Longest Paramotor Flight in the USA = 7 Hours 53 Minutes, 4.6 Gallons

Sdílet
Vložit
  • čas přidán 7. 08. 2023
  • Flight stats:
    Flight duration with gas - 7 hours 50 minutes
    Flight duration with gas and glide - 7 hours 53 minutes
    Distance flown - 197.57 miles
    Average speed - 24.99 mph
    Max Ground Speed - 41.11 mph
    Starting altitude - 2083 feet
    Max altitude - 5,187 feet
    Paraglider - Ozone Viper XC size 22m
    Paramotor - Skytap Raptor with Atom 80
    Propeller - Vittorazi/Helix 140cm (Thanks skysportsusa.net/ !)
    Times I peed - 3
    Weights:
    -Paramotor 61.22 lbs. This is with small toolkit, tarp below, Ping2020i/battery, negligible fuel amount(0.5lb?), reserve/bridles, kickstrap, throttle magnet
    -Tarp weighed 1.74lbs (included in paramotor weight). Flew with this in case of a storm landing.
    -4.6 gallons fuel (6lbs/gallon) = 27.6lbs
    -Scout adventure bag 12.88lbs with 2 liters water, gin gloves(1.05lbs), fox gloves, PLB, flymaster, zoleo, sentry mini, external battery/fire bag, gopro/mediamod/extra battery, ipad mini4/case, 3 tethers, stylus, mirror, 3 charging cables. Lacking a few food items in weight(biscuit, apple, Slim Jims, can of mixed nuts) and other negligible weights. Round up to 13lbs(probably more)
    -Helmet 2.87lbs
    -These clothes: red marmot jacket, ski pants, goggles, waffle long sleeve, face shield, gin gloves(1.05lbs) = 4.28lbs
    -Asolo boots 3.26lbs
    -My weight 160lbs
    -Jeans, long sleeve = 1lb?
    -Ozone stuff sack - very light
    -Viper XC 22m - 11.16lbs
    All up weight (subtract Gin Gloves since it’s listed twice above) = 61.22+27.6+13+2.87+4.28+3.26+165+1+11.16-1.05=288.34lbs(130.79kg)
    Welcome to my channel! Please subscribe and stick around for more content!
    Where I got my Gin Falcon Paraglider:
    superflyinc.com/
    SOL Fun Wings found at the link below. Don't forget to use the coupon code Huneycutt for $25 off!
    www.wisconsinflightsports.com...
    Micro Avionics Headsets and ICARO Helmets - www.wisconsinflightsports.com...
    Use the coupon code Huneycutt when ordering for $25 off any headset/helmet combo!
    My Favorite Throttle from Off Grid Aviation!
    www.off-grid-aviation.com/
    Consider donating to Resurgence PPG in order to get disabled veterans flying! Link below:
    www.resurgenceppg.com/donate....
    Gear I Use:
    Helmet - www.wisconsinflightsports.com...
    ^use the code Huneycutt when ordering for $25 off any headset/helmet combo
    Ground Camera - amzn.to/2LCn1bx
    Ground Camera Mic - amzn.to/3Nnil6I
    Ground Camera Mic wind cover - amzn.to/3GOuGyl
    Helmet Camera(Gopro 9) - amzn.to/3Mp82O6
    Gopro 9 Media Mod - amzn.to/3O021J7
    Gopro Mic Adapter - amzn.to/307GE3N
    360 Camera - amzn.to/306B41V
  • Zábava

Komentáře • 135

  • @MarkHuneycutt
    @MarkHuneycutt  Před 10 měsíci +1

    Here's the full flight track overlaid on 3D satellite imagery with some music:
    czcams.com/video/FYvw4wByUFY/video.html

  • @verve6000
    @verve6000 Před 10 měsíci +3

    Mark, your PPG adventures are incredible!! Best PPG content on CZcams 🪂🪂

  • @davidmack7018
    @davidmack7018 Před 10 měsíci +2

    Awesome Mark so enjoyed this video it was awesome thank you for making & sharing it with us all ! Great to see how happy you were I was smiling along with your rejoying stoked for you brother.
    Sweet vlog
    Best David

  • @joshperryppg
    @joshperryppg Před 10 měsíci +12

    And the record for most times peed on a flight goes to Mark Huneycutt!

