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2005 Events

FlytoberFest
Oct 28, 2005
Moravian Falls, NC
Photos by Jeff Goin unless otherwise noted.

No lusher green has ever welcomed pilots. Chris and Tammy Bowles had their biggest blowout yet at the Southern Skies flight park near Wilkesboro, NC. There will be an article in January's Ultraflight. It was a great time and all appreciated their hospitality. 

1. Mid-day winds were a bit much for flying but it was easy kiting.
2. This was the west end of the field, looking East. This gliders are all lined up to launch from a North-facing slope. 
Yup, launching would be tough. If you struggled with the 8 MPH wind, at least it was downsloping.
3. Chris and Tammy are center field, no doubt solving some problem.

1. Mike Brown peruses the field flying his "colors"
2. Rob Reynolds and Dan Kriseler "having a ball."
3. Stefan Obenauer helps repack a reserve.
4. Looking NW into the sunset. Every evening was another perfect sunset.

1. What's wrong with this picture?
2. & 3. Saturday night brought out the dancers. A talented local band was great entertainment.
4. Mike Brown shot this one then spiraled down to get in the picture. Amazingly, he made it.
5. Too much wind but a comfortable spot to wait.

1. Chris & Tammy zoomed in. "Is it over yet?"
2. Writer Steve Beach (aka Scrappy Pappy) and I traded funny looks. Of course I'm not posting his version of mine here!
3. The gathered masses (well, those who showed up by 12:00:45 when the shutter was snapped). Gary and I are running to get in the picture.

Albuquerque Enchantment
Oct 08, 2005
Albuquerque, NM

It was pure magic!

Even the drenching rains and Calichi mud of day 1 contributed to the experience as the cream rose to the top. "Bubba Boots" were donated to the facility for all to enjoy. Bob Peters (Bubba) is just that kinda guy. So are a lot of people in this group - selfless and giving. Jerry and Michelle were the epitome of that and wanted everybody to have a good time. If you could tap the energy exuded by Michelle Daniele you could light the world.

The facility has had many upgrades including a nearly paved driveway and a large building that has been expanded, enclosed and much of it finished. Many pilots showed up several days early with most coming on Friday morning.

Cruising the canyon along the Rio Puerco was another high. Or low, as it were. Robert Kitilla, who does art through the lens, captured an amazing picture (low-res version at left) that would be the best magazine cover I've ever seen. It will be in the December issue too.

There will be a full article with some amazing pictures in the December issue of Ultraflight. The camping trip that followed was the highlight of flight and humanity for many pilots who attended. Jerry Daniele, who spent many, many hours scouting out locations asked for nothing in return, just show up, be respectful of the sensitive areas and have a good time. Greg and Denzel provided the best campfire music you could ever want and New Mexico came through with amazing scenery. 

It was an experience in the plus column of life.

Fly Ohio
Aug 7 (added Aug 12, 2005)
Near Toledo, OH

Four years ago it was the middle of nowhere. The field is the same, the great flying is the same, the camaraderie is the same but the surrounds have filled in a bit. Houses have sprouting in several directions as the growing flock of flyers gathered again for Bruce Brown's 5th annual Fly-In.

Thursday Betty Pfeifer gave a clinic on reserves. Attendees got to see how they worked, how to mount them properly and practice "tossing." It was a valuable time by account of those who made it.

On Friday morning a casual competition was run where pilots launched, flew around to various spots, landing and punching holes in cards. Special hole punches were hanging at the windsock for each landing site and the fastest time won. Congrats to Dukes of Windsoar, Dan Kriseler for winning that one. It wasn't casual to those who flew it!

Bruce picks August for this event because it has such consistently nice weather. The choice paid off. Saturday was flyable all day with relatively mild thermals (4 on the bump scale) even at mid-day.

We had some interesting displays of pilot "technique" too (ie. mishaps). On Friday was spin training, Saturday was an ingress demonstration (how NOT to get into the seat) and finally Saturday evening was the Torque-Twist prototype motor demonstration. Thankfully all pilots came aware with minor bruisings but the potential for worse was there. We've all seen Risk & Reward, right?

