Santa's got a new way to fly! Xmas eve I put on my Santa suit and took to the snowy skies with my trusty Miniplane. A little cold but lots of fun. Happy holidays everyone!

Friday the winds  were light and out of the North West which meant that the sledding hill was flyable. Jake made several short flights before it got too dark to fly safely. Next up for Jake will be his first motorized flight!
My good friend and fellow instructor Mariyan also stopped by and had a go at the sledding hill. Mariyan is a USHPA free flying instructor and he decided Elver Park's sledding hill was perfect for teaching free flying. So, if you are interested learning how to fly without a motor just let me know and I'll get you in contact with Mariyan.

Wednesday afternoon Jake stopped out to the airport for the next step in his training, kiting with the motor on his back. We didn't start the motor, he was just practicing forward and reverse launches with the additional weight and bulk. As expected he did fantastic. Next up is a trip to the sledding hill for some short free flights. A little bit more ground school and then its time to take that all important first flight. 

We've got a new base! We now have way more space than we need. Actual hanger space!! In addition to multiple parks around the area, you will be seeing us regularly at Syvrud Airport south of Madison. They plow the runway all winter long! No big deal for foot launchers but a game changer for the wheeled crew. Mid-December and 40 degrees this weekend meant great flying opportunities. The hanger and runway were busy with current students and visiting graduates. Matt even spent some time hanging in the simulator. Up next is to add some couches, a refrigerator, and mount the TV. Then we can truly call it home.

The gear just keeps arriving! Helmets, harnesses, reserve parachutes, prop covers, paramotor covers....
Still waiting on some wings to be built but they will be here soon. Yes, I have a gear addiction but this time most of it is not for me. 

After a few final training drills Bernard and I made a short cross country flight to celebrate his new found freedom. Bernard has successfully completed all his training and earned his PPG2 rating. Congratulations Bernard!! Be safe and  have fun!

After tons of research and countless hours watching videos on YouTube, Jake made a huge step towards becoming a paramotor pilot Sunday. We strapped the Miniplane to his back and let it push him around the school field a bit, much  to Jake's delight.  I then made a quick demo flight to show him just how easy it really is. We finished off well after dark with some night kiting. 
I knew he was committed  when he asked me the next day to order him a new Ozone Roadster 2. He's hooked, this is going to be fun!! 

We took full advantage of the warm day Saturday. Matt B and Bernard worked on  their target landings at the school in the morning Saturday. That afternoon there were 7 of us paramotor pilots at the airfield enjoying the warm smooth air. 50 in December?  I'll take it!