How To Launch a Paramotor Trike, PPG Gorilla Style

Come learn to fly with Gorilla!! Florida Flight Sports is now offering TRIKE TRAINING!!!
Details here www.ppggorilla.com
I wanted to do a quick tutorial on How To Launch a Paramotor Trike Gorilla Style. Here are some tips that I have learned from other pilots and on my own. This is how to launch a ppg trike Gorilla Style!

[@YankeeinSC1]

"You're going to have some failed launches." Man ain't that the truth. Very sexy.

[@steveketchmark6839]

I have been thinking about getting into this for 2 years. This is the best and most truthful video I have watched to date. Ty

[@stone8597]

Great video. I agree and like to say..."a monkey (no offense) could fly one of these things, a monkey could land one of these things, but there's no way a monkey could take off in one". Also, Kurt from Flight Junkies does a real nice job going through how to set-up a wing and launch a trike. Actually, he does just about the same thing that you do. Thanks for posting.

[@PRDMRE]

Your “roll on the throttle” technique has been a huge help when I was learning, and I am still using it and say it as I launch

[@lifelineparamotor2023]

Great video, as always! I need to come over and fly. I've been practicing my trike launches I'm learning all the little things you mentioned, things that might happen with trike launches. wing coming up off center, steering the trike, making sure to abort when needed. It's definitely a new world compared to footlaunch. It's super fun to learn a new side to paramotors! :)

[@billyboy-59]

My favourite channel, no nonsense, straightforward ( and no big ego!) Many thanks, Bill

[@PPGGORILLA]

Thank you Bill!

[@michaelmarfell7442]

Great no nonsense video. Very helpful!

[@Bullfukc86sc]

Just another inspiring video! Thanks for taking the time to share with us once again!

[@scottjulius2834]

Always good stuff. Keep em coming.

[@scottreuse1487]

Great video. Been thinking about getting a trike. I appreciate your sharing this info.

[@rickcbr900rr]

Thanks for making this video, I appreciate your honesty and sharing this with all of us, now I have to go work on my Trike Launching

[@jeffjolliff5864]

That was a awesome save at Palm Bay Rick glad I was there to see it live ! Thanks for all the good info !

[@stuartlennox66]

Well done, loved it

[@nicksauer4085]

Thank you for the video. I really wanted to hear and see the very basic beginning stuff. You guys make it look effortless so it’s nice to have it explained.

[@alexgarske931]

you were not an instructor. NOW YOU ARE!!! lol

[@johnpublic438]

Gorilla thank you very much for posting this video. I’m a foot launcher who is just starting the process of learning to trike. I think you would make an excellent instructor!

[@carlmcgee3602]

Excellent video sir. You make that trike look easy. Thumbs up for the video.

[@lashley370z]

Well done, Sir. Keep 'em coming.

[@tonym11301]

Best instructor and ac friend

[@1980tomh]

Great Video. I really enjoy your videos Rick.

[@koalminer]

Thank you Gorilla! Great video and very inspiring! Keep them coming!

[@rickydaniel1573]

Just wanted to say thanks. Great video. Very helpful

[@359Joey]

Just about ready to give up after a bad launch today. I left off throttle with a half inflated wing because i thought my motor just didnt have the power, needing carb adjustment or something, Anyways, the wind yanked me backwards and the trike went airborne , then on two wheels nearly tipping me over. After changing my shorts, i packed it up frustrated and swore i was done. Now i had to find the video and it gives me some hope, ever so slightly.

[@PPGGORILLA]

Hang in there man! Remember to take your time and Taxi. It took me awhile to get a firm grip on that I had to tell myself to slow down and stay on the ground. It doesn't hurt to make a very long taxi run and then kill the motor if the wing is not perfect. I know at first it seems like everything is happening so fast but after awhile it will start to slow down and become more comfortable

[@577buttfan]

Awesome Gorilla,someday Ill be flying trike,thx for tips!!

[@clharv32]

I’ve been flying foot launch over a year and built my own trike your video helped me get off the ground second try.

[@ParamotorPrattville]

Good video, very helpful! Thanks! Took my first trike launch yesterday.

[@CloudWalker33]

Damn!! That was a nice save towards the end! Very nice.

[@David65702]

Excellent video Rick great tips, that's pretty much how I lay my wing out a bit different but almost the same. IMO wing layout is the key to a great launch but of course there are many other factors witch you did point out good job man.

