My first Paramotor flight using the Ozone Roadster 2 and a ParaJet Thor 100 Volution. Overall, a successful first flight. During this flight, I made a few mistakes and observations, all valuable lessons that I will take forward to my next and subsequent flights! CLICK 'SHOW MORE' for my notes.
- THROTTLE HESITATION ON TAKEOFF: With being a beginner, I wasn't particularly confident with going to 'full throttle', hence my take-off was a little delayed and I used valuable 'runway', but I was very conscious that I wanted to check the wing thoroughly and for it to be where I needed it before going for rotation. In future, I won't hesitate to go straight to full throttle.
- WIND DIRECTION: Before take-off, the wind was blowing directly down the field and therefore my take-off path was unobstructed and I had lots of space. However, as I powered up and started to move, I felt that the wind direction had changed and so to avoid taking the wing off course, I followed the wind direction which unfortunately meant that the building was in my path but far ahead.
- BUILDING: Despite the building appearing to be closer than it actually was, I should have gently turned after launching to avoid flying directly above it. At no point did I fear hitting it, but the GoPro FishEye effect makes it appear to be far closer than in reality.
- SEAT: I got into my seat a little too early, I should really have remained hanging with my legs 'running' until I had established a little more height - but this wing climbs so quickly so I jumped straight in!
- TURNING: I need to focus on lifting the opposite arm when turning with the other, I suspect that my initial turn to face away from the building failed because I hadn't fully raised the right-arm.
- THROTTLE HESITATION IN FLIGHT: The engine sounds hesitant but this isn't due to the engine, its me being hesitant on the finger-throttle. In future, I'll make use of the cruise-control which I had forgotten about to avoid constantly throttling up and down.
- BRAKE LINE LENGTH: On landing, my flare wasn't particularly effective due to the length of my brake lines, I should either have taken a wrap (or two) to ensure that my flare slowed me efficiently. I plan to shorten my brake handles by 2-3 inches as overall there was too much slack.
- ENGINE FAILURE: Nothing I could really have done to prevent this, we've got a list of things to check - in addition I'll be cleaning out the fuel filter which is a likely cause. I feel that I managed the situation well, I noted my position as soon as the engine failed, as well as wind direction (from flags on the ground) - I then used some left/right turns to slow myself and to lose altitude. Most importantly, I landed safely!
- ENGINE RESTART ATTEMPT: I attempted to restart the engine whilst still holding the right-brake handle, in future I know to release it, however I was worried about letting it go, I guess this is just 'maiden flight nerves' :)
27 авг 2024