    • @rule1dontgosplat
      @rule1dontgosplat Před měsícem

      I know I would have had to land and take a crap if I tried this.

  • @MarkHuneycutt
    @MarkHuneycutt  Před 10 měsíci +6

    See the very detailed flight stats in the video description. What's the next adventure?

  • @kcrowe8211
    @kcrowe8211 Před 10 měsíci +3

    Awesome Mark!!!! What an accomplishment. Takes pilot skill, planning, the right tools (like a pee funnel), will power, and guts. Nicely done, thx for sharing. Makes my 1 hr PPG flights look so minuscule!

  • @stevedoran3631
    @stevedoran3631 Před 10 měsíci +1

    Great video Mark!...... more like this (limit testing) nice to see you loving your work!.... fly safe.....

  • @andypinoyppgrcpanoncillo4255
    @andypinoyppgrcpanoncillo4255 Před 10 měsíci

    That’s amazing👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽 Great job and looking forward to your next adventure🙏🙏

  • @wellsd1959
    @wellsd1959 Před 10 měsíci

    Loved it! Great flight! Beautiful countryside!

  • @seanavery7265
    @seanavery7265 Před 10 měsíci +2

    Thanks for sharing your adventure.💗🌍🕊️✈️

  • @GolfFoxtrot22
    @GolfFoxtrot22 Před 10 měsíci +3

    It was amazing to follow you live on this flight.

    • @MarkHuneycutt
      @MarkHuneycutt  Před 10 měsíci +1

      Thanks for the in flight messages!

    • @GolfFoxtrot22
      @GolfFoxtrot22 Před 10 měsíci +1

      @@MarkHuneycutt I remembered on my only long flight, receiving messages kind of gave me a lift. I wanted to pass on the gesture. You looked pumped when you landed. Lovely video.

    • @MarkHuneycutt
      @MarkHuneycutt  Před 10 měsíci +2

      @@GolfFoxtrot22 It helped. I was very stoked. Thanks

  • @50xChallenge
    @50xChallenge Před 10 měsíci

    Congratulations Mark. An incredible accomplishment.

  • @bobflyman
    @bobflyman Před 10 měsíci +1

    Wow, I've been paragliding for 20+ years, done a few cross countries, nothing epic, and paramotoring for a lot less, but never seen a video of someone thermalling that much on a paramotor flight. Most ppg pilots avoid those kinds of thermic conditions! Brilliant video. Scary landing options in places 😮 in the event of an engine out. And I love the bears at your place.
    And I've met Giles Fowler, he's done some good flights. I think that's an Atom80, that what I fly.
    Fly safe!

  • @markallisonparamotor
    @markallisonparamotor Před 9 měsíci

    Great stuff, I've just got myself an Atom and will have to try a similar thing soon!

  • @mmcowan
    @mmcowan Před 10 měsíci +3

    Wow, that's crazy. And I'm loving seeing it happen on the ViperXC.

  • @magnusb6311
    @magnusb6311 Před 10 měsíci +1

    Nice flight, congratulations.

  • @FFSSubaru
    @FFSSubaru Před 10 měsíci +1

    Hey, Im right down the road in Fletcher. Great Flight!!!

  • @ConnorDuffy.
    @ConnorDuffy. Před 10 měsíci +1

    Awesome flight!

  • @jamesschaeffer1770
    @jamesschaeffer1770 Před 10 měsíci

    You kickin' butt, Mark.....Bayum!

