Flexwing microlight Vlog - Episode 3 Trying to land a flexwing

[@ChloeMason33]

Hi Giles I was watching fly away home with Dad a while ago, this made me want to fly one. im enjoying your blog and see them more than once . looking forward to your next vid... today .. im waiting for daddy to buy a two seater now .. from Chloe

[@wingson8951]

One of the beauty of microlight flying is low level flights, So I love flying low levels, Many thanks once again.

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

I'm not really a low level man. I like keeping my options open if the little engine stops turning.

[@flyingkub]

Normal problem with ground rush is looking to near, try looking at the end of the runway and you will find it easier, with any aircraft. That was the light bulb for me back in the 70's!! I use it even with a paramotor or paraglider right through to 3 axis and tell myself "LOOK AT THE END OF THE RUNWAY". Always enjoy learning new things, the challenge is to some degree what makes flying enjoyable for me.

[@wingson8951]

During my landings I never experianced trike bounce, hence every student does different mistakes and every instructor different as well, Due to different types of mistakes this video was very informative for me, I watched it many times, for the first time on internet someone has done a honest and great job, I think I will not forget these videos in my entire life, very well done, Thanks a million

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

Thank you for the kind words. Im glad that they have helped. I've been so lucky with all my instructors.

[@butchgeagan9768]

You're learning and doing well. Very good instructor.

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

A lot has happened in 5 years. I'm now sat in the back seat helping others learn to land. I feel blessed to have had the likes of Jim teach me and I use his example and style in my teaching now. Thank you for watching.

[@charlesturner8512]

Loving this !! Greetings from Cape Town South Africa.

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

Hello Charles and welcome to the channel. Wow South Africa, I hope you enjoy my little antics.

[@SimonAmazingClarke]

So good watching this after seeing your more recent videos

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

Hi Simon, it's always interesting to see where it all started and how bad I actually was, I'm only slightly better now 😜.

[@SimonAmazingClarke]

@@GolfFoxtrot22 A lot better in both flying and videos

[@AIRBOZ]

Really enjoying these episodes Giles. They don’t seem easy to fly and it’s good to see your progression always moving forward through the mistakes and fumbles.

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

Thank you. I'm glad you are enjoying them. I keep having to remind myself I've only had 3 hours. I'm so enjoying the learning though.

[@ComeFlyFlex]

Great videos Giles, I have now completed my first 2 hours worth of lessons and my instructor is very pleased and I am sure your videos have helped with that. He sees me as about 3/4 lessons ahead of where he would expect me to be and I think we are going to start some circuits next lesson, scares the life out of me but excited too. Our airfield is nowhere near as wide, open or even as straight as that so if I can master that then anywhere should be nice and easy 😀

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

Hello Martin, that is fantastic news and it's all down to you, I have nothing to do with it. Just remember, you only need enough runway for the wheels. Mantra.. Speed... Centre line😁👌.

[@andrewburfield8135]

As a student pilot transferring from 3 axis to flex wing these videos are incredibly helpful and informative. Many thanks and best of luck from Australia.

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

Andrew., thank you. Without giving any spoilers away, it's been a wonderful journey. I'm so looking forward to 2020 when I can start really using the skills that I have learnt. I feel like I'm learning to fly all over again.

[@vauxscott]

I'm rewatching these videos as I progress through my own flexwing training journey, it's really funny how the exact same situations arise! Good info and great to see that it doesn't always go exactly to plan. Like you say, learning something new is great fun!

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

Hi Scott, I'm glad they are helping.

[@andykmasmith8695]

This is brilliant to watch......it's good learning....keep it up......

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

Hi Andy, where has the last 4 years gone. It feels weird that I'm now teaching people to fly and do the same things I was struggling with. I hope you enjoy the rest of the videos.

[@rabcameron1676]

Another Oscar winning video...! Thank you for taking the time to make these episodes Giles, they’re better than Coronation Street....😂😂

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

I'm gad my entertainment is better than mainstream TV.. More fun to com Rab.

[@medicblog999]

Giles - Thank you so much for these videos. I have watched every single one and am current circuit bashing myself and doing EXACTLY what you have been doing in this video. It is getting so frustrating that I cannot nail these landings like I should be able too. Heading off to the airfield again in about 3 hours to have a go again, and hoping that your instruction and input helps today!

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

Hello Mark, I'm glad that the videos are helping, as I found very little content when I was learning. I still haven't fully cracked it but looking at the end of the runway is the best thing you can do. What are you flying and where are you learning?

