Have we pushed it too far? - Sub70 - The future

[@angelacox5405]

Nice one - as you say the SUB70 has opened up so much. I love the journey I am on, silly grin on every flight.

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

Hi Angela, there is no holding you back is there. It was a pleasure being part of your journey.

[@skysurferuk]

I used to fly wobblers, & got fed up with my "instructor" & the B.S. I packed it in, & shortly thereafter the sub-70 came in. I felt I was too old to recommence, but still have the feeling...

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

Sub70 flexwing has opened up so many opportunities for me. It's a wonderful privilege.

[@michaelhansen7082]

Giles, for me you are one of the most positive contributors on the channel. Always makes me smile when I see how much you enjoy and the way you share with the audience. You got me back into flying after a long break. I think any form of flying is superb and people have to find the options that suit them best. Whilst I fly a regular 2 seater trike I think Sub 70 is a very positive development and many credits for that have to go to Aeros, Ben Ashman, and yourself for this progress.

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

Hello Michael, I want to take the time to really digest your comment. I can't believe that I have helped you back in the air. Where do you fly from and what trike do you have? I will make sure that Ben Ashman sees your comment. Thank you for all your support to the channel. Let's see what flying we can get into 2024, when it stops raining.

[@PARANOOB]

Checking in! ❤️

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

Good to see you in the comments buddy.

[@ianimg1043]

Great video Giles. Good to see you haven't lost any love for your old flying faithful 👍🏻

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

The Peabee is just a smile machine.

[@helimed01]

Prior to sub 70, and regarding power units on flying machines, if you could foot launch it, you could fly it, with or without wheels. (From flat and level ground with less than 5mph wind). That’s how I understood the rules at the time. And I have still got that flying machine from 1997.

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

I've heard all about your early stories, crazy man🤪. Good to catch up today as well.

[@gedstokes4832]

Fantastic Giles, it looked beautiful. 👍

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

Hi Ged, I did get your message, believe me, this weather is driving us all nuts. When I flew on this day, I literally had 2 hours of flyable weather to get up and packed away. Roll on any form or flyable weather.

[@freebiker2765]

Hi Giles. Thanks for this. Glad to see you haven't been totally over-awed by the Nine!! Cheers John

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

Hi John, I just wished every time I came home, it was flyable for at least one day. I just haven't been able to fly the PeaBee much since October. I will fly it when I'm back, don't you worry. Have you flown much and have you put those wheels away yet? :)

[@freebiker2765]

@@GolfFoxtrot22 I’m afraid I’ve flown just once since August! There was an awful fatality at Truro which closed the field for several weeks; then the weather has been so miserable, with occasional flying days coinciding with grandparent or other duties. If the weather lifts later in the year, I’m sure I’ll be tempted back in the air again. But I think this may be the last season for me. I no longer feel that I must make every flyable day count or get upset when other obligations get in the way. Instead it’s more about making every day count - whatever I’m doing (especially at my age!). Whether I continue or not, you know how much I have appreciated your unstinting help and support in giving me these few years of self-launched powered flight, which had always been my ambition. All the best. John

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

You are always welcome here John. Life choices are always the hardest to make.

[@SimonAmazingClarke]

To be honest pilots have been able to fly all over the UK for decades without a pilots licence in either a Glider or Hang Glider. I do like the sub 70s, reminds me of riding a 125 cc scooter, easy, simple,and great fun.

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

Hi Simon, I completely agree and the privileges that we have in the skies of the UK are a joy. I had a 125 motorbike for a little bit, the good old CBT :)

[@tomcoryell]

Good to see you Giles. Glad you have some flying weather! It’s 30*F here and the wind is blowing at 30mph.

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

Oh Crikey Tom, that's chuffing cold and windy. Fingers crossed for some better weather.

[@tomcoryell]

@@GolfFoxtrot22We have had a very mild winter so far. In fact it’s been too mild which is a concern. We need cold and snow.

