People always think you have to like one more than another, I fly or have flown: Sail planes, hang gliders, foot launch powered hang gliders, paragliders, paramotors, light aircraft, 3 axis microlight and helicopters. My answer is simple “The one I am flying at the time”.
You are basically saying that you change your mind every time you fly an aircraft. Pilots should be decisive and not prone to frequently changing their mind.
MrGoMario If I stated something controversial then further substantiations may be useful. However, I’m not, your being flippant, and facts are facts. My point is that pilots should be decisive. If you think that pilots should be confused and prone to changing their mind frequently then feel free to state your case. If you new favourite aircraft is the one that you just jumped in, by definition you have changed your mind from the last different aircraft you were in. Debating you is like playing chess with a pigeon, they shit all over the board knock over the pieces and then declare victory. Try again kid.
Finally, a British video I can actually understand the English. I want to get into this hobby when I retire 10 years from now, it looks even more fun than my motorcycle!
I'm glad you can understand my video, I do try and make them easy to follow. I think a lot will have changed in 10 years, paragliding and paramotoring has changed a lot in the decade that I have been flying. I was always advised, never wait till retirement, as life takes over. If you really want to do something, throw your heart and passion into it. I actually sold my motorcycle to buy my PeaBee flexwing ultralight, best decision ever.
@@GolfFoxtrot22 Now I'm having second thoughts. Paragliding is dangerous. I just saw a video here on RUclips where a guy's parachute (exactly like the ones used by paragliders) flips in mid-air and he comes head down on his own parachute and it tangles up. He was lucky he had a back-up parachute which almost didn't deploy because it got tangled with the 1st chute. No thanks man.
@@alienlatino2945 aviation is dangerous, that's no lie, but, and here is the but, if you train well and understand the environment your are in, it can be as as you make it. Unfortunately RUclips seems to like showing all the extreme events.
@@alienlatino2945 I've been curious too. If it settles your nerves any, I read this in an article examining paramotoring: "...Research estimates that the activity is slightly safer (per event) than riding motorcycles and more dangerous than riding in cars...". If you're already a biker, you're probably more at risk than someone paramotoring. I probably still won't ever do it, but I'd be more likely to try it than the odds of me getting back on a bike again.
@@rosshorton9182 Now I'm having my doubts. These things can flip over like a kyte in mid-air and if it does you have to be a real expert to control the apparatus and survive the deadly crash.
As a retired hang glider pilot you are making me so envious. The paramotor has the advantage of quick setup and go, the hang glider is fantastic but the setup needs time and a runway of sorts. In the end for me there is nothing like a solid structure over me. If you can manage the cost, having both would be the perfect world. Thanks.
I always looked up the hang glider guys, just zooming up and down the ridges, while I was gale hanging in my paraglider. This a bit of a dream for me. I saved a lot so having both is a gift.
Id choose the peabee almost every time, but I still love my paramotor and they are alot easier to just setup and fly from smaller fields being foot launched, you've got the right idea having both! 😂
Great comparison and actually surprised that the paramotor would be your choice in rougher conditions. That's helped concrete more confidence in my paramotor, cheers :)
Hi CactusJackSlade, I'm assuming it's Jack, but welcome to the comments, everyone is welcome here. I'm glad you found it informative, I do try. Lots has happened since that video. Additionally, as I mostly fly flexwing aircraft no, I wished I'd tried hang gliding, I follow a few HG channels as it just looks amazing.
Hi Lee, that's quite a common response. Paramotors share the skies with everyone and launch from small undefined locations. The Sub70 Flexwings have quite literally taken over my flying. The joy of Sub70 is no licence required.
Great video, I enjoyed it! I have nearly 30 years of flying virtually everything and my conclusion is that I have enjoyed them all for very different reasons and ultimately there is no one answer for everyone as people’s flight situations are all very different. For me, the paramotor wins out over my trike flying simply because of the simplicity of set up and the ability to transport so easily in my car. But if I lived on a ranch or had access to a very cheap hanger nearby I would go for the quicksilver ultralight as this is the least restrictive in terms of flying safely in a wide verity of conditions. Buuuuut, still nothing like driving to the beach on a light wind day and motoring down the coast. Like you, I have had free flight HG and FF Paragliders on comparison (bywingwal) and finally the paraglider won out due to ease of use and transportability even though the HG was a superior machine as far as performance. I have also had HG trikes at the same time as Paramotors and the paramotor wins out, again, for its transportability, easy storage, simplicity and for its unmatched flight views! The paramotor is not the perfect flight solution but it is awfully sweet when the conditions are right and you have the time to wait for it to be right (parawaiting). One thing is for sure is that you should DEFINITELY FLY SOMETHING! Personally, I don’t regret a dime spent on flight over the years, theirs simply nothing like being in the air no mater what is holding you up.
Wow, thank you for taking the time to write that reply. I COMPLETELY AGREE. I just love being in the air, I'm like a kid in a sweet shop when I have flown. I've sold and traded so many things over the decades to allow my flying to keep going. Like you I wish I had the big wide open space to just keep it rigged and can walk out and just go flying.
yes...its the portability that makes Paramotors so attractive. Closest I've seen is the Doodlebug harness for hang gliders. I wish they could come up with something a little more portable
The problem is getting a Ridge structure and portability is not always easy. I do like my Peabee as it can be rigged in 20 minutes or from a trailer and the wing in the bag, in under 50 minutes. That's pretty fast in my book.
Just started my training up at flyschool uk. Been eyeing this sport up for years, I look forward to getting in the air! (when the damn weather improves)
@@GolfFoxtrot22 Oh, skyschool of course. I've miss-typed that more than a few times now. I managed to get in an afternoon of ground handling last Friday in before the weather went bad. As/Ds came naturally, so did forward handling, but my reverse needs work. I'll get there eventually! How long have you been flying?
has it ever been considered to try and fit a dampener to the front wheel to help with landings it would help stop the front wheel from snatching same principle to the steering on a motor cycle ?
I do know what you mean by the damper, but not had the need or the weight penalty. The geometry is pretty good and I've not had it snatched round at all. If it can override my foot pressure, the wheel would be the issue. Thanks for watching.
I've been interested in flight since I was a kid, particularly fascinated with paramotors and powered hang gliders/ultralights so I've gotta say, mad jelly dawg, mad jelly. That countryside looks absolutely stunning from above.
Hi Nunya, welcome to the channel. The dream of flight is there for us all and your comment was so true for me. I've always dreamed of flying and spent most of my life focused towards achieving it. I hope you like the channel as there is probably lots of videos that you'd enjoy.
As someone who was locked in on paramotoring since day 1, this is a nice change of view. That PB looks like a nifty little craft. I can't wait to be a PPG pilot myself ! :)
I flew paramotors and paragliders for over a decade, the PeaBee ticks so many boxes for me. I just didn't have the time for both so one had to go, it was very sad.
Good call. I live above the Washington DC permanent flight restriction in the less congested area, so PPG is the logical choice for me. I've already found an instructor and friends!
Great video. I agree. My personal experience: In a trike had 2 near crashes due to sudden wind coming up and no where to land. Had one crash, trike was a writeoff, some scatches lucky nothing serious. Was due to turbulence near the ground, lifting and falling the trike unexpectedly. So wind made me change my mind - I prefer a para now. Anything that can handle some wind. I have also seen some army guys doing loops and stunts in very strong winds with parachutes.
Hi D911, thank you for your story and I hope you are ok. I'm glad you agree as some seem to have misinterpreted the intent of my video. Keep flying safe.
I fly paragliders and now I'm working towards getting Hang 2 rating for Hang Gliding :) as you said both crafts are different, in my novice opinion the pitch authority of a hang glider compared to a paraglider is what I like about hang gliding the most so far. Much to learn :)
Hi there! I love your RUclips channel!! How costly is the trike with wheels that you fly. I want to buy one ASAP!!! THANK YOU FOR SHARING AND MAKING MY DAYS!!!!!!!
The PeaBee is about £11k ready to go. When you think a paramotor is around 6.5k and wing is 4k, they are actually not that expensive for what you get. I hope that helps.
The major thing is,, you don't want to have to transport, set up, break down, store an ultralight. It's really only worth it if you have a property that you can store it assembled in a hanger and launch and land there. With a Paramotor, you can just about launch from anywhere, but the weather conditions dictate the flying days and hours, before and after thermal activity mainly, and there's even much more about a fixed wing vs a rag wing when it comes to the inevitable weird winds that can collapse a rag wing even if you make the best of decisions. I fly Hang Gliders for this reason. I can't have a wing collapse, and I can fly in much more diverse wind/weather conditions safely. However, it's more of a task to store, set up, break down, transport etc. But I WILL live to fly again. The chances of me needing to deploy my reserve chute are next to zero compared what a parawing. Bla bla bla,,,,,,,,, It's up to you,,, just do some real soul searching research as my brother and I did before making up you mind.
Garry Kennedy Thanks for the thoughts Gary. So do you think the the fixed wing is more airworthy? No collapse issues. Rotor problems not as critical? This is my main question that this video, although very helpful, didn’t really answer. Can you? Thanks!
Hi Andrew, thanks for having a look at my channel. It was a lovely day so the landing was not too difficult. I hope you find more useful videos on my content list.
i would love to see a revisit to this video now that you have more experience in the PB. Especially your confidence in flying the two in various wind conditions and crosswind landing in the PB.
Hi TruthHurts, I have thought about making a follow up video, but it would probably be a little one sided. I sold my paramotor a few months after making this as it just wasn't being used. The PeaBee has just transformed my flying and I literally never looked back. I hope you enjoyed this video and any of the other content.
@@GolfFoxtrot22 I've been binge watching. You're quickly swaying me to sell my paramotor and join PB club. That's why I'm looking for all the info I can get. I would really love to see a video explaining the difference between the PB, Bivvybee and the Adam. I just can't see the difference between them all.
@@TruthHurts2u in quick terms, to the Bivvubee is SSDR so needs a NPPL licence to fly it. The Peabee 2 and the Adam are practically the same except the Adam has retractable landing gear and are both Sub70 but by sticking a G reg on them can also be microlights. I hope that helps.
@@GolfFoxtrot22 It does thank you and I'm still binge watching and learning lots about it. It seems like a UK regulations thing. Here in the US we don't have sub70 we have part 103 regulations governing unlicensed ultralight aircraft. Looking at the specs it looks like all three are classed as part 103 aircraft in the USA and can be flown without a license. Except maybe the fuel capacity might be an issue but that's easy enough to solve. In the USA the regs are fairly easy. Part 103 says: If unpowered, weighs less than 155 pounds (70 Kg); or If powered: (1) Weighs less than 254 pounds (115 Kg) empty weight, excluding floats and safety devices; (2) Has a fuel capacity not exceeding 5 U.S. gallons (19L ); (3) Is not capable of more than 55 knots (63 mph) calibrated airspeed at full power in level flight; and (4) Has a power-off stall speed which does not exceed 24 knots (28 mph) calibrated airspeed. Love your videos. Wish you were here closer to me so I could take some training because I can't find any training for trikes in Southern California within 250 miles of me.
For me [40 yr hang glider pilot who has flown in lots of heavy turbulence], the question being asked is would you prefer a collapsible wing instead of a fixed-wing ultralight. Two Cdns both who were legends within the hang gliding world lost their lives due to thinking they could fly their paragliders in similar air to their hang gliders. We talking about folks that used to land downwind uphill in hang gliders. true masters of the sport. [not that is a qualifier but these guys knew the air they were flying in] Btw Willie and Chris Mueller in case anybody is wondering. Basically, you never know when you can hit air that will collapse your wing in a paraglider and if you care to fly in rough air you are at a much higher risk.
Hi Banal, thank you for your in-depth comment. This video is a few years old now and my experience has changed. I now teach Flexwing pilots and enjoy the safety of a more stable wing. I hope you find more interesting videos in my content collection.
