by Jeff Goin | Feb 26, 2011 | Electric Paramotor, Reviews: Electric Paramotors
I got a bunch of letters about this one—a home-grown wheeled PPG by Pierre Beney. It’s built with off-the-shelf Radio Control model motors. Looking at the video doesn’t say much about it beyond the search for improvements. It doesn’t appear to have...
by Jeff Goin | Jan 12, 2011 | 15: Advanced Ground Handling, Reviews: Other
This is a compilation of the early reviews from when the video first came out. All the videos have been done to the same quality but we didn’t bother collecting comments from them. From Paramotor Magazine: Several years in the making, Jeff Goin’s latest...
by Jeff Goin | Nov 30, 2010 | Accident Reports
It’s easier than you think | Updated 2010-Nov 30 to add EAA’s article. It’s easy to dismiss the risk of midair collisions because they’re so rare. But they’re also severe and, tragically, seem to happen to conscientious pilots with the...
by Jeff Goin | Nov 17, 2010 | 23: Motor & Propeller
Download the Prop Speed Spreadsheet to quicken your calculations. What’s the right prop for your paramotor? As you can imagine, it’s not a simple answer, but here are some criteria on which to choose. First some basics about props and engines to get you...
by Jeff Goin | Jun 16, 2010 | Accident Reports
Thoughts on a Fatal Powered Paragliding Accident One of our own is gone. Even though I did not know Andrew personally, undoubtedly he would have been an instant friend–a lover of life and of flight. He died while launching his paramotor after being hit by a...
by Jeff Goin | May 13, 2010 | 32: Photography, Entertainment
Video from ground and air. Making of Master Powered Paragliding I’m working on a series of four training videos to help pilots learn the finer points of powered paragliding. They’re what I wish I would have had to speed up the learning process. The script...
by Jeff Goin | May 12, 2010 | Mx: Paraglider
What to do if your paraglider goes in the water In May 2010 i recorded an interview with Elisabeth Guerin of Paratour’s glider shop about what happens when your wing gets dunked and what to do. She’s now had lots of experience dealing with wings that have...
by Jeff Goin | Apr 14, 2010 | 20: Competition, Log: Enterprise
I’ve proposed a slight change to the scoring method employed by the FAI. Their scoring is based on running lots of tasks many times. The winner of each task is awarded a huge benefit which can double his score. But in this event, where the task is one of only 4,...
by Jeff Goin | Mar 18, 2010 | Mx: Motor, Mx: Troubleshooting
The best thing to do if you suspect a carburetor problem is replace the carb with new. That way you can rule out the carb as a problem right away. Then, if you want to fix your carb, put it back on and start troubleshooting–at least now you know it’s the...
by Jeff Goin | Mar 2, 2010 | 19: Risk & Safety
Not Ticking People Off with our paramotoring takes on a new Twist. Thanks to Ken Morrison I’ve had a guy walk out of his house with a shotgun once. He leaned against an out building and just stood there watching me fly (legally and with permission) from an...
by Jeff Goin | Jan 1, 2010 | 27: The Motor Unit, 29: Home Building, Reviews: Paramotors
As of 2019 the “Easy-up” paramotor appears to no longer be available (thankfully). This is the real deal. The world’s most affordable ultralight plans and, once built, a very nice flying machine. My goal in having this page up is to preclude pilots...
by Jeff Goin | Dec 11, 2009 | Accident Reports
Analysis of fatal paramotor crash involving turbulence and its improper handling. A fellow lover of flight went out one day to pursue his passion. He did not return—an incredible tragedy for the loved ones he leaves behind. We can only hope to learn from this tragedy...
by Jeff Goin | Sep 17, 2009 | 19: Risk & Safety, Log: Enterprise, Log: Helicopter
Unwelcome invader on Paramotor retrieval of Helicopter I had paramotored up to retrieve the helicopter and was now thwapping home. On final approach to our ramp, about 300 feet high, something caught my attention. Just above me and to the left was an enormous venomous...
by Jeff Goin | Sep 9, 2009 | 31: Traveling with Gear
My poor motor used to travel unprotected on the Enterprise’s rear rack (see picture above right) but now she stays covered. There are better covers, especially custom versions that cover everything including the bottom then zip up to keep dust out. But for...
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 | Aug 20, 2009 | 19: Risk & Safety, 20: Competition
Photos by Stan Kasica | See WAG 2009 Log Writeup What an adventure! Three pilots and two crew members represented U.S. paramotorists in international competition—a first. This was a big deal and felt like it, with extravagant ceremonies, paid hotels, meals and local...
