This is the best, most succinct video I have seen on this subject. I took notes so I will always have this. Oh, I start my training with Midwest PPG on 8/3/2024. Can't wait!!!
FANTASTIC information! Very well explained, something every pilot should be aware of when choosing a wing to fly. I appreciate you making this video. It deserves to have MANY more views.
Thank you for the info and taking the time to make these videos, I really hope your channel becomes more popular because with this amount of value it deserves it. I would love to learn more from you about anything regarding PPG, a few ideas from me if it's of any use (and from a new pilot): How to diagnose and fix common engine problems, more on meteorology (your lesson on mid day flying was the best explanation I've heard), maybe landing circuits and setting up for landing e.t.c. I wish you all the best and thank you again!
I happen to have a Roadster 3 and my AUW is around 120kg. I opted for a 24 since everyone kept telling me it's better to be close to the max weight. So far it's been a great first wing. Flying is docile and landings are fine, not too fast. The only time I wish I had a bigger wing is on nill wind launches. I mean it makes you run when you don't have your launch technique dialed in yet :)
@@FanOfTheSky For your weight definitely 24. I think I've gained 8kg of weight since then and it's still fine. The 120kg I gave was with a full tank of gas, but I've never flow that way. It's always 4-5 liter. So now with my gained weight, a typical AUW would be around 120kg and with a full tank around 125 kg.
Thank you so very much for your informative video. I’ve listen to a lot of people tell me this and tell me that I don’t know who is right. I’m also suspect of people who are selling the wings. I’m afraid maybe they’re looking for me to buy the wing they have in stock.
Great stuff. You have a perfect delivery. To the point and informative. Thank you. Can I request something about using the speed bar for the first time? Setup, how to configure, and what to do and not do..... I have mine on my motor but I'm hesitant to use it due to a general fear. Educate me please! Thanks.
Tucker Gott is flying a 14m wing right now! So I guess there are no hard and fast rules for this. I'm hoping to begin PPG this spring and I am definitely going by your theory about weight to size ratio. Thanks for posting.
Thanks for that great video! Could you also go for a 28 because your weight of 120kg is only 7.5kg away from the center of weight of the 28. On the other hand, it is 10kg away for a 26. So it seems, that the 28 is closer to your weight? Am I Right? What about using that wing for free flying (without motor). The 26 is for 80-100kg. I assume, that your free flight weight is about 103kg. Would that still be a good option or should you go for a 28 as well?
I plan on flying a trike (someday), with the goal of being able to fly tandem. The weight of my trike, fuel, doo-dads, me, etc. is 230 kg. With a passenger, I'm assuming I'll be closer to 300. That puts me in a 50m² glider at 4.6 with just me? And 65m² if I'm carrying a passenger? I may as well be flying with a US Army GP Medium tent as my wing! LOL!
Remember that if you are taking tandems up, you are an advanced or better pilot so this calculation may not be what you are looking for. Very advanced pilots fly tiny wings, well over the top weight indicated in this video. If you are skilled enough to take tandems up, you will likely be flying on or over the top weight for the wing you choose. I actually choose a 30m Ozone Mojo PWR 2 as my first wing. I am approx 140 kg on my Maverick which is slightly on the light side of center. I choose it instead of the 28m because I have a skydiving injury to my lower legs/ankles that I worry will prevent me from running well enough. I was able to do it through training but in a few years, I will likely lose the ability to run so I wanted a wing that would allow me to add the Parajet Maverick trike add-on and still be in the weight range. The trike add-on is 37kg bringing me to 177 kg total, approaching the max 190 kg of the wing. I am sure as I become more skilled I will opt for a different wing, but this wing will be useful when I need the trike, while any new wing I get would likely be for foot launch until I can't do it anymore.
Great instructions. I been troubled with this as per others they ALL say 75 percent of the weight range is where I want to be. Question, for fuel should I calculate for 5gal for that sweet spot? If I go xc I'll start with 5g fuel. But if I just putter around, maybe 1g fuel.. I trike only as I'm handicap.
Lower air density will cause the wing and prop to be less effective relative to sea level. Some pilots may find a larger wing advantageous, especially during humid, summer days, when air might be even less dense.
Great Video, Thank you. 2 Questions, 1. If I weight 145lbs and (Idont have gear yet)I am guessing 55lbs for para motor. That puts me at 200lbs. or 90.7kg. So that puts me at 19.71m wing. But everyone is suggesting much bigger wings for me to start. The reason I am buying my wing before I have a paramotor is so I can start practicing Kiting while I save money for the paramotor. 2. Is there any difference in a Paragliding wing & a Paramotor wing? or can you get one that can be used for both? Do the same numbers work for paragliding or just for paramotor?