Kevin, thank you. I did get a lot of, I've no idea what paramotoring is, from GA pilots. I'm glad it helped. Its even funnier when I've called up ATC units and the radio goes quiet for 10 seconds...I'm sure they are nudging the controller next to them, "whats a paramotor".
Hi Chucky, you have a lot more flex in your FAR103 to fly slightly heavier machines. Lots of things have changed for me since making tgat video. Stay safe.
I have paramotor and I fly hang glider too( not motorized yet) but I would say paramotors are much slower and less efficient because of less aspect ratio of the wing, also they are prone to collapse in some bad weather conditions ( windy or wet sail close to clouds ), also they dont have much of life time to them so u need to buy a new paramotor wing every 250 hours or so since there is more stress on the sail flying faster than paragliders so if u add up the cost of the wings that u need to buy over time, it makes paramotoring much more expensive than trikes or foot launch motorized hang gliders Hang gliders have much larger aspect ratio and tend to be more efficient and because you dont need to use engine on higher RPM most of the time, the engine will last longer and will cost less overall to operate.. If you use let say a mosquito harness combined with a double surface more efficient hang glider like willswing sport 3 , you will have up to 60 mph speed as well as capability to soar like any none motorized hang glider and stay in air for many hours with out even needing to use the engine at all except for take off and that can effect on the fuel use and engine hours and cost almost nothing to operate... and more importantly that the hang glider wing like willswing sport 3 will last u 2 decades of fun not 250 hours like paramotor wings. I fly paramotor and it's not like I say paramotors are bad or anything like that but I am very positive about capabilities of hang gliders and efficiency and their higher speeds, so for people whom wants to know which one is better, I would say, if u dont have a storage space for hang glider or a tike , you simply dont have any option than going with paramotors but if you have some place to keep your equipment that is large enough to house a hang glider or trike, I would say definitely go with hang gliders and I mean not even the trike version but the foot launch mosquito harness that you can soar like an eagle for hours without worrying about the fuel at all, willswing sport 3 170 will be that eagle... The very beginner hang glider wings have more aspect ratio than top end D class paragliding wings and that will give you idea about the efficiency of hang gliders.. the lowest aspect ratio on hang gliders can not be less than 4.6 but the top end paramotor wing will never exceed even 4.5 ( u need to consider the projected aspect ratio not flat aspect ratio of a paramotor wing ) Willswing sport 3 has aspect ratio of 6.6 and that means it's almost 1.5 times more efficient than the best paraglider XC wing .. that's the meaning for engine RPM and fuel use and cost of maintenance of engine.. and that's why mosquito harness with 14 hp can lift an elephant with hang gliders but 14 hp paramotor can not lift even a mosquito... U will feel much more in control on hang gliders than any known paramotor wing and the reason is the pitch control... what I mean is in hang glider u will have %100 capability of pitch control but in paraglider and paramotor wings that doesn't exist,, the trim setting is not actual pitch control simply because u can not control them every single second and you can not go to negative pitch angle at all unlike hang glider wings that actually you can make negative pitch on the wing meaning you can go up or down at any moment on your wish..that means if you get in to massive thermals with paramotors, most definitely your pants will be different colors but in hang gliders it much more controllable and less worry.. Hang gliders are much more true flying machine than any paramotor or paragliding wings.. you are in control 360 on any direction including up and down but in paramotor wings you are not in controlling of going up and down except using your engine to help u go up and coming down is almost not %100 on your control.. I truly feel much more safe when flying my hang glider than flying my paramotor or paraglider or even my speed wing.. I feel absolutely in control and I have zero worry and every single second of it is a pleasure... I can dive down 65mph and instantly pitch it up to go up like a rocket without worrying about any wing collapse like paramotor wing.. i had 4 times wing collapse on my paraglider wing in past and i know how shitty it can be.. but i can dive down with my hang glider and an inch from the ground i can pull up and go up with hundreds of feet per minute.. there is no way in the world you can do that with any paragliding or paramotoring wing at all.. if u want live longer I suggest being more cautious about type of equipments u fly with..
Everything you have said is valid but I don't fly hang gliders and the wings you are talking about out outside the scope of the Sub 70 exemption which I am flying under. I'm comparing 2 powered machines which I own and fly and the video is about which one I prefer. As I've said in the video is almost everything you are saying. Paramotors are slower but I can go Paracamping etc and fly for a much longer time as I can carry more fuel. I didn't want a mosquito as I didn't want foot launched, I wanted a Sub70 trike. Everything you said it true but I don't want to fly a hang glider, I want to fly a flexwing trike. I don't what conditions you have flown you paramotor in but I can honestly say I love it and fly it all day long, all year round, had a few wing flutters but nothing that I would say would scare me. Thank you for the lengthy comment but it does not relate to what I am flying and I like flying both. Horses for courses.
What I mean is using hang glider wing mixed with mosqito harness will be more closer comparison of 2 different machine than trying to compare a trike to foot launch paraglider unless the paraglider is on trike set up too.. But very good video. I enjoyed watching it.. more informative than many other videos..
I forgot to say I live in USA and we have FAA regulation called 103 legal a bit different than Europeans. We can go up to 254lbs and 5 gallon fuel + up to 63 mph speed and stall speed no more than 27.6 mph with full take off weight with 170 lbs pilot weight so if pilot is heavier, it means the stall speed can be even higher, but it has to be less than 27.6 mph with 170 lbs pilot weight..
@@Driftseen thank you. I always like the Mosquitos, Ben Ashman is a very creative designer. The question I kept getting asked, most from those that know me, is which one do I prefer. You are right, they are different machines, but that why I like them. I used the PeaBee when I just want hassle free flying and the paramotor when I can't fly PeaBee. It's just nice to have both I suppose. I moved away from freeflight because I hated having to lug the kit up a hill. Now I just pitch up and fly. I just love flying.
Willswing sport 3 170 weights 65lbs + 4.9 lbs lara gold 250 parachute capable of 350 lbs +58 lbs electric star mosquito harness + 7.5 lbs of fuel ( 1.25 gallon) + 2 lbs camera + 2.6 lbs wheels + 6 lbs food and water = 140lbs total or 63.63 kg much less than 70 kg and can do 55mph no problem at all ( easy ) .. it will cost $7600 for full top and bottom mylar sail wing $970 for lara gold 250 reserve $6900 mosquito harness+ $1000 very good vari+ $500 very good helmet + $140 very good electric gloves+ $850 very good 360 camera + $40 water container =total around $17000 but will be able to soar almost any weather and burn almost no fuel once u are above 3000 feet using thermals and can fly faster also no restrictions on where u need to take off or land unlike what needed for trikes... Sport 3 170 flys like an eagle with no engine @ hook-in weight of 275 pounds other than the weight of the wing itself . It means even if u weight 200lbs , it will still be able to soar with mosqito harness and all the gears above.. I fly sport 3 155 at 218 lbs with no problem 3 lbs over the weight.. it's the beast that wants to fly any day .. sport 3 170 can lift way more than even 275lbs hook in weight soaring
Hello MJOTD, thank you. You must recognise some of the locations 😉. I'm just a part time vlogger with a full time day job, and enjoy sharing my passion for flying and all things aviation.
@@GolfFoxtrot22 Thank you for the quick, reply, indeed, I think we are both from the same region of the Uk, and I too, also have a keen interest in aviation, recently started watching Tucker Gott's videos, which now has me interested in paramotoring.
Hello Matthew, I've been flying for a long time now and paramotors and microlights like the PeaBee have given me so much enjoyment. I see you have found my latest video release as well. 😁.
Hello, I see you have asked this question on another video. The only microlight frequency I know of is the new 8.33Khz spacing and that is 129.835, it used to be 129.825 on the old 25Khz spacing which is no longer in used. I hope that helps.
Thanks I was about to waste my money on buying a PeaBee, now I will look at Paramotoring. I wanted to do powered flight and I thought the PeaBee would be safer in rougher air. Great review. Cheers
If you want to fly, both are fun, and actually cost the same. It would never be wasted money if you are having fun. It all depends on what type of flying you want to do.
@@TheOffCycle in my current position I would have to disagree. As I mention in the video, they are 2 different activities and the PeaBee is significantly safer ( it can't collapse). It's only my opinion though and everyone is entitled to theirs. Safe Skies.
@@GolfFoxtrot22 if the peabee suffers any type of structural failure you are in a reserve situation. Modern paragliders, especially A rated wings re-inflate with zero pilot input. They also do this quite fast and intentional collapsing and stalling is part of acro flying so i would not really associate “collapse” with paramotoring not being safe. Maybe 15-20yrs ago. A paraglider collapse is more likely than and peabee structural failure but that collapse turning into a reserve toss or dangerous situation is of low probability. If your peabee has a failure you are in a reserve situation almost guaranteed. Just speaking in terms of normal pleasure flying... not acro.
Excellent. Not my style of flight but enjoyed the illustration of both. If you have a microlight licence then different categories beckon; either a two seater with all the bureacracy and permit/check flight hassles, but you can take mates up for a spin, or a sub-300 kilo SSDR. To cater for the latter there's precious little around unless you buy a cheap two eater and blank the back seat off, usually an elderly two stroke.
Hi Kevin, I have neither and the comparison is between the 2 because I kept getting asked which one. I have a lapsed Group A licence but I still actually prefer this deregulated flying. Loved your recent Flying plank video.
Thought about paragliding for a while, but after thinking about it I realised the only exposure to the sport i ever have had was a dude dropping out the sky just out of town here while I was out the lakes getting in some 4x4 fun. Sucks when something is marred by negativity.
Hi Standard Aussie, Avaition has its risks but once you have flown and gain knowledge you can mitigate a significant number of the risks but knowing about weather, advanced wing control etc. I hope you get to experience some form of aviation as its a wonderful way to experience life.
Hi No Time like today, it certainly is and the PeaBee has certainly given me a new direction in my flying. Not pushing my videos but you'll soon see the amazing journey it's has taken me.
@@GolfFoxtrot22 the paramotor, due to it's view, short takeoff/landing and portability. I suspected the microlights had significantly greater speed, range, and robustness in bad weather, but seems that my suspicions were exaggerated. For someone seeking adveture in remote locations it seemsthe PPG would be better.
@@Adventure_Bum Flex wings benefits from evolution in last year's. Now's days are very fast wings in market, dudek warp for example, with trims out and speed bar go over 50 mph.
Great video...very objective...thanks. Also, on the Pee Bee, there are people that land in crosswind using various techniques...just wondering what those might be? I know with the single surface wing it is more susceptible turbulence...but maybe holding the bar in and landing faster. Ben Ashman might give you a pointer or two. I've ordered a Aeros ANT and now fly a PPG Trike (so no foot launch), and plan to keep both. I'm just wondering about the difference in these two. The PPG trike can take more space to take off then a foot launch....but it will be nice to have both. Everything is a trade-off and nothing more so than in the world of aviation. Thanks again.
Pretty much every landing I do on the farm strip is crosswind. Ben and my instructor have both shown or explained the technique which is what I'm using. The limiting factor is weight for the wind speed. The new trim point has certainly helped.
That was a very interesting video Giles, nice comparisons. I knew you would summarize that way, they both have their pro's and cons. I reckon for camping though the Peabee is better cos you won't have to launch with all the extra weight, but wait a moment, on the paramotor I can land almost anywhere...........:)
@@GolfFoxtrot22 I'm flying tonight from Challow Giles. I've got a plan for a fly camp, perhaps Bexxy and Tony H can join us. We can fly from Challow and land out at my permission 15 miles away. (we'll take the scenic route and can make it an hour or longer flight) Do a camp at the permission and fly back to Challow in the morning. Weather permitting of course.
Great review. I’ve always been told that paragliders are more sensitive to thermals and high winds because they can collapse whereas a hang-glider is more tolerant because it moves faster, is more efficient and has structural stability. What are your thoughts ?
Hello Pentachronic, both flying types have pros and cons but as you have mentioned, the ridged structure on the hang glider wing prevents collapsing. Paragliders will give you more feedback of the air than a hang glider but I did enjoy paragliding and paramotoring. I just found an easier way to fly with the Sub70 and now microlight flexwing flying. I hope that kind of gives you a flavour of my thoughts. If you are new to the channel, you'll see I have documented my flexwing/Sub70 journey, if that helps.