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

@@tomcoryell I think we are in the same boat, it's just been wet for our winter.

[@kevchilton908]

Great vid, Giles... only bettered by that amazing landing!! 👌🏻

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

Hi Kevin, the landing was all luck. How are your aircraft repairs coming along?

[@kevchilton908]

@@GolfFoxtrot22 And I know it wasn't luck! 😆 Currently awaiting parts that are being made in the USA 😬 Hope to be back flying soon though 🤞

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

@@kevchilton908 Ok, I do admit, I had to wiggle that bar thing around a little bit. You'll have to pop up and see what this flexwing stuff is all about. Fingers crossed the parts are made and shipped quickly.

[@kevchilton908]

@@GolfFoxtrot22 😆 Thanks Giles... and I'd love to call in sometime 👍🏻

[@DougBow96]

Beautiful day and flight. Funny, I always like finishing the day with a greaser. 😊

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

This was a perfect end to a first flight back at Glebe farm.

[@InducedBank]

Welcome back to Glebe Farm indeed! Lovely to see the 'old' place!!

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

Hi Mike, it was great to be back at Glebe farm. It's been nearly 2 years since I've flown my PeaBee from there.

[@mindfulmunchkin1215]

Thanks for the info Giles, you really highlight the sport.

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

Hi Mindfulmunchkin, thank you. I think Australia has the right idea of using the trike weight without fuel.

[@mindfulmunchkin1215]

@@GolfFoxtrot22 I wounder if you can help me Giles, I'm very close to ordering a wing (finally) After watching YT videos I think the Flylight Aeros Adam wing would be the best for me, do you know the equivant model aeros sell's on there site with the same specs? here in Australia they praise the Combat wing and I think the 9 will be too much for me as a new pilot, So I'm looking for the actual Aeros model flylight uses and labels the Adam - Sorry for the confusion :)

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

@mindfulmunchkin1215 I think it's called the Fox 13TDS, DS being dual skin. Ben Ashmam designed and named it after his late brother "Adam". I'm sure Flylight will be able to help further if you drop them an email. [e-mail]

[@davidnewbrook8628]

You lucky man, not had the weather to fly for months!

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

Hi David, I hope you are keeping well? This was a very small window and I just had to take the opportunity.

[@RoyVincent-t1y]

Giles, firstly thank you for making some excellent videos, I really enjoy watching them. Not sure what you have said that was wrong in the past about the rules, but I guess because you say you are a microlight instructor, people will see you as an authority on the subject. Always a challenge when you are simply trying to inform people about something you are clearly passionate about. Keep up the good work. Rgds Roy

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

Hi Roy, thank you so much for your kind words. The aviation community is amazing and friendly, and I enjoy trying to meet people. Do you fly in the UK. Thank you again and for your support to the channel.

[@flyskiride]

Great video and very interesting

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

Hi Lee, fingers crossed for some weather changes.

[@flyingkub]

Sub 70 is a great type of fun flying for those who don't want to spend the money of an NPPL and have no need for a heavier machine and also allows old gits like me to fly now I am no longer able to run fast enough to get a Doodle Bug off the ground.

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

Hi Algy, I'm sure you'll be seeing one purring around your airfield soon. :)

[@flyingkub]

@@GolfFoxtrot22 I am sure you are right ✅

[@vauxscott]

You really enjoyed that flight didn't you! Your enthusiasm for this daft sport is infectious. Its your fault I'm now flying flexwing too! Interesting points on the exemption, I'm looking forward to see what the CAA do with it. Maybe removal of fuel from the weight limit?

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

Haha, I can't be held responsible for your spending habits.now get that bailey airborne again...oh wait we need the weather first.

[@FLYNRYAN1978]

Another great video ! Thank you !

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

Cheers Ryan, I hope all is well with you.

[@FLYNRYAN1978]

@@GolfFoxtrot22 all is well , i can't wait to get back up myself and also looking forward to learning paramotoring this year.

