![Kevin Isley](/img/default-banner.jpg)
- 2
- 68
Kevin Isley
Registrace 10. 10. 2013
Engine out over the Landing Zone.
This video illustrates my first engine out on my paramotor.
Prior to this flight I had completed the rebuild of the carburetor on my Moster 185. Full power runs with the motor on my back sounded and felt good showing just over 8500 on the tach.
After launching the next day and flying into the wind for 20 minutes, I turned around for a landing at the LZ. On the way back I purposefully remained at approximately 900 feet AGL. The limitations and concerns at this particular LZ are 1) the power lines which run North to South on the East edge of the parking lot/driveway and are concealed in the tree line, 2) the power lines at the South end of the East practice field (limits go-around opportunities), 3) the numerous chain link fences which separate different field areas, and 4) the terrain in the East practice field which slopes downhill from North to South.
On this day the wind was blowing out of the South-Southeast, so I set up the downwind leg on the West side of the LZ. This took me over the pavilion and the highest point in the park which includes the asphalt parking lot. When I let the motor go to idle it got very quiet. I stowed my brakes, grabbed the starter rope and pulled. The motor sputtered and died. Checking my position I could see the wind was pushing me away from the LZ so I pulled enough right brake to gently turn the wing back toward the park before attempting a couple more quick pulls on the starter. No restart meant it was time to AVIATE. I got back on both brakes and smoothly set up a ground track which would take me over the power lines and just inside the North edge of the East practice field.
My next thought was to look for alternatives if I couldn't make it over the power lines. I had several options but the one with the fewest obstructions was the parking lot or the soccer field at the bottom of the hill. There are more chain link fences to contend with but at least they wouldn't snag my wing until after I was on the ground. It took two minutes from the time the engine quit for me to clear the power lines. This gave me time to re-run my landing checklist and validate my descent rate/forward speed. The Ozone Spyder 3 trimmed to neutral proved to have a respectable glide ratio.
I arrived over the desired LZ with too much altitude but too low to execute a 360 safely. The downslope in this area had me chasing the ground while keeping an eye on the distant tree line. I let the wing fly about one fourth of the way across the field before pulling both brakes for three seconds, then smoothly going to hands high. The wing surged forward and lost just enough altitude for a flair and touchdown before I got too close to the tree line at the Southeast corner.
Takeaways
1) Don't Panic. Yes, I was disappointed the motor quit but I didn't let it distract me from flying the wing.
2) Practice what the instructor taught you. Plan every approach as if the engine will fail and you won't regret having the extra altitude when it does.
3) Identify the hazards between you and your intended landing spot. Be ready to go for your alternate if you can't make the primary.
4) Two minutes is a long time.
Safe flying!
Prior to this flight I had completed the rebuild of the carburetor on my Moster 185. Full power runs with the motor on my back sounded and felt good showing just over 8500 on the tach.
After launching the next day and flying into the wind for 20 minutes, I turned around for a landing at the LZ. On the way back I purposefully remained at approximately 900 feet AGL. The limitations and concerns at this particular LZ are 1) the power lines which run North to South on the East edge of the parking lot/driveway and are concealed in the tree line, 2) the power lines at the South end of the East practice field (limits go-around opportunities), 3) the numerous chain link fences which separate different field areas, and 4) the terrain in the East practice field which slopes downhill from North to South.
On this day the wind was blowing out of the South-Southeast, so I set up the downwind leg on the West side of the LZ. This took me over the pavilion and the highest point in the park which includes the asphalt parking lot. When I let the motor go to idle it got very quiet. I stowed my brakes, grabbed the starter rope and pulled. The motor sputtered and died. Checking my position I could see the wind was pushing me away from the LZ so I pulled enough right brake to gently turn the wing back toward the park before attempting a couple more quick pulls on the starter. No restart meant it was time to AVIATE. I got back on both brakes and smoothly set up a ground track which would take me over the power lines and just inside the North edge of the East practice field.
My next thought was to look for alternatives if I couldn't make it over the power lines. I had several options but the one with the fewest obstructions was the parking lot or the soccer field at the bottom of the hill. There are more chain link fences to contend with but at least they wouldn't snag my wing until after I was on the ground. It took two minutes from the time the engine quit for me to clear the power lines. This gave me time to re-run my landing checklist and validate my descent rate/forward speed. The Ozone Spyder 3 trimmed to neutral proved to have a respectable glide ratio.
I arrived over the desired LZ with too much altitude but too low to execute a 360 safely. The downslope in this area had me chasing the ground while keeping an eye on the distant tree line. I let the wing fly about one fourth of the way across the field before pulling both brakes for three seconds, then smoothly going to hands high. The wing surged forward and lost just enough altitude for a flair and touchdown before I got too close to the tree line at the Southeast corner.
Takeaways
1) Don't Panic. Yes, I was disappointed the motor quit but I didn't let it distract me from flying the wing.
2) Practice what the instructor taught you. Plan every approach as if the engine will fail and you won't regret having the extra altitude when it does.
3) Identify the hazards between you and your intended landing spot. Be ready to go for your alternate if you can't make the primary.
4) Two minutes is a long time.
Safe flying!
zhlédnutí: 17
Video
Paramotoring over Texas
zhlédnutí 51Před 11 měsíci
This is a compilation from a tour of a nearby lake shore.
I envy you. Years ago I went up for a short flight. Thought it was the coolest thing and had thoughts of getting one, but never followed through. Used to see one around here. Don't know who owned it, but he kept it at the airport. Is it as relaxing to do as it is to watch?
Once you get airborne without falling down, yes it is relaxing! I just lean back, get the seat board adjusted and set the throttle lock for cruise. The video I posted is the first time I spent so much of the flight at low level. I was a little more attentive to what I was doing to say the least, and never used the throttle lock. My left hand was tensed up when I landed. The lead pilot in the video uses a trike so he doesn’t have to carry the weight of the motor. I’ll have to buy one eventually but I am a few years from that, I hope.
1st comment and 1st subscriber! What's my prize? A free paramotor!? Looks like fun!
The prestige of being first? That's about all I can afford so congratulations!