I'm confused about different trikes..... one has a hang glider fixed wing w/ a control bar & others like you're using has the parachute type of control. I apologize for incorrect terms for the different aircraft but IF I put a Hang Glider wing on a trike and follow all the other rules of Pt 103 can I fly it as a Pt 103 aircraft? So I guess yours is a ParaMotor & the other's a Powered Hang Glider? Once I learn the proper terms for them I really want to know id a Hang Glider wing can be a Pt 103 aircraft if all rules are followed? I old but want to fly before I can't...... lol, thanks for the video. peace
I read you comment a few times but you are correct. There are some good flying schools in the US so if you contact them, they will be able to advise you. This company might be able to help. www.flylighttrikesus.com/
Hi Heading West, aviation is inherently dangerous, but with the correct training and education you learn to understand when to and when not to fly. To answer your question for mild conditions, I would feel just as safe in both. Its only in the rougher conditions that I would feel safer in the Flexwing (PeaBee). I hope that helps.
Niles, thanks for the comparison. BTW... would you happen to know if there is a PPG instructor at RAF Finmere? I see there is a Hang Gliding school there, but I am not sure about PPG. I am wondering, since my son is stationed at RAF Crouton, maybe he could take his PPG lessons over there. Thanks!
I think that was a mistype of my name.. Haha. The nearest PPG instructor near to you will be CM Paramotors. Give them a shout and easy to find online. Outside of that have a look on the BHPA website and it will give you a list of school. I hope that helps.
Hi Wkboggs5, thanks for joining me over on my channel. I know it's a different flavour but as a PPC pilot I'm sure you will appreciate the lighter w d of flying.
Great video, enjoyed watching it and made me feel good to know I kind of a have a hybrid of what you are comparing in that I fly a paramotor trike. My biggest downside is portability, I keep it at an airport 65 miles away and can't easily move it other than with my cargo trailer. Biggest upside is I can fly without having to jump through the hoops of an FAA medical here in the US. I would love to fly anything that flies, would love to try out the PeaBee (or similar aircraft) sometime.
Hi Iron Eagle Trike, welcome to the channel. I kind of know where you are coming from. I did have a paratrikes for my old Bailey 4 stroke but I jsut found it more difficult than just foot launching. The PeaBee has really become my passion and has ultimately allowed me to start a new career (later content if you are interested). Thanks for your comment.
@@GolfFoxtrot22 Hey Giles, L I'm loving your videos!! I fly paragliders but mainly a wheel base paramotor. I started off foot launching but due to an old motorcycle back injury I was forced to go to a ppg trike. I keep it in the back of a van and just need to fit the shroud/hoop to set up when I go flying. I'm about to resume WSM trike training as I have an Aeros Ant nano with Discus 15T wing I've been wanting to learn to fly, (Got a bargain I couldn't refuse :). I know paramotoring is in many ways more practical/portable but in stronger winds or with wrong direction the trike can become a handful! (unlike foot launching). I feel the nano will lend itself better to windy or crosswind days, plus for some reason I think I will feel more secure under the delta wing in crappy air, (even though I've been flying pg/ppg since '96), and contrary to your comments in this video. I also feel that the delta wings are more like an actual aircraft than paraglider wings. I think I need something new/different from pg/ppg as the passion (obsession) I used to have for ppg has been waning of recent times, almost to the degree of feeling like an inconvenience or an obligation :-/ The area I predominantly fly is absolutely beautiful, (Great Ocean Road region Victoria, Australia) so it's not the view. Maybe it's a case of 'been there-done that'. I have been told the new Adam 13tds wing is in many (not every) ways superior to the Discus 15T so hope to try it once I'm licensed/solo but I also understand that wing technology is continually improving and one doesn't need to have the latest 'whizz-Bang' gear to enjoy the hobby/sport, although it can often be safer and MORE enjoyable on more current gear. Apologies for the long post. Keep up the great work!
Hi @bohdan, I've just found your comment, YT doesn't always show me comments if they are attached to others comments. Thank you for your comment and I have shifted my views since making this. I still think both are fun ways to fly but the Flexwing ( Delta wing) is the safer option and I would definitely fly the flex in must stronger and rougher conditions than I would in a paramotor. The Adam wing is good but I can't compare it to the DISCUS as I haven't flown it. If you've seen my ore recent content you'll see how much I enjoy flying the ADAM, but flexwing flying does make me smile. Hope to see you in the comments section in the future and safe flying until next time.
Hi Giles, how does the turn radius compare between the Peabee and a paramotor? I guess the PPG can turn tighter as it flys slower? I fly a C42 and a Foxcub and the landings in a PPG look sooo easy!
HI Rob, the ppg will turn much tighter but that's primarily because it is flying slower. Ppg are easy to land with the correct technique but I like my knees.. 😉.
Hi Rob, I flew in recently at a fly-in, a recent video, and was happy just being in the air. However having flown the PeaBee and the distance and comfort I get, against the cost of paramotor frames and wings now, I couldn't justify the cost of going back to PPG. The PeaBee is only slightly more expensive for a lot more aircraft/performance /comfort.
I sold my Paramotor a few years ago and now just fly flexwings. I hope that helps answer your question. I hope you enjoyed the video. Load more of my flying journey in the content lists if that helps.
I couldn't agree more. I started with Experimental class biplane, then Ultralight Fokker EIII, then flexwing, and now PPG. All have advantages and disadvantages, but all are fun. What's next? Cluster balloons?🤔 Most Sincerely, Ron.
I would assume the Ultralight is superior because less chance of the wing collapsing, but of course it is more cumbersome to move around and cant be packed easily on foot like a parachute.
You are correct in that the PeaBee won't collapse but having a collapse in a paramotor it perfectly acceptable, 90% of the time they sort themselves out. I just enjoy any form of flying.
The other 10% would need some epilot input. That's the reason for SIV course. Aviation is inheritantly risky, we just try to mitigate as many as possible with knowledge.
Great and unusual video, Giles. I have to say your approach on the paramotor was interesting to watch; that application of power to prevent the descent during the turn to final, then a more sustained power burst once on final to bring the aim point back on track. All done knowing you had an undershoot field in the event of an engine failure. The approach from that direction reminds me of the approach to Talgarth (Black Mountains Gliding Club) where if you're not careful you'll end up looking uphill on approach. Not good when you don't have power...😉
Thanks Dan. The power on the approach was just to get me back on the approach path I needed, its quite an uphill slope and I wanted to be clear of the fence. The secret is to allow height to let the motor(You) and the wing to settle into the glide once the power comes off. If you do it too low, you swing into the ground as you don't have enough brake to overcome the swing. Better to be high and overshoot than low and plough the dirt.
@@GolfFoxtrot22 That makes sense. Similar idea (yet not the same) as that last 50ft or so in a glider - leave the airbrakes where they are so that you are flying only with the stick. Essentially just settle everything with enough height to allow proper flare control.
Hey GF I've been looking at paramotors for about 6 years now but I'm up in North Scotland and the weather isn't great for most of the year and if we do get sun without wind its going to be winter 😂😂 I'm wondering if the cost of travelling to learn how to paramotor without dying and then the 4g for equipment will be worth it? Worth pointing out I'm into bikes,rally,boats and jetskis so im not completely depraved of adrenaline so I'm not in a mega rush but I'm looking at realistic expectations of when I can use it and what's the maximum wind speed you would fly in? I know it's a broad generic question but Can you give any advice in the best way to attack it? Would it be worth borrowing a wing to do stuff on the ground before going to a training site so I'm not a total burden on the instructor? Or do I go drink beer because it's easier 😂😂
Hello and thank you for your comment and quite a lengthy one. I read it through a few times to try and make sure I am giving you a suitable response. Flying is a passion as you can probably relate to with your motorcycling. Flying becomes the same and finding time for it will stop other activities, I can guarantee it. I suggest you try and get a trial flight with a local flying school to see if you like being in the air. Have you looked at any paramotor or paragliding schools as that would be the next step as most do taster days. I hope that helps and sorry if there is no perfect answer. Also I have quite a few friends In Scotland that regularly fly more often then I do. It has some beautiful scenery.
@@BenAtkinsonVideos just under 400 max but 300 usable. It's not an official sit (28day rule) but he flies a C42 from there. It would certainly test your precision approach as its not flat and on a hill, you'll probably notice that from my videos.
Interesting comparison! What would you say are the field size requirements for take off and landing in a peabee? Is 200x100 ft field enough? Provided no tall obstacles on either side.
Hi Adrian, as you said, with no tall objects, if you changed your ft to meters you'd be safe. They come in a lot quicker than a paramotor. On my Hadron XX, I still needed over 100 meters from 50ft up, to land. I hope that helps. My Peabee has taken me on so many adventures.
@@adriansevic3192 I was probably being a bit over cautious, you could operate one in 150 meters but there is no point causing issues but being too tight on the lengths.
@@GolfFoxtrot22 Hi, See this is why I asked that particular question. I am a sailplane pilot but due to the nearest airport being 100km away and considering all the fees, I considered switching to another type of flying. It's definitely more due to the lack of close airports rather than portability (15m gliders can actually be trailered just fine). But where do I take off from? There is the river bank that stretches for miles here where I live that is nicely maintained, and would be a perfect strip. But ufortunately, I would probably get arrested if I flew from here. Both paramotors and powered kites offer car portability and soaring capability, and need less space to operate from. However if I am again bound to the airport with a trike, then I really haven't improved my situation at all. And I also see you quit ppg due to safety concerns. Since I come from the 3 axis,soft flapping wing makes me queasy. Hence I asked if it was possible to take off from a field that is the size of those I am surrounded with. My 1st idea was to go into hang gliding, and then powered, footlaunch, but everyone in the hanggliding community suggested it is very hard to footlaunch powered HG's and suggested to go with a trike. We are unfortunately pretty limited here in Croatia as far as HG and trike schools go. Both are on the far sides of the country from where I live unfortunately. So I am looking at all the pros and cons.
I have definitely found the PeaBee Flexwing easier as there is nothing in my hand so can support the camera more easily. However there is more structural bits in the way. I've taken some lovely photos from the PeaBee though, you'll notice in the later content.
Which one would be better to Mount an electric skateboard to? So you could semi fly as you ride off and on a big steep hill? (Electric skateboards have brakes , go up to 60 mph, and have big treaded tires)
I've flown a Paramotor trike before, but they are so fickle and need light conditions, if it had to have wheels, I may as well go for the flexwing trike. If its windier then foot launched paramotors are just easy to launch, but I suppose I still have working knees. Its all down to what you prefer. Anything that gets you in the air must be a good thing.
@@GolfFoxtrot22 mislio sam koliko vremena treba da bih ja naucio letjeti, dali treba prvo da idem na paraglajding ili mogu odmah da krenem sa paramotorom?
Za paramotora bih najbolje našao školu. Može potrajati danima ili tjednima, sve do vaše sposobnosti da naučite nove stvari. Nažalost, ne mogu dati točniji odgovor.
And I loved your post. I want to finish work and do this too, when conditions allow. I'm a novice. Which one would you recommend to start off in if cost was not a factor?
@@GolfFoxtrot22 no problem, great video matey, hey something a little off subject, I'm having a little trouble with wind noise on the videos coming into the PM100 microphone, I've been told you're the man to speak to regarding a upgraded mic muff, I've dropped you a pm on Facebook, if you have time would you mind sharing a little wisdom? many thanks brother!
This was great to watch! Thanks! I also fly trike and would love to learn paramotoring. Im just concerned if wind condition picks up while paramotoring? In a trike you could still land safely, is it possible in paramotor to land safe when wind picks up?