[@glenpeacock1887]

A very good and informative video ..

[@BlackxLight]

"Roll on throttle". Nice to remember. Saves props. Thanks.

[@imranjan78khan35]

Thanks for the tips, going for my training.

[@toddmead5710]

Thanks 😊for training just waiting on the weather

[@paramotorpilot1749]

Thank you for very good advice.

[@rickwetzel6643]

Thanks, I needed that..

[@PatrickAviator]

Good stuff buddy... even as a foot launch guy considering trikes from bad knees so it’s good to see it step by step..

[@MrCPPG]

"Even these damn foot launchers". 😂

[@JimmyDanger7]

Very nice video! Well done sir!

[@williamdistel2661]

What a great video!

[@flierbill]

Great video !

[@CFP246]

awesome man

[@rickgraham5702]

Great video mate

[@sleightlytalented9998]

Still training but very close to doing my first flight. I've got a trike and your video have helped me out. Thanks!

[@PPGGORILLA]

That means a lot to me man! Thank you You got this Brother!!!

[@renierhenn5290]

Thx for the info.... used your "roll on throttle ..." method today... works like a charm... greetings from South Africa...😁

[@PPGGORILLA]

Thats awesome Renier, I'm so happy it was usefull!!

[@phoenixreimagined]

Those are some great tips. :)

[@MikeSparamotor]

Good stuff man. That’s how it’s done

[@johnhancockFenix]

You set up the same why I do , it’s good to see the technique used by other people , if your set up is perfect then 9 times out of 10 you’re launch will be perfect 👌🏼 , Nice Vid

[@justindrake6161]

Good video G

[@DynoSauR4Truth]

I'm just glad to see some guys's my size doing this. I'm wanting to give it a go myself.

[@PPGGORILLA]

DynoSauR You can do this man! This great sport it’s not just for 150 pound 20 somethings!

[@techi3075]

Thx for sharing. Thinking abt getting a lite trike for my parajet.

[@PPGGORILLA]

Good choice!The Parajet trike is awesome. All titanium and breaks down easily. Retracta trike is nice too just not as sturdy.

[@jr7227]

Good job brother!

[@sexonlegs666]

Nice video... informative

[@zbe859]

Awesome video man!

[@PPGGORILLA]

Thanks Brother!!!

[@rdeclue1]

I think you nailed the issue of trike vs foot launch ..... layout is so darn critical! But I think the most difficult difference is making sure your lines are taught for layout, and then trying to reach back to grab the A lines. Foot launch allows slack and much more adjusting...IMO.

[@PPGGORILLA]

I agree!

[@Richbund]

Nice video

[@laurenloucks7707]

Yo Gorilla, looking smooth.

[@trikester4919]

Good video just have a couple things I'd like to add. Before rolling the throttle I move the trike forward with my leg to stretch out the lines so there is no slack in them, then I roll the throttle. This helps eliminating any slack that could be sucked into the prop. Once the wing comes up I always take a quick look at both line groups on either side to make sure there are no twists or snags. And finally I always look up at the canopy to make sure there are no cravates or other problems with the canopy.....then I power up and have fun.

[@markjordan8116]

Thanks dude.

[@8balltez]

Nice mate !

[@Seishindo]

Thanks so much!

[@BartBerry]

Lol " even those damn foot launchers " lol why cant I do both ?? Just kidding I will always love flying my trike :) great informational video , it's nice to see how others set up... thank you ;)

[@pacmanflys]

Excellent

[@captbrad8235]

Awesome just getting started like what you had to say

[@PPGGORILLA]

You got this! Your life is about to change!

[@shaynemckinlay6406]

Well done mate I’m interested as a foot launch pilot

[@welovecricket9110]

Good one mate ! thanks :-)

[@LunchBox_SB322]

Hey Gorilla its Anthony saying hello and great video.

[@PPGGORILLA]

Hello Anthony, Thanks!

[@watchfullwarrior8180]

Man, I want to do this like now.

[@PPGGORILLA]

What's stopping you? The time is now. It will change your life! ppggorilla.com/training.html

[@PPGMurse]

Great video. I would think about your chase cam layout, however. The way you lay it out makes it immediately come up and swing towards the prop. It is better to lay it out, between the risers, but in front of the wing. Mine actually sits about 1 foot behind my feet when ready for launch (little slack in the line). This way, when the wing comes up, the camera stays on the ground longer, but then swings away from the wing. By the time it starts it swing back you already have thrust and forward momentum to keep it back there. Just a thought.

