The Ugly Truth about Paramotors - Takeoff and Weather

[@MissMarinaCapri]

The Scenery was Spectacular! Thank you for sharing. I’m glad you persevered and got in the air.

[@johnkenealy9517]

Scott... Cudos, Man for having the self confidence to post your failed launches. Most of us would rather pretend that those aborted attempts didn't happen and just brag about out great flights and effortless launches with laminar wind flow in unobstructed fields! Like Jackson Browne says in his great tune "The Road"...we "forget about the losses and exaggerate the wins"! I happen to like the bigger thrust of a heavier motor (I fly a Flattop). Sure more weight to ground handle with but once the wing in centered a big motor beats a weenie weight any day...short takeoff run, lower rpm to maintain S&L flight equals less noise, wear and tear on the motor, etc. Plus you can throw it on a cart and still get off the ground in a reasonable distance. Doing ppg forwards in switchy winds sucks but, like you, keep at it (especially with a forgiving wing) and the rewards are great. Thanks for your video!

[@josemontalvo4532]

Fun vid! Most of the responses to your tough day were so hilarious. Some guys were heartless to your struggles, but nice to see you took it in stride. You’re a better man for it. What can be drawn from your hard time to fly? You have much more patience than me, so good for you!

[@SlowerLiving]

Jose Montalvo ID say if you don't have patience then only fly in good conditions.

[@josemontalvo4532]

Scott Wohlgemuth I hope I’ll can be as Patient as you. Maybe I can develop it. Cool. Thank you for sharing!

[@TheParamotorGuy]

I've done what you've done here. It has later developed into a three-time rule. If I have to set up three times, I won't set up a fourth. I just trust that it isn't a good day to fly.

[@peturdarakchievdarakchiev7345]

true

[@MarkLoves2Fly]

I fly Paraglder in Free flight. I have experienced this type of frustration, in many hours of ground handling. Those trees, you pointed out at the beginning of the video, are part of the problem. Launching in a Rotor, will make things very difficult for you. My suggestion is to forecast the weather, including wind direction, before choosing your launch location. In this way, you can avoid some of the frustration, of poor wind direction and velocity.

[@JohnHoranzy]

I am still building time by kiting my wing. Kiting is actually easy. The hard part is disciplining myself to patiently wait for proper and safe wind conditions. Rarely do the popular videos show the pilots waiting out the wind but maybe they have a better sense when to go or stay home. Thank You for posting.

[@OutbackAl]

8:45.....Arrrrr....the Joy of actually Launching! Well done for sticking with it.

[@onecircuit]

Appreciate the video. It helps us new guys who may be asking the question: "Am I the only one who can't seem to get my wing up???" ;)

[@kyleoglee]

Patience man. Can't force the weather, but you can wait on it. When it's swirling, it will line up eventually. I've stayed in launch position for 30 minutes waiting for a proper cycle before. Sure beats resetting 3 times in that same slot! Glad you finally snagged it.

[@lancebrumfield7332]

Yeah, I like great wind days and lots of margin in my take off space. If the setting/winds aren't right then I don't even try. It limits my flying days but I'd rather not take the chance.... then the days I do get to fly are epic "butter smooth" as Mr. O'Glee would say. I'm a newby though, I'm sure I'll get confident as I go.

[@SlowerLiving]

sounds like wisdom. but man after sitting there for 20 min I feel like I just have to give it a go even if there's only a 30% chance it works. :). I'll try to be more patient in the future.

[@PredatorParamotor]

Kyle O'Glee truth!

[@suburbanhobbyist2752]

Dude, I applaud your determination and tenacity! I can tell you right now that no way would I have flown that day. I don't think I would have made it past your third attempt! Plus I'm older and out of shape lol.

[@Eymos_Shenanigans]

Dang browski. Love the persistence. That was tough to watch cause Ive totally been but not as bad as you had it. Yikes. Not easy for sure.

[@groundhendl8113]

First off, thanks for sharing and I'm a non-motorized paragliding pilot (beginner). I usually choose my starting technique like this: I use a forward start for no- to normal wind conditions, reverse for normal to high. When there is no wind, you use both A risers (if you have split ones) and also make sure that there is not much tension on the lines before starting. That way you'll give a stronger impulse to your wing, it builds up more momentum and is easier to bring up. Just be sure to break before your wing overtakes and collapses in front of you.