1. A different perspective: my wing is pointing at the field. I talked with Toledo approach who was very accommodating. At this point I was not in their airspace although I had permission to be.
2. Eric Dufour provide my first PPC flight in this new Fresh Breeze hotrod. It uses a 28 sq meter PPG wing specially designed for the craft. It is very fast and quite nimble. Unlike most PPC's that steer with your feet, this one uses hand controls.
3. Looking down the Eastern Front. Three sides of the 40 Acre field were filled with cars and their platforms (for holding Para gear).
4. Bruce Brown hangs out while mayhem continues (his view). Thanks for putting this on - it's a lot of work!

1. Does anything seem amiss here? That blue wing below isn't the norm.
2. This skydiver paid us a visit several times (with prior arrangements).
3. He did a graceful slide-on landing. Just like a PPG only twice as fast both forward and down.
4. Ahhhhh...the magic of liftoff.

1. Cindy readies herself. A flawless flight followed.
2. Chris Bowles demonstrates the competition technique in one of the fields competitors landed in. Thanks to Tammy Bowles for letting me "mooch" her Snap 100 unit, a very nice running, comfy little affair.
3. Saturday evening the breeze picked up and it was too much for Taylor Street. No surprise, we were surprised he could even inflate the thing.
4. Expect to see a version of this in a future Feature Photo.
5. Alex Varv working someone's motor (MacPara man Andy McAvin). Now there's a surprise! And it's not even one of his Black Devils.

Hoosier PPG Fly-In
By Jeff Goin
July 22-24, 2005
Monticello, IN

Watch out when things go oops: there will be evidence! After a wonderful little flight trying out the Walkerjet Tandem/Eden combination, I brought the wing down just a bit too close to the pole. Not 10 seconds later there were cameras buzzing all about (and I'd have been one if not for extricating the wing!). Fortunately the Eden came out just fine in spite of my best efforts to abuse it while retrieving.  Thanks to Ronnie Harmon for sharing.

Casual Camaraderie was the trademark of this laid back affair put on by Don Jordan, wife Leeta and the Boyers of Boyer Flight Park.

This event is unique: there's no charge, food is provided on Friday evening and Saturday and a large hangar is made available for our use. Only donations are accepted to cover expenses and help the owners out with the expense of running a flight park. True generosity comes to roost here. The usual variety of equipment showed up including a big spread from Walkerjet (Dave Purdin), Aerothrust (Dave Halcomb) and Fresh Breeze (Don Jordan). 

Perfect, I mean perfect weather settled on Northern Indiana Friday afternoon. I started off the festivities by redecorating the windsock with Dave Purdin's brand new Eden III. No, that wasn't embarrassing at all. After landing, I went to turn around and a corner of the wing caught the poll. Hmmm, I thought, why doesn't the wing come down? Fortunately, no harm was done.

On Saturday we flew a couple cross-country flights. The morning jaunt was to an understanding airport. I landed there just because I could and to answer natures call. A few of the pilots did an obligatory photo-flyby and then I headed back. A hill just to the East was amusing to play on; the light easterly breeze gave some smidgeon of lift. 

Corn. It's everywhere. And you don't want to land in it. Fortunately we had nobody do so although one wing did wind up in it. Indiana actually does have some hills--of course they're all covered in corn. Yes, the year's gonna be a bumper corn crop and most of it's coming from Indiana.

Saturday afternoon was the real fun one. After a surprise thunderstorm cooled things off, a light overcast kept the bumps at bay and we headed off to visit a veteran. Bill Coonrod is an 89 year old flier who keeps his private grass strip superbly manicured just for visitors like us. He doesn't use it himself now since he gave it up in concession to his family's desire. We flew up, landed, listed to him play some guitar, shot breeze, ate pie and Ice Cream, then headed back. The launch was a challenge since what little wind there was died off and wasn't down the corn-sided runway. There's a lot of corn in Indiana.

Sunday morning the winds checked in and by 10AM those who braved the bumps were going backwards only a few hundred feet up.

