by Jeff Goin | May 12, 2019 | 01 Training, 19: Risk & Safety, 36: Instructors & Tandem
General towing is covered in Chapter 1 but this explains what peculiar risks come with using a turn-around pulley system. Like all risks, they can be managed, but the first step is understanding. Also, this is about towing for training, not for soaring. See the...
by Jeff Goin | May 12, 2019 | Entertainment
An adventure. A beautifully rendered story that happens to involve powered paragliding. Currently out of Print Why We Fly 75 Minutes DVD NTSC Widescreen You will be mesmerized. Your non-flying compatriots will finally get it. They will feel what motivates you. Why We...
by Jeff Goin | May 12, 2019 | 26: The Wing, Reviews
All about the care and feeding of your lift-giving wing. Longtime paramotor instructor Michelle Daniele retired from teaching in 2007. She now devotes time to do paraglider inspections and simple repairs. Both during teaching and now doing glider inspections, she has...
by Jeff Goin | May 12, 2019 | Mx: Harness Setup, Mx: Motor
Hanging too low? Thanks to Jason Wright If your harness leaves you too low and your butt sinks too far back in the harness, there’s a simple cure. It only requires some seat belt material and . The sling is not structural so it’s failure would only be...
by Jeff Goin | May 12, 2019 | 06: Adding Wheels
When a non-flying mishap put Brandon Oberlin’s feet out of commission, he needed temporary wheels but didn’t want to spend a lot of money. He didn’t. He also didn’t want to take the wheels with him so he would only use the wheels for launch....
by Jeff Goin | May 12, 2019 | 08: the Law, 09: Airspace, 10: Flying Anywhere, 11: Controlled Airports
Jan 2020 was the deadline for aircraft (not ultralights) to get equipped with ADS-B. It transmits location, altitude, ID, what you had for lunch, and other bits to every other aircraft and internet eyeball on the planet. If you can deal with the privacy issue,...
by Jeff Goin | May 12, 2019 | Resources
Magazines Powered Sport Flying magazine (link goes to USPPA.org) continues to include USPPA’s content along with columns by Jeff Goin and Christopher Pine. Joining USPPA may be the same rate as subscribing to the magazine alone. Supporting the org supports...
by Jeff Goin | May 12, 2019 | Entertainment
Finding someone near you, Google Maps Here is a great place to find where other paramotor pilots live. There is no verification and they’re all self-reporting so don’t be surprised if they’re not all current. But it’s a great place to start....
by Jeff Goin | May 12, 2019 | Reviews
Be forewarned, there is carnage. No blood, but some props do go back to the dust from whence they came. Phoenix pilot Adam Bell does an admirable job capturing the highlights and a few lowlights during this 40 minute DVD. Unfortunately, this is no longer available....
by Jeff Goin | May 12, 2019 | Reviews
Lord of the Winds puts you in the heart of a paramotor adventure across incredible New Zealand. Eight powered paraglider pilot start for one very ambitious journey. Unfortunately, they don’t all finish. This is their story. The pacing, music and narration are...
by Jeff Goin | May 12, 2019 | 01 Training, Parapinions
Click here for the reality of “Free” Powered Paraglider Training & Kurt Fister (or Pfister) Think about it for a moment. How much value will an instructor put on something they’re giving away? More likely you’ll be treated like...
by Jeff Goin | May 12, 2019 | 01 Training, 08: the Law, 36: Instructors & Tandem
As of July, 2019 tandem footlaunch and wheel launch *IS* allowed in the U.S.A. That’s huge. If you are looking to get training, don’t consider any school that will not insure you get at least 3 tandem flights before you go solo. You should understand and...
by Jeff Goin | May 12, 2019 | Propeller Safety
Body contact with a spinning prop remains the most likely cause of serious paramotor injury and it can happen in unexpected ways. Here are some examples. Reducing these accidents starts with awareness, and it’s is a good sign that you care enough to learn. Limbs...