[@michroz]

I am pretty sure watching this - the problem was the way you pull. Don't pull hands forward ahead of you. Stand straight and pull basically with your body and with your hands extended to the sides (and a little back). The moment the wing is inflated just start rising your A's with your thumbs through the sides up (not forward). It is like you try to put your coat on on both hands simultaneously from behind :) And don't release A's so quickly - the wing may be easily killed with the slightest of breaks down! You need to follow A's all the way up and then - belly forward - and the motor helps you! You are a fighter! Managed a reverse! I virtually never start with reverse - only at very strong wind. Good luck!

[@matth7856]

i agree even tho i have 1 flight in

[@24juan68]

Congratulations my friend well done

[@BSmithPPG]

I usually give it 3 tries and then call it quits if it's just not working. But then again, I am launching from 7,000 ft elevation and it can get tiring fairly quickly. Love that feeling when you finally take off after struggling though. It's like "YEEESSSS!" The scenery looks beautiful! Thanks for sharing.

[@NCPPGpilot]

Man, that scenery is stunning! I had a day like that once. After the 3rd attempt, I practiced some colorful metaphors whilst I packed it up. My metaphors are now perfect! ~8^) Thanks for posting Scott.

[@FinitivPCS]

Excellent dedication. Good flight.

[@AlaskaWild]

What lake is that? Beautiful

[@SlowerLiving]

Hayden

[@jefferyjohneverett]

It was nice meeting you this morning!! Amazing views I'm looking forward to our decision to relocate! Can't wait to see more amazing footage! 😎🙌🏽🌲🌲✌🏽️

[@SlowerLiving]

Yep. It was great talking. I'll try to get another video up before Christmas.

[@n2daair23]

Way to persevere and keep trying! Nice to see the reality of this sport for a change. Soooooo much different than beach flying. Careful though with getting fatigued, it can really come back and bite you! Fly on!!!

[@PRDMRE]

Resolute, and determined!! well done!!

[@georgemitchell1248]

Beautiful countryside Scott

[@SlowerLiving]

Yep. can't wait for it to warm up.

[@mcgyversadventures6021]

How good of of equipment is the fresh breeze motors. I hear so much crap about every motor out there from instructors. Just curious how many hours is on that motor and what problems you may have had. They all will have problems that’s normal.

[@danlarev6021]

What’s the brand that you’re flying

[@tbronson158]

Wheels are awsom😊

[@FesterHotRod]

Light pressure on the A's so they lead a bit more than the rest, but you still need tension on the rest of the riser group too. You seemed to be pulling very hard on the A's from what I could see. Try some forwards with no wind in your kiting harness and just have very slight pressure on the A's, then ramp up the pressure a bit each time, you'll find that you will have 10 good inflations before you get to the pressure you were using and then it should be apparent how little you need to get the wing up efficiently .

[@SlowerLiving]

I agree. It does look like I'm pulling a bit too much A's

[@rungy8214]

most zero wind take offs use the thrust from the paramotor to inflate the wing, unless you're an nfl wide receiver.

[@deankoch7305]

Shouldn't you have the engine throttled up higher?

[@WEOWNTHESKIES]

Ideally you want zero winds. Not consistent winds. Consistent winds only mean that it’s windy up high. Inconsistent wind is sign of thermal activity, which isn’t a bad thing.

[@natural9743]

When you finally got airborne I felt like i'd won the lotto.

[@WEOWNTHESKIES]

If I was there I could have you a lot. A few simple changes make a big difference in chance of success. One, put the wind sock closer to you. The wind over there is irrelevant. We only care about wind where we are. Second, lay out the wing in a V shape, this encourages the center cells to fly first, establishing momentum and centered. Lastly, get on that throttle sooner.

[@SlowerLiving]

Thank you I will try those tips.

[@DirtbaggerDoug]

I am not one to give advice just wanted to say I understand your situation and have had similar experiences and a few documented on the boobtube as well. keep your head up and running into the wind. Best of luck.

[@paulbarnhill3974]

I give the man a lot of credit for perseverance. I want to break in to this sport & have some questions: How much "runway" do you need to get airborne? How much space? What's the rate of climb, on average? I have been skydiving (not tandem, my own parachute) and have controlled my ram-air chute & landed on target. Are the principles for controlling a parachute similar to controlling a paramotor? Thanks.

[@skaylife]

Similar by landing but much easier than a free fall parachute. Your speed is much slower and you have more ability to control your direction. Must just get used to land with the weight of a paramotor behind you.

[@SlowerLiving]

Rate of climb is about 1:1 in no wind. You need maybe 3 acres if your surrounded by tall trees. With 7mph wind you can take off in 5ft. Controlling the chute would be similar.