  • @MotoFlyGuy
    @MotoFlyGuy Před 10 měsíci

    dude! other paramotor pilots are always asking me if I get board on my 3.5 to 4 hour xc flights. seams like you feel the same as me. plenty of stuff on the mind planning as you go. and so many new views on long xc flights. I only really get board when getting close to the lz again. I see you got some good points on this one as well. helping to bring up the USA on xcontest!

  • @flyul1
    @flyul1 Před 10 měsíci

    Congrats. Thats awesome!

  • @liberiinvolo145
    @liberiinvolo145 Před 10 měsíci

    Grandeeee...ti seguo dall'Italia..superrrrrr!!! Complimenti

  • @nedmacallen
    @nedmacallen Před 10 měsíci +1

    Come visit Northern California and take me in adventures like this please

  • @cptvanier
    @cptvanier Před 10 měsíci +2

    Pretty sweet Mark. I have a Parajet Maverick atom 80 with the normal prop. I only weigh 140 and don't get nearly this efficiency on my Spyder 3. I can only imagine what I would get with an efficient wing and big prop. Although I don't know if I have the fortitude for such a long flight or to deal with the midday air :P

  • @SkyHikerMike
    @SkyHikerMike Před 10 měsíci

    Dayum!! And I thought I loved paramotoring! Epic man! I’m intimidated by my 3 hr flight plans tomorrow. 7 is insane! I’ll wait for efi 😅

    • @MarkHuneycutt
      @MarkHuneycutt  Před 10 měsíci

      haha get a kick strap! You can practically stand and stretch. They're cheap and good quality. skysportsusa.net/kick-in-strap-foot-rest-apco-aviation/

  • @pittsjohn57
    @pittsjohn57 Před 10 měsíci

    Excellent Mark

  • @PeterCiesla
    @PeterCiesla Před 10 měsíci

    Outstanding!

  • @cmb6830
    @cmb6830 Před 10 měsíci

    hell yeah, nice work!

  • @CalebJohnsonlivingca
    @CalebJohnsonlivingca Před 10 měsíci +1

    Holy smokes! What an accomplishment!!! 🤘

  • @alp3781
    @alp3781 Před 10 měsíci

    This is incredible, my friend. Great video quality. What a view, man. I would love to get into this hobby. I am 58 young and never too late. I am 6'4", 205 lbs, good shape, I can run with this thing no problem. Very handy to work on the pack. My wife worries a bit. Nothing like this......!!!! Its so good for the mind, your body, mental state. If I am up there, one day, my wife will not see me. Enjoy and be safe.

  • @Efntodd
    @Efntodd Před 10 měsíci

    You’re the man Mark. That was awesome. 7:54 holy cow thats a long time in the air swing 🥳

    • @MarkHuneycutt
      @MarkHuneycutt  Před 10 měsíci +1

      Thanks brotha. Been flying much?

    • @Efntodd
      @Efntodd Před 10 měsíci

      @@MarkHuneycutt not at all
      Work work work

    • @MarkHuneycutt
      @MarkHuneycutt  Před 10 měsíci +1

      @@Efntodd work sucks

    • @Efntodd
      @Efntodd Před 10 měsíci

      @@MarkHuneycutt true. Work sucks. I did buy a new motorcycle for days i cant fly. I’ll send you a pic of her

  • @mark35mi
    @mark35mi Před 7 měsíci

    Epic. Congratulations. Great share. What an accomplishment. Living loving life. Love it. Be well!

  • @mrMankx
    @mrMankx Před 10 měsíci +1

    That is amazing!

  • @donindri
    @donindri Před 10 měsíci

    Don’t tell me it’s raining when I am just peeing on my boots! Congratulations on an incredible flight, thanks for posting.