Air Born, yes, its still safe but when you say wind pick up I'm talking max 20 mph ( I have landed in gusting 25 but that was in exceptional circumstances- I just crossed the entire UK from Wales to Beccles) Paramotoring is about having fun, and not pushing the the highside. Neither sub 70 or Paramotoring are high wind activities, or you just wouldn't get anywhere. I hope that helps.
this is why I sold my paramotor...wind conditions always pick up while flying and often makes landings unsafe.....do not minimize this issue. This is not a problem for experts....and the experts are often giving bad advice based on their own experience.
@@GolfFoxtrot22 Even a sudden 15mph gust in calm conditions can collapse chute on landing if trees nearby....I learned this the hard way. The wind picking up while flying is the number one danger I experienced in the sport. In my hang glider...I could handle changing conditions. In my paramotor...I was always finding myself in danger despite great care.
If they are flown in optimal conditions and adequate training and currency is in place then both are just as safe as each other. The flexwing might just have a nose in front due to its solid wing construction. I hope that helps.
Aviation is inherently dangerous, we can't get away from that. I don't have enough data to categorically say which one is more dangerous but I do carry a reserve canopy just in case.
Nobody thought of some light mesh or even fishing net in the triangle of the bar to prevent bird strikes? I've only seen one such video of a bird strike but surely that would work?
I don't believe that bird strikes are really that much of an issue. I think there would be more of an issue of things getting caught in any kind of mesh while flying.
@@GolfFoxtrot22 yeah I only seen 1 video of a bird strike but surely with the prop right behind you I thought there would be something.. I want to fly soooo bad 😂✈️
@@AnglerBudgie dreams do happen, sometimes you need to help them along. I've always dreamwd of flying and now I'm helping others on their journey towards flying.
Hi Miguel, the paramotor uses less but also flies slower. I can cover 100 miles in the PeaBee in 2 hours 45 minutes using only 15 litres. I could cover the same distance in my old paramotor using only 5 litres an hour but that same distance would take 3.5 hours so the fuel burn for distance covered is about the same.
I completely understand what you mean, paraglider wings are soft and rely on air pressure to make them work. As you learn to fly, you realise that the collapses will happen and they can actually be controlled. The beauty of paramotoring is that you can choose when you fly and the conditions you fly in. I'm guessing you have seen paragliders having collapses more than paramotor wings, this is generally because when we fly paragliders, we need up currents to stay up, this brings with it, unstable air and a greater chance of collapses, which have to be controlled. Aviation has risk, I'm not going to hide that, but you can make it as safe as possible by learning how to fly, and never stop learning. I hope that helps.
This comparison skews in favor of PPG. Better would be PPG trike vs Nanotrike as both are wheeled (specially trikes that fold into the trunk to even up more). Or if foot launch is preferred, PPG vs Powered HG. Then the lines blur more, the choice more subjective.
I'm talking about MY preference as people have asked me which of the 2 do I like. Its in the title, Which do I prefer? And I even say I like both. If it was PPG trike verses Powered HG Trike ( I have flown PPG trike), Powered HG trike would win every time, so much easier to launch and land.
Looking into things of which too learn. As 2 weeks heading to Derbyshire for the closest school meant research research research first. All the write ups online say HG are better in windier conditions... But hearing you say this has flipped things on its head. I dont pretend to know a lot only what i read. So would you recommend a paramotor to get more flying days in overall???
Hi Joshua, I have to put my hand up know, with 3 years more experience and say I would take the PeaBee up in conditions that I would happily leave my paramotor on the ground. It's why I ended up selling paramotor. Which school in Derbyshire are you going to?
@@GolfFoxtrot22 thanks for the reply!! airways or Derbyshire flying I'll have to have a look at both reviews again. I know it isn't ideal, but with both being under and hour from stoke... It means I can commute all the days for training, if the weather delays anything too it's easier.
Hi Andrew, it's been a long time coming for me but I've always wanted to fly. I've saved and sold a lot of things to buy the machines and it has been so worth it. Which route would you go down? Paramotor or Ultralight?
Yes, the risk of collapse is there, I've had them. The risk of rolling over on the ground on the PeaBee is also as great but that bends things. It's only the cross winds that limits the PeaBee. As I said it's horses for courses at the experience level I'm at. I have a decade of freeflight and paramotoring, I have less than 12 months on flexwing. I just love to fly.
I'm late to your party here but I've arrived..... I assume that a Para-Motor is w/ a chute type of wing & this aircraft is an Ultralight if I understand it? Here in the US I'd be asking if it's a Part 103? This one very well might meet those specs & I honestly like the trike you're riding here. I've been looking at a lot of different configurations of aircraft but the Glider Wing type of control is what I'm starting to like. Regular controlled ultralight's can stall easy & you have all the different control surfaces/wires & pulley's to help control the flight whereas this Glider configuration uses the wing for most of the control. It seems more natural to me but I'm quite uneducated at this juncture & asking questions. I do like your aircraft & wonder how long the wing can last before it must be replaced? peace
Thanks for your awesome videos, Giles. As someone trying to decide on going down the PPG or Flylight Adam route - I'm really interested in what kit you have attached - a 'shopping list' of sorts, to help understand what I'd need for the Adam v.s. the PPG. Your setup looks interesting and well dialled - do you have a 'kit list' somewhere that would be easy to copy/paste? Or if you're looking for a subject for another great video.. ? :D
Hello Kenneth, I have covered this in another video "50 Hour service", but I have also put all the equipment I use in the video description, if that helps.
Great video. Just in time. I'm paraglider pilot living on flat lands and considering a soaring trike. I thought soaring with a nanolight is more feasible than soaring with a paramotor. Have you tried thermalling with your PeaBee?
Hello Burhan, I have thermalled the paramotor, but only to help get to cloudbase to then get above the rough air. The PeaBee, even as an SSDR will go up very well, I flew only last night and the late day thermals were taking me up with virtually now effort. The new Flylight ADAM is the thermal sniffing machine.
@@GolfFoxtrot22 Thanks, Giles. I guess I want both but have to choose one (at least for now). So, I have two quick questions for you. As a competent pilot on both aircrafts, which one would you choose; 1) for XC/Touring, 2) Power-off thermalling? Please continue your useful videos :)
Now that's a hard one to answer. Xc and touring, it has to be the PeaBee, my lower back and knee will vouch for that. For pure thermalling, it's got to be PPG, but it just going to be rough, but that the joy of thermalling a paraglider, which I also enjoyed.
![Noob To Max With DRAGON REWORK In Blox Fruits [FULL MOVIE]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/LnBMOinoOvA/mqdefault.jpg)
People always think you have to like one more than another, I fly or have flown: Sail planes, hang gliders, foot launch powered hang gliders, paragliders, paramotors, light aircraft, 3 axis microlight and helicopters. My answer is simple “The one I am flying at the time”.
I do like that one Algy. I like it.
You are basically saying that you change your mind every time you fly an aircraft. Pilots should be decisive and not prone to frequently changing their mind.
@@GolfFoxtrot22 I'm only 6 hrs in but fly trike and foot launch.
@@Make_Boxing_Great_Again You said he said that... Hmmm... I say he did not say that. What now?
MrGoMario If I stated something controversial then further substantiations may be useful. However, I’m not, your being flippant, and facts are facts. My point is that pilots should be decisive. If you think that pilots should be confused and prone to changing their mind frequently then feel free to state your case. If you new favourite aircraft is the one that you just jumped in, by definition you have changed your mind from the last different aircraft you were in. Debating you is like playing chess with a pigeon, they shit all over the board knock over the pieces and then declare victory. Try again kid.
Just had my first paramotor lesson yesterday and I'm bloody nackered but looking forward to getting in the air. Great video.
You'll never look back. It's an amazing sport.
Whats nackered?
He's tired, (knackered)
@@GolfFoxtrot22 ......or "missed the landing" Lol!!
@@zadokmotorfreight2423 I'm not sure of the context.. missed the landing??
Finally, a British video I can actually understand the English. I want to get into this hobby when I retire 10 years from now, it looks even more fun than my motorcycle!
I'm glad you can understand my video, I do try and make them easy to follow. I think a lot will have changed in 10 years, paragliding and paramotoring has changed a lot in the decade that I have been flying. I was always advised, never wait till retirement, as life takes over. If you really want to do something, throw your heart and passion into it. I actually sold my motorcycle to buy my PeaBee flexwing ultralight, best decision ever.
@@GolfFoxtrot22 Now I'm having second thoughts. Paragliding is dangerous. I just saw a video here on RUclips where a guy's parachute (exactly like the ones used by paragliders) flips in mid-air and he comes head down on his own parachute and it tangles up. He was lucky he had a back-up parachute which almost didn't deploy because it got tangled with the 1st chute. No thanks man.
@@alienlatino2945 aviation is dangerous, that's no lie, but, and here is the but, if you train well and understand the environment your are in, it can be as as you make it. Unfortunately RUclips seems to like showing all the extreme events.
@@alienlatino2945 I've been curious too. If it settles your nerves any, I read this in an article examining paramotoring: "...Research estimates that the activity is slightly safer (per event) than riding motorcycles and more dangerous than riding in cars...".
If you're already a biker, you're probably more at risk than someone paramotoring. I probably still won't ever do it, but I'd be more likely to try it than the odds of me getting back on a bike again.
@@rosshorton9182 Now I'm having my doubts. These things can flip over like a kyte in mid-air and if it does you have to be a real expert to control the apparatus and survive the deadly crash.
As a retired hang glider pilot you are making me so envious. The paramotor has the advantage of quick setup and go, the hang glider is fantastic but the setup needs time and a runway of sorts. In the end for me there is nothing like a solid structure over me. If you can manage the cost, having both would be the perfect world. Thanks.
I always looked up the hang glider guys, just zooming up and down the ridges, while I was gale hanging in my paraglider. This a bit of a dream for me. I saved a lot so having both is a gift.
Hence my idea for a paraglider with inflatable segments that keep it from losing shape in turbulence....like a kiteboarding wing.
@@seattleflyboard3807 this has been looked and tried and actually made the wings not recover very well.
Id choose the peabee almost every time, but I still love my paramotor and they are alot easier to just setup and fly from smaller fields being foot launched, you've got the right idea having both! 😂
Lots of saving but yes I feel very lucky.
Great comparison and actually surprised that the paramotor would be your choice in rougher conditions. That's helped concrete more confidence in my paramotor, cheers :)
Rich, any more videos coming out?
@@GolfFoxtrot22 got a short one coming soon :)
A paramotor in rough conditions is very dangerous unless you are an expert. Those lines go slack in turbulence easily and can snag on the cage.
Beautiful scenery, it seems like you can experience it a lot better with one of those.
It's a wonderful area to fly and the unrestricted view on both aircraft makes it even better.
Interesting hearing your thoughts on both, Cheers Giles!
Yay, Andre is here. Don't worry I'm still following your antics.
From a youtube lurker who flew hang gliders 35 years ago this was very informative and fun to watch - thank you 🙂
Hi CactusJackSlade, I'm assuming it's Jack, but welcome to the comments, everyone is welcome here. I'm glad you found it informative, I do try. Lots has happened since that video. Additionally, as I mostly fly flexwing aircraft no, I wished I'd tried hang gliding, I follow a few HG channels as it just looks amazing.
An interesting video on a form of aviation that I know very little about. Thanks.
Hi Lee, that's quite a common response. Paramotors share the skies with everyone and launch from small undefined locations. The Sub70 Flexwings have quite literally taken over my flying. The joy of Sub70 is no licence required.
Excellent video Sir. Beautiful scenery. Clear audio. Great presentation. 👍
Glad you enjoyed it, welcome to the channel. There are a few other flying videos in my content area if you are interested.
I think the thing that stands out the most, is the beauty of it all.
Plus I love the sound of a happy 2stroke
You're totally living my dream dude.
I'm glad you feel lucky.
Hello Daniel, thank you for your kind words. It's been a long time coming and a lot of hard work but I'm making the most of every day.
Can beat a happy 2 stroke engine.