[@paulbarnhill3974]

Thank you!

[@ekey9]

Name of the Lake?

[@PaulHigginbothamSr]

This kid scott, wants to fly, part man, part bird, and a heart of determination

[@lloydtwelves2570]

Those light and variable days are awful... but I think you should invest in a wind sock at least to make it easier when deciding to go for it.

[@SlowerLiving]

I have ribbon hung that I reference. My wind socks get stolen each time a storm comes through.

[@Deliriousintentionsprojects]

Been dealing with the same issues all week. I finally get some time off of work but the wind has been so bad I can't even get the wing up!

[@davidh7636]

Yea I had a power Mattress too. You have one of the heaviest paramotors and heavies wings. So, that will exhaust anyone trying to launch. If you try a better light weight wing and a light weight paramotor, you will be amazed how easy launching becomes. You can get about 40 cents on the dollar for your equipment. Most people know it is outdated and super heavy. There are motors which weight half as much and are more powerful than the heavy Breeze. Air Conception has a motor with electric start that weighs like 45 lbs..

[@SlowerLiving]

Yep a new Air Conception costs about 4X what I paid for my Brand New setup. For the money I love my equipment. 95% of the time I find my setup is very easy to launch. I'm sure the Air Conception would be easier.

[@madsoothsayer]

Where is this? British Columbia?

[@SlowerLiving]

Usa

[@kennethbransford820]

I thought you do not fly in midday? Only mornings and evenings?

[@SlowerLiving]

Sometimes I fly in the middle of the day if there is very little wind.

[@jameshwang4750]

Thermo is also bad in mid day with unpredictable result.

[@hockeyslade]

Flat tops and Dells training you can fly any time you want for the most part.

[@darrylwallace1833]

Nice work brother....Persistence

[@donhin-d5j]

Holy crap halfway through this video and I’m exhausted

[@TONYPARAMOTOR]

HERES MY EDITED VERSION... HOW MANY AIR HOURS HAVE YOU? WHAT TYPE OF WING? DO YOU USE A WIND SOCK? ARE YOU SELF TAUGHT? WHEN DO THERMALS START? HOPE THIS HELPS.

[@SlowerLiving]

TONYPARAMOTOR I have 30 hrs 75 flights. I received instruction from a ushpa instructor.

[@SlowerLiving]

I do have ribbons up. I fly a 2015 power Atlas. normally I get my launch first time. but the winds were crazy today.

[@bornuponawave]

I’d have a Mojo or something doggy on backup on those days for easy launches

[@larrykorell750]

another hint....sometimes the winds are so lite that a windsock doesn't show you the winds direction as it won't even move....so watch the exhaust from your motor when you warm it up...that's always a good wind direction indicator when winds are so lite you can't tell from the wind sock.....way to stay with it!!

[@skaylife]

You have the best wind sensors behind your ears. They catch every single breath. Give it a try on a field with no wind and also nobody around. just close your eyes and feel it. Once you catch it, you will never miss again

[@coindiver52]

Scott, you have me laughing. Not because of your failures but it is exactly what I went thru when I started. I got the "Free" training, bought the "incredible" equipment and realized after losing a year trying it was all crap. Finally I listened to others who knew more, bought a lighter motor and invested in a GTR I would have quit. I really hate seeing people get scammed into wrong equipment, wrong advice. That is why I train my students on Ozone and Paramania. Try a friend's wing and see what this sport is really about. If you are ever up North, stop in to our field and make some friends!

[@SlowerLiving]

I bought my motor new for a song from some guy that never flew it. I paid for training with a USHPA instructor. A lighter motor would be nice but there are trade offs. I like my setup. I'd buy it again. Most flights I get up on the first try.

[@tcwrestling9623]

Empire PPG There is an ozone mojo for sale on eBay for $3300. Is that a good unit for a beginner?

[@MrCheaterpipe]

Empire PPG yeah I saw that guys videos and knew straight away what he was about when he started trash talking all the others and you scroll down to see that comments are all disabled on his videos anybody that proclaims to be an expert but refuses to have an open discussion is somebody to watch out for

[@bskarpa]

I think about after 3 of those I would have called it quits. My luck the universe would be trying to tell me something.

[@BeyondWrittenWords]

trike or unicycle would reduce running?

[@SlowerLiving]

I actually do ride unicycle. Maybe I'll need to try that.

[@1200s-e8n]

I thought morning and evening was the ideal time to fly, less thermals?

[@SlowerLiving]

Yes. Morning and evening are best.

