Flexwing microlight Vlog - Episode 2 - How hard can it be?

Having flown a Paramotor for years, I thought I would try to learn how to fly a flexwing Nanolight PeaBee. Join me on my Paramotor to Peabee conversion. It might seem simple but flying a flexwing, after having flown Stick and rudder aircraft for so long was not an easy experience and I'm glad I'm getting training.
This lesson covers all the elements that would allow me to land, as well as some of the more advanced turning techniques. It was certainly a busy flight, with a lot for me to take away and process later.
There is no way I could have jumped into a flexwing and safely flown it without causing an accident.
www.flylight.c...
www.peabee.co.u...
Somerset Microlights
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[@wingson8951]

I think your videos are one of the best microlight tutorial videos, I learnt few more things, many thanks and love from South Africa.

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

Hello Asif, I think you are my first South African commenter. I'm glad that you are enjoying them, a lot has happened since that video was made.

[@125brat]

Hi Giles, that brings back memories of my lessons. Only thing I would comment on is that I was taught when practicing steep turns greater than 45° bank angle to sight a landmark off the opposite wing to the way your turning, then during the turn to roll wings level as you approach the mark on the nose, i.e. limiting the turn to 270°. This prevents flying through your own wake which can be dangerous in a flexwing.

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

Hi 125brat, I'd just note the time when these videos where produced and a lot has happened since then👍😁. Any turn up to 45 degrees angle of bank you can safely complete 360 degrees. Beyond 45 degrees they are limited to 270 as you said but also with the addition of a HSELL check when demoing.

[@125brat]

@@GolfFoxtrot22 Yes, all noted Giles. I learnt to fly flexwing about 20 years ago and of course the HSELL checks are mandatory too. It's good to watch your videos though as refreshers. Keep up the good work and fly safe, Frank.

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

@@125brat hi Frank, and you fly safe as well.

[@ChloeMason33]

Cool vid I learned a lot from this

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

Hi Chloe, I hear you like the film 'Fly away home'. Are you going to fly flexwings in the future?

[@ChloeMason33]

Yes me and daddy are hopping to😌

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

@@ChloeMason33 that would be awesome.

[@blue_beephang-glider5417]

I came to the same conclusion after the first check flight. If I had tried to fly my sub 70kg without training I would have crashed, no question... I've got my general aviation license and my sub 70 uses exactly my hang-glider wing that I have flown for 2 years. I couldn't believe the difference! The throttle on the wobbly wheel mount makes picking RPM a chasing your tail exercise too.

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

I see you are working thorough my older videos. I hope you are enjoying my rather crazy journey. Sub70 transformed my flying.

[@blue_beephang-glider5417]

@@GolfFoxtrot22 I've paid half for a sub 70 which is fully built but waiting for the engine be delivered. Post Covid / Ukraine problems. Looking for anything that will help me out learning before it arrives. Your flying a sub 70 is great it helps, thanks.

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

Sub70 has absolutely transformed my flying.

[@robroy25]

Thank you so much Giles for taking us along on your new adventure....my heart is in my mouth on your approaches...we feel we are right there....so much going on...Kudos to you. What a great instructor you have...to me it feels like he wrote the book...Cheers.

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

I think I'm so focused on learning, I'm not feeling the fear. Jim is brilliant, I really enjoy learning with him. I hope you like the future lessons.

[@PaulFrancis-SkyRascal]

Really enjoying these videos Giles. I haven’t seen anyone else do such informative, interesting vlogs on these kind of aircraft before. It’s not for me but I really enjoy watching. Maybe one day.

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

Paul, that's kind of why I did, I couldn't find anything like this on the flexwing videos I was watching.

[@asquaddie]

Excellent once again. Fantastic visual and audio footage to go with the great instructional work by the instructor and you. Awesome to bring back the memories and now getting a bit scared ready for next year.

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

So whats making you scared Tony?