by Jeff Goin | May 11, 2019 | Airline Safety
Our goal is reducing runway incursions and other “undesirable states” — a euphemism for hitting something or going off the taxiway. Airport diagrams are going electronic which is an immense improvement for situational awareness. Airline pilots will...
by Jeff Goin | May 11, 2019 | About
Now, four years since my first flight, I have discovered a new appreciation of your work and truly admire the wonderful book you have given to us and the many others yet to follow. Words can’t describe the respect I have for the body of work you have laid down....
by Jeff Goin | May 11, 2019 | Mx: Motor
The Top 80 (and others) clutch is held in place by pressure against a conical shaft. No spline. It gets locked into position pretty hard and can be a pain to get off. There is an easier way than trying to pry it off with a screwdriver, not that anyone would try that...
by Jeff Goin | May 10, 2019 | Reviews: Engines
In 2008 this was one of the most popular powerplants in the 25 hp class. It has earned a reputation for reliability, plentiful thrust and good support. It can be be a bit challenging to start without doing things just right. Fortunately there is enormous expertise...
by Jeff Goin | May 10, 2019 | Reviews: Engines
This motor was based on the RDM 100 and so shares most of the same characteristics. My experience is that it has slightly less thrust although that was from some time ago (2003) and the motor has enjoyed numerous improvements over time. Specs: by Compact Radial...
by Jeff Goin | May 10, 2019 | Reviews: Engines
This elegant clutched motor has only slightly more thrust than the Top 80 but is easier to work on in most regards. The tradeoff is that it’s heavier, by maybe 3 pounds. Instructors seem to have slightly better results with maintenance issues. It behaves much...
by Jeff Goin | May 10, 2019 | Reviews: Engines
This tiny, lightweight motor first became popular in Europe, especially with competition pilots. It’s light weight and low fuel burn for the power produced made it perfect for competition pilots and everyone else. It can get over 100 lbs of thrust with a...
by Jeff Goin | May 10, 2019 | 27: The Motor Unit
First the why. On larger paramotor engines, pull starters rely on flywheel action of the prop to pull through the their strong compression. That works because these units have a belt-driven prop. If you want to put a clutch on these bigger machines, that doesn’t...
by Jeff Goin | May 9, 2019 | Mx: Motor
Priming is squirting fuel directly into the carburetor’s air/fuel intake stream, usually before cranking the motor. It helps with cold starts by providing an immediately combustible mixture. Squeeze bulbs are commonly used. They have two one-way check valves so...
by Jeff Goin | May 9, 2019 | Mx: Motor, Mx: Troubleshooting
Help troubleshoot ignition problems, especially on 2-stroke paramotors A gas engine needs fuel, air, and spark delivered at the right time and in the right amounts. Spark involves really high voltages (20,000) which can create a number of problems. Kill switches on...
by Jeff Goin | May 9, 2019 | Mx: Motor
Troubleshooting Common Coil/Stator/Ignition Problems on the Simonini Paramotor Engine | Overall Ignition / Charging Thanks to Paul Czarnecki who disassembled his Fresh Breeze Ignition System to show us how to fix two of the more common problems. Like all two strokes,...
by Jeff Goin | May 9, 2019 | Mx: Motor
Rebuild/Repair Kits for the Walbro Carbs used on Paramotors Walbro carburetors are used on more paramotor models than any other brand. Most have two needles for idle and high rpm and an idle stop adjustment although for smaller motors, the WG8 is prevalent. It only...
by Jeff Goin | May 9, 2019 | Mx: Troubleshooting
Adjustment and correction of problems found on Walbro Carburetors See also membrane carburetor overview, Buyers guide for Walbro Carbs and Rebuild Kits Visit http://tech.flygsw.org/walbro_tuneup.htm for even more detail. The most relevant parts have been included here...