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

@FLYNRYAN1978 paramotors are a different kettle of fish to flexwings but just as fun. I had my time in them for 10 years.

[@FLYNRYAN1978]

@@GolfFoxtrot22 I've took a few tandems and really enjoyed them

[@patrickmckowen2999]

Very good 👍

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

Hi Patrick, I hope to get more NiNE content for you. It has just been windy and wet for months now.

[@leehewitt9559]

Love it 👌

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

Hi Lee, I hope all is well?

[@neilbarriskell7840]

Good talking points… As for the chattering classes, whingers ignore them mate. Most are empty kettles which as we all know make the most noise irrespective of what they are “experts” in.

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

Cheers Neil. We do need a good catch up when you are next free.

[@Colin399]

You make that look way way to easy😉

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

Hi Colin, I just love flying, these single seaters are good fun to fly as well. It was all luck, the aircraft does all the work 😁.

[@deanfox8951]

G-day mate Unfortunately there was a fatality here in Australia last year. Pilot left his helmet loose somewhere on the trike and it flew into the prop and the prop flew into the wing.

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

Hi Dean, thanks for letting me know and I'm saddened to hear of a fatality. I'm guessing that was in an Australian spec Sub70 machine?

[@deanfox8951]

@@GolfFoxtrot22 Yes I do believe it was.

[@kostashellas]

Hi Gilles, what's your view about wheels retract vs speed and safety on a sub70 trike? Most manufacturers, Airborne AU, Northwings US, argue that the impact is negligible vs complexity and mechanical failure risk.

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

Hi Kostas, there is always a risk when something is designed today retract, it would be the same for any aircraft that has retractable undercarriage. They do look quite beautiful when flying past with the wheels up. I think for a soaring trike there is an aerodynamic advantage.

[@GaboLopezParamotor]

Hello greetings from Mexico! What elevation do you take off at? How many meters do you need to take off without wind?

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

Hi Gabo, I'm about 500ft at both locations. The Peabee needs about 60meters to take off but it does depend on fuel carried and air temperature. I hope that helps.

[@GaboLopezParamotor]

@@GolfFoxtrot22 tks!!! Buenos Vuelos!!!

[@fly1327]

A Yank who flew HG for years, then sailplanes, then SEL (power), that looks like fun. There just is something about an aeroelastic wing. Thanks!

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

Hi Jump4433, I can't agree more, flexwing flying has really taken my flying spirit.

[@oldXLgeezer]

Excellent video. I am actually more concerned about pushing the boundaries with the upper weight limit. In the days when the BMAA AGM was in Wolverhampton town hall, Microlights were promoted as flying for the masses, i.e. an inexpensive way to get airborne. I bought a Pegasus XL. Now with the weight increase from 390 to 450 and now 600kg a Microlight can cost way more than a family car. A 912 engine alone costs more than my XL did. Reliability = Safety! I hear shouted across the ether. True, dual ignition beats a 447 or 462 for reliability. But I no longer drive a Mark 1 Cortina. The Sub-70 engines are far more reliable and so would a modern engine for a 390kg Microlight. In the days when Microlight Flying magazine was called Flightline you would also receive an A5 booklet listing aviation accidents, the section on Microlights was disproportionally represented. The AAIB now publish these online split into several sections so it is harder to analyse by aircraft type. I venture to suggest that Sub-70 figure less than 600 kg proportional to the numbers of aircraft or flying hours in each category. Sorry, Giles, to use your Comments section to publish personal opinions. But you did pose the question...

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

Hi Neil, thank you for your length and thought provoking comment. I think there is a big difference between the early microlights and the standard of construction and testing of wings and trikes now. When looking at the new generation of Sub70 wings and trikes, some have already been given significant testing, G loading ( +6-3). I think the issue with the AAIB records is the Sub70kg machines will not feature as they are classed as a Loot Launched Powered Hang Glider with wheels, so any accidents will be conducted by the BHPA. With regarding to numbers, Sub70 is definitely on the rise and the simplicity of getting into the air, I think we will see more and more flying. Its always good to see comments like yours as they definitely. I hope you had a good summer, I think it's our turn for some good weather. :)

[@asquaddie]

Welcome back Giles. 🙂

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

Hi Tony, I hope all is well? Are you still flying your PeaBee?