[@577buttfan]

I went for a ride in one of these trikes once think it was a Cosmos,was so fast and fun!!! Thanks for taking us along your journey Giles!!

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

They are fast and fun. I'm enjoying the learning journey as well. I'm enjoying not having the lump the kit around as well. More flights to come.

[@rabcameron1676]

Another brilliant video, really well put together too... You did well on only your second flex wing flight, so much info to take on board, looking forward again to the next episode. Top man Giles.!

[@aneesrehman7354]

Wow great video 👍

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

Hi Anees, I hope it was helpful. Feels so long ago now.

[@thibaultjn]

I'll be taking my first lessons in the coming weeks and I've been watching many videos upfront on YT. I can tell yours are the most interesting I found. By far ! Thanks so much for sharing your experience!!

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

Jean-noel, thank you. They were a bit of a labour of love. I was so luck to have Jim the instructor allowed be to video them. They really helped me after the flight work out what I was doing right, or I needed to improve upon. I hope your lessons go well.

[@clubsnapperuk]

Brilliant. You did so well for your second flight. I was impressed with the go around, it takes just as much skill recognising something ain’t right as it does when it is. I think your a natural. Well done

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

My brain was full of information. I think I make the videos as much for my reference to go back afterwards as for helping the wider flying community. Thanks for your comments, this flexwing stuff is not easy.

[@wayne.b2798]

The concentration on your face on landing and then you made a go around , said it all LOL , look's like its hard work on the arms that said ! well done giles i no that you will master it with your positive approach .

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

The concentration was quite high, I'm learning every second. The bar isn't that bad, it's probably no different to all the little hand movements on a paraglider, it's just so much more obvious with a flexwing. It's was good fun to be honest.

[@mattkora]

Nice job Giles!!

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

Matt, you might need wheels soon. How is the Knee doing?

[@vauxscott]

I really want to have a go at this! Looks completely different from any other type of flying, but in a good way! So much going on in that flight, almost information overload.

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

It really is Scott. Open cockpit, fast, control, no wing collapses, you can pull in to go down. Best of all, no running to worry about. The Sub 70 side is good because it folds down to fit in a small vehicle with a roof rack. My PeaBee actually fitted inside my van, and you know how small that is. If I want to go heavier, I can then progress the same machine to SSDR, stick a G reg on it and get a SSDR licence and fly it heavier. Whats not to like!!

[@TheeAthis]

Fantastic second vid!! Your de-brief is spot on!! You did really well for the second lesson. There's a LOT going on during landing, and as time goes by, just like anything else, it becomes second nature. I'm sure you felt a little overwhelmed, but that will pass. Your instructor is great man! You couldn't have chosen a much better CFI.

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

Thank you. I hope the videos bring back memories. Yes, there is a lot and I'm kind of using the videos as a reflective tool. Jim is brilliant, he pushes but also controls. I like his humour as well.

[@TheeAthis]

@@GolfFoxtrot22 Haha! Yeah so did I! And it does bring back memories! My instuctor used to remind me often to just "relax" and have fun....and I gotta tell ya, stay relaxed, don't stiffen up, and the Trike will do exactly what you tell it. Keep em coming!

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

@@TheeAthis Yes, that's my hardest thing I'm trying to relax.

[@gunter2642]

Well done Giles, superb effort. This is gettimg really exciting ☺

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

Thank you. It was certainly a flight with lots of learning. Glad you are enjoying it.

[@Robbo1966]

keep going great vlog, good audio out of the helmets. Gives me an insight to what I have forgotten, looking forward to starting again sooon

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

Thanks Paul. It's great to get comments like this. I'm just glad people find them both useful and interesting. What are you starting again? Microlights or Sub 70?

[@patrickmckowen2999]

Great stuff👍 Cant believe I missed this one. Cheers

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

That feels like a lifetime ago. But I'm so glad is did it and loving it now.

[@eddy802]

Sweaty helmet indeed! You worked hard there sir, well done, and thanks for sharing.