by Jeff Goin | May 8, 2019 | 26: The Wing, Reviews: Paragliders
It was a sad day when this easy database of paragliders, Para2000.org, went dark. I don’t know the story but the owner just let it die. At this point the best we have is an archived version of it as it was in September, 2018 which, for now at least, is...
by Jeff Goin | May 7, 2019 | 20: Competition, 26: The Wing
I plan on selling two of my competition wings, A 2016 Doberman 19 and a 2012 Viper 18, but that got me thinking, who would I sell them to? And is flying them more dangerous? Do they take more skill? It’s complicated, but the short answer is “no” with...
by Jeff Goin | May 7, 2019 | 25: Roots & Demographics
A look at the early machines that shaped our sport As best I can tell, the well documented 1981 flights of Mike Byrne were the first. He built the thing himself and dubbed it “paramotor.” There wasn’t anything to buy until 8 years later when Pagojet...
by Jeff Goin | May 7, 2019 | 08: the Law, 36: Instructors & Tandem
As of November 2018, instructors can now get certified to fly tandem students with wheels, an IMMENSELY valuable training tool for our community. We MUST act responsibly to keep this ability which makes teaching paramotor’s weird pendular behavior much easier,...
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 5, 2019 | Entertainment
It’s extremely satisfying to see others achieve their dreams. We’re all fortunate to have popped out in a place and time when such fulfillment is possible. I suspect that many humans around the globe would love to pursue theirs as this goes to show. South...
by Jeff Goin | May 5, 2019 | Entertainment
Submitted by Wally Hines Tower: “Delta 351, you have traffic at 10 o’clock, 6 miles!” Delta 351: “Give us another hint! We have digital watches!” Tower: “TWA 2341, for noise abatement turn right 45 Degrees.” TWA 2341:...
by Jeff Goin | May 5, 2019 | Entertainment
P: Left inside main tire almost needs replacement. S: Almost replaced left inside main tire. P: Test flight OK, except auto-land very rough. S: Auto-land not installed on this aircraft. P: Something loose in cockpit. S: Something tightened in cockpit. P: Dead bugs on...
by Jeff Goin | May 5, 2019 | Entertainment
Aviation humor that requires a few more lines. Submitted by Pat Barton, John Fetz. Priest and the Pilot A priest dies and is waiting in line at the Pearly Gates. Ahead of him is a guy dressed in sunglasses and leather jacket. Saint Peter asks him “Who are you,...
by Jeff Goin | May 5, 2019 | Entertainment
Submitted by John Fetz, Gary Brown, Others Both optimists and pessimists contribute to society. The optimist invents the aeroplane, the pessimist the parachute. Death is nature’s motivation to mind your airspeed (or rotor RPM, or brake pressure, etc.). You can...
by Jeff Goin | May 5, 2019 | Entertainment
I am so excited I can hardly contain myself. We have just finalized plans and begun early construction on the first dedicated PPG cruise ship. Expected competition date is August of 2009 with her maiden voyage to follow immediately. This is not simply a 60 ft. luxury...
by Jeff Goin | May 5, 2019 | Entertainment
Submitted by an instructor of flying things including paramotors and aerobatic airplanes. Most expert pilots are humble masters of their craft, not prone to arrogance, as this demonstrates. Oh so refreshing. I’ll protect his identity but this humorous...
by Jeff Goin | May 5, 2019 | Entertainment
Greg (right) has many things wrong with him, not the least of which is strapping on a butt-fan and leaping aloft. Even worse is his propensity to create weird songs. Here’s an example. And keep listening for the PPG references. Greg lives near Albuquerque and...
by Jeff Goin | May 5, 2019 | Entertainment
Botox Doctors Furious? 2012-Nov-08 by Jeff Goin OK, the video is done and I’m kicking back for a moment, relaxing, perusing the interewebs. While reading an ABC story on airlines and marveling at the wisdom of Spirit Airlines’ punishing carry-on bag fee...
