there are some distinctive ways to improve your odds, starting with an experienced, certified instructor who commits to the practices below. One thing I’ve noticed is that...
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...
by Jeff Goin | Apr 30, 2020 | Accident Reports
This poor fellow was alive when they got a rope to him, but the paramotor likely progressively soaked up water, the tubes filled, and he couldn’t get out of the harness and/or lines that were wrapping around him. He had the rope. He was HOLDING the rope but got...
by Jeff Goin | Apr 30, 2020 | 07: Weather Basics, 13: Flying Cross Country, 28: Accessories, Instruments
Here are some paramotor/ultralight apps and websites for weather, flight briefing, NOTAMS, flight planning, and inflight use. Weather In the U.S. you can use your phone (requires dialing, remember?) to call Flight Service (800-WxBrief, 800-992-7433). Instructions to...
by Jeff Goin | Apr 30, 2020 | 07: Weather Basics, 09: Airspace
Flight Service Stations (FSS) are funded for pilots by the FAA, might as well use ’em. Here is a quick guide. You do need to use the phone part of your device to call–you know, using the dialer and voice. The number is 1-800-WX-BRIEF (U.S. only) or...
by Jeff Goin | Apr 29, 2020 | 01 Training
Towing is valuable for training, especially in areas without hills, but carries extreme risk if not done properly. Here are some tips on what to look for in a towing operation. Solo tow operators are common, but even they acknowledge that the safest arrangement is for...
by Jeff Goin | Apr 22, 2020 | Mx: Motor
This can be quite the rabbit hole. For starters, two-stroke oil is like religion: people believe their particular oil is the best because, well, either they’ve been told or they’ve been using that oil and their engine hasn’t seized. Thankfully, there...
by Jeff Goin | Apr 18, 2020 | 12: Maintenance, Mx: Motor, Mx: Troubleshooting
Walbro WG8 Carb used on nearly all 80cc paramotor engines out there and others I’ve had this problem many times, even on brand new carbs. You blow in the tank vent tube while pressing the needle release (for priming), and fuel doesn’t flow. What the suck?...
by Jeff Goin | Mar 2, 2020 | 08: the Law
In early May 2012, a wing suited “BASE” jumper died after leaping from a tandem paramotor. His parachute never opened (we think our sport is unforgiving). It’s a calamity for the jumper, his family, and the paramotor pilot who was, no doubt, a...
by Jeff Goin | Dec 3, 2019 | 01 Training
This was introduced in PPG Bible edition 6, but here is the latest advice on before-training exercise. Thanks to Andrew Polidano, Australia, Chief Flight Instructor These flexibility and strength exercises will help prepare for foot launch training. Shoulders get sore...
by Jeff Goin | Dec 3, 2019 | 19: Risk & Safety
Drowning has been among the most lethal events in paramotor flying up until 2017 when flotation became common. But there’s more to it. This video includes testing where a bunch of pilots actually go into the water with sometimes surprising outcomes. Statistics...
by Jeff Goin | Nov 28, 2019 | Accident Reports
Most accidents happen for predictable and preventable causes: Poor training, steep maneuvering, especially near the ground, water and turbulence are big risks in that order. If water landing is a possibility, have an auto-inflating device in your paramotor. If...
by Jeff Goin | Nov 23, 2019 | 02 Gearing Up, 23: Motor & Propeller, 27: The Motor Unit
See Paraglider Certification There is no paramotor certification. That’s too bad because there is a lot of room for improvement, especially regarding prop-strike protection and torque mitigation. I can imagine a fairly simple set of tests that result in a safety...
by Jeff Goin | Sep 7, 2019 | 01 Training, 36: Instructors & Tandem
There is a lot to it, and Instructors are the sports most important asset, but they’re still humans. The loudest mouths are more likely to be the worst choices. What Makes a Good Instructor? The single most important attribute of a good instructor is the ability...
by Jeff Goin | Jul 3, 2019 | 26: The Wing, Mx: Paraglider
Lightweight gliders area a dream to launch. What started out as gear for “hike and fly” free flyers has migrated into every niche of paragliding including paramotor. Over the past few years, they’ve entered nearly every maker’s lineup,...
by Jeff Goin | Jul 3, 2019 | Accident Reports
Someone sent me a link to this crash, apparently in Thailand but I’m not sure. It graphically exposes something that I’ve covered a lot: the extraordinary risk of doing steep maneuvering low to the ground. I’ve lost two friends from this. Much like...