  • @GlennTupper
    @GlennTupper Před 10 měsíci +1

    Wow dude, amazing!!!!💯

  • @turkeyphant
    @turkeyphant Před 10 měsíci +2

    Nice flight!
    I wish I could get the fuel economy you do on my Atom 80 using my Viper XC 20.
    I'm only managing 4.5L/h neutral trim and 6.0L/hour trimmed out no bar so my max flight time is only about 3h without supplementary fuel and I can barely manage a 100 km FAI triangle 😢

    • @MarkHuneycutt
      @MarkHuneycutt  Před 10 měsíci

      I'm probably loaded more lightly than you and have the 140 prop

  • @cloudpandarism2627
    @cloudpandarism2627 Před 10 měsíci +1

    congrats on such a long flight. i would have barfed my soul out after 45 minutes

  • @DanielJonesParamotor
    @DanielJonesParamotor Před 10 měsíci

    Well done mate, very impressive pilot and machine showcase. it’s not easy sitting for that long. I need a 140, I can only just push past 5 hours going full to empty.
    You mentioned you were at 7900 rpm coming into land fighting the sink but do you know what rpm you were at for cruise on average? I imagine it would fluctuate with the change in weight and then thermal activity as well.

    • @MarkHuneycutt
      @MarkHuneycutt  Před 10 měsíci

      Thanks. 7400-7500 the majority of the flight. 7900 was maybe due to it being hot and humid lower? Maybe sucking some air with the last bit of fuel, too?

  • @JohnHansknecht
    @JohnHansknecht Před 10 měsíci +1

    Amazing Mark! I wish I could understand why I get such horrible gas mileage. Are you light on your wing or running middle or heavy? By the way, if you had the new Vittorazi fuel injection system, you would have had to swap batteries to keep it running!

    • @ThePeacePlant
      @ThePeacePlant Před 10 měsíci

      I hope someone helps you find the answer. I am here learning myself

    • @MarkHuneycutt
      @MarkHuneycutt  Před 10 měsíci

      I'm really light on that wing. It's a 22m. Check out my weights in the video description and then the Viper XC weights: flyozone.com/paramotor/products/gliders/viper-xc/

  • @Hyperious_in_the_air
    @Hyperious_in_the_air Před 10 měsíci

    ultramarathon stuff. My ass starts hurting after 2hrs, so this is insane. Nice job!

  • @leonjohansson6542
    @leonjohansson6542 Před 9 měsíci

    Fun.
    Note that bears hate electricity. Set up an electric fence, one wire at about 2 feet high and that will keep them away. Just one zap on the nose and he will never touch it again.

  • @GWhittet
    @GWhittet Před 10 měsíci +2

    Mark, what RPMs are you running when doing cross-country?

  • @jeremystott6074
    @jeremystott6074 Před 9 měsíci

    That was soooo cool!

  • @pilotmiami1
    @pilotmiami1 Před 10 měsíci

    Bravo

  • @keithdolezel488
    @keithdolezel488 Před 10 měsíci

    Awesome Accomplishment Mark! I got that same Apco foot rest this year, and it really has taken away a lot of my fatigue and some of the 2 stroke vibrations that wear me out.

  • @johnholmes6897
    @johnholmes6897 Před 4 měsíci

    Did you passover Lake Marion (sp) at any point during your flight?
    Have you tried a toroidal prop yet? If so, is it more efficient?

  • @verticallines212
    @verticallines212 Před 10 měsíci

    love it!

  • @iKenFlyPPG
    @iKenFlyPPG Před 10 měsíci

    Chiseling in Stone the Legend status of Mark Honeycutt

  • @sawekparalusz6515
    @sawekparalusz6515 Před 10 měsíci

    Respect!

  • @FLYNRYAN1978
    @FLYNRYAN1978 Před 8 měsíci

    Sweet!

  • @tchuxley
    @tchuxley Před 10 měsíci

    What ADSB beacon are you using?
    Are you happy with it?

  • @adamsilver7268
    @adamsilver7268 Před 9 měsíci

    How do you feel about your all up weight on that 22m? How did it handle the mid day air?