[@asquaddie]

@@GolfFoxtrot22 All good thanks, apart from the weather. Mostly my Paramotor still, but did get 3 one hour flights in Feb, which was good for me.

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

@@asquaddie Awesome. Where are you flying from on your PeaBee?

[@outandabout64]

Very informative Giles. Thanks. Do you know if Ben at Flylight has any intention of building a two-seater SSDR?

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

Hi Out and about. SSDR stands for Single Seat Deregulated, so unfortunately the regulations mean it can't be a 2 seater. I'm aware that Flylight are the design authority for the new Deltajet500 if that helps.

[@outandabout64]

@@GolfFoxtrot22 Of course. Should have thought about the question before I asked it.

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

No worries. It did make me smile ( in a nice way) :)

[@FlyingDarkLord]

It seems incredibly easy to offend & upset people these days. You only need to hold a slightly different opinion from theirs 🤦🏻‍♂️ Great to see you flying & pumping out more great content 😊👍🏼

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

Hi Geoff, I hope all is well? How is your flying coming along?

[@nsm3]

Good discussion point video Giles. There is a group on Facebook you're aware of, that gets very fractious (unnecessarily so in my view) around all things related to the 'rules'. It would be nice if the CAA simplify the sub 70 exemption to match the Aussie version (excluding fuel). That said, I'm very grateful for what we do have, as thinking an NPPL(M) was beyond my reach, I went with the PB, got into the training and now I'm only 5 solo hours shy of taking the GST, with all the exams in the bag. Without the PB, I doubt I would have pursued it this far tbh? Looking forward to seeing more of your SW area content and some NiNE action in the coming months.

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

Hi NSM3, I liked your PB2 videos on your channel, where do you fly from. Congratulations on your progress towards your NPPL/GST, please let me know how you get on. Will you be putting a G-Reg on your PB2?

[@nsm3]

Hi Giles, I fly the PB out of a farm strip nr. Bromsgrove called Stoney Lane. Been a bit waterlogged this winter, unfortunately. I'm doing my training at Halfpenny Green, which is great as they have 3 tarmac runways (plus 1 grass) and I get quite a bit of AFIS radio interaction and traffic avoidance practice there. Just waiting for a serious break in the weather to push forward with the training. Re: the G-Reg, I am tempted because as you well know, the 12 hours I put on the PB last year don't count. I even did a 'technically qualifying' Nav-X with a land out in it. Need to find out how easy it is to 'de-register' first, as I feel the resale market will be wider for Sub-70 over SSDR, should I go a different route later on?@@GolfFoxtrot22

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

@@nsm3 are so relatively close to Darley Moor then. Yes, I think we are all waiting for the weather to turn for the better. Deregistering is just as easy as registering, if that helps.

[@nsm3]

Been up to DM a couple of times in my friends Jabiru, it's a fairly short run. As an aside, did I spy the new instrument pod on your PB, and if so, did you buy 2 or do you use the one from the NiNE?@@GolfFoxtrot22

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

Good spot, it's in a previous video, I did buy 2, I have the FlyHenry fitted to the NiNE and the new Tiggy2 to the PeaBee.

[@wrdturkey]

Hey Giles. Don't worry much about definitions. What's not defined can be anything you want it to be. I personally feel we have too many laws and regulations in the US. It's what happens when you elect lawyers for public office. LOL! Your sub70 weight - is that stripped down dry weight?

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

Hi Wayne, sorry for the delay in getting back to you. I hope all is well, did you get your machine back before the winter arrived? We are lucky in the UK we don't have too many aircraft regulations but the Air Navigation Order is like you FAR, it gives all the little details of "how and what", we can do. Anything outside of that doesn't exist. To answer your question, the Sub70 weight is the base structure for flight with fuel, I hope that helps.Fly safe.