by Jeff Goin | Jul 2, 2019 | 04: First Flight Prep, Accident Reports
Big kudos to this pilot for sharing his video. If only we could all be so selfless. Also, check out his composure while lying there on the ground with broken things—that’s one tough dude. I got a question from a student learning to paramotor who is having second...
by Jeff Goin | Jun 30, 2019 | 26: The Wing, Mx: Paraglider
I talked with a representative from line maker cousin-trestec, asking for tips on paraglider line care. Here was his response. Avoid getting the lines wet. If they do, allow air drying as quickly as possible out of sunlight to the degree possible. Avoid high heat. As...
by Jeff Goin | Jun 24, 2019 | Accident Reports, Propeller Safety
I read this on social media and cringed. The pilot was doing everything right—his machine was on a rack for starting that wasn’t enough. What happened next was unexpected and terrifying. Either he throttled up or it went to power and it lunged toward him....
by Jeff Goin | Jun 23, 2019 | Accident Reports
A pilot participating in the UK Icarus X Series paramotor race has died. It’s a tragedy on many levels but mostly for the family, of course. These are nearly always vibrant people in prime condition who love life. As one who competed for years in more...
by Jeff Goin | Jun 18, 2019 | 01 Training, 27: The Motor Unit
I get questions about paramotors that sometimes include the comment: “I’d like to have extra power in case of emergencies.” It’s a common and sensible desire, but is it a good idea? And if so, how important is it? Before throwing in my 2 cents,...
by Jeff Goin | Jun 15, 2019 | Accident Reports
This was asking for it. A paramotor tandem was launching in a crowded area with people all around, including at the end of his “runway.” He barely gets airborne then, just a few feet above the ground, and barely climbing, he turns. The turn may have felt...
by Jeff Goin | Jun 11, 2019 | 07: Weather Basics, 24: Weather in Depth, Log: Airline
This afternoon, flying into Nashville, TN, I noticed these clouds. A quick look at the local weather showed strong, gusty winds out of the northwest–perpendincular to this band of clouds. Ahaa, this is a relatively mellow, dry cold front; there’s no...
by Jeff Goin | Jun 6, 2019 | 01 Training, 02 Gearing Up
The perfect beginner paramotor looks a lot like the perfect paramotor (tips on the perfect beginner WING). But given how risky training is, some traits are way more important than others–as in the difference between success and serious injury. These traits are:...
by Jeff Goin | Jun 5, 2019 | Accident Reports
A recent fatality in South Florida appears to have been structural failure. According to the accident report on USPPA.org all indications point to a riser failure. One riser broke and the pilot plummeted to his death. A reserve was tossed but not in time to open. So...
by Jeff Goin | May 22, 2019 | 06: Adding Wheels
After getting my tandem wheel launch rating in Feb, 2019, I’m looking for a rig. My primary goal is introducing prospective pilots to paramotoring, or to show interested pilots the finer points of control–both how much is there and then how to use it....
by Jeff Goin | May 22, 2019 | 31: Traveling with Gear
This was at our hotel during the Bad Apples fly-in. It’s clever, well-implemented and seemed worthy of sharing. Of course it requires welding and steel cutting but capable humans without those abilities may be able to come up with clever substitutes. One caution...
by Jeff Goin | May 15, 2019 | Communications
Besides being a former PPG instructor, Robin Rumbolt is an electronics guru who used to do helmet repairs and has worked with several different radios. He has offered a few tips while acknowledging there are other good systems out there that he simply hasn’t had...
by Jeff Goin | May 15, 2019 | Mx: Motor, Mx: Troubleshooting
Notes and references to this specific engine. There is a wealth of information on Black Devil motors at AeroCorsair.com. Links are listed here for convenience. See also the Chapter 12 article on Getting Parts. Carburetor | Redrive Bearing Replacement | Overall List...
by Jeff Goin | May 15, 2019 | Mx: Motor
While in Panama, far away from spare heads and helicoils, my spark plug came partially unscrewed. I found out when I went to remove it and encountered enormous resistance. Thankfully it didn’t blow all the way out but id did damage the threads. I could neither...
by Jeff Goin | May 15, 2019 | Mx: Motor
Thanks to Dan Clarke, Contraphioneer I’ve had the kill switch fail to stop the motor on more than one occasion after the motor had been running hard. Judging from the response I got from asking about it on the internet groups, many people have this problem with...