Great video, I enjoyed it! I have nearly 30 years of flying virtually everything and my conclusion is that I have enjoyed them all for very different reasons and ultimately there is no one answer for everyone as people’s flight situations are all very different. For me, the paramotor wins out over my trike flying simply because of the simplicity of set up and the ability to transport so easily in my car. But if I lived on a ranch or had access to a very cheap hanger nearby I would go for the quicksilver ultralight as this is the least restrictive in terms of flying safely in a wide verity of conditions. Buuuuut, still nothing like driving to the beach on a light wind day and motoring down the coast. Like you, I have had free flight HG and FF Paragliders on comparison (bywingwal) and finally the paraglider won out due to ease of use and transportability even though the HG was a superior machine as far as performance. I have also had HG trikes at the same time as Paramotors and the paramotor wins out, again, for its transportability, easy storage, simplicity and for its unmatched flight views! The paramotor is not the perfect flight solution but it is awfully sweet when the conditions are right and you have the time to wait for it to be right (parawaiting). One thing is for sure is that you should DEFINITELY FLY SOMETHING! Personally, I don’t regret a dime spent on flight over the years, theirs simply nothing like being in the air no mater what is holding you up.
Wow, thank you for taking the time to write that reply. I COMPLETELY AGREE. I just love being in the air, I'm like a kid in a sweet shop when I have flown. I've sold and traded so many things over the decades to allow my flying to keep going. Like you I wish I had the big wide open space to just keep it rigged and can walk out and just go flying.
Parawaiting 😂😂😂
@@alexrands2580 spent many an afternoon just waiting for the conditions to be right to fly.
yes...its the portability that makes Paramotors so attractive. Closest I've seen is the Doodlebug harness for hang gliders. I wish they could come up with something a little more portable
The problem is getting a Ridge structure and portability is not always easy. I do like my Peabee as it can be rigged in 20 minutes or from a trailer and the wing in the bag, in under 50 minutes. That's pretty fast in my book.
Just started my training up at flyschool uk. Been eyeing this sport up for years, I look forward to getting in the air! (when the damn weather improves)
FlySchool or Skyschool? Flying is so addictive, I keep coming back for more.
@@GolfFoxtrot22 Oh, skyschool of course. I've miss-typed that more than a few times now.
I managed to get in an afternoon of ground handling last Friday in before the weather went bad. As/Ds came naturally, so did forward handling, but my reverse needs work. I'll get there eventually!
How long have you been flying?
has it ever been considered to try and fit a dampener to the front wheel to help with landings it would help stop the front wheel from snatching same principle to the steering on a motor cycle ?
I do know what you mean by the damper, but not had the need or the weight penalty. The geometry is pretty good and I've not had it snatched round at all. If it can override my foot pressure, the wheel would be the issue. Thanks for watching.
Super job mate! Looks like you have the best of both worlds! : D
I feel so luck.
I've been interested in flight since I was a kid, particularly fascinated with paramotors and powered hang gliders/ultralights so I've gotta say, mad jelly dawg, mad jelly. That countryside looks absolutely stunning from above.
Hi Nunya, welcome to the channel. The dream of flight is there for us all and your comment was so true for me. I've always dreamed of flying and spent most of my life focused towards achieving it. I hope you like the channel as there is probably lots of videos that you'd enjoy.
As someone who was locked in on paramotoring since day 1, this is a nice change of view. That PB looks like a nifty little craft. I can't wait to be a PPG pilot myself ! :)
I flew paramotors and paragliders for over a decade, the PeaBee ticks so many boxes for me. I just didn't have the time for both so one had to go, it was very sad.
Good call. I live above the Washington DC permanent flight restriction in the less congested area, so PPG is the logical choice for me. I've already found an instructor and friends!
Great video. I agree. My personal experience: In a trike had 2 near crashes due to sudden wind coming up and no where to land. Had one crash, trike was a writeoff, some scatches lucky nothing serious. Was due to turbulence near the ground, lifting and falling the trike unexpectedly. So wind made me change my mind - I prefer a para now. Anything that can handle some wind. I have also seen some army guys doing loops and stunts in very strong winds with parachutes.
Hi D911, thank you for your story and I hope you are ok. I'm glad you agree as some seem to have misinterpreted the intent of my video. Keep flying safe.
I fly paragliders and now I'm working towards getting Hang 2 rating for Hang Gliding :) as you said both crafts are different, in my novice opinion the pitch authority of a hang glider compared to a paraglider is what I like about hang gliding the most so far. Much to learn :)
I hope your Hang glider training goes well.
Hey thanks, so far so good. Yesterday I did my third lesson and went up to 75 feet on tow :)
I fly both and appreciate the hang glider’s stability in rough air
Excellent way to scope out an area if you are attempting to learn a new area for understanding roads etc.
Hi Soul Storm, what is an excellent way to scope things out? I'm not sure what you mean.
Hi there! I love your RUclips channel!! How costly is the trike with wheels that you fly. I want to buy one ASAP!!! THANK YOU FOR SHARING AND MAKING MY DAYS!!!!!!!
The PeaBee is about £11k ready to go. When you think a paramotor is around 6.5k and wing is 4k, they are actually not that expensive for what you get. I hope that helps.
You know what Giles, the more I watch your PeaBee videos the more I want one!
I don't think the bank balance would like it, but they are so much fun.
Daniel, my problem too
The major thing is,, you don't want to have to transport, set up, break down, store an ultralight. It's really only worth it if you have a property that you can store it assembled in a hanger and launch and land there. With a Paramotor, you can just about launch from anywhere, but the weather conditions dictate the flying days and hours, before and after thermal activity mainly, and there's even much more about a fixed wing vs a rag wing when it comes to the inevitable weird winds that can collapse a rag wing even if you make the best of decisions. I fly Hang Gliders for this reason. I can't have a wing collapse, and I can fly in much more diverse wind/weather conditions safely. However, it's more of a task to store, set up, break down, transport etc. But I WILL live to fly again. The chances of me needing to deploy my reserve chute are next to zero compared what a parawing. Bla bla bla,,,,,,,,, It's up to you,,, just do some real soul searching research as my brother and I did before making up you mind.
Garry Kennedy Thanks for the thoughts Gary. So do you think the the fixed wing is more airworthy? No collapse issues. Rotor problems not as critical? This is my main question that this video, although very helpful, didn’t really answer. Can you? Thanks!
Loved the video sir! Thank you for sharing your well articulated thoughts!
It's been a while since this video came out and thank you for your kind words.
Overall cost and fitting the plane in the back seat of a small honda civic, made my choice clear. Thanks for the vid, both look like a blast!
Hi Shane, they are definitely both a blast. I ended up selling my Paramotor😧.
Great video, I’m keen to try Paramotoring and exploring on RUclips. That landing was smooth.
Hi Andrew, thanks for having a look at my channel. It was a lovely day so the landing was not too difficult. I hope you find more useful videos on my content list.
Lovely and congratulations on an effective demo and your advice...
Glad it was helpful!
i would love to see a revisit to this video now that you have more experience in the PB. Especially your confidence in flying the two in various wind conditions and crosswind landing in the PB.
Hi TruthHurts, I have thought about making a follow up video, but it would probably be a little one sided. I sold my paramotor a few months after making this as it just wasn't being used. The PeaBee has just transformed my flying and I literally never looked back. I hope you enjoyed this video and any of the other content.
@@GolfFoxtrot22 I've been binge watching. You're quickly swaying me to sell my paramotor and join PB club. That's why I'm looking for all the info I can get. I would really love to see a video explaining the difference between the PB, Bivvybee and the Adam. I just can't see the difference between them all.
@@TruthHurts2u in quick terms, to the Bivvubee is SSDR so needs a NPPL licence to fly it. The Peabee 2 and the Adam are practically the same except the Adam has retractable landing gear and are both Sub70 but by sticking a G reg on them can also be microlights. I hope that helps.
@@GolfFoxtrot22 It does thank you and I'm still binge watching and learning lots about it. It seems like a UK regulations thing. Here in the US we don't have sub70 we have part 103 regulations governing unlicensed ultralight aircraft. Looking at the specs it looks like all three are classed as part 103 aircraft in the USA and can be flown without a license. Except maybe the fuel capacity might be an issue but that's easy enough to solve.
In the USA the regs are fairly easy. Part 103 says:
If unpowered, weighs less than 155 pounds (70 Kg); or If powered:
(1) Weighs less than 254 pounds (115 Kg) empty weight, excluding floats and safety devices;
(2) Has a fuel capacity not exceeding 5 U.S. gallons (19L );
(3) Is not capable of more than 55 knots (63 mph) calibrated airspeed at full power in level flight; and
(4) Has a power-off stall speed which does not exceed 24 knots (28 mph) calibrated airspeed.
Love your videos. Wish you were here closer to me so I could take some training because I can't find any training for trikes in Southern California within 250 miles of me.
@@TruthHurts2u I should be at Sun and Fun this year. There is a Flylight dealership in America now, Blue Collar Aviation.
Great landing Giles, brilliant footage with the shadow.
Thank you. I did like that landing shadow, which is why I reused it at the end. more fun and games to come.
For me [40 yr hang glider pilot who has flown in lots of heavy turbulence], the question being asked is would you prefer a collapsible wing instead of a fixed-wing ultralight.
Two Cdns both who were legends within the hang gliding world lost their lives due to thinking they could fly their paragliders in similar air to their hang gliders.
We talking about folks that used to land downwind uphill in hang gliders. true masters of the sport. [not that is a qualifier but these guys knew the air they were flying in]
Btw Willie and Chris Mueller in case anybody is wondering.
Basically, you never know when you can hit air that will collapse your wing in a paraglider and if you care to fly in rough air you are at a much higher risk.
Hi Banal, thank you for your in-depth comment. This video is a few years old now and my experience has changed. I now teach Flexwing pilots and enjoy the safety of a more stable wing. I hope you find more interesting videos in my content collection.
A very informative and well put together video for a SEP pilot who hasn't a clue about parameter or ultraight flying. But I do now! Thank you Giles 👌👍
Kevin, thank you. I did get a lot of, I've no idea what paramotoring is, from GA pilots. I'm glad it helped. Its even funnier when I've called up ATC units and the radio goes quiet for 10 seconds...I'm sure they are nudging the controller next to them, "whats a paramotor".
Looks like this is a question alot of people wanted an answer too great view count. And very informative.
Cheers Harry, I hope you are well.
Great video thank you for taking us for a nice air ride!
Flying is the best. They never said I had to grow up. I'm glad you enjoyed it.
Witch is safer ? The Paraglider or the Hang Glider in your opinion ?
Unfortunately I've never flown a hang glider so I can't comment. Sorry.
solid comparison, maybe I need to try the other form of flying fun!
Hi Chucky, you have a lot more flex in your FAR103 to fly slightly heavier machines. Lots of things have changed for me since making tgat video. Stay safe.
I have paramotor and I fly hang glider too( not motorized yet) but I would say paramotors are much slower and less efficient because of less aspect ratio of the wing, also they are prone to collapse in some bad weather conditions ( windy or wet sail close to clouds ), also they dont have much of life time to them so u need to buy a new paramotor wing every 250 hours or so since there is more stress on the sail flying faster than paragliders so if u add up the cost of the wings that u need to buy over time, it makes paramotoring much more expensive than trikes or foot launch motorized hang gliders
Hang gliders have much larger aspect ratio and tend to be more efficient and because you dont need to use engine on higher RPM most of the time, the engine will last longer and will cost less overall to operate..
If you use let say a mosquito harness combined with a double surface more efficient hang glider like willswing sport 3 , you will have up to 60 mph speed as well as capability to soar like any none motorized hang glider and stay in air for many hours with out even needing to use the engine at all except for take off and that can effect on the fuel use and engine hours and cost almost nothing to operate... and more importantly that the hang glider wing like willswing sport 3 will last u 2 decades of fun not 250 hours like paramotor wings.
I fly paramotor and it's not like I say paramotors are bad or anything like that but I am very positive about capabilities of hang gliders and efficiency and their higher speeds, so for people whom wants to know which one is better, I would say, if u dont have a storage space for hang glider or a tike , you simply dont have any option than going with paramotors but if you have some place to keep your equipment that is large enough to house a hang glider or trike, I would say definitely go with hang gliders and I mean not even the trike version but the foot launch mosquito harness that you can soar like an eagle for hours without worrying about the fuel at all, willswing sport 3 170 will be that eagle...