[@wrdturkey]

Hey Giles. I did get my trike back before the snow started to fly. The weather is getting better now. I'm starting to think of a day when I can get it back to the hangar. As far as weight goes, your order sounds like our FAR. I've added a lot of weight on my trike that I see as payload. I know I could strip it all down and fly just fine. I've never head of anyone having their trike weighed by the FAA to make sure it's within the limits. The FAA has more important things to do. I hope it stays that way. Take care and let's hope for a great flying year.

[@clivekent7465]

Giles, interesting to learn a little about UK regs. of course totally different over here. and there is that unattainable (for us) skyecho again! I was going to ask about your chin curtain and helmet but I see you have provided that info. I'm using Lynx headsets and helmet and recently replacing an aging Lynx radio interface with a newer version that is powered off my trike (I mean flexwing). I heard you mention motorbikes my other passion. currently I have an '18 DR650 which I believe is not available in many markets now due to emissions/ABS requirements and a '13 vstrom 650. that DR650 is basically unchanged since 1996! cheers. enjoying your videos. that UK landscape looks pretty exotic from my california eastern sierra. I'd share a photo but I don't an option in comments.

[@clivekent7465]

ps. what motorbike (s) do you ride?

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

Hi Clive, sorry for the delay in getting back to you. I hope you found it interesting how we fly in the UK. The chin guard (Air Dam) is made by Micro Avionics, it's not designed for this visor but does work quite well. I'll probably make you quite sad, I sold my Triumph Tiger 800 to buy my PeaBee 4 years ago. I understand that Lynx are no longer in production :(. If you wanted to send any correspondence, you could send it via my instagram Flexwing_flier22 or via my other FB page "Flight Briefing Room, if that helps. Welcome to the channel.

[@jmanhuntley]

with a sub 70 craft what is the max pilot weight please?

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

Hi Jason, it all depends on the manufacturer. The Flylight Peabee, Adam, Bivvy Bee and new NiNE are all 110kgs.

[@jmanhuntley]

great thanks for the reply.@@GolfFoxtrot22

[@offshoretinker]

Hi Giles, Would you be so kind as to put up your checklists? Thanks.

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

Hi Michael, I'll put a video together and give you a mention. It is an occasional question that I get asked. Some Checklists are sometimes very specific to schools with some being very general. What ones are you using at the moment?

[@offshoretinker]

Just got my Adam/185 and as you are so precise in your approach I would be reinventing the wheel whilst maybe missing something making my own lists. Thanks for your reply and I'm sure there are others who would be safer pilots if they adopt a proper checklist.@@GolfFoxtrot22

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

Hi Michael, if you want the a little quicker, please drop me a massage via Instagram and I'll try and contact you that way.

[@offshoretinker]

Massage a little difficult over the web. Try as I may I can't manage to message you via Instagram. Best via whatsapp if you use it. Don't know if the tube allows phone numbers, but Ben has my number you could perhaps add to your contact list.@@GolfFoxtrot22

[@TheRidgehog]

it really doesn't matter what type of licence a pilot holds some will abuse it that's never ever going to change , the add on of wheels has created an whole host of keyboard warriors sadly there never going to change , i was always led to believe that there was a large number already using wheels and folks were being granted the use of wheels with doctors letters sent in to the CAA. The BMAA were really not keen on the idea at all being totally honest . its a real shame they did not allow your sub70 flying hrs to contribute towards your nppl they should actually give you a free life time membership ticket for all the promotion you've given them . the simple addition of wheels to the sub70kg exemption has opened up the sky to a lot of pilots but sadly also an whole bunch of moaning from some of the BMAA members and lets face it there records on safety aint too great they really have nothing to shout about. its great to see the sub70kg from the 80s affordable flying for average joe blogs although saying this new sub70 machines are getting very very expensive . joe bloggs 🙂.