It was also fun because I got to try out some of the latest gear including two wings I had not yet flown, the Eden 3 and small Action. Eventually I'll have reviews on www.FootFlyer.com.

All in all another great gathering of fliers!

1. Phil Adkison from Michigan over the corn.
2. Don Jordan preparing for launch.
3. Don working the launch - this doesn't look good!
4. Bill Hocker "mooching" one of Dave Purdin's motors (thanks Dave)

1. Greg and I had a blast following the drainage paths through the corn.
2. Yes, it's wheat! I thought this might be an interesting perspective.
3. Mike keeps on trucking with his "blast from the past."
4. Greg checking out our wingtips: most appreciated.

1. Mark Votek cruises by below me.
2. Cindy Adkison speed by me too.
3. Mike from PPGProps looks far more serious than he ever was.
4. David & Goliath except David is wearing Goliath (David Purdin on his walkerjet Tandem machine). Yours truly is wearing my original Fly 75 that he trained on. I used that because it fit so nicely in the helicopter.

1. The Coonrod runway, Don is up ahead landing. Corn borders the runway; now there's a surprise.
2. In the Cart Don & Bill Coonrod.
    L to R: David, Jeff, Mike, Greg, Phil, Max.
3. David aborted this downwind launch but the wing kept going and wound up in the...corn. It pulled out easily.
4. Phil can be seen at the far end of the runway. As Phil said, I would have needed the Hubble zoom lens to see him. His solo-powered LaMouette wasn't as thrusty as his main machine.

1. A wing sticking out of the ground, flying. Hmmmm. Catching up to him revealed it was just Greg cruising the ditch.
2. Wally found a new use for this coffee can. Unfortunately the muffler still didn't muffle much.
3. Mike presses on nicely with this relic - just because he can!
4. Thanks to Don and his wife, Leeta (Tyler keeps them posed) for putting up with all of us.

Poker Run
June 24-26 (added 07/06/2005)
Warrenton Airpark

After flying, this was not the place to fall asleep. Dan Kriseler, known for more "Joviality" than most couldn't resist the allure of a sleeping flyer (Wes Eavey) who he proceeded to "decorate". Wes will think twice about taking winks in Dan's presence! A new report (with the story) can be seen here.

Velocity Flyin
May 20-22, 2005 (added 07/06/2005)
Hegdesville, West Virginia

The Velocity Flyin (a.k.a. Life in Flight Flying Event) brought together pilots for three days of Spring flying, camping, and good times. The Dukes of Windsoar (4A, 4B) and Blue Ridge Paragliding (8A) clubs were well represented. Although the weather didn't always cooperate, everyone enjoyed early morning and evening flights. 

Thanks to Wes Eavey (1A) and his dedicated team for organizing the first PPG Flyin in this region. A Full report and more pictures are available here.

Mark's Park
Wisconsin

The recently completed fly-in at Mark's Park and Airfield was a blast. Mark & Angie (pictured) want to thank the PPG community for coming to support them. He says they were fun to have and provided serious entertainment to boot. Looking forward to next year!

The event was a combination PPC/PPG gathering at their airpark located near Oshkosh Wisconsin. A gallery of pictures can be seen here.

2005 National Convention

Apr 28, 2005

The full story (and thrust tests) are available here.

AZ Flying Circus

Feb 17, 2005

GoTo Thrust Test 2005-Feb-13

In spite of the forecast, flying took place every day although Friday gave no more than an hour at a time between sprinkles. But by Saturday morning the rain ended for good and the masses went aloft. It remained cloudy until Saturday evening but that provided for smooth conditions most of the day.

Clinics went on throughout the event which worked well given the early rain. Subjects covered everything from homebuilding to airspace to flying techniques and reserve use.

The Sun came out on Sunday and the clothing came off - well, not all - but it did warm up nicely. After a balloon launched first thing in the morning, several pilots followed it around for a while before heading back for the cross country. 

