I guess I'll start with the most significant milestone and that is Bernard's first PPG flight! The first three shots are Bernard before, during and after his first PPG flight. Congratulations Bernard! He went on to make two more flights that day. 
Paula, Todd, Jim and a new Matt attended our complimentary 2 hour orientation clinic this weekend. All four agreed they want to learn to fly paramotors at Madcity Paragliding, Awesome!
Mark and I spent some one on one time going over the intricacies of wheeled flying before the evening shift rolled in.
The other Matt and Steve worked on spot landings into the darkness of Monday. Both improved significantly as the evening wore on. 
No wonder my knee hurts, I've been going nonstop for days. Hopefully the injection of Rooster Comb I got today will do the trick. I'm getting tired of doing one footed landings.

Bernard's new wing arrived today right out of hurricane ravaged Texas. There was a bit of a delay as we waited for UPS to open their office after the clean up from Harvey but it's here now. If the weather cooperates, he may get this beauty airborne this weekend. Come on sunshine and a mild breeze!

Monday, Matt and Steve made some foot launch flights with the favorable east breeze. We also did some wheel launch training with the ATV and the wheel students. Soon they will be flying too. 

Sunday's wind was forecast to be from the Northwest so Bernard and I  headed to the sledding hill for some freeflying practice. The conditions were good for kiting and we were able to get a few short hops down the hill before we headed to meet steve at the school field. There Bernard continued kiting but now with the motor on his back, adding to the realism in preparation for his upcoming first paramotor flight. Conditions were great for flying and Steve took full advantage of them by making six perfect flights before the sun set ending our day.

​So the rig the trike crew uses to pull their trailer full of paramotors got tagged today, telling everyone where they learned to fly. Thanks for the support guys!!

Wednesday night we experienced something we've be waiting a long time for...Su's First Flight!!!  It has taken many months of practicing but it finally paid off with a beautiful sunset flight. Su has worked very hard to get to this point and I couldn't be prouder. ​Congratulations Su!
We also had five other pilots fly that night including; Larry, Jon, Matt, Me and Madcity Paragliding graduate Paul, who stopped by to for a visit. It's always fun to catch up with my former students to learn about their flying experiences since they graduated. 

Monday's high pressure system meant calm winds and clear skies, the perfect combination for wheeled launch paramotoring. The airstrip was filled with four trikes and one quad. We even developed a bit of a holding pattern at the end of the runway while everyone waited for their turn to launch into the perfect conditions.

Sunday saw Chuck start his trike training, Bernard improve his kiting skills and Steve take a couple sunset flights.

Angelo stopped by with his mom and went through our orientation class. He tried on a motor and let it push him around the field. He also tried his hand at kiting only to find out it's not as easy as it looks. 
Steve also stopped by hoping the weather would cooperate and let him take his 2nd flight. It didn't, way too gusty. I however did manage to take a short and very bumpy flight, Yeeha!! 

Bernard took advantage of the extra holiday time off and spent the afternoon learning all about PPG. He spent time in the simulator, running around with the motor pushing him and even some forward and reverse launch training. It wont be long be for he leaves the ground.