The very beginner hang glider wings have more aspect ratio than top end D class paragliding wings and that will give you idea about the efficiency of hang gliders.. the lowest aspect ratio on hang gliders can not be less than 4.6 but the top end paramotor wing will never exceed even 4.5 ( u need to consider the projected aspect ratio not flat aspect ratio of a paramotor wing )
Willswing sport 3 has aspect ratio of 6.6 and that means it's almost 1.5 times more efficient than the best paraglider XC wing .. that's the meaning for engine RPM and fuel use and cost of maintenance of engine.. and that's why mosquito harness with 14 hp can lift an elephant with hang gliders but 14 hp paramotor can not lift even a mosquito...
U will feel much more in control on hang gliders than any known paramotor wing and the reason is the pitch control... what I mean is in hang glider u will have %100 capability of pitch control but in paraglider and paramotor wings that doesn't exist,, the trim setting is not actual pitch control simply because u can not control them every single second and you can not go to negative pitch angle at all unlike hang glider wings that actually you can make negative pitch on the wing meaning you can go up or down at any moment on your wish..that means if you get in to massive thermals with paramotors, most definitely your pants will be different colors but in hang gliders it much more controllable and less worry..
Hang gliders are much more true flying machine than any paramotor or paragliding wings.. you are in control 360 on any direction including up and down but in paramotor wings you are not in controlling of going up and down except using your engine to help u go up and coming down is almost not %100 on your control..
I truly feel much more safe when flying my hang glider than flying my paramotor or paraglider or even my speed wing.. I feel absolutely in control and I have zero worry and every single second of it is a pleasure...
I can dive down 65mph and instantly pitch it up to go up like a rocket without worrying about any wing collapse like paramotor wing.. i had 4 times wing collapse on my paraglider wing in past and i know how shitty it can be.. but i can dive down with my hang glider and an inch from the ground i can pull up and go up with hundreds of feet per minute.. there is no way in the world you can do that with any paragliding or paramotoring wing at all.. if u want live longer I suggest being more cautious about type of equipments u fly with..
Everything you have said is valid but I don't fly hang gliders and the wings you are talking about out outside the scope of the Sub 70 exemption which I am flying under. I'm comparing 2 powered machines which I own and fly and the video is about which one I prefer. As I've said in the video is almost everything you are saying. Paramotors are slower but I can go Paracamping etc and fly for a much longer time as I can carry more fuel. I didn't want a mosquito as I didn't want foot launched, I wanted a Sub70 trike. Everything you said it true but I don't want to fly a hang glider, I want to fly a flexwing trike. I don't what conditions you have flown you paramotor in but I can honestly say I love it and fly it all day long, all year round, had a few wing flutters but nothing that I would say would scare me. Thank you for the lengthy comment but it does not relate to what I am flying and I like flying both. Horses for courses.
What I mean is using hang glider wing mixed with mosqito harness will be more closer comparison of 2 different machine than trying to compare a trike to foot launch paraglider unless the paraglider is on trike set up too..
But very good video. I enjoyed watching it.. more informative than many other videos..
I forgot to say I live in USA and we have FAA regulation called
103 legal a bit different than Europeans.
We can go up to 254lbs and 5 gallon fuel + up to 63 mph speed and stall speed no more than 27.6 mph with full take off weight with 170 lbs pilot weight so if pilot is heavier, it means the stall speed can be even higher, but it has to be less than 27.6 mph with 170 lbs pilot weight..
@@Driftseen thank you. I always like the Mosquitos, Ben Ashman is a very creative designer. The question I kept getting asked, most from those that know me, is which one do I prefer. You are right, they are different machines, but that why I like them. I used the PeaBee when I just want hassle free flying and the paramotor when I can't fly PeaBee. It's just nice to have both I suppose. I moved away from freeflight because I hated having to lug the kit up a hill. Now I just pitch up and fly. I just love flying.
Willswing sport 3 170 weights 65lbs + 4.9 lbs lara gold 250 parachute capable of 350 lbs +58 lbs electric star mosquito harness + 7.5 lbs of fuel ( 1.25 gallon) + 2 lbs camera + 2.6 lbs wheels + 6 lbs food and water = 140lbs total or 63.63 kg much less than 70 kg and can do 55mph no problem at all ( easy ) .. it will cost $7600 for full top and bottom mylar sail wing
$970 for lara gold 250 reserve
$6900 mosquito harness+ $1000 very good vari+ $500 very good helmet + $140 very good electric gloves+ $850 very good 360 camera + $40 water container =total around $17000 but will be able to soar almost any weather and burn almost no fuel once u are above 3000 feet using thermals and can fly faster also no restrictions on where u need to take off or land unlike what needed for trikes...
Sport 3 170 flys like an eagle with no engine @ hook-in weight of 275 pounds other than the weight of the wing itself . It means even if u weight 200lbs , it will still be able to soar with mosqito harness and all the gears above..
I fly sport 3 155 at 218 lbs with no problem 3 lbs over the weight.. it's the beast that wants to fly any day .. sport 3 170 can lift way more than even 275lbs hook in weight soaring
Just seen your channel, and was impressed with both content and quality - hence, you have another subscriber!
Hello MJOTD, thank you. You must recognise some of the locations 😉. I'm just a part time vlogger with a full time day job, and enjoy sharing my passion for flying and all things aviation.
@@GolfFoxtrot22 Thank you for the quick, reply, indeed, I think we are both from the same region of the Uk, and I too, also have a keen interest in aviation, recently started watching Tucker Gott's videos, which now has me interested in paramotoring.
I have some good paramotor content, which should be of interest. I don't paramotor as much atm.
@@GolfFoxtrot22 Yes, indeed, I am currently working my way through them - many thanks
Thank you for your insight. I am a newbie and I do not know where to start.
The first rule is don't buy ANYTHING until you have completed any form of training. Any good school will have kit for you to use and learn on.
@@GolfFoxtrot22 Thank you, I will do that!
Hey I found this really interesting and it must be exciting thrilling to feel the freedom nice video👌👍
Hello Matthew, I've been flying for a long time now and paramotors and microlights like the PeaBee have given me so much enjoyment. I see you have found my latest video release as well. 😁.
One day im gona buy one of these and fly over these beautiful mountain in my homeland
Follow your dreams and you'll make it happen.
Are the frequencies of 129.825 and 129.8333 used Solely for Microlights in the UK, if so, those frequencies are very close to each other.
Hello, I see you have asked this question on another video. The only microlight frequency I know of is the new 8.33Khz spacing and that is 129.835, it used to be 129.825 on the old 25Khz spacing which is no longer in used. I hope that helps.
@@GolfFoxtrot22 so on my Scanner should I just input 129.825
129.835. Everyone is now in 8.33 spacing. www.bmaa.org/news/bmaa-news/new-microlight-radio-frequency
Keen to get into the sport thanks for the info
I'm glad the video helped.
Thanks I was about to waste my money on buying a PeaBee, now I will look at Paramotoring. I wanted to do powered flight and I thought the PeaBee would be safer in rougher air. Great review. Cheers
If you want to fly, both are fun, and actually cost the same. It would never be wasted money if you are having fun. It all depends on what type of flying you want to do.
Paramotoring is safer and has all the advantages as far as portability, setup and flying sites. Id compare it like kiteboarding vs windsurfing.
@@TheOffCycle in my current position I would have to disagree. As I mention in the video, they are 2 different activities and the PeaBee is significantly safer ( it can't collapse). It's only my opinion though and everyone is entitled to theirs. Safe Skies.
@@GolfFoxtrot22 if the peabee suffers any type of structural failure you are in a reserve situation. Modern paragliders, especially A rated wings re-inflate with zero pilot input. They also do this quite fast and intentional collapsing and stalling is part of acro flying so i would not really associate “collapse” with paramotoring not being safe. Maybe 15-20yrs ago. A paraglider collapse is more likely than and peabee structural failure but that collapse turning into a reserve toss or dangerous situation is of low probability. If your peabee has a failure you are in a reserve situation almost guaranteed. Just speaking in terms of normal pleasure flying... not acro.
@@GolfFoxtrot22 oh and another pro for PPG is the ability to free-fly if you have a dual rated wing. I do hike and fly with my dog on my PPG wing!!
Excellent. Not my style of flight but enjoyed the illustration of both. If you have a microlight licence then different categories beckon; either a two seater with all the bureacracy and permit/check flight hassles, but you can take mates up for a spin, or a sub-300 kilo SSDR. To cater for the latter there's precious little around unless you buy a cheap two eater and blank the back seat off, usually an elderly two stroke.
Hi Kevin, I have neither and the comparison is between the 2 because I kept getting asked which one. I have a lapsed Group A licence but I still actually prefer this deregulated flying. Loved your recent Flying plank video.
Thought about paragliding for a while, but after thinking about it I realised the only exposure to the sport i ever have had was a dude dropping out the sky just out of town here while I was out the lakes getting in some 4x4 fun. Sucks when something is marred by negativity.
Hi Standard Aussie, Avaition has its risks but once you have flown and gain knowledge you can mitigate a significant number of the risks but knowing about weather, advanced wing control etc. I hope you get to experience some form of aviation as its a wonderful way to experience life.
This looks like fun 👍🤙
Hi No Time like today, it certainly is and the PeaBee has certainly given me a new direction in my flying. Not pushing my videos but you'll soon see the amazing journey it's has taken me.
Thanks for the comparison. All of your PeaBee vids have me thinking about an UL with wheels now. LOL
I think since I made this, I have favoured the trike style now.
Thanks for that! Great to have to comparison for someone like me trying to choose which way to go.
Glad it was helpful! Which one do you think you'll go for?
@@GolfFoxtrot22 the paramotor, due to it's view, short takeoff/landing and portability. I suspected the microlights had significantly greater speed, range, and robustness in bad weather, but seems that my suspicions were exaggerated. For someone seeking adveture in remote locations it seemsthe PPG would be better.
@@Adventure_Bum Flex wings benefits from evolution in last year's. Now's days are very fast wings in market, dudek warp for example, with trims out and speed bar go over 50 mph.
Great video...very objective...thanks. Also, on the Pee Bee, there are people that land in crosswind using various techniques...just wondering what those might be? I know with the single surface wing it is more susceptible turbulence...but maybe holding the bar in and landing faster. Ben Ashman might give you a pointer or two. I've ordered a Aeros ANT and now fly a PPG Trike (so no foot launch), and plan to keep both. I'm just wondering about the difference in these two. The PPG trike can take more space to take off then a foot launch....but it will be nice to have both. Everything is a trade-off and nothing more so than in the world of aviation. Thanks again.
Pretty much every landing I do on the farm strip is crosswind. Ben and my instructor have both shown or explained the technique which is what I'm using. The limiting factor is weight for the wind speed. The new trim point has certainly helped.
That was a very interesting video Giles, nice comparisons. I knew you would summarize that way, they both have their pro's and cons. I reckon for camping though the Peabee is better cos you won't have to launch with all the extra weight, but wait a moment, on the paramotor I can land almost anywhere...........:)
Exactly. Can't wait to go Paracamping Sandy.
Golf Foxtrot 22 like that idea
@@GolfFoxtrot22 I'm flying tonight from Challow Giles. I've got a plan for a fly camp, perhaps Bexxy and Tony H can join us. We can fly from Challow and land out at my permission 15 miles away. (we'll take the scenic route and can make it an hour or longer flight) Do a camp at the permission and fly back to Challow in the morning. Weather permitting of course.
@@WiltshireMan that sounds like a plan. Don't forget Paranoob.
@@GolfFoxtrot22 Yes Paranoob of course, we can send Paul up first to test the air:)
3 years ago already?? Doesn't seem possible Giles..
Look at the channel now!! 😁👍🏼
I know, it's been a bit mental. So much has happened.
