Hi again,

Its another hot (but windy) day on the Isle of Man and what a Summer for weather we are having this year, I’ve not known so many flyable days since, oooh ages!

We’ve had some cracking flying over here and although the XC potential isn’t wonderful, one tends to run out of land rather quickly, we’ve had some splendid local soaring on the hills.  I’ve also been getting out on the paramotor and cruising around in the evenings and taking in some of the local landscapes. 

Interest in the paramotors continues to be hot, especially so about the ROS125 powered machines. These have started coming out of the factory now and I should have my first batch of customer orders any day now with the very first one due to go to Gordon Robertson in Scotland, I’m sure he’ll be very impressed with his new machine and have bundles of fun with it.
 

Order times are at present quite long on the ROS125 machines, about September at the moment, but I do have one spare stock 1250/2 Ros125 available for sale, price £3,190 inc vat.  Let me know if you are interested as this wont be in stock for long. Here is a photo of a prototype ROS125 powered machine.

 

Top80 machines still have a quick lead time of about 10 to 14 days to build, with prices from just £2,759 inc vat.

I’ve had more pictures of the transport / storage system for the 3 part machines. This is how the factory describe it…
“This compact new luggage bag protects the chassis and engine of the new 3-part frame models against dust, dirt, weather and is ideal for storage or transport of the machine. The bag has large zipper access and convenient carry handle.

The luggage bag is completely quilted with very rigid, dense foam offering excellent protection. The second bag has no foam but has three compartments to hold the loose frame parts separately, and put the paraglider inside.” It is included with the “L” version machines.

Whilst on the subject of multipart machines, both the 3 part and 2 part machines now have the frame components secured together using a new quick fasten clip system. Envisioned to have a longer life than the current Velcro strap system it also reduces drag a little. There is no extra to the cost of the machines.

The PAP TEAM pilots have done it again and won yet another major competition. This is what Pierre Aubert, designer builder of PAP machines had to say on the subject.

”Congratulations to DANI! THANKS to our pilots to have brought the Spanish PPG CHAMPIONSHIPS  home again (1st and 2nd positions).

Thanks to Dani Martinez, also to Ramon Morillas. Congratulations to Nino for his good 3rd position, and to Jose' Urquiza (PXP) for sending us these amazing pictures.”

I’ve a couple of new products available (not on the website yet), the first are some maillions (karabiners) from SupAir. These are of the “TwistLock” type with an easy double action gate to prevent accidental opening. Looking rather smart and made from stainless steel with a 24Kn load factor they are suitable for solo (ACRO?) or dual applications and are priced at £36 per pair + P&P.

The next new item is a warm pair of gloves, not that you really need them now, but come those cool Autumn days at cloudbase you’ll be glad of some fleece gloves. Featuring “Windstopper” fleece and reinforced nonslip fingers and palms these are great value at £36 inc vat +P&P. Most sizes available.
  

I recently flew the ITV Tomahawk 2. I was fortunate to be able to fly the wing both on the hill and under power. I was most impressed with its good manners, easy handling and good performance. I found it launched really easily and predictably either with or without power, thermalled well and a good glide and speed.  It is Standard rated and intended for pilots as a progression wing (equivalent to a DHV1/2). P.O.A. It was on the PAP Racing (a rebadged Tomahawk) that I flew over 71.8 kms on just 2 litres of fuel (approx 30 minutes worth) to win the first task of the 2005 paramotor nationals held this year in the Peak District. I flew through 3 counties in just under 3 hours with most of the time spent with the engine off and thermalling to cloudbase at only 3,500 feet at its highest. This is an extremely capable wing and suitable for a new CP wishing to progress or an experienced pilot wanting an easy time with good performance.

And finally, Chris Dawes and Judy Ledan came over to the Island to run a PG course for 12 enthusiastic PG wannabees. Their enthusiasm was rewarded with some brilliant weather for the week and culminated with students having flights from Snaefell (1000 feet top to bottom) and soaring Ballaugh ridge. Well done everyone, I’ll look forward to meeting the new pilots on the hill.

Well that’s all for now, don’t forget that if you have any titbits that you think would suit this newsletter and make interesting reading then please forward them to me and I’ll try to include them next time.

Best regards and safe flying.

And ‘til next time…

Noel.