    • @MarkHuneycutt
      @MarkHuneycutt  Před 9 měsíci +1

      I'm light on it. Was 130kg to start with it here. I fly it with just me and I'll be under the weight range. It did just fine in this video midday. Got some good thermals. Only one collapse and it was back out in no time.

  • @TheVanlander
    @TheVanlander Před 10 měsíci

    Thats insane

  • @rickwetzel6643
    @rickwetzel6643 Před 10 měsíci

    That’s a LONG time, I would have had a nap.

  • @rule1dontgosplat
    @rule1dontgosplat Před měsícem

    I love your flight equipment bag. I have a little LowePro bag that my camera is in, and it will fit on my chest strap. I want to take the camera later when I do my 10,000 foot flight.

    • @MarkHuneycutt
      @MarkHuneycutt  Před měsícem

      Do it

    • @rule1dontgosplat
      @rule1dontgosplat Před měsícem

      @@MarkHuneycutt How long did it take you to get to 10,000 feet? I have a 12 liter tank and a moster 185. I have a large slow A wing which gives me a good bit of lift.

    • @MarkHuneycutt
      @MarkHuneycutt  Před měsícem +1

      @@rule1dontgosplat I don't remember right now. I might say in one of my videos where I did it. You'll make it easily on that setuo

  • @MichaelOnFire
    @MichaelOnFire Před 10 měsíci

    Where can I get one of of those Patagonia paramotor t-shirts??

    • @MarkHuneycutt
      @MarkHuneycutt  Před 10 měsíci

      Look up Predator Paramotor and give them a call! I'm not sure they're allowed to make them anymore 😂

  • @yanngallin2104
    @yanngallin2104 Před 10 měsíci +1

    Nice flight! Now you need to fly straight lines to maximize distance of fai triangle. I fly the same triangle in less than 3 hours, imagine what you could do in almost 8 hours, that would be sick !

    • @MarkHuneycutt
      @MarkHuneycutt  Před 10 měsíci +1

      For sure! I don't really compete on XCTrack, though.

    • @yanngallin2104
      @yanngallin2104 Před 10 měsíci +2

      ​@@MarkHuneycutt yeah i got that. I just wish there were more pilots doing flights like you claiming them on xcontest so the paramotor community could see them, get inspired, and improve. if we wanna look at xcontest points, i usually dont look at mine too much but how we do as a country. Our current ranking really does not reflect how big paramotoring is in the US ;-)! Love your video content tho, keep it up and have fun in your future adventure!

    • @MarkHuneycutt
      @MarkHuneycutt  Před 10 měsíci +1

      @yanngallin2104 xcontest is definitely a European thing. I doubt it'll ever pick up here since everyone is so committed to the Gaggle app nowadays. I wonder if they could implement xcontest 🤔. I'll ask them. Thanks!

  • @tkbikesnc6079
    @tkbikesnc6079 Před 10 měsíci

    I

  • @brutusbarnabus8098
    @brutusbarnabus8098 Před 10 měsíci

    6:42 I feel like I know you so much better now! Nice socks... OMG! 🤣🤣🤣

  • @ParamotorNC
    @ParamotorNC Před 10 měsíci +2

    Nearly 8hr is insane. Plus you traveled 197 miles? Incredible!

    • @turkeyphant
      @turkeyphant Před 10 měsíci +1

      9.5h was done this year.

    • @MarkHuneycutt
      @MarkHuneycutt  Před 10 měsíci +1

      ​@@turkeyphantwhere? That's why I put the question mark on the title

    • @turkeyphant
      @turkeyphant Před 9 měsíci +1

      ​@@MarkHuneycuttPortugal

    • @MarkHuneycutt
      @MarkHuneycutt  Před 9 měsíci +1

      @turkeyphant sweet. Are there any more details on the amount of fuel, motor, wing size, wing loading, etc?