As a trainee who falls between 2 sizes (Dudek Universal 25.5m and 28m) should I choose the larger size given the fact that I'm launching/landing at 4500 feet elevation?
Want to say I love your videos. Question? I'm 130lbs in weight. My paramotor is fly gold 130 that weighs 65lbs without fuel. I have a dudek universal 31 meter wing. In your opinion. Being new and fixing to take training lessons. Is that a good wing and size for my weight? Any advice would be great. Thanks for your time.
I generally consider the 30-31m wing size for pilots 220-260 lb body weight. For a pilot your weight, 20-24 meter wings are more appropriate. That is just a generalization, you should consult with the person you are taking lessons from.
It seems to me that the formula doesn't hold true for lighter loads. At a 75kg total load, the formula suggests a 15 to 18,75 square meters. This is significantly smaller than any available wing and much smaller than the usual manufacturer recommendations.
Paramotors (PPG) seem to take smaller wings for the amount of weight. If you are a paraglider (PG) I think the 4.6 kg/m is too heavy. The Chart in the video from Ozone lists a different weight range for PG versus PPG. The advice of being slightly heavier than the middle range is a common rule to follow. Have a good day!
Do you always go by flat area or consider projected area? Does this general calculation assume we will be using EN-A wing (which we should be as newbie)? It sounds like an under loaded wing is far more risky than heavy loaded since a collapse near ground is worse than a fast landing.
I always go by flat area. These calculations are good for novice pilots on EN-A, EN-B class wings. For C class wings and beyond, these calculations may not be ideal. Your final statement isn't true. Flying a wing extremely underloaded has some real safety consequences but flying a wing extremely overloaded also has safety concerns. If you find a good deal on a good wing, but it's one size larger or smaller, the difference in safety would be negligible for the average pilot.
holy crap....I don't need physics or pi to calculate wing size...MacPara actually tells you their recommend weight ranges for each wing......I stay on the higher end of wing loading for collapse purposes....cheers.....
I'm not familiar with (dle170), but if I were coaching a newer pilot flying paramotor all up at 85kg (Pilot, paramotor, fuel & safety equip.), I would have them try out a slightly smaller glider. I think they would find something in the 20m^2 range a bit more enjoyable. I might use a 23-24m^2 wing to help them with their first few flights, but quickly move to smaller airfoils as they gained confidence. Are you referring to a DLE170 2 cylinder RC engine? If so, I'd be interested to see your setup. I don't recall ever seeing one on a paramotor. Looks pretty cool.
@@MattMassieCA Thanks Matt, that was quick. Im 60kgs in weight, 85kg total with paramotor. And yes it is an rc engine and very popular in thailand. There is one guy there who build their frames and looks nice and clean. I don't have it yet but planning to just follow their path. Many have become successful with it mostly young and light pilots. You may want to check Nipon Kajoncheep on FB if you have time.
@@MattMassieCA dudek nemo 4 will be my best choice since i currently live here in Poland. Nemo 4 has 20m2 with 45-85 kg range. im at the edge, would that be fine?
@@GDFred88 1000g in a kilogram. 1000m in a kilometre. Not sure how many ounces are in a hundredweight but you could fall quite a few furlongs then feel a lot of foot pounds. Myanmar, Liberia and the USA…… the only countries in The world still using imperial.
Google is your friend when you need a weight or currency convertor. Even in the states they teach you how many lbs is in a kg if you didnt fall asleep in class. Get with the program with the civilized world and youll see its not that hard.
One of the best ppg vids explaining weight dynamics.
This is the best, most succinct video I have seen on this subject. I took notes so I will always have this. Oh, I start my training with Midwest PPG on 8/3/2024. Can't wait!!!
Great analogy of the guitar strings
Man, as a beginner pilot looking to buy my first set of equipment this was incredibly helpful. Thank you!
Your trainer should pick out your gear or you'll probably just waste your money.
Amazing, you understood anything?
What a super video ... this should be a part of EVERY standard training course.
It is, at Midwest PPG, the best paramotor school in the country!
FANTASTIC information! Very well explained, something every pilot should be aware of when choosing a wing to fly. I appreciate you making this video. It deserves to have MANY more views.
Thank you for the info and taking the time to make these videos, I really hope your channel becomes more popular because with this amount of value it deserves it. I would love to learn more from you about anything regarding PPG, a few ideas from me if it's of any use (and from a new pilot): How to diagnose and fix common engine problems, more on meteorology (your lesson on mid day flying was the best explanation I've heard), maybe landing circuits and setting up for landing e.t.c. I wish you all the best and thank you again!
Thanks for you nice comments, I'll put your suggestions on my list
Well explained and communicated. Thank you. Ive this worked out in an excel file to automatically calculate and check. Much appreciated
I happen to have a Roadster 3 and my AUW is around 120kg. I opted for a 24 since everyone kept telling me it's better to be close to the max weight.