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

It was a busy lesson. So much to take away. Hopefully it will become more natural soon.

[@WiltshireMan]

Nice one Giles, I'm sure you will soon get the hang of this Giles. Flex wing is a lot different to Paramotor like you say. Your getting some good instruction though. When I was training we did stalls and incipient spins. The stall was very soft but the incipient spin gave me the idea that a full spin would not be so nice. It was a long time ago and I didn't have any paramotor habits back then either. Sandy

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

Thanks Sandy, its trying to undo 25 years of fixed wing that I'm finding the hardest. I'll get there. This was only lesson 2, so I have so hope yet.

[@shanewright6582]

I love this instructor! His descriptions have rung a lot of bells for me. I have a great instructor that I love but sometimes, someone else can say something in a way that resonates better with you.

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

I was so lucky with Jim.

[@positivetunnel8768]

@@GolfFoxtrot22 I really want to do this. how much is a lesson for a hour?

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

@@positivetunnel8768 hello, depending on where in the world you are it will vary but in the UK its about £120 an hour.

[@positivetunnel8768]

@@GolfFoxtrot22 Wigan Manchester. Always wanted to do it. so if I have a lesson is it nerve wracking? any advice, cheers.

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

Just book a trial lesson, you really won't know until you try it. I've been flying for nearly 30 years and have loved every time I have flown. Just go for it.

[@Paddy_The_Baddy]

Hi Giles, loving the videos, I'm also learning how to fly the ultra light, got 2 lessons in this year and hoping to finish them next year as it's getting cold here in canada now, dreamed of this for a long time and next year is my year, fingers crossed..keep those videos coming..

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

Pat, I hope next year is good for you. I hope my videos will keep you going till then. The UK weather has been a pain so far, just too windy or wet.

[@richardducati]

Very very very informative and interesting video.

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

Richard, thank you. I hope people learn from my mistakes and also Jim seems to just know so much and also how to explain it.

[@stone8597]

These are great videos. I've been flying ultalight aircraft since 1980, starting out on a weight shift Quicksilver, converted to three axis, have owned three trikes, and now fly a PPG. Trikes and PPG's have lots of inherent stability. Heck, once I get my PPG off the ground (that's the tricky part) it would probably fly better if I were not in it...same with trikes. On the other hand, the three axis machines are alway asking you what to do...wing comes up, hit the sick and it comes down. Now the inherent stability makes for a very safe flying plane...lots of stability. However, if you want to make the PPG or trike do what you want it to do you have to sort of finesse it (out smart all that stability). I had a hard time going from three axis to trikes...but once I got it I never looked back...kind of like riding a bicycle. I think I'm going to purchase a Nano Trike...I'm getting the itch.

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

You certainly have been flying a wide variety. I started on sailplanes back in 95, got by PPL in 97 (a bit of luck but that's a much bigger story), then had to stop flying due to life choices. I started Paragliding in 2009 and then PPG a few years later. I think the PPG wing makes a significant difference to how they respond. I flew a freeride for a few years, that was certainly not stable and was my play wing, a barrel roll was easy after only one wing over. My Hadron XX is definitely my go to wing for Xc. I'm hoping my PeaBee will allow me to go further xc in slightly more comfort.

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

Did you reply. I saw a post about the PeaBee but can't find anything here.

[@stone8597]

@@GolfFoxtrot22 Yes I did post but them I deleted it. I was going to ask about your new trike. However, I saw you had a post explaining it (the one with the engine out), so I wanted to watch that video first before I ask a question or made a statement. I think you will like the PeeBee. Weight is the enemy on these things. I'm live in the States and here we have FAR Part 103 that gives us 115kg (254 pounds), still light but not as restrictive as your rule. I've been looking closely at the the PeeBee and other trikes by Flylight as well as the trikes and wings produced by Aeros (the ANT). Problem for us over here is the shipping is expensive. When I get a chance I'll watch the other video and take a closer look at your machine.

