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 | 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 | 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 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 | 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 | 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 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 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 | 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 17, 2019 | 28: Accessories, Communications
This test gets updated on a periodic basis. Search “Technician class ham license test questions” for a source with the latest question and answer pool. This is a sample of what you’ll find but will almost certainly be outdated. It was current as of...
by Jeff Goin | Apr 17, 2019 | 28: Accessories, Communications
Getting the Technician Class Amateur Radio License for Paramotor Pilots Why a Ham License? The best powered paragliding communications I’ve ever had came through 2-meter radios and the lowly, ancient, M101 microphone system. But 2-meter radios require an Amateur...
by Jeff Goin | Apr 12, 2019 | 19: Risk & Safety, Reserve Parachute
See also Reserve Parachute: Safety Considerations & Repack Video Emotions run high regarding the decision to carry a reserve, or rescue parachute. It’s a safety device, like many others, that has benefit with some tradeoffs. If you do choose to carry...
by Jeff Goin | Apr 12, 2019 | 19: Risk & Safety, Reserve Parachute
The Good and the Bad | See also Chapter 28 On Reserve Pros and Cons If you have a reserve parachute, there are some things to know in order for it to do any good. Our two primary concerns here are that the reserve deploy properly when needed and that it not deploy...
by Jeff Goin | Jan 18, 2012 | Instruments, News
A dedicated phone application for paramotor pilots. Stephane Nicole has created what looks like a cool app for Android Users who fly PPG. I haven’t gotten to try it yet but will offer a review after I do. There is a basic version that’s free and a paid...
by Jeff Goin | May 16, 2009 | Communications, Reviews: Other
There are over a dozen aviation radios on the market and the beauty is, if your headset or helmet uses the standard aviation plugs, it will probably work all aviation radios as described below. If it uses a proprietary plug then it will only work with that one radio....
by Jeff Goin | Dec 17, 2008 | Communications
DIY Flight Helmet by “PPG Mike” Dec 17, 2008 | Paramotor Communications I am a new pilot in training and wanted to have a decent Flight Helmet with two way comm so I could talk with my instructor while flying. I also wanted it for future cross country...
by Jeff Goin | May 15, 2008 | Communications, Mx: Troubleshooting
How to get radios to work with PPG gear, Thanks to Robin Rumbolt, Nick Scholtes and others It’s rarely plug and play, especially when mixing and matching radios and helmets. Robin Rumbolt is an electronics engineer who has done extensive helmet mods and created...
by Jeff Goin | Jun 27, 2007 | 06: Adding Wheels, 28: Accessories
In 2007 I tripled my experience with trikes. The picture at right shows my first foray into high powered PPG trikes, flying Jim Doyle’s Hirth powered behemoth down the runway while keeping the nosewheel aloft. It was flown under a Sting 250 paraglider. What...
