35: Preserving the Sport

It is a sad reality that some pilots are willing to risk the entire sport for their own amusement, attention or gain. Such behavior won’t likely shoot us down at once, rather it will pick off our freedoms gradually or sully our reputation one more notch. Eventually, any given violation raises the possibility of starting an avalanche of regulation.
This is a web-only Chapter and will be updated as new material becomes appropriate.
by Jeff Goin | Apr 20, 2019 | 35: Preserving the Sport
It’s the hidden cost of going rogue. Besides ruining it for future generations of pilots, a rogue or thoughtless pilot can feel the wrath of society, too. As the case below reveals, authorities do sometimes intervene. Some interventions aren’t always even...
by Jeff Goin | Apr 20, 2019 | 35: Preserving the Sport
There are a number of ways to put powered paragliding in a good light. These can do a lot to counter the bad press that is, unfortunately, what the media tends to focus on. Here are some suggestions of things you can do although some may not be likely depending on...
by Jeff Goin | Apr 20, 2019 | 35: Preserving the Sport
Most pilots who put us in a bad light don’t want to. They may not even be aware of how they are being perceived. Simply talking with them will reveal if that’s the case. Don’t be intimidating or threatening, just let them know that what they’re...
by Jeff Goin | Apr 20, 2019 | 35: Preserving the Sport, Paramotor Pariahs
It turns out that paramotors and skittish prey don’t mix. Given that hunters gravitate to the same times of day as we do and frequently at the same times, it might be good to learn where they’re likely to be. Bullets fly. We fly. We’d rather not meet...