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

@@stone8597 have a look at tomorrow's video.. Slight spoiler alert. Yes your FAR103 does give a little more wiggle room on the weight front. I first saw a PeaBee on action on my RAFA40 trips (a few videos ago) when Ben the designer let us use his hangar. When you meet someone and understand the passion they put into no only their work but the sport, I wanted to support Flylight where I could....so I bought one. As I let slip, tomorrow should be a more relevant video for your question.

[@stone8597]

@@GolfFoxtrot22 I'll be sure to watch. I'll check out the "RAFA40" video. Thanks!!

[@keithprice740]

Bravo mate, I enjoyed this one too

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

Thanks Keith.

[@hwamblan]

Brilliant vidz Giles! Both content wise and technically. I went through this last year and wish I’d been able to watch your vidz then. I too had trouble controlling the foot throttle on a GT450, especially as it was winter and freezing. Throttle control on the PeaBee was a piece of piss you’ll be glad to know after that!!

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

Dave, thank you. I'm glad you have said that about the throttle. I'm trying to make these videos to help others. Sorry I made them too late for you. What did you find useful?

[@hwamblan]

Golf Foxtrot 22 Howdy Giles, as you alluded, so much is happening at once, it’s great to be able to share your learning experiences. There’s good technical guidance coming through but it is also helpful to see how you cope in such a realistic and honest way - something you can’t get from the manuals!

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

@@hwamblan and that is exactly the point I wanted to get across. I've heard of a limited number of people trying flexwing sub 70 without training. I'm sure it's possible but it's not like a paramotor where the arrival can be run off. I think Ben Ashman said it well. The repairs are generally more expensive than the lessons.

[@BasketCase]

Great video. Interesting process.......moving towards a Peabee. Just subbed. BTW...the volume levels between you talking / the music / in flight are hugely different.

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

Thank you. I'll make sure I get the volume levels sorted.

[@benwardle7318]

Interesting videos Giles, I'm going through the same training at the minute, throttle control and feeling the sweet spot for the constant aspect approach take some getting used to but once you nail a few landings, you will know exactly how it should feel...Weather permitting I should be solo in the next few weeks, great to watch your journey!

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

Thanks Ben, these videos are a bit behind where I currently am. Without giving spoilers away, I've had 2 circuit lessons....found the sweet spot. Over the moon now. Next video is the landings part 1.

[@benwardle7318]

@@GolfFoxtrot22 , Great stuff, looking forward to watching, I very nearly bought a Peabee from Ben but decided to do the full licence, hopefully I will get a go in one at some point.

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

I'm hoping to see how far I can go with the Sub 70 exception. Then maybe SSDR.

[@JamesWilson-ry7gw]

Hi Giles I thought you did a great job for lesson 2. Looked like a bumpy day. The throttle is so sensitive on the GT 450 hey! Don’t beat yourself up. It will all sink in before the next lesson Cheers Jim

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

James, thank you. I like to get things right and as you said the throttle is just so sensitive. The next video is all circuit stuff. It doesn't get much better, I'm not finding my flow. It will come as you said.

[@davidnewbrook8628]

Great to see your new video Giles .

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

I'm hoping the weather improves so I can get more lessons in.

[@davidnewbrook8628]

Golf Foxtrot 22 I’ve had numerous lessons booked and cancelled recently , I’ve one booked tomorrow but I’m not hopeful . I’m picking up my Snake trike this weekend but the wing is still with Avian until November , will be getting the engine run in over the next few weeks and getting used to assembling the trike . Your right what you say in your video it’s training , training , training but it can be easier said than done in the UK with our fickle weather !

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

@@davidnewbrook8628 I'm with you on the lessons being cancelled. I kept a few of the lessons back before announcing the videos, but I'm almost out. Fingers crossed for next week. I hope your wing comes soon. David Broom is a great guy.

[@davidnewbrook8628]

Golf Foxtrot 22 good lesson today , instructor told me to get my self medical declaration sorted so I can fly his aircraft , he must be thinking solo shortly 👌

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

@@davidnewbrook8628 sweet.