    • @turkeyphant
      @turkeyphant Před 9 měsíci +1

      ​@@MarkHuneycutt He put everything he's published on Xcontest.

  • @turkeyphant
    @turkeyphant Před 10 měsíci +1

    5:45 What was your land out option here?

    • @MarkHuneycutt
      @MarkHuneycutt  Před 10 měsíci

      Maybe something you can't see in the other 180 degrees of direction.

  • @Aviciiz
    @Aviciiz Před měsícem

    Which state in america is this?

  • @othnielperez7095
    @othnielperez7095 Před 10 měsíci

    Hello Mark, what was the all weight up?

  • @flierbill
    @flierbill Před 10 měsíci

    There must be honey in the walls, worried about bears while flying, is real.

    • @MarkHuneycutt
      @MarkHuneycutt  Před 10 měsíci +1

      Hasn't been back to open it up since but they walk by regularly. No bees to be seen anywhere

  • @strvenoconnell4061
    @strvenoconnell4061 Před měsícem

    Have an emergency trapdoor just in case you need to poop

  • @travismartin936
    @travismartin936 Před 10 měsíci

    Are you going to be at endless foot drag this year?

  • @MitchG
    @MitchG Před 10 měsíci

    🥳

  • @_B1078_
    @_B1078_ Před 9 měsíci

    What cockpit/bag are you using?

    • @MarkHuneycutt
      @MarkHuneycutt  Před 9 měsíci

      Scout bag

    • @_B1078_
      @_B1078_ Před 9 měsíci +1

      Thanks for the reply. You mensioned it in the video, googled it, but get mostly striped bags to go go the beach🤣.

  • @josephcatano4705
    @josephcatano4705 Před měsícem

    If I ever get wet and theres a paraglider nearby ...I will be showering.

  • @j.p.mcglade5366
    @j.p.mcglade5366 Před 10 měsíci

    Mark, With your experience, curious your thoughts on Gin's heated gloves; would you recommend them? Have you done a Pro's vs Con's on these gloves or w/others? Have you used any other heated gloves? As I try to fly year round here in the US north of the 45 parallel, my hands can only tolerate a max of 30 mins during winter - then I have "blocks of ice" at the end of my wrists - not the safest thing! Appreciate any advice from you or others. Cheers, JP

    • @MarkHuneycutt
      @MarkHuneycutt  Před 10 měsíci

      They're better than thinner gloves but not as warm as thicker heated gloves. Maybe because they are 7.4volt whereas something like PowerinMotion are 12volt. The Gin gloves have great dexterity but temperatures in the low 30s, 20s, they may not be enough. You could probably put a thin liner under them. I have not done pros vs cons because gloves are expensive and I can usually get by with these. I have not used or owned other heated gloves in flight. I'm more a fan of non heated gloves anyway. Free flight pilots are who were should probably be getting our advice from. They fly really high in cold conditions in the alps without heating elements. If you're into heated gloves, I bet a killer combo would be the heated PowerinMotion liners inside some larger ski gloves.

    • @j.p.mcglade5366
      @j.p.mcglade5366 Před 10 měsíci

      Thanks Mark for the reply and the information. Continued success in flying and your channel! Keep up the great videos. Cheers, JP@@MarkHuneycutt

    • @MarkHuneycutt
      @MarkHuneycutt  Před 10 měsíci

      @@j.p.mcglade5366 no problem. Thanks

  • @GolfFoxtrot22
    @GolfFoxtrot22 Před 10 měsíci

    Yay😂, I got a mention. 😅.

  • @nofameculture
    @nofameculture Před 9 měsíci

    Has anyone done it from Miami to Bimini?

    • @MarkHuneycutt
      @MarkHuneycutt  Před 9 měsíci

      We were going to. Group of us went to Florida and paid for the boat rental to chase us for safety. Unfortunately the winds didn't work out and we cancelled.

