07: Weather Basics
You don’t need to be a meteorologist to command a useful understanding of the weather. But a basic understanding is critical to you long term enjoyment, even survival, as a powered paraglider pilot. This Chapter covers how you can use information that’s readily available, including your basic observations, to determine whether flight will be fun or fearful.
Our craft is among the slowest and most susceptible to small changes in weather. Staying clear of fronts, large forecast wind shifts, convective activity, rotors, and thermals will spare much grief. This information is dedicated to that end.
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 | 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 | 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 | Apr 20, 2019 | 07: Weather Basics, 19: Risk & Safety
If you’re ever tempted to take on mid-day flying consider what these two pilots experienced in the video below. It grants appreciation of Mother Nature’s forces at play and how they don’t always play nice. Fly within the first couple and last couple...
by Tim Kaiser | Apr 13, 2019 | 07: Weather Basics, 09: Airspace
Calling a Flight Service Station (FSS) We have an amazing resource only a toll-free dial away—Flight Service. It’s easy to be informed so don’t slough off the call. I know, you look out, winds are light, gear is ready, you’re running late, and you...
by Jeff Goin | Apr 13, 2019 | 07: Weather Basics, 19: Risk & Safety
So majestic from afar, so nasty when approached. Some pilots get lulled into thinking they can fly near these because frequently nothing happens when they do. But on those occasions when a storm reaches out to touch, it won’t have a happy ending. Choosing...
by Jeff Goin | Apr 28, 2018 | 07: Weather Basics, 24: Weather in Depth
Thanks to John Blair, Dayton Powered Paragliding. It’s now super easy to get the local weather forecast using the web, 800-WX-BRIEF, TV, radio or even your VHF radio. Even so, at certain times of the year weather can change rapidly and you should continually...