[@trots67]

Nicely done

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

Thank you. I just need more flyable weather for more lessons.

[@DanielJonesParamotor]

Great ‘real’ video, looks like you’re picking it up well and are portraying a solid message to people that training is key. How’s the van build coming?

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

Thank you Dan. Its going to be an interesting journey to the PeaBee, also the van build is going well.

[@andydavies1]

Thanks for the vids.. I'm interested in learning at some point, but pushing forward to pitch up would feel unnatural to me.

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

Hi Andy welcome to the channel. Pushing forward on the bar actually makes you fly slower. Power makes you go up or down. Once you've got.it clicked in your head, you don't really think about it.

[@DougBow96]

Looks like a big challenge, great job learning a new aircraft. I'm going to stick with my PPG for now. :)

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

Thank you. This is me fulfilling my dream so I'm really enjoying the challenge. I like learning new things.

[@DougBow96]

@@GolfFoxtrot22 Learning to PPG this year was my dream fulfillment so I'm totally with you. Who knows, maybe I will find some money and try another aircraft after the kids are out of the nest. :)

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

@@DougBow96 it sounds like you are really enjoying your PPG flying. I suppose I had the taste of fixed wing flying a long time ago and still have that desire to achieve that dream. The ironic thing is that it's not that much more expensive to but a Sub70 trike in the UK than a paramotor setup and an extra wing.

[@DougBow96]

@@GolfFoxtrot22 Yes I am. Like most I have wanted to fly since age 6. LOL I could never complete fixed wing training due to family obligations, cost & time. That is amazing that the cost is about the same in the UK. Not sure what the cost is in the US of A. Wonderful that you can achieve your dream. Look forward to your solo. 👍😎

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

@@DougBow96 that will be one I look forward to. No idea if I want to video it or not. I'm getting good at forgetting the cameras are there.

[@Trike.]

You will find that getting off the ground as quickly as you can will stabilize you best since a three wheel trike gets kinda screwy if you drive the trike like a go-cart . Once you get up to speed to take off , push out and lift off , and keep the power on till you have a little bit of altitude and then you can ease off the throttle . You never want to dump the throttle after lift off since your going pretty fast and might not have enough speed to flare and have a hard landing . Doing a take off is pretty violent , all the forces grow and combine to produce lift . I like this take off kzbin.info/www/bejne/qIKqaquQlMxpnpY

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

Thank for the points. I can only really go on the instruction I am being given by my instructor. I'm sure there will be additional things I learn as I refine my skills. This was only my second flight so. So many things to learn. Thanks for watching.

[@MrMartin0815]

Thank you for the great videos, especially about your transition to the dragon trike! By the way, how do you transport such a lightweight single-seater trike? How compact can you pack the trike and the wings? I'm currently a paramotor pilot and interested in trikes too!

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

Hi Martin, welcome to the channel. My PeaBee packs down to two parts, the wing is only 5.6 meters long and less than 28kgs. The trike can pack down to fit in a normal car, however, I prefer to move it in a trailer for speed. I can be in the air from arriving to flying in less than an hour. They are very easy to move about and I generally transport it to fly-ins. I hope that helps.

[@MrMartin0815]

@@GolfFoxtrot22 Thank you, that helps as initial information! Do you happen to have a more detailed video of the setup or teardown, or do you have a video recommendation from another channel?

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

@@MrMartin0815 I only have a wing fold video on my channel and there is a another developing channel PaulieB796 you might find that channel helpful.

[@MrMartin0815]

@@GolfFoxtrot22 How does flying the trike in thermal air compare to the paramotor experience? Is it similarly shaky or does it feel noticeably calmer/sturdier in the air?

