Sorry I did not answer sooner I did not figure out there was a page 2 untill today ??? I fly mainly in the very very end of North Wales. My closest city is therefore Dublin ?? I hope to make the trip one day.....if I can get boat cover ...maybe pie in the sky but its a dream of mine !!....
I also fly in Scotland a bit and also New Zealand ...I am not to keen on the Ozone Ive had my worst flights on them ....I have got two test flights lined up.....one on the fusion and the other on the new skywalk venom..I will let you know what I think....I reckon I will try the 26 fusion

Gary, Forget the boat- a good strong easterly is all you need!

Thats it then next good easterly blow I will give it a go 55mls as the crow (paramotor) Flys .....I think it needs a bit more thinking about.. before its attempted.....Ive got a couple of test flights one on the Fusion 26 I think ! and another on the new Skywalk venom...supposed to be in the next few weeks (Ive been promised) so will let you know what I think.. I wont touch another ozone...but Apco could be a possibility ...I need a faster wing for the pond the problem as I see it is if you go for a crossing in an East wind there is no going back.....Ive had a false start before but managed to get back to the mainland

Yes Gary- it's quite surprising really- seems like a great distance, but when you look at it it's really surprising. In saying that though, the risks would be enormous, and without a proper safety plan it would be crazy- not shown on the map below are the airspace areas- this is another factor. I think if someone mangaged to go even one-way under their own steam it would be impressive.
The distances for the areas indicated below are-
a) 12.75 miles (Really!)
b) 22.70 miles (airspace issues)
c) 23.00 miles (airspace issues)
d) 60.00 miles by sea- 10 miles overland (airspace issues)
e) 57.00 miles (airspace issues)
f) 53.00 miles
g) 48.00 miles

Gary,

I know very little about the Ozone wings other than hearing that the original Viper was a very experienced and unstable wing? I believe the Viper 2 is a different kettle of fish?

Would love to hear from someone who has flown one.

Oisin

Good review of the Fusion by Vol Libre ( french flying magazine):

http://www.flyparamania.com/images/stor ... nglish.pdf

Fusion certification ENC C:

http://www.flyparamania.com/images/stor ... _26_en.pdf


Looks like very good report from test pilots. Nice free flight video clip of Fusion in PG mode linked:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pdbOzV6w ... r_embedded

Looking forward to seeing the New Dudek results as well. Seems to take a long time to get results and certification for wings which is a pity, but it is very good to see in independant certification / testing of wings by an impartial body. ( I assume they are!) www.para-test.com

Wing development and technology is really moving fast, and the choice of good performance safe wings is growing all the time. There is a presumption sometimes that a wing is not a good wing unless it is a good competition wing, which can sometimes be misleading, but for many I think a safe stable and forgiving wing is the priority, and reading independant tests and ratings is very reasuring.

Oisin

Its only through competition that we humble pilots are able to fly these wonderful wings.

Jason

How is the practice/ training coming along Jason?

I look forward to improving my own ( not very honed) skills through a bit of competition, and am always very willing to learn.

Practicing the skills involved is made a bit more difficult when many of the tasks involve flying outside the terms of our exemption, and need a very discreet piece of land owned by a very brave and friendly farmer! If most saw stick kicking etc, they would not be long showing us the gate!!
I don't know how you get on with landowners further up the country, when they see the low level stuff. Generally not too welcome down here, for obvious reasons! I would be very concerned that we not would burn bridges with our generous landowners, upon whom we rely totally for access to the air!

We need a big bog somewhere in the midlands... oh and some good weather to go with it !.... close to a nice country pub, and place for tents and campers!!

All best,

Oisin

Hi Oisin,

PLease dont think im having a go or anything, maybe im just a "for" at developing ones skills.

Wish full thinking, big bog, pub, warm weather & a place to camp.

Remember that the "precision" aspect of flying, is only a part of competition flying overall, there is nav and economy as well.

I certainly dont agree that any sort of precision flying should only be done in the backend of nowhere, seems a bit like "hedge schooling" and its to be frowned apon, Surpressing what comes natural to some. Ever look at falcons flying? (birds that is) Opinions on "Precision flying" in general, make more sense when you have seen them in person, in a well organised controlled enviroment.

I would agree, that looking at someone flying all over the place low to the ground would be hard to look at, maybe want to make you want to cringe. But if they are coached properly and learn what needs to be done, then it kind of looks more like poetry.

I would like to think, that me, as a proud Irishman can go to competitions knowing that i gave it my heart and soul and not just partly because someone says its "outside my exemption" "On-Risk cover pilots who want to fly at comps"

Does that mean that, all the other PPG regulated countries are not permitted to carry out this type of flying?

CIMA recognise this small element of flying as a crucial skill for PPG pilots, It heightens your awarness and consentration level, certainly skills that are positive.

Dont forget that there are a number of scores for other aspects of precission flying eg Precission take off, Precission landing etc etc.

Its not all about "kicking sticks"

Jason

Hi Jason
Being a bit of a proud Irishman myself, I could take offence that you seem to imply that if pilots are not willing to break the law that they are not real Irishmen. Most of the tasks that you are writing about came about because of the desire to encourage sponsorship i.e. "red bull" and to suit TV coverage for PPG Comps to grow the sport and grow the sales of equipment and not better navigation or airmanship.