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 | Jun 8, 2009 | 20: Competition, Log: Enterprise
My First International Paramotor Competition | Final Scores (PDF) | Competition Chapter | Comp: Why Crashing Is Bad Chad Bastian’s BLOG at TrikeBuggy.com. Note: Scores revised June 19, 2009 (7th & 8th places changed) Newspaper Article Done while I was in...
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 | May 2, 2009 | 20: Competition, Log: Enterprise
Eric Dufour offers competition tools Is there no end to what can be learned in this sport? After nearly ten years I continue to enjoy learning new things. Both Michel Carnet, 7-times English national champion, and Eric Dufour, three-time U.S. champion are putting on...
by Jeff Goin | Apr 1, 2009 | 08: the Law, 09: Airspace
Can’t we all just get along? Of course not, but we oughtta try. There is no law that says you can’t fly over tribal lands. We can’t trespass but court cases have well-established federal control over all airspace which, naturally, includes us...
by Jeff Goin | Feb 2, 2009 | 09: Airspace
Know the latest where of your nearby airspace An envelope recently arrived from the FAA. The last time it was a grant of exemption (tandems) so letters from the FAA aren’t all bad. Thankfully, this one was only mildly bad–sort of a two-edged sword for me....
by Jeff Goin | Jan 29, 2009 | 08: the Law, 09: Airspace
A Paramotor Pilot Is Arrested for Merely Overflying Hualapai Nation Tribal Lands | Airspace | Lionel’s Resolution Lionel De Antoni contacted us a week ago after being arrested and having his gear confiscated by Indians. His crime? Merely flying over their land,...
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 | Nov 6, 2008 | 36: Instructors & Tandem
Becoming a Tandem Pilot, Filming, Flying the Green Eagle and other assorted bits Information on Tandem Paramotor setups. This past week has been most eventful and a lot of fun. I headed for Christmas, FL, primarily for the purpose of getting Tandem Trainee certified...
by Jeff Goin | Aug 30, 2008 | Mx: Motor
Permanent fix for PPG fuel tanks | Thanks to Alex Varv If your gas tank gets damaged, it’s frequently almost impossible to fix since no glue that we’re aware of permanently adheres to the polypropylene material. Epoxy Repair Various epoxies, such as JB...
by Jeff Goin | Aug 22, 2008 | 09: Airspace
New Training Requirements for flight within 60 nautical miles of Washington D.C. I have been asked to comment on a recent FAA training requirement for pilots flying within 60 nautical miles of Washington D.C. After the 9/11 attacks, special airspace was created around...
by Jeff Goin | May 16, 2008 | 29: Home Building
This is a compendium of comments on various paramotor kits that I’m familiar with and usually have flown (as described in the Flight Experience). Remember that a lot of preference comes down to personal taste and all comments come through with some unavoidable...
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 | May 14, 2008 | 20: Competition
North America takes a step onto the world stage Tasks Changed: Commentary on Tasks (Added June 25, 2008) 2008-06-21 Think you’re a decent pilot? Here’s a chance to show your stuff to the public while spending time with other pilots who enjoy excellence....
by Jeff Goin | May 14, 2008 | 20: Competition, Log: Enterprise
Wow, what a day. The first ever qualifier for 2009’s World Air Games is in the bag. And what an incredibly well-run event it was. This will also determine the current USPPA National Standing. We don’t know exactly yet because it will have to be sent to...
by Jeff Goin | May 14, 2008 | 20: Competition, Log: Enterprise
Final rules for the 2008 Qualifier to the 2009 World Air Games 2007-July 12 Here are the WAG rules that are being used. They have been used already by the Germans and Italians so changes are impossible. One thing we were unable to get changed was the need to run two...
by Jeff Goin | May 14, 2008 | 20: Competition, Log: Enterprise
The Snake, it turns out, will NOT be flown but it’s kind of cool to do. Here are the tasks that will be flown for the July 25, 2008 World Air Games Qualifier. I felt like a kid getting away with something—pulling off the road, making sure no one was paying...
by Jeff Goin | May 3, 2008 | 09: Airspace
There are a lot of lines on sectional charts. It’s confusing to know which ones we must pay attention to or not. This should help demystify those lines. Of course you can look at the sectional chart’s legend to see what the lines are but that doesn’t...
by Jeff Goin | Apr 30, 2008 | Accident Reports
A good one for analysis because the pilot hass been willing to talk about it. First, we are happy that the pilot is able to discuss his brush with death and, secondly, that he is willing. In fact, he offered up the video, recorded by his brother-in-law, so the world...