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

Hi John, you speak a lot of common sense and you are correct on the background to how the Wheels exemption came into existence. Yes these machines are getting expensive but the wings and engines have rocketed in price by huge margins and that really hasn't helped. I'm also a Joe Bloggs as well, I just have a few cameras to help share Joe's antics. I hope you are keeping out of trouble. :)

[@Bob-gn8ph]

❤John 3,16 ❤

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

Thank you Bob.

[@peterkelseyferryair2396]

Giles, I have always enjoyed your videos I am one of the people who has been or was watching very closely the 'Progression' of Sub 70 with a very Cynical mindset I totally agree that progression is happening in every facet of Aviation but I do think the Sub70 clique are 'Cherrypicking' the bits they like & disregarding the bits that don't suit them 🤠 Personally, I feel that with all the progression being afforded to Sub70 that it is time that anything resembling a Microlight should have parity with their bigger brothers & carry a registration 🤨 I will back up that by saying that in the progression of Sub70 SPHG they are now very closely identical to the early Flexwing models that do carry registrations & so I feel maybe it is time for registry of Sub70 to be implemented by the CAA ? ( I know it goes against the grain of what the original Sub70 category was, but times have changed with the progression ) I mainly operate in the General Aviation cliques & there are bits that have for many years gone against the grain,but it just has to be accepted if you want to be part of GA🤐 I think the same should be accepted in Sub70 cliques if they want to have unhindered progression for the benefit of all involved 🤔 I am 100% in support of anything that can progress Sub70 but sometimes something has to give to enable progression & registry might be a step in the right direction to getting more credibility in Aviation circles. It has been proven that Licencing isn't needed, but registry is something that I believe is now needed as the progression is seeing more Sub70's using licenced airstrips where RT is used & a callsign is normal protocol for identity purposes. (Now donning my Pith Helmet & Flak Jacket 🤣)

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

I think we are good for another 2 years.

[@peterkelseyferryair2396]

@@GolfFoxtrot22 I am pleased that it has been extended for another 24 months as I must admit that Sub70 is going from strength to strength. The continuance of biannual exemption renewals is 100% in the hands of the Sub70 users Old & New. What this means is : Whilst the CAA have offered non regulation of Sub70 aircraft, it would make sense for all Sub70 users to 'self regulate' themselves 😉

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

@@peterkelseyferryair2396 much the same as SSDR. It's all Deregulated. 🤙🏻🤙🏻

[@peterkelseyferryair2396]

@@GolfFoxtrot22 Not everything associated with SSDR is Deregulated in the same way Sub 70 is !!!! I have an Acquaintance that I sold a SSDR Microlight to, he later felt he might never attain his NPPL(m) so he acquired a Sub70 so he could freely fly wherever he liked. Thankfully he did manage to attain a Restricted NPPL(m) but him holding a Restricted NPPL(m) that he worked really hard on getting has really highlighted a major flaw in the CAA Logic on Sub70 vs SSDR. He can unrestrictedly fly the length & breadth of the UK in his Sub70 but in his SSDR Microlight he is RESTRICTED TO 8nm from his Take Off Point. What difference is there that determines that a Sub70 flyer has better Navigation capabilities than a SSDR Pilot? This is a very serious question that highlights a disparity in CAA logic !!!! Whenever he is flying his Sub70 he would be considered as competent to navigate anywhere in the UK, yet whenever he is flying his SSDR he would be considered as incompetent to navigate anywhere in the UK !!!!! What are your views on that?

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

@@peterkelseyferryair2396 it's been the case for all Sub70, (paramotors, hang gliders sailplanes) for as long as I can remember. There are technically more unlicensed pilots than licensed. I don't see an issue. The main difference is that a full NPPL allows you to carry a passenger. I genuinely think there are bigger issues than the differences between a restricted licence and Sub70 flying. Over 10 years of Sub70 flying, no issues.