[@PPGGORILLA]

Thanks Jay, I’ve noticed it swings towards me at first. I’ll give that a try

[@NCPPGpilot]

Thanks for the tips bruh. I'm thinking that I might like to try the dark side. Just try it though.

[@Millbrook1974powderedwater]

I can recommend that! It will be an interesting experience losing the ability to take a sideways step while launching, which of course in your case will also make another great video!

[@PPGGORILLA]

Be careful. You might fall in love

[@Mazby2]

leen you prop angle about 10-12 degree so your canopy will not be so disturbed when inflating.

[@drewswan3537]

Ok so you should adjust your thrust line 10 degree upwards. Then your wing will inflate outside of turbulence. Watch scouts video on trikes.

[@Millbrook1974powderedwater]

Although you clearly stated you're not an instructor you manage fine explaining your own learned lessons! So OK, not an instructor. An explainer then....? Thanks man, great video! As a trike flyer I know how rough some starts can be. There is only only detail I slightly disagree on: The wind generated by the prop is so messy that it can't do very much to help inflating the wing just by the wash it generates. But as soon as the trike starts moving forward and the A's are helped a bit the wing can do nothing else than rise. As soon as the wing gets above the prop wash it will come up 'orderly', pulled into the wind by trike & pilot. At least that's my theory, didn't invent it but for me it explains why the wing of a trike flyer always first kind of folds up before rising, especially when compared to a foot launched PPG. Personally I think there is a reason foot launch pilots never start their take offs with full throttle, that's only engaged when the wing is directly over the pilot's head. As trike flyers we'll have to do that differently. How do you think about that? Thanks again buddy! Keep em up!

[@PPGGORILLA]

We can disagree on that. We surely have different equipment and different wings. My cage is very lightweight and the grass/wing is always wet and heavy. This type of inflation eases the pull on my risers and cage. In my experience the prop wash inflates the wing and lifts it the first 5 or 6 feet before I move forward very much. With the lines laid out taught it really doesn't have anywhere to go other than straight up. I find that easing into the throttle the wing comes up a little cleaner than going full throttle to move forward and pul the A's up. Thanks for your input Millbrook. I enjoy the conversation.

[@Millbrook1974powderedwater]

Theory, theorem... In real life we manage to get off the ground and that's what counts! I can see how you got to your own theory on this, I understand it fully. Please have a look at some starts in my vids; we both might be right and if not: Absolutely no problem what so ever. lol Still love yer stuff matey!

[@advancenetAU]

Question 2 why don’t you place chase cam forward then it will have less dragging along floor. I put mine by the side of me.

[@waya1056]

I have you're exact setup... trike and paramotor! But is the purpose of those green guidewires from the trike to the riser hooks area?

[@edvisser4281]

Thanks for the video! Quick question, where did you get the strobes?

[@skypilot23]

right near the end in a failed launch- the glider came down on your head with the prop still spinning- must have spun up your lines- bummer- messing up your kite for a video lol good tips here thx

[@stephenmintie]

A little late to the party, but I just gotta say, some of us are into front tuckin'

[@advancenetAU]

Question. Why did you attach chase cam on ‘c’ line row instead of trailing edge ‘d’ row?

[@lesliethompson8927]

where did you get those tires and wheels. mine are hard rubber and difficult to launch on rough grass. thank you, Les

[@kelwinf]

What size Universal is that? I have a 28 and looking to add wheels. 👍

[@bryanknepper5226]

What chase cam are you using?

[@rashiidisack2844]

Great how manay mile could u fly hour

[@paulrosaly]

Gorilla good job by the way what are going to do with your other trike.

[@PPGGORILLA]

Sold it to a guy in Maryland

[@gutshotgriz3936]

Thanks for the tips G-man!!! I know your trike is a colibri...what wing and reserve are you flying?

[@PPGGORILLA]

Dudek Universal 1.1 31 meter, BMF Reserve

[@gutshotgriz3936]

Awesom G. Thanks again!