You state that on risk cover pilots that want to fly at comps maybe you can tell me do they insure pilots to fly illegally outside their exemptions?

Like Oisin I'm more concerned about retaining the flying sites we have, especially as there have been reports of cows being spooked/stampeded, leading to an overturned car in a ditch, by a very low flying unlicensed PPG pilot.
PPG pilots buzzing Paddys Day Parades(will this be the latest for of patriotism) illegal = uninsured.
Cheers
Gerry

Gerry you could take offence by my posts but i know you wont really

Have you been to a SAFELY organised ppg comp? If you ave been you will probably realise that Navigation is done by map & compass and Airmanship is utmost for any budding comp pilot, because without, you are not welcome, maybe just a minute error you made on that behalf

I didnt see any TV cameras or big floaty red bull camps at any ive been too!!!!!!!!

Maybe you should contact On-Risk on your concerns for insuring pilots at such well organised safe events.

I too Gerry would not like to see any sites lost, down to wreckless pilots.

A proud Irishman putting his country on the map.

Keep well,

Jason.

Hi Jason
Once again best wishes with the instructor course.

The point that I am trying to make is not about cover at comps in countries where powered comps are legal it's that even with On Risk insurance (thanks for the free insurance for Flyability) your insurance policy does not cover you to knowingly engage in illegal flight. i.e. flying in Ireland "outside your exemption" check for yourself.

With regard to the tasks this link http://www.softwinged.net/doc/Freestyle.pdf
highlights the reasons why the tasks were being proposed.

What is the point in going to the trouble of applying for a licence and then risk losing it by flying outside the terms of it?
and by inference losing the opportunity to instruct others in paramotoring. I can only recommend engagement and discussion with the IAA regarding powered competitions in Ireland.
Cheers
Gerry

Eh, what licence? please tell me more

Who said anything about "powered competitions in Ireland" The Irish open is in the UK this year and your more than welcome to enter Gerry

I see that the ipppha represent powered competion flying in Ireland, to date i am not aware of any that have taken place what would you suggest ? with your extensive knowlage on the subject.

Or do we leave this up to pilots who fly to choose

Keep smiling,

Jason.

Eh, what licence? please tell me more It would appear that you're not willing to engage in any meaningful exchanges on this forum and are avoiding answering genuine questions, the answers to which would assist pilots to make decisions about competing.
Who said anything about "powered competitions in Ireland" The Irish open is in the UK this year and your more than welcome to enter Gerry Who is organising the Irish Open? Where is the training taking place? Will that training be given by a "qualified instructor"? Will that training require pilots to fly "outside their exemptions"in Ireland? Will flying "outside your exemption" in Ireland be covered by your insurance?
I see that the ipppha represent powered competition flying in Ireland, to date i am not aware of any that have taken place what would you suggest ? with your extensive knowlage on the subject. You've been claiming to represent the sport since time immemorial so seeing that you have used the question I have previously asked of the IHPA, what Irish Powered Competitions held in Ireland have you represented Ireland in? How many powered PPG comps have been held in Ireland, that you are and how could you validate the results if they are "outside your exemption". What are you proposing we do to rectify the situation?
Or do we leave this up to pilots who fly to choose This is the old bully boy chestnut used on other forums by those unwilling or unable to answer questions, it appears that you are fearful of answering questions and being derogatory to a pilot of less flying hours and it's hardly an encouragement to elicit questions from those of less experience than yourself. Most instructors/trainers will tell you that there are no stupid questions and encourage questions as feedback, a means to ensure that their audience fully understands what they have said and lead by best example. Perhaps if more pilots addressed the issues with the IAA we might be able to improve on the current situation.
Keep smiling,
Cheers
Gerry

I am keen to follow all proud Irishmen and fly in the UK nationals as well! I remember last year reading a debate on UK PPG site about the issue of low flying etc, and they confirmed that it was specifically permitted at organised events ( competitions) and permitted under your insurance. I have also heard that there are very rarely incidents reported in the low flying elements of competitions.

I think the highest level of flying skill demonstrated and witnessed at these events is amazing to watch and that the level of control is always impressive. My only point was that its hard to get any practice at low stuff here!

I would love to develop my skills and agree that competition or flying in company with experienced pilots is the best way to do it. I learnt more in one weekend in Kildare last year with Jason and Michel, then the previous year of flying! I am all for improving flying skills, and finding the best equipment to suit each pilots requirements. Getting better at navigation tasks....Tell us more about the less testing skills like economy tasks... do you need the little bottle on the cage, used in competions? If not this, how do you know how much fuel you have..??

Oisin

Looks to me as "Damed if i do & damed if i dont"

Gerry i will let you have the last word as im afraid this is going completly off topic, asking questions that im not sure are directed at me or someone else.

PPG comps are all about having FUN, i intend to keep it that way.

Happy days,

Jason.

PPG pilots buzzing Paddys Day Parades(will this be the latest for of patriotism) illegal = uninsured.


What is this refering to...........???

anybody have more info .....or am i last to the party..??

bob

Bob- not sure who he's on about either- but i can't believe someone would do this.. It's illegal on so many counts.... 500ft rule, flying over a built up area, flying above a gathering of people.... Pilots like this will potentially jeopodise things for the rest of us... could you imagine the implications if there had been an accident?
In my opinion these guys should be 'named and shamed', they might at least think twice about it in future.

GD