So far it's been a great first wing. Flying is docile and landings are fine, not too fast.
The only time I wish I had a bigger wing is on nill wind launches. I mean it makes you run when you don't have your launch technique dialed in yet :)
My AUW is about 106 kg. Was considering a 26 vs. 24. What you said makes me lean towards the 24 roadster.
@@FanOfTheSky For your weight definitely 24.
I think I've gained 8kg of weight since then and it's still fine. The 120kg I gave was with a full tank of gas, but I've never flow that way. It's always 4-5 liter. So now with my gained weight, a typical AUW would be around 120kg and with a full tank around 125 kg.
Thanks a lot 🙏
Brilliant mid west! Easy to find search and boom … you nailed it
Now I know for sure what I’m looking for
Virgin flight awaits
this was explained much better than moat others i have seen...
Best description ever
Good video, thumbs up. Thank you
Brilliant work . Thank you 🙏
Is that flat or projected area ?
Great video and explanation. Thanks!
Thank you so very much for your informative video. I’ve listen to a lot of people tell me this and tell me that I don’t know who is right. I’m also suspect of people who are selling the wings. I’m afraid maybe they’re looking for me to buy the wing they have in stock.
Thanks a lot for this video. Now I know what size is good for me.
Great explanation. thank you.
Thank you for making such informative videos!
Wish I woulda saw this before I bought mine!
Great stuff. You have a perfect delivery. To the point and informative. Thank you. Can I request something about using the speed bar for the first time? Setup, how to configure, and what to do and not do..... I have mine on my motor but I'm hesitant to use it due to a general fear. Educate me please! Thanks.
Thanks for the suggestion, it's now on my list
@@midwestpoweredparagliding2706 Great!.... Hooking into speed bar when reverse launching..... forgot to mention that. Thanks.
Tucker Gott is flying a 14m wing right now!
So I guess there are no hard and fast rules for this.
I'm hoping to begin PPG this spring and I am definitely going by your theory about weight to size ratio.
Thanks for posting.
This method of determining a good wing size applies to gliders best suited for novice pilots
Excellent and informative video!
Thank you!
I like flying loaded at or over the top.
Very informative. Thank you.
Brilliant 👍
Hey man that was awesome video, can you make a video about two people riding the paraglider wing , is it same wing ? Or is it special wing😊
Thanks for that great video! Could you also go for a 28 because your weight of 120kg is only 7.5kg away from the center of weight of the 28. On the other hand, it is 10kg away for a 26. So it seems, that the 28 is closer to your weight? Am I Right?
What about using that wing for free flying (without motor). The 26 is for 80-100kg. I assume, that your free flight weight is about 103kg. Would that still be a good option or should you go for a 28 as well?
Amazing, this informative video helps me decide the suitable wing. Thank you
I plan on flying a trike (someday), with the goal of being able to fly tandem.
The weight of my trike, fuel, doo-dads, me, etc. is 230 kg. With a passenger, I'm assuming I'll be closer to 300.
That puts me in a 50m² glider at 4.6 with just me?
And 65m² if I'm carrying a passenger?
I may as well be flying with a US Army GP Medium tent as my wing! LOL!
Remember that if you are taking tandems up, you are an advanced or better pilot so this calculation may not be what you are looking for. Very advanced pilots fly tiny wings, well over the top weight indicated in this video. If you are skilled enough to take tandems up, you will likely be flying on or over the top weight for the wing you choose. I actually choose a 30m Ozone Mojo PWR 2 as my first wing. I am approx 140 kg on my Maverick which is slightly on the light side of center. I choose it instead of the 28m because I have a skydiving injury to my lower legs/ankles that I worry will prevent me from running well enough. I was able to do it through training but in a few years, I will likely lose the ability to run so I wanted a wing that would allow me to add the Parajet Maverick trike add-on and still be in the weight range. The trike add-on is 37kg bringing me to 177 kg total, approaching the max 190 kg of the wing.
I am sure as I become more skilled I will opt for a different wing, but this wing will be useful when I need the trike, while any new wing I get would likely be for foot launch until I can't do it anymore.
Great instructions. I been troubled with this as per others they ALL say 75 percent of the weight range is where I want to be. Question, for fuel should I calculate for 5gal for that sweet spot? If I go xc I'll start with 5g fuel. But if I just putter around, maybe 1g fuel..
I trike only as I'm handicap.
Love the info, but I am curious. I launch at 5000 ft. How does altitude effect your calculations?
Lower air density will cause the wing and prop to be less effective relative to sea level. Some pilots may find a larger wing advantageous, especially during humid, summer days, when air might be even less dense.