[@jcz232321]

Awesome and enlightening video! Thanks for taking the time. I'm thinking of getting into PPG via a trike, or quad. Which do you prefer/recommend, and why? And do you mind telling your ~ weight and height? I'm 5'10" and 250+, so do you recommend PPG for someone my size, or not. Candor and/or bluntness is gladly accepted.

[@PPGGORILLA]

Tim you are a Fatass just like me. You're perfectly suited to Trike or Quad flying. Was that blunt enough? Just playin Brother!! Thats what my whole website and youtube channel is all about. You don't have to be 25 years old and 150 lbs to enjoy the magic of flight! You can do this man! I was 280 when I started and down to around 260 on a good day after a healthy poop. Reach out if you have any questionds man. I'm working on the website and hope to have a lot of helpfull stuff on there, it's just coming along slooow... www.ppggorilla.com

[@jcz232321]

PPG GORILLA would you be willing to talk via telephone?

[@jcz232321]

PPG GORILLA I sent a FB friend request and if accepted, I'll messenger my mobile ph#

[@PPGGORILLA]

@@jcz232321 Anytime

[@PPGGORILLA]

@@jcz232321 Just accepted

[@americangal49]

What kind of trailer can you use to tow a paramotor QUAD long distances?

[@PPGGORILLA]

Mine fits in a 12x6 enclosed cargo trailer. It makes a nice storage area for all your flying gear too. I installed a small dehumidafier in mine.

[@americangal49]

@@PPGGORILLA Thank you.

[@geraldkalapos741]

👍🏻🤙🏻

[@paulaubuchon2336]

What trike brand are you using??

[@PPGGORILLA]

Power2fly Colibri Trike

[@toledoflyboys8685]

Great Video! #MAKINGTRIKESSEXYAGAIN

[@l.dcrouse7150]

I'm not in the air yet for some reason or another..my fault... Damn straight. I get discussed with it and put back in the bag..too much stuff going on and not getting any help will do it

[@Alligatorrick]

AlligatorRick made it....

[@user-wq9mp4wk3u]

Эх 09

[@someguy7258]

Just a bit of constructive criticism. You got to do something with the microphone so it doesn't pick up your heavy breathing. I know how tiring it can be to paramotor, but it is quite distracting to hear hhhhhhheeeeeeeeee.............hhhhhhhhhhhooooooooooooooo, in between every couple words. Great video though! I was wondering if you were going to throw in the Viper launch attempt from Hilton Field.

[@PPGGORILLA]

Thanks some guy. Yeah this audio is setup for in flight recording with the mic right next to my mouth. The breathing sounds dont get picked up in the noisier environment. Try to record 4 min of audio talking through the whole process while you lay out and setup. Thankfully I don't do a lot of ground recording and Remember I'm not 27 years old and 150 lbs. I am PpgGorilla

[@someguy7258]

@@PPGGORILLA LOL. Yeah that makes sense. I don't know a whole lot about making videos or recording audio but what you said sounds right. Maybe we'll fly together soon. I am friends with the guy who is Viper you were launching in the last clip of the video.

[@turkeyphant]

Why do you trike instead of foot launch?

[@PPGGORILLA]

I do both foot and wheel launch. I prefer the trike for a lot of reasons so I mostly wheel launch. If the conditions are right I'll break out the foot launch. At my age I'm less likely to damage equipment or myself with the wheels under me.

[@billcallahan9303]

Go get some training! Go get some training! Big Man said it well. Watch mine. Paramotor Prop Strike & the results of NO training!

[@ReX-Ray]

It’s so easy a caveman could do it 🪂

[@davejoynt6276]

Sounds like you need to cut back on the smokes. Lol

[@PPGGORILLA]

I don't smoke, that's nasty. I am however a fat bastard

[@sanderus421]

Maybe ditch the trike, loose some weight.

[@PPGGORILLA]

sanderus421 I don’t think so, love my trikes too much. I’ve lost 30 lbs on Keto but still have a messed up back and knees.

[@fredsmith2299]

So it's all about bladder control ... and good kidneys ...OK no more water before take off ...

[@jimandrews4261]

You were breathing heavily while setting it up , how’s your health

[@PPGGORILLA]

I'm fat and out of shape but thanks for noticing!

[@KursatBalci]

Too much breathing voice...

[@FlyBabyFlyPPG]

if you don't be ready to fail you never will be a great pilot. simplicity make you better fly baby fly.