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 | Mar 28, 2008 | 22: Aerodynamics, 26: The Wing, 27: The Motor Unit
Which wing will require more power to stay up? I’m not concerned with covering miles, just staying airborne. First, to stay up the longest on any given wing, fly at the speed that gives the lowest sink rate when power off. For paragliders, that’s usually...
by Jeff Goin | Feb 19, 2008 | 26: The Wing, Accident Reports
Thermally conditions combine with large wing Preliminary reports are frequently wrong. This is a preliminary report. We certainly hope the pilot recovers from this. This report was received 02/18/2008 and updated 2/19. An experienced paramotor instructor was seriously...
by Jeff Goin | Jan 24, 2008 | 22: Aerodynamics, 26: The Wing
Based on an article from Ozone PPG. Reflex technology was developed well before paragliders came along. Sailplane pilots have been using it, in the form of negative flaps, since the 1970’s. Michael Campbell Jones was the first to try it on paragliders with his...
by Jeff Goin | Dec 5, 2007 | Tributes
Longtime light flyer and supporter passes I was saddened to hear of Bob High’s passing. The last time I saw Bob was when I snapped these pictures as he took his quicksilver aloft. Bob High Quicksilver taxiing Bob High putting helmet on Bob High airborne in his...
by Jeff Goin | Sep 25, 2007 | 30: Other Uses
Ed Poccia and the Route 66 Flyers of Albuquerque gained lots of experience and acceptance at helping with search and rescue. By joining with authorities there, they added a lot of capability while fostering a valuable relationship with the community. Ed has offered to...
by Jeff Goin | Sep 14, 2007 | 26: The Wing
Here is some clarification on DULV paraglider testing. Thanks to Pons Lars of Swing and German pilot Stefan Obenauer. First, tests are flown using a paramotor as opposed to free flight without a motor. They are flown at the wing makers listed maximum take-off weight...
by Jeff Goin | Sep 12, 2007 | 02 Gearing Up
What does it really cost to fly a paramotor? When I first saw the advertisements for paramotors in Kit Planes Magazine, I couldn’t believe my eyes. “Something can actually get you off the ground for $7,500? It must be a scam.” At the time in 2002 I was a very active...
by Jeff Goin | Jul 5, 2007 | Advanced Launching, Entertainment, Log: Enterprise
Sometimes you just gotta go for it. My other favorite sport is in-line skating which I do a lot in the summertime, more often in fact, than paramotoring. I’ve PPG launched on skates once before but wanted to do it with light winds and a hard packed surface...
by Jeff Goin | Jul 2, 2007 | Tributes
I lost a friend. Its always sad to hear of a loss, especially when it happens doing what we all love, and to someone we’ve spent time with. I’m sorry mostly for his family and close friends, my pain pales in comparison with theirs. Mike leaves behind two...
by Jeff Goin | Jun 30, 2007 | 19: Risk & Safety, Log: Enterprise
How do you know if your paramotor is about to quit? It’s running. Elburn, IL Saturday was one busy day with paramotor flyin g early and late and a hang glider trike adventure in the middle. That became my very first engine out landing in corn. Well, touchdown...
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...
by Jeff Goin | May 30, 2007 | 18: Advanced Maneuvers, Accident Reports
Wires claim a paragliding pilot after a wind increase In May, 2007, a pilot died in a paragliding accident during a maneuvers clinic. She flew into high tension wires after increasing winds prevented a return to the planned LZ. This tragedy falls heaviest on the...
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 | May 15, 2007 | 18: Advanced Maneuvers
Powered Paragliding Pilots “throw down.” In February of this year, while synchro spiraling with Phil Russman, I flew through his wake—a wake strengthened by the 2 G’s we were pulling. My wing surged below me and took a minor collapse. Even though I...
by Jeff Goin | May 13, 2007 | 18: Advanced Maneuvers
I finally did it and took the MacPara Spice 22 (see Review) paraglider through a maneuvers clinic put on by Chris Santacroce. Probably the most important bit to know is how dangerous this stuff is outside of a well-run over water clinic. My guts were nearly handed to...
by Jeff Goin | Apr 18, 2007 | 15: Advanced Ground Handling
The PPG Bible describes how most pilots do reverse launches—throttle in one hand and A-risers in the other. For light winds, the cross-armed method is recommended and indeed it is probably the most effective. But another method works almost as well with less fuss. It...
by Jeff Goin | Mar 28, 2007 | 13: Flying Cross Country
These tools are for someone who likes to go old-school just for the fun of it. They were shown in chapter 13 for cross country flying. WindVectorBlank PDF File, 4 Mb 2 pages. One blank Circular graph for calculating ground speed based on forecast winds aloft with...
by Jeff Goin | Mar 13, 2007 | 12: Maintenance
Thanks to Brian Del Campo Welders own the world. But it’s a surprisingly steep learning curve that our contributor, Brian Del Campo, has climbed. And when it comes to aluminum, not all shops can handle it. Assuming that you want to fly the weld being considered,...
