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 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 | 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 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 | 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 | 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 | 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 13, 2019 | 27: The Motor Unit, Propeller Safety
Safer machines for the real world. Updated Mar 10, 2020 to add illustration. Yes, they have to be fun, comfortable, light, powerful, look cool and be convenient. The most talented designers will accomplish all that and provide decent protection. No, they won’t...
by Jeff Goin | Apr 13, 2019 | Propeller Safety
Hardware Improvements Here is a centralized location to learn all about the causes and cures of our sport’s most likely serious injuries: body contact with spinning prop. It is broken down into several sections to ease the search. There are a number of hardware...
by Jeff Goin | Mar 29, 2013 | Propeller Safety
Passive starting safety for paramotor pilots I mounted it to my Miniplane Top 80 and it’s working. Unfortunately, the motor’s idle must stay below 2700 RPM which may be a problem for pilots who frequently have their motors go above that RPM causing false...
by Jeff Goin | Aug 29, 2009 | 27: The Motor Unit, Propeller Safety
Safer gear is an important element to reducing injuries. | A Better Paramotor | Safety Ring Retrofit | A Better Cart Another major improvement to safety can likely be realized with a simple throttle change. Most of the injuries happen while a pilot, facing his motor,...
by Jeff Goin | Aug 26, 2009 | 19: Risk & Safety, 27: The Motor Unit, Propeller Safety
Jeff Baumgartner Safety Ring Modification You can now buy a safety ring, suitable for many brands, from Skycruiser Manufacturing for $65. Thanks to Leon Wacker for working with me on this and making it available. Shipping adds approximately $15. It comes in 3 segments...
by Jeff Goin | Jul 25, 2009 | Accident Reports, Propeller Safety
It’s never when you think about it | See also “A Better Paramotor” | See also Types of Prop Strike Injuries While standing there running my motor, I reflected on the number of hand injuries and how easily they happen. And how quickly. The thought...
by Jeff Goin | Apr 5, 2008 | 27: The Motor Unit, Propeller Safety
Here are some things observations of positive developments in paramotor safety. It would be cool for every machine to provide basic protections against the inevitable: falling, unexpected thrusting, and others. Check out A Better Paramotor. Here is a celebration of...
by Jeff Goin | May 18, 2007 | Propeller Safety
Passive and Active safety to help shut off the motor if necessary | Safestart Ken Morrison Emergency Shut Off Here is an idea for reducing the possibility of a motor leaping forward and into an unsuspecting pilot. It incorporates two frame-mounted switches. One for...
by Jeff Goin | Aug 29, 2006 | 27: The Motor Unit, Propeller Safety
Besides pilot training, safer cages will go the farthest to reducing prop injuries. Jeff Baumgartener has designed a strong safety ring for the Skybolt v2 that could easily be retrofitted to a wide variety of paramotors and demonstrated its ability to withstand 170...