Great Video, Thank you. 2 Questions, 1. If I weight 145lbs and (Idont have gear yet)I am guessing 55lbs for para motor. That puts me at 200lbs. or 90.7kg. So that puts me at 19.71m wing. But everyone is suggesting much bigger wings for me to start. The reason I am buying my wing before I have a paramotor is so I can start practicing Kiting while I save money for the paramotor. 2. Is there any difference in a Paragliding wing & a Paramotor wing? or can you get one that can be used for both? Do the same numbers work for paragliding or just for paramotor?
As a trainee who falls between 2 sizes (Dudek Universal 25.5m and 28m) should I choose the larger size given the fact that I'm launching/landing at 4500 feet elevation?
Hi do you sell any wings im looking for an ozone mojo 24m thanks tim
Want to say I love your videos. Question? I'm 130lbs in weight. My paramotor is fly gold 130 that weighs 65lbs without fuel. I have a dudek universal 31 meter wing. In your opinion. Being new and fixing to take training lessons. Is that a good wing and size for my weight? Any advice would be great. Thanks for your time.
I generally consider the 30-31m wing size for pilots 220-260 lb body weight. For a pilot your weight, 20-24 meter wings are more appropriate. That is just a generalization, you should consult with the person you are taking lessons from.
sry if I missed it, but is it flat or projected area wingsize?
Flat
It seems to me that the formula doesn't hold true for lighter loads. At a 75kg total load, the formula suggests a 15 to 18,75 square meters. This is significantly smaller than any available wing and much smaller than the usual manufacturer recommendations.
Paramotors (PPG) seem to take smaller wings for the amount of weight. If you are a paraglider (PG) I think the 4.6 kg/m is too heavy. The Chart in the video from Ozone lists a different weight range for PG versus PPG. The advice of being slightly heavier than the middle range is a common rule to follow. Have a good day!
Do you always go by flat area or consider projected area? Does this general calculation assume we will be using EN-A wing (which we should be as newbie)? It sounds like an under loaded wing is far more risky than heavy loaded since a collapse near ground is worse than a fast landing.
I always go by flat area. These calculations are good for novice pilots on EN-A, EN-B class wings. For C class wings and beyond, these calculations may not be ideal. Your final statement isn't true. Flying a wing extremely underloaded has some real safety consequences but flying a wing extremely overloaded also has safety concerns. If you find a good deal on a good wing, but it's one size larger or smaller, the difference in safety would be negligible for the average pilot.
@@midwestpoweredparagliding2706 thank you for your input!
holy crap....I don't need physics or pi to calculate wing size...MacPara actually tells you their recommend weight ranges for each wing......I stay on the higher end of wing loading for collapse purposes....cheers.....
TT
if for example, the wing's weight range is 55-95 (23m2), and my total upweight is 85kg (with just dle170) was it i'm looking for?
I'm not familiar with (dle170), but if I were coaching a newer pilot flying paramotor all up at 85kg (Pilot, paramotor, fuel & safety equip.), I would have them try out a slightly smaller glider. I think they would find something in the 20m^2 range a bit more enjoyable. I might use a 23-24m^2 wing to help them with their first few flights, but quickly move to smaller airfoils as they gained confidence. Are you referring to a DLE170 2 cylinder RC engine? If so, I'd be interested to see your setup. I don't recall ever seeing one on a paramotor. Looks pretty cool.
@@MattMassieCA Thanks Matt, that was quick. Im 60kgs in weight, 85kg total with paramotor. And yes it is an rc engine and very popular in thailand. There is one guy there who build their frames and looks nice and clean. I don't have it yet but planning to just follow their path. Many have become successful with it mostly young and light pilots. You may want to check Nipon Kajoncheep on FB if you have time.
@@MattMassieCA dudek nemo 4 will be my best choice since i currently live here in Poland. Nemo 4 has 20m2 with 45-85 kg range. im at the edge, would that be fine?
@@don0219I don't have any experience with that wing or motor/frame. I would seek out a local instructor to advise you on that particular combination.
@@MattMassieCA Thanks Matt, will do. cheers
Can we use pounds instead of kilograms?? We are in the States.
1kg = 2.2bs
You got this.
@@GDFred88 1000g in a kilogram. 1000m in a kilometre. Not sure how many ounces are in a hundredweight but you could fall quite a few furlongs then feel a lot of foot pounds.
Myanmar, Liberia and the USA…… the only countries in The world still using imperial.
@@davidmccaffery I'm sure the other countries will fall in line before long! Ha!
noo kg is the way to go.
Google is your friend when you need a weight or currency convertor. Even in the states they teach you how many lbs is in a kg if you didnt fall asleep in class. Get with the program with the civilized world and youll see its not that hard.
You lost me when you started talking all that kilogram mess.
all of weight including paraglider weight or everything excluding paraglider?