[@medicblog999]

@@GolfFoxtrot22 Hi Giles. I’m flying a GT450 out of Atheys in Northumberland. Landings went better today as I had your instructor in my ear saying just try to fly it as close to the runway rather than land it. That along with looking long certainly made a difference. Making tentative plans for a solo over the weekend if the next lesson goes to plan. Another interesting thing… your last video on your instructors course - After watching I messaged Kai, my instructor and said “ your drawings look amazingly like Giles’ instructors board drawings “. Turns out that you have both had the same instructor to train you. I’m Kai’s first student after qualifying so we are exploring and learning together. Very much looking forward to bumbling down to meet you in person once I’ve qualified!

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

@@medicblog999 hi Mark, it's a spooky small world. I'm sure we can find space for you at Darley Moor airfield. Have you seen the Flexwing event on the Airways Airsports Facebook page. 16 and 17 July if you are free.

[@medicblog999]

Yes, just looking at it actually. Kai is thinking of maybe coming down, but it’s too early for me! I’ll get my GST out of the way by the end of the year (all being well) and I will start touring next year for sure!!

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

Lots are driving and camping.

[@sarahlivingstone8367]

I've noticed it seems to be standard practice to gradually "feed in the wing" (ie push the bar forward) once a certain speed has been attained (to prevent sudden wing and airframe loading) but when I was flying, I was taught to have the bar forward all the time during takeoff and ease back once airborne.

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

Hi Sarah, it depends on the take off type. Having the bsr all the forward from the off creates a lot of drag and slows acceleration, especially on the faster machines. Bar fully forward is part of short field technique. I hope that helps..

[@RASPUK]

Awesome mate.

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

Paul, Thank you. Its been great fun so far.

[@flyul1]

You are doing great. Keep it up.

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

Keith, thank you so much. I'm really enjoying learning again. It's nice being taught again.

[@planecrazyish]

Outstanding video! absolutely loved this. Felt like I was taking the lesson. You did brilliantly. Great instructor too. Hope I get an instructor like that, when I do my training.

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

I'm glad you enjoyed it and Jim was brilliant. I did some further training and also videoed them. They are in a play list and I hope they are useful.

[@planecrazyish]

@@GolfFoxtrot22 I plan on watching them all , these videos are incredibly helpful, you’ve done a great job of documenting your training. It’s great to have an idea of what to expect and what the training entails. So glad you’ve done this 👍👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏 I really appreciate the magnificent effort you’ve put in to this.

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

It's comments like this that make all those long evenings editing, worth will.

[@patrickmckowen2999]

Excellent My issue is remembering to bring bar in after touch down to load front wheel for better braking. My biggest fear is trying to apply brake an keeping wheel straight, thank goodness for longer runways and an instructor to back you up! My Instructor also has me doing closer turns on base to final when winds are favourable - getting me use to sharper/steeper approaches in case of engine out and need to turn to an emerg LZ and mostly no power lands using wing to give us good speed knowing I have foot throttle if needed. His private LZ is short, so a much longer very low approach needed with power is required. Training - Scary fun times! Cheers

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

I really enjoyed my lessons. Jim has really given me a solid foundation for the PeaBee and I'm loving just going off and flying. I still forget the bar in from time to time,, especially when its light. When its windy, I do remember, I want to stay on the deck. I've come to realise that all landing are unique and just judge the approach accordingly. Some of my more recent videos, I've pulled off some real greasers.

[@patrickmckowen2999]

@@GolfFoxtrot22 You hit the nail on the head - get a solid training foundation to build up from. Cheers

[@Capitaine.Albator]

Great video!! Thanks for the share ✌🏻👍🏻

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

Thanks for watching.

[@roybackhouse5770]

Awesome video......best flexing learning series ever! I so want to fly one of those again! Solo soon!

[@roybackhouse5770]

And you missed a TWSS MOMENT.

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

Roy, thank you. I'm trying to make them useful rather than entertaining. However Jim still manages to make them funny as well.

[@wayne.b2798]

Looking good giles , great video ..

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

Thanks Wayne. I just need a little bit more good weather. But then don't we all.

[@nur5ey1]

Fabulous Giles..so nearly there, to a paramotorist we let that power off early and usually are unfamiliar with powered aproaches.. but as you say bleed the speed and lean forward to get those last few inches in..😁 TWSS well done mate..😉👍

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

Its always the lets 3 inches, TWSS. I'm getting there I just need more good weather now.

[@TheeAthis]

Excellent man! Remember I told you on your last video....the key is to relax. I see your CFI is also stressing it. It truly is the key to smooth flying and landing.

