22: Aerodynamics
There’s more than meets the eye on how our unusual craft flies and it’s not all intuitive. Myths abound.
Flight is a fine dance of forces that must remain in step to keep you aloft and under control. We follow the same basic aerodynamic rules as our fixed-wing brethren with a few important differences.
The PPG Bible goes into great detail about these but some additional material is included here including what may be added to the aerodynamics chapter.
by Jeff Goin | Jul 24, 2020 | 13: Flying Cross Country, 22: Aerodynamics, 23: Motor & Propeller, 26: The Wing, 27: The Motor Unit
Here is how to maximize range for the current wind conditions. For crosswinds, see below. First, a few comments about the problem. It’s covered briefly in the PPG Bible but here is more detail. As the book says, use best glide speed in calm wind, fly faster in a...
by Jeff Goin | Apr 30, 2019 | 05: First Flights, 22: Aerodynamics, 23: Motor & Propeller
If you remember one thing about Loaded Riser Twist, it should be: At liftoff, if the wing is leaning right, your body will tend to twist left. Thrust will push your body more left, aggravating torque twisting effects It isn’t related to torque directly but it...
by Jeff Goin | Apr 29, 2019 | 19: Risk & Safety, 22: Aerodynamics, 23: Motor & Propeller, 26: The Wing, Advanced Launching
Some wings, when combined with some motors, will oscillate. You swing back and forth in shallow little banks with no pilot input. It’s caused by a variation of Loaded Riser Twist where one riser has more load than the other–a fleeting condition that...
by Jeff Goin | Apr 23, 2019 | 22: Aerodynamics, 23: Motor & Propeller, Mx: Motor
Which prop you choose depends on which redrive you have. A high ratio means the prop spins at a slower speed and needs more pitch–a bigger bite. At some point of increasing pitch, efficiency suffers and/or the motor will bog down and won’t get up to its...
by Jeff Goin | Apr 17, 2019 | 22: Aerodynamics, 26: The Wing
Wing Loading See also Surviving Training: Beginner Wing, Weight & Speed, Flying Large Wings, Flying Small Wings, Risk of Small Wings Wing loading is a key metric for many reasons. It is how much weight is carried per square meter of wing. By convention, it’s...
by Jeff Goin | Apr 14, 2019 | 22: Aerodynamics
This came up when I was considering adding a second ring to our single-hoop paramotor for hugely better hand protection. So I asked Dana Hague for an assessment of the Safety Ring’s drag, assuming that airflow would be much faster at full power due to the prop....
by Jeff Goin | Apr 14, 2019 | 22: Aerodynamics, 26: The Wing
Given the same wing size, heavier pilots go faster, how much faster? We all know that more weight means more speed but how much? My wing reviews are obviously done with my 150 pound self so I’m unable to see what happens at real high wing loadings since they...
by Jeff Goin | Apr 14, 2019 | 19: Risk & Safety, 22: Aerodynamics
Does it take more power to fly downwind? Of course not! Your wing doesn’t care which way the air is moving. Or does it? You can verify that wind makes no difference by going up high on a windy day and doing a level 360. It’s the same power required all the...
by Jeff Goin | Apr 14, 2019 | 22: Aerodynamics, 26: The Wing
Differences between reflex paragliders and “regular” paragliders | See also Origins & Understanding of Reflex Gliders There are some basic differences between reflex and “regular” paragliders that revolve around their airfoil shape (right)...
by Jeff Goin | Apr 7, 2014 | 22: Aerodynamics, 23: Motor & Propeller, Log: Paramotor-Ultralight, Reviews: Paramotors
Florida’s relentless weather perfection lured us aloft again. I got to try Parajet’s newest offering, a Thor 250, water cooled, behemoth with thrust galore. It’s ideally suited for trikes or competition pilots powering their tiny little steeds to...
by Jeff Goin | May 10, 2012 | 18: Advanced Maneuvers, 19: Risk & Safety, 22: Aerodynamics, 26: The Wing, Accident Reports
A Skilled Pilot Piles In, What Can We Learn For more on wings, see Chapter 26: Choosing A Wing | and Overview of Reflex Wings | Pylon Race Collapse Accident All wings are more dangerous with the speedbar fully engaged. Reflex wings, however, are only dangerous in that...
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 | 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...