by Jeff Goin | May 15, 2019 | Mx: Troubleshooting
Resources for some common Simonini paramotor engines 2011 Mar 31 Thanks to Dan Clarke for information on correcting some Simonini issues and general information. 2007 Oct 2 Thanks to Adam Bell for the genesis and initial information on this page. This information is...
by Jeff Goin | May 15, 2019 | 09: Airspace, 10: Flying Anywhere, Events
If you’re flying an ultralight into OSH it is mandatory to consult the current year’s NOTAM. This is merely an aid that overlays the 2017 procedures onto Google maps. Consider calling the NOTAM-listed phone number for ultralights before committing to find...
by Jeff Goin | May 15, 2019 | 08: the Law
FAR 103 | AC 103 | Preamble to 103 | FAR 91 for Ultralights U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Circular Administration Subject: THE ULTRALIGHT VEHICLE Date: 1/30/84 AC No: AC 103-7 Initiated by: AF0-820 |Titles have been altered slightly for clarity...
by Jeff Goin | May 15, 2019 | 08: the Law
Be Careful Who You Buzz or Chase. Thanks to Ken Morrison Who hasn’t followed an animal for at least a brief time. For one thing, it’s almost surreal to fly with other birds but we have to admit that it’s not likely they reciprocate those feelings....
by Jeff Goin | May 14, 2019 | 08: the Law, 09: Airspace, Recent
Related: Criminal Violation for Flying Over Park? | Law Enforcement Run Amok: Glider Pilot Detained for “Loitering” | When Courts & Judges Get it Wrong Air may be everywhere, but like most aspects of life, it gets regulated. Sometimes municipalities or...
by Jeff Goin | May 14, 2019 | 08: the Law, 10: Flying Anywhere
Unfortunately, no, it’s Probably Not Legal To Fly From There Even if you have permission from the landowner, it may well not be legal for you to fly. Nobody will likely care, but if they do, there is probably a law. Many counties prohibit flying from anything...
by Jeff Goin | May 14, 2019 | 08: the Law, 09: Airspace
Hang Gliding or Paragliding Near Airliners at Burbank Airport Questions were raised by a long time hang glider pilot about increased sightings of jets crossing their popular soaring site, Sylmar. It’s about 12 miles northwest of Burbank Airport in CA and has...
by Jeff Goin | May 14, 2019 | 09: Airspace, 10: Flying Anywhere
At airports with Class E Surface area like the one depicted above, you need permission to fly there and inside the dashed magenta lines. These phone numbers may help although the best way is to call Flight Service (1800wxBrief) who will have the correct number or...
by Jeff Goin | May 14, 2019 | 23: Motor & Propeller, 27: The Motor Unit, Mx: Harness Setup
To fully understand the many harness permutations and terminology, check out Harness Systems. Of many harness and motor adjustments, setting the proper motor hang angle affects far more than comfort. As covered in Chapter 12, correct setup can make or break launches...
by Jeff Goin | May 14, 2019 | 27: The Motor Unit, Mx: Motor
When troubleshooting motor problems it’s handy to understand how the various systems work. Fortunately ignition is quite reliable and rarely causes problems beyond the spark plug. This may help when it does. Basic Coil Description A correctly timed spark is the...
by Jeff Goin | May 14, 2019 | Mx: Motor
How to tell your motor’s condition through it’s most tortured moving part The piston can reveal much about your motor’s condition. Besides showing how well the motor is “tuned,” it can show whether a catastrophic failure is imminent....
by Jeff Goin | May 14, 2019 | 19: Risk & Safety
Getting caught in the rain while paramotoring has a rightfully bad rap. It increases your chance of entering parachutal stall and may worsen the paraglider’s ability to recover from a collapse. Ehats worse is that, when combined with airflow degradation on the...
by Jeff Goin | May 13, 2019 | 27: The Motor Unit, Electric Paramotor, News
The latest happenings in the world of Electrics OpenPPG.com is the latest in electric paramotors. And it’s a completely different animal with a completely different method of distribution. I flew Rob Catto’s and talked with one of the two brothers who...
by Jeff Goin | May 13, 2019 | 34: Cool Places to Fly
Location: East of Syracuse, NY. Check out full details here on AirNav. N42°59’35” W075°54’42” | Elevation 1301′ MSL Basic Description: Large grassy field with mowed runway. Weather: Warm in the summer, snowy and cold in the winter....
by Jeff Goin | May 13, 2019 | Mx: Motor, Resources
These shops or individuals work on paramotors for pay. Some extremely helpful folks, like Lance Marczak, do it for the sheer pleasure of helping people, but they can only do so in their spare time when it’s convenient. If you know of a shop that works on...