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

The relax piece is coming. I'm just practicing with the broom handle at the moment.

[@TheeAthis]

Golf Foxtrot 22 you got this bro! I can see it coming along! By the way, the whole getting excited isn’t British comment had me laughing! 😂👍

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

@@TheeAthis Jim, makes me laugh all the time. So relaxing to fly with, I just need to relax.

[@richardkemp2028]

Great video, I am currently moving from 3 axis to flex and have found your videos inspirational and informative; it's not just me who struggles with the power setting and flairing etc. Looking forward to seeing the next one

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

Nope, its not just you. I hate the throttle, you breath on it and it off accelerating away. I'm glad you are enjoying them and finding them useful. I'm enjoying using them to actually help me after each flight.

[@andymackk99]

Really Good Giles - enjoying these very much. Keep it up.Looking forward to the next ones..

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

Thank you. I'm so enjoying the journey.

[@gillesf6692]

Your Vlog is very well and clearly done, I've watched it over and Over again, Im trying to work out some of my bad habits that i have learn. Im a new trike pilot that doesn't fly enough or often enough To really get good at it, Thanks for the ride along and lessons 👍👍

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

Jim is a fantastic instructor, I can only give all the credit to him. Making the lessons fun helps.

[@justhangini6706]

Nice work mate😎I like your approach to learning , just found your channel and am watching them all from start to solo in the pea bee 🐝 I have that easy riser but am only 3 hours into the training and all is going well . If you ever make it to Australia I’m in port Kembla an hour south of Sydney your welcome to take it for a spin 👍🇦🇺

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

Paul, thank you. It was hard work making the videos but I hope that they help. I'm loving flying my PeaBee, had an hour xc last night after work, just bliss.

[@eddy802]

I expect your mock bar work to be a significant benefit - immersive visualisation and building muscle memory. It's great to track your progress Giles, thanks (triggering lots of Middle Wallop flash backs LOL).

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

Middle Wallop.. I have to visit there from time to time. Yes, I've a very kinesthetic and visual learner.

[@GILawrieLawrence]

Loving this series. Kiwi living in North Carolina. Been paramotoring for a year but one of these on floats would be amazing here on lake Norman. Your doing well mate ! Ps still pissed you beat the all blacks 😞

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

Haha, I had nothing to do with the All Blacks not winning. Thanks for watching. I bet the lifestyle is completely different for NZ in North Carolina. Give Ben at Flylight a shout. I'm sure there is a mod that he can do. He has been designing and building these machine for a long time.

[@GILawrieLawrence]

Ok thanks mate.

[@trots67]

Great job, getting better

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

Thank you. I'm really enjoying it.

[@WiltshireMan]

I think you'll get it Giles but just remember not to be so Tents...Unless you go camping:) And if it's raining then make sure your Intense otherwise you'll get wet! Sandy

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

Haha, I can hear you saying all that as well. Cheers Sandy.

[@Robbo1966]

Another great informative vlog, thanks for sharing keep at it, it will naturally click. I may have to chat with your man about my re validation in the new year. cheers Giles

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

Paul, Jim is very good. Somerset Microlights.

[@DougBow96]

Allowed to be excitable? No, it's un-British 🤣🤣 great video and love your instructor, he is cool.. keep going, you're doing well 👍😎

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

Jim does make the lessons so much fun. I will keep going. I can't wait to fly my PeaBee.

[@JamesWilson-ry7gw]

Looked good to me Giles! I’m still on upper air work but I’ve only done 2 lessons. Also the 2 days I’ve flown have been pretty bumpy with a crosswind and turbulence on approach and my instructor was working pretty hard! I’m surprised how limited these flexwing microlights are on weather and particularly cross wind. Almost worse than the paramotor since we can pretty much always arrange to land into wind.

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

This was lesson Number 3 so I'm pleased but frustrated by the weather at the moment. Jim seems to be letting me do 98% of the flying. The next video so more interesting so stay tuned ;) Keep me post on how you are getting on. Are you going NPPL or Sub70?

[@JamesWilson-ry7gw]

Hi Giles. I’m going to see how it goes regarding sub 70 or NPPL. I’m in no mad rush either way. I’m just enjoying flying something a bit different. I don’t think I’d want to own a microlight like the one we are both training on. Too much hassle with hangarage permits etc. I’m also not sure that I will buy a sub 70. I wonder whether the hassle of rigging / de rigging will put me off. I’ll be interested to watch your progress. 😀👍

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

@@JamesWilson-ry7gw I know what you mean with owning a full NPPL flex. Hangarage is so expensive so being able to have it small and transportable was key for me.

