Jeff is already an accomplished paraglider and regular attendee of our winch days. He has been toying with the idea of adding a motor for the last few years so he could get more flying time. Monday he began his PPG training with a little ground school and motor knowledge including a few minutes with it running on his back. We also put him the simulator to get accustomed to the more upright seating position and the throttle lever. It’s a pretty simple transition from PG to PPG but the motor can be intimidating at first. I’m sure we will have him flying confidently soon. Welcome to the dark side of paragliding Jeff!
Jake and Chris were back to fly again. Chris brought along his Dad and nephew Adam to watch him fly. Apart from one oscillation induced belly slide landing the boys did great and Adam really enjoyed the show. Jake is up to six flights now and Chris is into double digits. Both Chris and Jake are getting pretty good at launch and landings and we continue to add in flight skills. This is the real fun part as they gain control and work towards independence. Well done boys!
Greg was also at the field last night. I saw him practicing his wingovers about 2000’ up in the unseasonably warm sky. He has progressed nicely since graduating. Keep it up Greg!

Jake has been working hard to get ready for his first flight. We’ve spent a bunch of time working on his wing handling skills as well as ground school and time in the simulator. Earlier this week we spent an afternoon at the sledding hill making short hops down the hill. Today all that work paid off, he made his first paramotor flight.
Just as we rehearsed in the simulator before lunch, he successfully launched on his first attempt, flew three laps around the field and set it down safely on his feet. Jake had so much fun that he immediately made a second flight. This one was even better. Perfect launch and a textbook landing in the middle of the field. Way to go Jake!

Jake began training Wednesday morning with the mandatory waiver signing and introduction. Then it was straight to kiting for the rest of the day. He did great! He managed to kite the wing successfully overhead for over 30 seconds on his first try, most impressive. It often takes students a couple hours to get to that point. Perhaps it is his previous piloting experience that was helping, Jake has a couple hours logged in a Cessna. Next up for him is a trip to the sledding hill, hopefully Monday. Welcome Jake!
Chris stopped by Wednesday after work and made one flight. It was too cold to make any more. He even had electric gloves on but the cold was still too much for him. I can’t blame him, I didn’t want to fly in the 15 degree weather either.

Chris got out of work early Friday and met me for some flying. Chris has been training for a while now and has been delayed quite a bit by his job from traveling so he has just four flights completed so far. Today we added a couple more before sunset. Despite having not flown for weeks he did great, nailed his take offs and landings. We even got to play with the trimmers a bit. Way to go Chris!
More good news today as the bean field next to the runway was finally harvested making for a much larger LZ (landing zone). It can be a real hassle removing wings from the beans, they act like Velcro holding the lines firmly in their grasp.

Having completed everything except the written test requirement for his PPG2 rating, Jeff and I went on another short cross country flight this time around the nearby town of Brooklyn this morning. After landing we reviewed for the test. He then took the test right there on his phone and easily passed. Congratulations Jeff and happy flying!
Stuart stopped by a couple weeks ago to check things out after discussing the basics of with Paramotoring with David. He was there to observe the other students and see what all was involved in the process. Turns out one of the other students was an old friend of his from high school, Ryan. Ryan has since graduated and now Stuart has begun officially. I expect they will be flying together soon. Welcome Stuart!

Jeff met me at the hanger Monday afternoon with just 4 flights left to complete the requirements to earn his PPG2 rating. Conditions were good so he quickly made three short flights so we could make a longer cross country flight together.
Madcity Paragliding graduate Greg was at the airport as well and joined Jeff and I as we explored the countryside by air. What a great flight.
Moments after landing back at the airport Matt showed up with the same scenario as Jeff, just 4 flights left to complete his PPG2 requirements. As before, Matt made quick work of the first three flights so we could go on a longer flight afterwards. Greg was still there and again joined us for a longer flight around the field.
Greg and Matt are kitesurfing buddies already and now they can fly paramotors together too, if the wind isn’t strong enough for kiting that is.
Both Matt and Jeff have yet to complete the written test to be truly finished with training.
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