[@kaxtorplose]

Good grief, finally! I'm more tired than you were!

[@DieselTrucker2018]

Get yourself a trike and you can take off into any wind! Plus, that wing SUCKS!! Call the Flattop guys and get their gear and wing. This won''t happen. But I'll say... you're Not a quitter... I'll give ya that!~

[@ghengisnghe]

I’ve never flown and was just wondering if the propeller at full speed would provide air into the chute/wing .

[@SlowerLiving]

Yes. If you throttle up and then pull up your wing the wing will catch the wind from the prop and it will kinda violently jump into the air. Some pilots like this technique to help get the wing up. I prefer to pull the wing up and then apply power.

[@jolllyroger1]

Scott Wohlgemuth uh you would not be so tired lol.... Let the equipment do the work

[@JulietsMan]

i would have moved to a more open area without all the ground effect. those trees are the reason u couldnt find or keep the wind. then again....i suck

[@SlowerLiving]

Yep. My back yard is a challenging lz but normally it isn't too bad.

[@peturdarakchievdarakchiev7345]

that"s why I prefer trike

[@Chappers.Gaming]

Times like this you wish you had a trike to do all the running for you :)

[@SlowerLiving]

I'm not sure I could take off with all the shifty winds in a small feild like mine with a trike.

[@tilidie5272]

i bet you was glad to get sat down after this haha

[@brassrainbow5566]

Cool vid. I was feeling your frustration and it made me really appreciate my Flypod. I am really wanting to footlaunch pretty bad though. I have a Monster so it's gonna be a bitch. I switched from the Simo 122 to the Monster at the last minute which is great with the trike because it's got gobbs of power, but the extra weight on your back is a bitch. Where were you flying? Gorgeous scenery!

[@52memor]

Blame the wind direction on the trees

[@kchappelle]

Been there...done that. All too often. Sadly.

[@the-bu3lb]

how were u able to afford this don't they cost between 8-12,000

[@SlowerLiving]

They are the price of a car. $3000 to $20000 just depends on if you buy used or new and how nice of equipment ect.

[@groundhendl8113]

"Not enough wind making it forward, let's do a reverse" Said no one ever :D

[@suburbanhobbyist2752]

And yet he pulls the reverse off! I think the winds were stronger then he let on, just were constantly changing.

[@richardwilson9350]

SuburbanHobbyist. He needs competent training. Odds are he will be a statistic, not a good one.

[@SlowerLiving]

I was being sarcastic about the comment about the foward/reverse. The wind was changing speed and direction every couple seconds. So after failing on a couple fowards I got a decent 5mph wind so I tried a reverse. 5 mph is about where I switch from forward to reverse. I got my USHPA P2. And my paramotor training. So far my 85 flights have been perfect. Not a scratch. I think I've only had to go down on 1 knee on landing about 3 out of 85 flights. All other landings were butter soft. I think I'm doing pretty good.

[@dalethebelldiver7740]

No way would I use that area. Why would you insist on launching from there or landing?

[@SlowerLiving]

Because it's my back yard. Most of the time I can get in the air in minutes.

[@kchappelle]

I feel your pain.

[@BobThePilotN4WFH]

I'm not sure though I've done it for many hours without knowing it and that is pulling so far forward on the A"s I finally caused a frontal. But the wing was up and I thought it only needed more speed so I went throttle up ran out of foot speed and did a face plant. Let your arms go back and rise with the wing. Just a thought.

[@PPGATL]

Scott - I second that comment. I was having one heck of a problem getting in the air for a while and no one watching me could tell me why. I then did some kiting videos and sent them to my instructor who instantly fixed it. It looks like you might be doing the same thing; letting your hands with the A's move in front of the plane of your body which causes one or both sides to frontal tuck. But even since then I'll sometimes forget and screw it up - the 360 cam on my head shows it clearly. Caveat: I'm not an instructor nor do I have much experience. But maybe you to try some kiting runs while focusing on keeping your hands waaaay back, see if it makes a difference. It sure helped me - when I don't forget it. :-)

[@richardwilson9350]

Your right,your not an instructor. That was all that was good about your post.

[@BobThePilotN4WFH]

Richard Wilson your negative remarks teach us nothing. Instead, enlighten us all with your opinion so we all can use it or flush it.

[@randybeard6040]

Man I'm Tired just watching you, Might be better to Find a place with no trees around to Take Off, to much tree Rotor....

[@doubledeeeeeeez]

Bingo!

[@JohnHoranzy]

What if there are no places without trees. Not so easy here in the North East.