  • @MiniQuacks
    @MiniQuacks Před 10 měsíci +1

    I wish I could do paramotoring. Can't afford it right now though. Maybe one day.

  • @nanotech2691
    @nanotech2691 Před 10 měsíci

    How were you able to get that long of a flight on 4.5 gal? My old paramotor which is a top 80 is rated for only about 2.5 hours with a 2.5 gallon tank. That's quite the feat flying for almost 8 hours straight.

    • @MarkHuneycutt
      @MarkHuneycutt  Před 10 měsíci +1

      The Top 80 should do a bit better than what you said, but depends on wing loading. The Top 80 now has a 17/75 reduction drive that can swing a 140 prop which is more fuel efficient and more thrust. I was flying the Atom 80, with a 140 prop, and a very efficient wing that I was lightly loaded on and trimmed all the way in on.

    • @nanotech2691
      @nanotech2691 Před 10 měsíci

      @@MarkHuneycutt yeah I guess my top 80 wouldn't do as well when it comes to fuel consumption. It's also an older model and I don't know the gearing but flew am apco wing which is like a tank compared to today's modern ozone wings.

  • @mohammadmunnasheikh3822
    @mohammadmunnasheikh3822 Před 10 měsíci

    হ্যালো ভাই কেমন আছেন আপনি আমি বাংলাদেশ থেকে দেখছি ❤

  • @0be1Gordon
    @0be1Gordon Před 10 měsíci

    Bro made the toast then went to McDonalds lollllll

    • @MarkHuneycutt
      @MarkHuneycutt  Před 10 měsíci +1

      Huuuungry

    • @0be1Gordon
      @0be1Gordon Před 10 měsíci

      @@MarkHuneycutt I could only think of myself lol if I make dinner I still go get a snack or something just can’t function right without it

  • @Trike.
    @Trike. Před 10 měsíci

    Oh ya thats the spot . lol

  • @ThePeacePlant
    @ThePeacePlant Před 10 měsíci

    What type of gas does this run on? Average automotive gas?

  • @msnpassjan2004
    @msnpassjan2004 Před 10 měsíci

    Are Paramotors allowed to use ADS-B out now? Google results were kind of all over the place.

    • @MarkHuneycutt
      @MarkHuneycutt  Před 10 měsíci

      I talked to a lot of FAA officials. They barely knew what we were, but the majority said yes if I registered, and I did.

  • @timcastens1150
    @timcastens1150 Před 10 měsíci

    How many miles could you travel on a tank

  • @orillian8023
    @orillian8023 Před 10 měsíci

    Can you explain to someone who isn't in paramotoring or paragliding (me) why paramotors in general hate thermals? From a layman's perspective it seems like everything a paraglider can do a paramotor can do and more. Why don't I see paramotors mid-day launching from mountains or even from fields and such? I know its because of thermals but why is that an obstacle?

    • @MarkHuneycutt
      @MarkHuneycutt  Před 10 měsíci +2

      Most paramotor pilots go through a training program where their instructors just say "thermals bad" with little explanation. I think it's an okay start to keep them safe because in paragliding you CAN get sink on takeoff or landing but you have an airbag, not 80 pounds worth of an $8,000-10,000 paramotor to break, including back and ankles. I think thermalling should come a little later in a paramotor pilots career so they can land with the engine on midday, compensating for sink, etc.
      In paragliding, they pilots are more efficient. They have a pod, they're streamlined, lighter, better weight shift etc. In paramotoring you have the hoop/prop (even not turning) causing drag, an upright seated position, heavier, less weight shift etc. I've had success thermalling a lot on a paramotor and it's fun because I can fly from a flat field and go for hours with the engine off once I'm up. Mid day launches from mountains doesn't make sense as a lot of PG sites requires hiking and then running down a hill with a lot of weight can be a recipe for disaster. I love thermals :)

  • @vmlinuxz
    @vmlinuxz Před 10 měsíci

    I take this as a personal challenge.