Great review. I’ve always been told that paragliders are more sensitive to thermals and high winds because they can collapse whereas a hang-glider is more tolerant because it moves faster, is more efficient and has structural stability. What are your thoughts ?
Hello Pentachronic, both flying types have pros and cons but as you have mentioned, the ridged structure on the hang glider wing prevents collapsing. Paragliders will give you more feedback of the air than a hang glider but I did enjoy paragliding and paramotoring. I just found an easier way to fly with the Sub70 and now microlight flexwing flying. I hope that kind of gives you a flavour of my thoughts. If you are new to the channel, you'll see I have documented my flexwing/Sub70 journey, if that helps.
I would love to see how you set up for camping, how you plan your landing site. ETA on that video?
Hello David, is that for the Paramotor or the PeaBee?
@@GolfFoxtrot22 either honestly. Whatever you think is better for it
I made a few videos on my Icarus X kit and vlogged the event if that helps.
I'm confused about different trikes..... one has a hang glider fixed wing w/ a control bar & others like you're using has the parachute
type of control. I apologize for incorrect terms for the different aircraft but IF I put a Hang Glider wing on a trike and follow all the
other rules of Pt 103 can I fly it as a Pt 103 aircraft? So I guess yours is a ParaMotor & the other's a Powered Hang Glider? Once
I learn the proper terms for them I really want to know id a Hang Glider wing can be a Pt 103 aircraft if all rules are followed?
I old but want to fly before I can't...... lol, thanks for the video. peace
I read you comment a few times but you are correct. There are some good flying schools in the US so if you contact them, they will be able to advise you. This company might be able to help. www.flylighttrikesus.com/
The perfect video as I start my journey. Is one significantly safer than the other in mild conditions?
Hi Heading West, aviation is inherently dangerous, but with the correct training and education you learn to understand when to and when not to fly. To answer your question for mild conditions, I would feel just as safe in both. Its only in the rougher conditions that I would feel safer in the Flexwing (PeaBee). I hope that helps.
This again was excellent enjoyed every minute thank you
Thanks Al, glad you enjoyed it.
Niles, thanks for the comparison.
BTW... would you happen to know if there is a PPG instructor at RAF Finmere? I see there is a Hang Gliding school there, but I am not sure about PPG. I am wondering, since my son is stationed at RAF Crouton, maybe he could take his PPG lessons over there. Thanks!
I think that was a mistype of my name.. Haha. The nearest PPG instructor near to you will be CM Paramotors. Give them a shout and easy to find online. Outside of that have a look on the BHPA website and it will give you a list of school. I hope that helps.
@@GolfFoxtrot22 Thanks for the info, Giles. Sorry, yes. Haha. Brain is still foggy this morning.
Found you on Short Field link.
Nice video.
PPC pilot in Ky, US.
Hi Wkboggs5, thanks for joining me over on my channel. I know it's a different flavour but as a PPC pilot I'm sure you will appreciate the lighter w d of flying.
I fly paramotor and Autogyro MTO, I could say the same sir, it's great to fly both
Hello there, I'm glad you can relate.
Great video, enjoyed watching it and made me feel good to know I kind of a have a hybrid of what you are comparing in that I fly a paramotor trike. My biggest downside is portability, I keep it at an airport 65 miles away and can't easily move it other than with my cargo trailer. Biggest upside is I can fly without having to jump through the hoops of an FAA medical here in the US. I would love to fly anything that flies, would love to try out the PeaBee (or similar aircraft) sometime.
Hi Iron Eagle Trike, welcome to the channel. I kind of know where you are coming from. I did have a paratrikes for my old Bailey 4 stroke but I jsut found it more difficult than just foot launching. The PeaBee has really become my passion and has ultimately allowed me to start a new career (later content if you are interested). Thanks for your comment.
@@GolfFoxtrot22 Hey Giles, L
I'm loving your videos!! I fly paragliders but mainly a wheel base paramotor. I started off foot launching but due to an old motorcycle back injury I was forced to go to a ppg trike. I keep it in the back of a van and just need to fit the shroud/hoop to set up when I go flying. I'm about to resume WSM trike training as I have an Aeros Ant nano with Discus 15T wing I've been wanting to learn to fly, (Got a bargain I couldn't refuse :). I know paramotoring is in many ways more practical/portable but in stronger winds or with wrong direction the trike can become a handful! (unlike foot launching). I feel the nano will lend itself better to windy or crosswind days, plus for some reason I think I will feel more secure under the delta wing in crappy air, (even though I've been flying pg/ppg since '96), and contrary to your comments in this video. I also feel that the delta wings are more like an actual aircraft than paraglider wings. I think I need something new/different from pg/ppg as the passion (obsession) I used to have for ppg has been waning of recent times, almost to the degree of feeling like an inconvenience or an obligation :-/ The area I predominantly fly is absolutely beautiful, (Great Ocean Road region Victoria, Australia) so it's not the view. Maybe it's a case of 'been there-done that'. I have been told the new Adam 13tds wing is in many (not every) ways superior to the Discus 15T so hope to try it once I'm licensed/solo but I also understand that wing technology is continually improving and one doesn't need to have the latest 'whizz-Bang' gear to enjoy the hobby/sport, although it can often be safer and MORE enjoyable on more current gear. Apologies for the long post. Keep up the great work!
Hi @bohdan, I've just found your comment, YT doesn't always show me comments if they are attached to others comments. Thank you for your comment and I have shifted my views since making this. I still think both are fun ways to fly but the Flexwing ( Delta wing) is the safer option and I would definitely fly the flex in must stronger and rougher conditions than I would in a paramotor. The Adam wing is good but I can't compare it to the DISCUS as I haven't flown it. If you've seen my ore recent content you'll see how much I enjoy flying the ADAM, but flexwing flying does make me smile. Hope to see you in the comments section in the future and safe flying until next time.
Great video, this is something I'm considering
HI Jason, which one, flexwing or the paramotor?
@@GolfFoxtrot22 sorry, paramotor
@@ukjjs1 I really enjoyed my paramotoring but just didn't have the time to do both.
Hi Giles, how does the turn radius compare between the Peabee and a paramotor? I guess the PPG can turn tighter as it flys slower? I fly a C42 and a Foxcub and the landings in a PPG look sooo easy!
HI Rob, the ppg will turn much tighter but that's primarily because it is flying slower. Ppg are easy to land with the correct technique but I like my knees.. 😉.
@@GolfFoxtrot22 😄
Do you ever get tempted back to PPG world?
Hi Rob, I flew in recently at a fly-in, a recent video, and was happy just being in the air. However having flown the PeaBee and the distance and comfort I get, against the cost of paramotor frames and wings now, I couldn't justify the cost of going back to PPG. The PeaBee is only slightly more expensive for a lot more aircraft/performance /comfort.
Thanks for the video, could you tell us please, what feels safer?
I sold my Paramotor a few years ago and now just fly flexwings. I hope that helps answer your question. I hope you enjoyed the video. Load more of my flying journey in the content lists if that helps.
Good vlog, Giles. Horses for courses is an accurate analogy.
Absolutely
I couldn't agree more. I started with Experimental class biplane, then Ultralight Fokker EIII, then flexwing, and now PPG. All have advantages and disadvantages, but all are fun.
What's next? Cluster balloons?🤔
Most Sincerely,
Ron.
Thank you. I'm glad you agree. I'll leave the cluster balloons to those with more courage than me.
I would assume the Ultralight is superior because less chance of the wing collapsing, but of course it is more cumbersome to move around and cant be packed easily on foot like a parachute.
You are correct in that the PeaBee won't collapse but having a collapse in a paramotor it perfectly acceptable, 90% of the time they sort themselves out. I just enjoy any form of flying.
@@GolfFoxtrot22 And the other 10%? I'm currently thinking of switching training from paramotor to peabee.
The other 10% would need some epilot input. That's the reason for SIV course. Aviation is inheritantly risky, we just try to mitigate as many as possible with knowledge.
Great and unusual video, Giles. I have to say your approach on the paramotor was interesting to watch; that application of power to prevent the descent during the turn to final, then a more sustained power burst once on final to bring the aim point back on track. All done knowing you had an undershoot field in the event of an engine failure. The approach from that direction reminds me of the approach to Talgarth (Black Mountains Gliding Club) where if you're not careful you'll end up looking uphill on approach. Not good when you don't have power...😉
Thanks Dan. The power on the approach was just to get me back on the approach path I needed, its quite an uphill slope and I wanted to be clear of the fence. The secret is to allow height to let the motor(You) and the wing to settle into the glide once the power comes off. If you do it too low, you swing into the ground as you don't have enough brake to overcome the swing. Better to be high and overshoot than low and plough the dirt.
@@GolfFoxtrot22 That makes sense. Similar idea (yet not the same) as that last 50ft or so in a glider - leave the airbrakes where they are so that you are flying only with the stick. Essentially just settle everything with enough height to allow proper flare control.
@@clearprop I remember my K13 days. I loved gliding.
Hey GF I've been looking at paramotors for about 6 years now but I'm up in North Scotland and the weather isn't great for most of the year and if we do get sun without wind its going to be winter 😂😂 I'm wondering if the cost of travelling to learn how to paramotor without dying and then the 4g for equipment will be worth it? Worth pointing out I'm into bikes,rally,boats and jetskis so im not completely depraved of adrenaline so I'm not in a mega rush but I'm looking at realistic expectations of when I can use it and what's the maximum wind speed you would fly in? I know it's a broad generic question but Can you give any advice in the best way to attack it? Would it be worth borrowing a wing to do stuff on the ground before going to a training site so I'm not a total burden on the instructor? Or do I go drink beer because it's easier 😂😂
Hello and thank you for your comment and quite a lengthy one. I read it through a few times to try and make sure I am giving you a suitable response. Flying is a passion as you can probably relate to with your motorcycling. Flying becomes the same and finding time for it will stop other activities, I can guarantee it. I suggest you try and get a trial flight with a local flying school to see if you like being in the air. Have you looked at any paramotor or paragliding schools as that would be the next step as most do taster days. I hope that helps and sorry if there is no perfect answer. Also I have quite a few friends In Scotland that regularly fly more often then I do. It has some beautiful scenery.
That microlight landing was just like butter
I was quite pleased with it. It was a super smooth evening as well. Thanks for finding my channel.
Yes Giles!! Love this. And the videos done amazingly - rightly so. Interesting insight 👍👍
The strip I fly from is only 67 miles from Kemble airfield. If only i had a little bit more range, I'd fly in.
Golf Foxtrot 22 oooh...how long is the runway?
@@BenAtkinsonVideos just under 400 max but 300 usable. It's not an official sit (28day rule) but he flies a C42 from there. It would certainly test your precision approach as its not flat and on a hill, you'll probably notice that from my videos.
Interesting comparison! What would you say are the field size requirements for take off and landing in a peabee? Is 200x100 ft field enough? Provided no tall obstacles on either side.
Hi Adrian, as you said, with no tall objects, if you changed your ft to meters you'd be safe. They come in a lot quicker than a paramotor. On my Hadron XX, I still needed over 100 meters from 50ft up, to land. I hope that helps. My Peabee has taken me on so many adventures.
@@GolfFoxtrot22 thanks
So more than a foot launch powered hang glider, and definitely a lot more than a paramotor.
@@adriansevic3192 I was probably being a bit over cautious, you could operate one in 150 meters but there is no point causing issues but being too tight on the lengths.
@@GolfFoxtrot22 Hi,
See this is why I asked that particular question. I am a sailplane pilot but due to the nearest airport being 100km away and considering all the fees, I considered switching to another type of flying.
It's definitely more due to the lack of close airports rather than portability (15m gliders can actually be trailered just fine). But where do I take off from? There is the river bank that stretches for miles here where I live that is nicely maintained, and would be a perfect strip. But ufortunately, I would probably get arrested if I flew from here.
Both paramotors and powered kites offer car portability and soaring capability, and need less space to operate from. However if I am again bound to the airport with a trike, then I really haven't improved my situation at all.