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

@@MrMartin0815 I've made a few videos where I've thermalled the Peabee. I'll see if I can find a link but in short, it's really good fun and no risk of wing collapse.😁kzbin.info/www/bejne/bmPLfYKoac-LfNU

[@rolandsmith2141]

I thought you were making it look easy......26years flying experience, now I'm back to not feeling so confident I could crack this. Great helpful vids for prospective or in training flyers how did you record the sound

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

The flying experience didn't help much, I was still pushing the bar the wrong way for the first 2 hours. Then it clicked.

[@rolandsmith2141]

@@GolfFoxtrot22 how did you manage to record the dialogue of yourself the trainer and control.thanks roland

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

Hi Roland, I had a tiny microphone popped in the ear cup linked to the gopro on my helmet.

[@Bexxy]

Well done Giles, lots going on and looked like there was some turbulence when you were coming into land. How long were you up in that lesson?

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

Hi Andy, it was an hour long lesson. It's hard to cut it all down. There was so much in this lesson as well.

[@joshperryppg]

So what do you like more? PPG or flexwings?

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

I think they both have their own merits as I can do more things with the paramotor, but if it were a nil, light wind day and I want to cover a long distance, the PeaBee would be my option....when I get there.

[@ronnyskaar3737]

I see you tended to release power on take off. Is that something you do with paramotors? I used to fly fixed wing 3 axis. Full power up to over 500 feet.

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

Hi Ronny, if you're referring to the power drop just after take off, that was me making a mistake and accidentally releasing the power. If you hear in the audio I mention it and then say later on I'm at full power. I hope that helps.

[@ronnyskaar3737]

@@GolfFoxtrot22 OK. Very interesting to see these instruction videos. Very fine instructor. 😊

[@clippedwing-bensmith1614]

My heart was pounding watching that! It just feels like a lot of work! Glad you are getting great instruction! What is the throttle? A food pedal? Seems very hard to get that finesse with it? Look forward to the next one though, its mad you can just buy and fly a flex wing!

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

Yes, Jim is a really good an chilled instructor. The throttle is a foot pedal in the right hand side. On this aircraft the left pedal had the brake. My PeaBee doesn't have a brake but it does make landing interesting trying to steer and not press the throttle. You can't fly and aircraft like this with no licence, only the sub 70kg class of flexwing, that are much slow and have less inertia. I only have access to this class for the conversion training.

[@justharryjohnson7250]

So will you be bringing yours to the Pmc fly in next year ?

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

Harry, I'll be brining both. Hopefully if I've completed my conversion training.

[@andymackk99]

2nd one as good as the first Giles - Great Video. What kind of suit is that - it's not an Ozee is it?

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

Thank you, I'm on a steep learning curve both flying and video editing. The suits are Ozee. This one is actually mine, it just so happened to be the same colour as the one I wore in the first episode.

[@steelpix]

So when turning in air, do you also push the bar forward a bit?

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

It all depends on the angle of bank, but in short yes, sometimes a tiny bit sometimes a lot. If you are thinking of flying a flexwing your instructor will run through everything with you.

[@keithprice740]

Giles, you should worry about stalling it,!!

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

Only an idiot would stall one. Haha. More to come, they just take ages to edit.

[@PPGtrikepilot]

Approach to land always looks bloody scary on a microlight all that movement looks like your fighting with the bar. A paramotor trike is far more forgiving.😊

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

It looks worse than it is on the camera, but it's actually alright. A lot of the bar movement is just the wing doing its thing, and you just let it do it. The difference between flexwings and a paratrike is speed, but also you can take off and land crosswind. The biggest thing I'm looking forward to, is being able to taxi out and back in. No more having to hump kit about. But then again, I'll still be paramotoring as well.

[@edilbertosantana8307]

Am. Video.

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

? Not sure what your comment means.

[@stefantwotimes]

I think it's better to fly if not, this annoying parrot was sitting behind you ,,

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

Annoying parrot? It's been a long time since I made this video.

[@stefantwotimes]

@@GolfFoxtrot22 ok old or not its stil there,,

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

@@stefantwotimes are you referring to Jim? I think I've missed the point.