[@lt.dansparamotoradventures2592]

That always sucks. At some point you just have to call it before you start making poor decisions.

[@mseenan]

Hi Mate you need some basic ground handling training, you can't bring the wing straight over your head, even you can't lay down it properly on ground. Strong wind means that you take off very quickly and don't have to run longer. Anyway nice try.

[@PYE172]

get some wheels next time so you do not need to keep runing all the time let the engine do all the work

[@adventureswitharizonaart6117]

Three words. Evolution trike rev. You tube search.

[@Andrey-nh4mj]

I've never seen so many mistakes at once! It looks like you dont feel the wing at all. Dude, go kiting till you develop enough sensation of the wing handling.

[@SlowerLiving]

I've kited for hours and hours. If I have a 7mph breeze in a fairly steady direction. I can kite for 30 minutes without letting the wing hit the ground. However on days like this when the wind can't decide what direction to go its pretty hard. Its hard to kite with the wind changing 180 degrees ever 30 seconds. :)

[@Andrey-nh4mj]

neosomato hypergenesis Not really. Personally, I don't feel comfortable and relaxed being drunk. My friend broke his back flying intoxicated.

[@alshamry7247]

you are using wrong technique man

[@toddboden972]

Thanks now I know I'll never buy one!

[@thomasnappo6309]

Reverse launch

[@WEOWNTHESKIES]

Paramotor reverse launching is a nearly useless skill. Focus on the power forward. I can tell you came to this sport from paragliding.

[@SlowerLiving]

Actually I didn't come from paragliding. I do a forward launch 95% of the time. But if there is some wind I'll do a reverse.

[@fanom1]

Big question is why????? You are just asking for a problem. There is no ugly truth...the truth is simple..do not take off with changing / high winds....do not fly in the mid day period as thermals will be a major issue...So I do not see the point of this video!

[@SlowerLiving]

Some guys have a big 300 acre feild to fly at with smooth winds that come through. I fly from my back yard and the topography around here causes the winds to constantly change direction even in the morning and evening. If I waited for A+ conditions I would almost never fly. So as I mentioned paramotors are very dependant on the weather. That is what this video shows.

[@MariaOrLex]

Fuck fresh breeze !!!!

[@flyboybobio3431]

Dude maybe you should consider another hobby. I’ve never seen anybody struggle as much as you. Where did you get your training from? Your persistent I’ll give you that. Keep on trying.

[@SlowerLiving]

Bob Nellor lol. like I said in the video normal it's not a problem. this day there was just bad conditions. most people struggle or only fly in good conditions.

[@richardwilson9350]

Get trained or get hurt those are your options. Conditions were not your problem. The wing was controlling you.

[@SlowerLiving]

I did get trained from a USHPA instructor and I have 85 flights so far and I've never even gotten a scratch. Watch my other 25 videos and see if you feel the same way.

[@richardwilson9350]

I feel the same way.

[@brettwest549]

You might consider getting Super Training. You spend 7 long hard days doing nothing but ground handling of your wing in all conditions. You leave being able to launch first time every time, no matter the conditions.

[@SlowerLiving]

Brett West LOL. you can't even fly in all conditions yet a lone launch. I've never met a PPG pilot who had 100% success rate no matter what training they took.

[@FlatEarthTV]

F*ck off Dell. Your a fkn piece of shit man.

[@jolllyroger1]

Olympic Dad yes to me I see lack of experience.... Instructions can help.... Most of this looks like lack of full commitment..... Just build a trike and eliminate the running....... I was like this as a windsurfer until I crossed the line into success.... First time I sailed feet in the straps harnessed in was the last time I had to fight the sails in high wind..... Just like that first perfect driver shot in golf..... Oh now I know how it's supposed to feel...... Setup and how things are to feel.....

[@wll1500]

I don't care if Super Training makes me the absolute god of flying, Dell Schanze is a piece of shit and I'll not give him a cent.

[@edwardweisenburg6585]

I hope you land better than you take off !!!!!!

[@SlowerLiving]

Landing is a piece of cake.

[@peterblackburn7269]

bet tucker gott would’ve got up

[@peterblackburn7269]

even chicken 🐓 can fly better than this bloke

[@SlowerLiving]

Lol not everyone posts the bad days.

[@glasslinger]

You need lessons.

[@SlowerLiving]

Well I did get lessons from a ushpa instructor. Watch my other videos. I actually don't struggle very often.

[@matth7856]

you should pay for training

[@donhin-d5j]

Holy crap halfway through this video and I’m exhausted