And I also see you quit ppg due to safety concerns. Since I come from the 3 axis,soft flapping wing makes me queasy.
Hence I asked if it was possible to take off from a field that is the size of those I am surrounded with.
My 1st idea was to go into hang gliding, and then powered, footlaunch, but everyone in the hanggliding community suggested it is very hard to footlaunch powered HG's and suggested to go with a trike.
We are unfortunately pretty limited here in Croatia as far as HG and trike schools go. Both are on the far sides of the country from where I live unfortunately. So I am looking at all the pros and cons.
@@adriansevic3192 I hope I have given you some help.
How well does the second one work when you want to take photographs. As a photographer that is what would interest me more in the second one.
I have definitely found the PeaBee Flexwing easier as there is nothing in my hand so can support the camera more easily. However there is more structural bits in the way. I've taken some lovely photos from the PeaBee though, you'll notice in the later content.
@@GolfFoxtrot22 Thank you.
Which one would be better to Mount an electric skateboard to? So you could semi fly as you ride off and on a big steep hill? (Electric skateboards have brakes , go up to 60 mph, and have big treaded tires)
I'm not sure I can help on this one. The video is about which one do I prefer, between 2 of my flying machines.
What do you think about wheeled (trike or quad) paramotors? I assume one wouldn't wind for the take off run with these.
I've flown a Paramotor trike before, but they are so fickle and need light conditions, if it had to have wheels, I may as well go for the flexwing trike. If its windier then foot launched paramotors are just easy to launch, but I suppose I still have working knees. Its all down to what you prefer. Anything that gets you in the air must be a good thing.
Great video and looking forward to watching the others now 😉
Thanks Manjx, I know they are a bit geeky, but it's all about having fun.
Anyone know where to find go to get ultralight trained and to buy one? Having a hard time finding one in the US
I can't really help as I'm in the UK. Have you tired contacting FlyLight directly.
Golf Foxtrot 22 I’ll give it shot 😊 thank you
Koliko vremena treba za prvi let ?
Hello Donlina, Mislite li naučiti letjeti prvim letom ili ga opremiti da uđe u zrak?
@@GolfFoxtrot22 mislio sam koliko vremena treba da bih ja naucio letjeti, dali treba prvo da idem na paraglajding ili mogu odmah da krenem sa paramotorom?
Za paramotora bih najbolje našao školu. Može potrajati danima ili tjednima, sve do vaše sposobnosti da naučite nove stvari. Nažalost, ne mogu dati točniji odgovor.
@@GolfFoxtrot22 ok hvala na odgovoru sačekat ću proljeće pa krećem na ućenje🍻
And I loved your post. I want to finish work and do this too, when conditions allow. I'm a novice. Which one would you recommend to start off in if cost was not a factor?
Its down what access to airfields or flying sites and what training you can easily get to. These for me were overriding factors for me.
I’d say the Paramotor because it’s easy to store, you can transport it in a trunk of a car and fly almost anywhere.
Wish I had the garage space for a Peabee. Definitely looks good fun, especially for days when I don't have the energy to run into the air 😁
I had that last night. Nil wind and just put my foot down and look off, then just landed back and taxied in. Thanks for watching.
@@GolfFoxtrot22 no problem, great video matey, hey something a little off subject, I'm having a little trouble with wind noise on the videos coming into the PM100 microphone, I've been told you're the man to speak to regarding a upgraded mic muff, I've dropped you a pm on Facebook, if you have time would you mind sharing a little wisdom? many thanks brother!
@@SkiesTheLimit I'll have a look for you message, when did you send it?
@@GolfFoxtrot22 ah will have been a while ago buddy, be in the message requests. Look for Kyle Davies 👍😁, cheers
Excellent video thank you 👍
Hi Jason, glad it was helpful.
This was great to watch! Thanks! I also fly trike and would love to learn paramotoring. Im just concerned if wind condition picks up while paramotoring? In a trike you could still land safely, is it possible in paramotor to land safe when wind picks up?
Air Born, yes, its still safe but when you say wind pick up I'm talking max 20 mph ( I have landed in gusting 25 but that was in exceptional circumstances- I just crossed the entire UK from Wales to Beccles) Paramotoring is about having fun, and not pushing the the highside. Neither sub 70 or Paramotoring are high wind activities, or you just wouldn't get anywhere. I hope that helps.
this is why I sold my paramotor...wind conditions always pick up while flying and often makes landings unsafe.....do not minimize this issue. This is not a problem for experts....and the experts are often giving bad advice based on their own experience.
@@GolfFoxtrot22 Even a sudden 15mph gust in calm conditions can collapse chute on landing if trees nearby....I learned this the hard way. The wind picking up while flying is the number one danger I experienced in the sport. In my hang glider...I could handle changing conditions. In my paramotor...I was always finding myself in danger despite great care.
Which do you think is more dangerous for the same amount of flight time in optimal conditions for each?
If they are flown in optimal conditions and adequate training and currency is in place then both are just as safe as each other. The flexwing might just have a nose in front due to its solid wing construction. I hope that helps.
How about the life threatening points of failure? Could you compare the two based on that?
Aviation is inherently dangerous, we can't get away from that. I don't have enough data to categorically say which one is more dangerous but I do carry a reserve canopy just in case.
Brilliant video thank you 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
Thanks again Brent.
Nobody thought of some light mesh or even fishing net in the triangle of the bar to prevent bird strikes? I've only seen one such video of a bird strike but surely that would work?
I don't believe that bird strikes are really that much of an issue. I think there would be more of an issue of things getting caught in any kind of mesh while flying.
@@GolfFoxtrot22 yeah I only seen 1 video of a bird strike but surely with the prop right behind you I thought there would be something.. I want to fly soooo bad 😂✈️
@@AnglerBudgie dreams do happen, sometimes you need to help them along. I've always dreamwd of flying and now I'm helping others on their journey towards flying.
Where do you flying? What is the name of your airfield? I really like the landscape in this video😊
The area is south Somerset and its not really a designated airstrip, just a local farm strip I'm allowed to use. It is a lovely area to fly.
And for an hour of flight with the same motor, who's uses less fuel, paramotor or hang glider trike?
Hi Miguel, the paramotor uses less but also flies slower. I can cover 100 miles in the PeaBee in 2 hours 45 minutes using only 15 litres. I could cover the same distance in my old paramotor using only 5 litres an hour but that same distance would take 3.5 hours so the fuel burn for distance covered is about the same.
Nice vid Giles, looking forward to some PeaBee camping 🏕
Probably paramotor camping first.
I want to get a paramotor, but kinda nervous about wing collapse. Have seen some nasty videos where the wing just folds up on itself.
I completely understand what you mean, paraglider wings are soft and rely on air pressure to make them work. As you learn to fly, you realise that the collapses will happen and they can actually be controlled. The beauty of paramotoring is that you can choose when you fly and the conditions you fly in. I'm guessing you have seen paragliders having collapses more than paramotor wings, this is generally because when we fly paragliders, we need up currents to stay up, this brings with it, unstable air and a greater chance of collapses, which have to be controlled. Aviation has risk, I'm not going to hide that, but you can make it as safe as possible by learning how to fly, and never stop learning. I hope that helps.
Love to see again...n again.Beauty.
Hello, not sure what you want to see again?
If something fails or goes wrong what do you do? I know some skidivers have a back up parachute
Hi DSD, both these machines have a reserve chute. Most microlight or light aircraft don't have any alternative, they just crash. I hope that helps.
This comparison skews in favor of PPG. Better would be PPG trike vs Nanotrike as both are wheeled (specially trikes that fold into the trunk to even up more). Or if foot launch is preferred, PPG vs Powered HG. Then the lines blur more, the choice more subjective.
I'm talking about MY preference as people have asked me which of the 2 do I like. Its in the title, Which do I prefer? And I even say I like both. If it was PPG trike verses Powered HG Trike ( I have flown PPG trike), Powered HG trike would win every time, so much easier to launch and land.
Looking into things of which too learn. As 2 weeks heading to Derbyshire for the closest school meant research research research first. All the write ups online say HG are better in windier conditions... But hearing you say this has flipped things on its head. I dont pretend to know a lot only what i read. So would you recommend a paramotor to get more flying days in overall???
Hi Joshua, I have to put my hand up know, with 3 years more experience and say I would take the PeaBee up in conditions that I would happily leave my paramotor on the ground. It's why I ended up selling paramotor. Which school in Derbyshire are you going to?
@@GolfFoxtrot22 thanks for the reply!! airways or Derbyshire flying I'll have to have a look at both reviews again. I know it isn't ideal, but with both being under and hour from stoke... It means I can commute all the days for training, if the weather delays anything too it's easier.
Joshua Foster we also teach on microlight at Dairy House Farm near Crewe.
@@GolfFoxtrot22 aarh okay, that's good news I'll have to half a look. But that could be ideal!👍
Joshua Foster give the Micro Training office a Call, 01335 682268
Sir.. Whats maximum high can fly a trike hang glider???😊
Until you run out of fuel. It could easily get to 10,000 ft but then you need oxygen.
I envy the hell out of this dude, I would LOVE to try this if I could afford it.
Hi Andrew, it's been a long time coming for me but I've always wanted to fly. I've saved and sold a lot of things to buy the machines and it has been so worth it. Which route would you go down? Paramotor or Ultralight?
I love sky driver with pera motr....plz tell me who i can perch pera motr in pakistan...
Sorry, I have no idea, I live in the UK.
Lovely video Giles. What about the risk of collapse with the paramotor's wing? Don't you think that the PeaBee is safer? Thanks!!
Yes, the risk of collapse is there, I've had them. The risk of rolling over on the ground on the PeaBee is also as great but that bends things. It's only the cross winds that limits the PeaBee. As I said it's horses for courses at the experience level I'm at. I have a decade of freeflight and paramotoring, I have less than 12 months on flexwing. I just love to fly.
@@GolfFoxtrot22 perfect!!
I'm late to your party here but I've arrived..... I assume that a Para-Motor is w/ a chute type of wing & this aircraft is an Ultralight
if I understand it? Here in the US I'd be asking if it's a Part 103? This one very well might meet those specs & I honestly like the
trike you're riding here. I've been looking at a lot of different configurations of aircraft but the Glider Wing type of control is what
I'm starting to like. Regular controlled ultralight's can stall easy & you have all the different control surfaces/wires & pulley's to
help control the flight whereas this Glider configuration uses the wing for most of the control. It seems more natural to me
but I'm quite uneducated at this juncture & asking questions. I do like your aircraft & wonder how long the wing can last
before it must be replaced? peace
Thanks for your awesome videos, Giles. As someone trying to decide on going down the PPG or Flylight Adam route - I'm really interested in what kit you have attached - a 'shopping list' of sorts, to help understand what I'd need for the Adam v.s. the PPG. Your setup looks interesting and well dialled - do you have a 'kit list' somewhere that would be easy to copy/paste? Or if you're looking for a subject for another great video.. ? :D
Hello Kenneth, I have covered this in another video "50 Hour service", but I have also put all the equipment I use in the video description, if that helps.
Great video. Just in time. I'm paraglider pilot living on flat lands and considering a soaring trike. I thought soaring with a nanolight is more feasible than soaring with a paramotor. Have you tried thermalling with your PeaBee?
Hello Burhan, I have thermalled the paramotor, but only to help get to cloudbase to then get above the rough air. The PeaBee, even as an SSDR will go up very well, I flew only last night and the late day thermals were taking me up with virtually now effort. The new Flylight ADAM is the thermal sniffing machine.
@@GolfFoxtrot22 Thanks, Giles. I guess I want both but have to choose one (at least for now). So, I have two quick questions for you. As a competent pilot on both aircrafts, which one would you choose; 1) for XC/Touring, 2) Power-off thermalling? Please continue your useful videos :)
Now that's a hard one to answer. Xc and touring, it has to be the PeaBee, my lower back and knee will vouch for that. For pure thermalling, it's got to be PPG, but it just going to be rough, but that the joy of thermalling a paraglider, which I also enjoyed.