by Jeff Goin | Mar 13, 2007 | Mx: Motor
Thanks to Brian Del Campo | Walbro Carbs | troubleshooting carbs. A carburetor’s job is to feed the engine a perfect mix of fuel and air as commanded by the pilot. There are two basic types of carburetors: Float bowl and Membrane. About 70% of all paramotors use...
by Jeff Goin | Mar 12, 2007 | Advanced Launching, Entertainment, Log: Enterprise
Can you ever have too many wheels? 8 is enough. Photos by Kevin Kanarski I also got to try something I’ve wanted to do for years but was never willing: the roller blade launch. There’s plenty of video and Kevin’s still shots are featured below. The...
by Jeff Goin | Feb 21, 2007 | 34: Cool Places to Fly
Location: North of Yuma, AZ, east of the southern Salton Sea, CA and about 200 miles west of Phoenix, AZ. Basic Description: Just like what you’d imagine the Sahara Desert except that bordering the main dunes is a large area where RV’s can drive and park....
by Jeff Goin | Feb 19, 2007 | Accident Reports
Freeflight Instructor Gabe Jeb seriously hurt at free-flight site Sunday afternoon, Feb 18, well known Torrey Pines instructor Gabe Jeb was injured while soaring at a popular hill near San Diego. He had brought a group of students to Otay Mesa in southern California....
by Jeff Goin | Feb 13, 2007 | 34: Cool Places to Fly
Columbus Millertime, OH, US Feb 21, 2007 | N39°47’20” W083°06’51” | Elevation 840′ above mean sea level (MSL) Location: Southwest of Columbus, OH at a private grass airstrip. Basic Description: Millertime is a private 2800 foot long, 120...
by Jeff Goin | Jan 15, 2007 | 27: The Motor Unit, Mx: Harness Setup
What’s better, high or low hook-ins? A nearly religious fervor surrounds proponents of each system. But most pilots stick with what they learned on and enjoy it happily thereafter. 2019 Update: the vast majority of new machines are sold with low hookins using...
by Jeff Goin | Jan 15, 2007 | 25: Roots & Demographics
The article below is courtesy of the WashingtonPost.com. By Lisa Ulmer, Photos by Reginald A. Pearman Jr., Wednesday, July 1, 1998 As a child, Carlton Hoskins would look to the sky and dream of flying, planning to become a commercial aviator or a fighter jet pilot. As...
by Jeff Goin | Jan 4, 2007 | 06: Adding Wheels
Airgate trike made to accept their articulating hybrid hangpoint paramotor. Scarab PPG Wheeled Craft from Russia Chad Bastian inflating on a trike at the Salton Sea What flavors we have to choose from! I’ve flown most types of wheeled craft but not this one,...
by Jeff Goin | Dec 2, 2006 | Mx: Motor
Remember, they’re made to be lightweight. So before the inevitable comparison with your starts-every-pull lawnmower, be thankful you don’t have to carry your 22 hp garden, 200 lb rider on your back. The most likely problems will be the cord breaking or the...
by Jeff Goin | Nov 5, 2006 | 34: Cool Places to Fly
N33°22’51” W111°33’5″ Location: 20 Miles east of Phoenix, just south of US 60 on the west side of Idaho Rd. Basic Description: Flat, very dusty with low vegetation and a few open areas. Dust is like talcum powder. It’s bordered by a large...
by Jeff Goin | Sep 14, 2006 | 04: First Flight Prep, 19: Risk & Safety
When the wing is fully formed but slows down and starts dropping vertically, that’s Parachutal Stall. Airflow on your face becomes nil and the glider may start to spin. The following factors make Parachutal Stall more likely: Thrust Older glider. Age makes the...
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...
by Jeff Goin | Apr 25, 2006 | Mx: Motor
Long-term storage and resurrection, thanks to Brad Weiss | See also Alex Varv’s tips One of the worst abuses you can inflict on your paramotor is letting it sit unloved. Fuel degrades, Oil evaporates and dust gathers in places it ought not. Absent any protective...
by Jeff Goin | Nov 6, 2005 | Tributes
Alan Chuculate died Nov 6, 2005 in a powered hang glider after hitting wires during approach. It was just after sunset. He was with two others landing just off the beach in a field about 4 hours south of San Diego. Alan had an immense influence on my flying by...
by Jeff Goin | Mar 7, 2001 | 25: Roots & Demographics, Log: Enterprise
Invitation, post 17387 of Pilots PPG Club, Mar 7, 2001 Thanks to the tireless efforts of Terry Alford, we have definitely secured a location for the First Annual Paramotor Convention. It will be April 5-9(Thurs.-Mon.) at the River Wilderness Golf and Country Club...