[@AZC1949]

Well done!

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

Thank you. It's been a steep learning curve.

[@AZC1949]

@@GolfFoxtrot22 I can imagine, as you have flown fixed-wing with rudder and aileron.

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

@@AZC1949 My feet have been the biggest issue, but I'm working on them.

[@AnthonyVella]

First! Love these episodes. I hope he can be my instructor one day. Do you know if he would travel to Texas? Haha

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

Anthony, I'll have to ask him ;)

[@clubsnapperuk]

Well done . Your taking to it like a duck to water . Easy peezy

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

I loving learning something new. More fun antics in the next lesson.

[@pacmanflys]

New sub! Great flying!

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

Steve, thanks for the Sub I hope you are enjoying my little journey.

[@Adventure_Bum]

Good times

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

I'm loving the learning journey.

[@Adventure_Bum]

@@GolfFoxtrot22 I bet you are! So many different aircraft to much around with.

[@PPGExplorer]

Nice job. That thing makes me nervous! Fly safe.

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

Thank you. What makes you nervous? I love flying it and really can't wait to fly my own PeaBee.

[@PPGExplorer]

@@GolfFoxtrot22 Everything seems backwards from what I am used to flying ultralights back in the day. Push is up and pull is down.... I would be worried my brain would do the opposite of what I want if things got sketchy.

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

@@PPGExplorer I was surprised how quickly I picked it up. Although I did have the same worry as you are expressing. I started driving my car from the bottom of the steering wheel, seems to have worked on left and right. I just need longer arms for flaring ( or lean forward).

[@PPGGORILLA]

Now that's a Sexy Trike! Looks like a whole lot of fun. Seems like a whole different skill set for sure. It's kind of opposite to push forward to increase angle of attack. Questions, Where is the throttle and how do you control yaw or ground steering? Cheers

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

Rick, the throttle is operated by the right foot. The steering is like gokart steering, you push your right foot it turns left. There is no yaw control in the air. But as you say, its a lovely trike and so so fast. This will reach 100 mph.

[@asquaddie]

Awesome - I imagine you get a lot of positive memory feedback editing all the footage to make these vLogs.

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

Tony, yes. I use them to help reinforce what Jim has been telling me ( or trying to) during the flight. There is so much covered in each lesson, its really hard to know what to cut out, there are so many gems of information. Some I only notice when I play them back. I really hope they help others as well.

[@asquaddie]

@@GolfFoxtrot22 I can tell you straight away - they do. I done my lessons about 15 years ago and they are flooding back :-). Roll on next year

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

@@asquaddie that's good to know. Yes next year....maybe earlier.

[@quinton1960]

Great video Giles, I feel the dark side coming

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

HI Quinton, long time no speak. I hope you are well. It's been a fun journey so far. Drop me a line if you want to know more.

[@clippedwing-bensmith1614]

First landing in your peabee: Well that was piss easy, the other one was like a tank! Keep it up, brilliant video as always! Just remember, we're British so cut that enjoyment nonsense out!

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

I'm looking forward to my first PeaBee landing. I'll have to apply the British Stiff upper lip then. I love flying, always have done, always will.

[@clippedwing-bensmith1614]

@@GolfFoxtrot22 definitely! I was only kidding! I give a big whooo every time I land! I need to stop smiling like a girl, gives me cotton mouth when flying ha!

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

@@clippedwing-bensmith1614 I know you were. Flying is a privilege not a right. Thanks for following.

[@PARANOOB]

Best one yet dude! Enjoyed that, and I have zero interest currently in microlights. 😃👍🏻

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

I'm sure there is scope in the future when your knees (or back) doesn't work. ;)

[@Robbo1966]

Im sure you'll be tempted one day!

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

@@Robbo1966 Paranoob will be when he sees how much fun it is.

[@DanielJonesParamotor]

Please stop, you're making me want a go!

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

Haha, this happened to me, kzbin.info/www/bejne/hIinZ6GEn9Bri80 then look what happened.

[@garymoulston8443]

Great video but I will stick to my hang glider

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

The aircraft I was learning on is a bit of a beast, my Peabee is just a powered hang glider and so much lighter in the controls. I've never flown a hang glider but I love watching Darren Brown fly his. I was always worried about pushing the controls the wrong way (until now).

[@Robin-de8zg]

this is not a peabee tho its a P&M aviation quickr

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

It's the P&M Explorer. If you look at episode 1 I explain why I'm learning on a 2 seat. It's the only way to get suitable training to fly a Sub70 aircraft safely.