by Jeff Goin | May 12, 2019 | 01 Training, 19: Risk & Safety, 36: Instructors & Tandem
General towing is covered in Chapter 1 but this explains what peculiar risks come with using a turn-around pulley system. Like all risks, they can be managed, but the first step is understanding. Also, this is about towing for training, not for soaring. See the...
by Jeff Goin | May 12, 2019 | 26: The Wing, Reviews
All about the care and feeding of your lift-giving wing. Longtime paramotor instructor Michelle Daniele retired from teaching in 2007. She now devotes time to do paraglider inspections and simple repairs. Both during teaching and now doing glider inspections, she has...
by Jeff Goin | May 12, 2019 | Mx: Harness Setup, Mx: Motor
Hanging too low? Thanks to Jason Wright If your harness leaves you too low and your butt sinks too far back in the harness, there’s a simple cure. It only requires some seat belt material and . The sling is not structural so it’s failure would only be...
by Jeff Goin | May 12, 2019 | 06: Adding Wheels
When a non-flying mishap put Brandon Oberlin’s feet out of commission, he needed temporary wheels but didn’t want to spend a lot of money. He didn’t. He also didn’t want to take the wheels with him so he would only use the wheels for launch....
by Jeff Goin | May 12, 2019 | 08: the Law, 09: Airspace, 10: Flying Anywhere, 11: Controlled Airports
Jan 2020 was the deadline for aircraft (not ultralights) to get equipped with ADS-B. It transmits location, altitude, ID, what you had for lunch, and other bits to every other aircraft and internet eyeball on the planet. If you can deal with the privacy issue,...
by Jeff Goin | May 12, 2019 | 01 Training, Parapinions
Click here for the reality of “Free” Powered Paraglider Training & Kurt Fister (or Pfister) Think about it for a moment. How much value will an instructor put on something they’re giving away? More likely you’ll be treated like...
by Jeff Goin | May 12, 2019 | 01 Training, 08: the Law, 36: Instructors & Tandem
As of July, 2019 tandem footlaunch and wheel launch *IS* allowed in the U.S.A. That’s huge. If you are looking to get training, don’t consider any school that will not insure you get at least 3 tandem flights before you go solo. You should understand and...
by Jeff Goin | May 12, 2019 | Propeller Safety
Body contact with a spinning prop remains the most likely cause of serious paramotor injury and it can happen in unexpected ways. Here are some examples. Reducing these accidents starts with awareness, and it’s is a good sign that you care enough to learn. Limbs...
by Jeff Goin | May 11, 2019 | Mx: Motor
The Top 80 (and others) clutch is held in place by pressure against a conical shaft. No spline. It gets locked into position pretty hard and can be a pain to get off. There is an easier way than trying to pry it off with a screwdriver, not that anyone would try that...
by Jeff Goin | May 10, 2019 | 27: The Motor Unit
First the why. On larger paramotor engines, pull starters rely on flywheel action of the prop to pull through the their strong compression. That works because these units have a belt-driven prop. If you want to put a clutch on these bigger machines, that doesn’t...
by Jeff Goin | May 9, 2019 | Mx: Motor
Priming is squirting fuel directly into the carburetor’s air/fuel intake stream, usually before cranking the motor. It helps with cold starts by providing an immediately combustible mixture. Squeeze bulbs are commonly used. They have two one-way check valves so...
by Jeff Goin | May 9, 2019 | Mx: Motor, Mx: Troubleshooting
Help troubleshoot ignition problems, especially on 2-stroke paramotors A gas engine needs fuel, air, and spark delivered at the right time and in the right amounts. Spark involves really high voltages (20,000) which can create a number of problems. Kill switches on...
by Jeff Goin | May 9, 2019 | Mx: Motor
Troubleshooting Common Coil/Stator/Ignition Problems on the Simonini Paramotor Engine | Overall Ignition / Charging Thanks to Paul Czarnecki who disassembled his Fresh Breeze Ignition System to show us how to fix two of the more common problems. Like all two strokes,...
by Jeff Goin | May 9, 2019 | Mx: Motor
Rebuild/Repair Kits for the Walbro Carbs used on Paramotors Walbro carburetors are used on more paramotor models than any other brand. Most have two needles for idle and high rpm and an idle stop adjustment although for smaller motors, the WG8 is prevalent. It only...
