Headed up to Alpine early this morning but I didn't go to see the balloons. There were 3 different powered parachutes buzzing the skies. Always been interested in flying and it was nice to see these simple machines up close for the first time. One of the pilots I saw today is 80 years old. I have been researching powered paragliders rather than the parachute version. http://paradrenalin.com/
88,100,63,0,C,0
7 comments:
I've enjoyed watching videos of these on YouTube fly (and crash) for some time. I watched them in Alpine also a couple years ago. Great fun.
And to think they're not even wearing helmets!
looks like a serious dent in the finances...but I would imagine a whole new world would open around around and about the Field Lab..
The powered parachutes can be flown without a pilots license, but most paragliders exceed the 254 pound ultralight empty weight limit so you'll need a pilot's license (or plan on spending a nice long stretch in jail). They are a blast to fly in a little or no wind situation, but I would strongly suggest some training from a CFI if you go with the paragliders. There are some decent training centers for the powered parachutes in Texas as well. You might want to check out EAA's website and see if there is a local chapter within a reasonable distance from Alpine. And remember, it's a lot better to be on the ground wishing you were up in the air, instead of being up in the air wishing you were on the ground.
There is a guy around here somewhere that has one of these built on an ultra light boat hull
about the size of a small zodiac
.The first time I saw it I was out fishing,I was like what in the hell is this? He lands and takes off on the water.I guest the dacron chute doesn't absorb water ?
This 79 year old says, Try it John. It is a different sensation. Get some referrals before you go up with just anyone.
I think you and I are a bit past the age where we have the strength and endurance to go running down a field with a gas tank, engine, and propeller on our back in hopes the the darn parachute will get enough lift to get off the ground. I watched a 40-year old try that 3 times one day before he came back and collapsed in a pile on the ground.
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