Bob Peters lead the pack for a 45 minute cruise past the old copper mine, a 900 foot wide deep hole in the ground. Then it was over to a gorgeous landing site with hotel restaurant. At least 17 pilots made the cross country and enjoyed a tasty breakfast buffet. Nick Scholtes would have been proud. Muddy conditions there cost one pilot his propeller when re-launching. 

A surprising array of equipment vendors braved the forecast which kept many away. Good thing too since it wasn't nearly as bad as that forecast suggested. The many acres of non-stick, organic surface wing padding was nurtured to a fine texture and color by the local  condensate-extraction recycling system. Yes, rain greened the grass nicely. But oh how nice it is to have grass for when the rain stops!

Thrust testing was done and the results will be published here and elsewhere.

Thanks to Mo Sheldon and the Arizona Club for all their hard work. 

1. Francesco DeSantis works with the AZPPG thrust tester. This is a very well built tester.
2. Getting ready to "accompany" the balloon.
3. One of several womon pilots, Susie heads for the cross country.
4. A number of PPC's joined in and there was enough room for all.
5. The hotel in the background hosted our 19 member group in a private room. But first they provided a great place to alight.

1. Headed to the copper mine.
2. Over the copper mine. Spooky.
3. The gathered group. Not everybody had arrived yet but they were getting hungry.

1. The remnants that arrived late but not forgotten.
2. Enjoying the return trip.
3. These pilots only look like they're landing on the balloon. In actuality they're on the other side.

1. John Fetz approaching the Copper Mine. 
Don't be decieved, when he goes down into the mine 
his glider is hard to pick out -- it's huge!
2. Cruising along the mountains.

1. Leon Fletcher helps a pilot troubleshoot his motor
2. Pat Sullivan launches for the competition.
3. Cruising the cross country.

Salton Sea: Paratoys

Feb 8, 2005

National Geographic Magazine chose this month to do an article on the Salton Sea, an anomoly formed in 1905 by an overflowing Colorado River. This month it provided venue for a PPG Fly-In. A broad mix of pilots and craft set foot or wheel on sometimes soft sand. The careless spent more time than they bargained for.

Bob Armond, his family and friends put together for 130+ pilots and guests. This year featured a wind-stopping tent for vendors and registration. 

Thursday's blow gave way to perfect flying all of Friday through Sunday. The usual Sunshine prevailed and on-shore breezes made easy work of launching. Occasional "swamp smell" was the price paid for such blissful blow.

Michael O'daniele won a new Blackhawk Paramotor in a pair of competitions that started by chasing toy parachutes tossed from a powered paraglider (flown by Wayne Mitchler). Ten of those had special marks whose holders competed in a kite war for the motor. Congrats to Michael!

A fascinating collection of pilots gathered with their various craft. Saturday night Bob dressed up in a "Paraman" costume and doled out raffle prizes during the feast. Sunday capped the affair with beautiful flying until about 4pm when a gust front came through, catching a few pilots airborne - they were able to land uneventfully.

Many pilots headed for Phoenix for the Arizona Flying Circus planned for the following weekend. A good time was had with no injuries and very few donations to the prop burn pile. 

1. Phil Russman video tapes Michael Purdy who is out for his morning walk.
2. Fresh Breeze will travel.
3. Bob transports a pilot back to his campsite.

1. Flying along the beach. A gorgeous view blended into the beach from most directions.
2. Wayne Mitchler kites his "Vitamin" as the masses pursue their passions.
3. This song was specially written for paramotoring, it hasn't reached the top 40 yet but it's still early.
4. Hoping for a hand-out, this pooch pulls off a little dance. 

2005 Kick-Off: Jim Jackson's Feast-N-Fly

Jan 2, 2005

What the Tampa Bay area lacked in perfect winds it gave back in perfect temperature. Jim Jackson's annual "Feast-N-Fly" at Treasure Island near Florida was a wonderful time to catch up up with many and get some warm airtime.

It was like old home week as pilots from all over the country (even Canada!) showed up to partake. Friday surprised the bunch with flyable air most the entire afternoon in spite of threatening off-shore wind forecasts.

Saturday pilots had to wait until after 3pm but it finally mellowed enough to tolerate the off-shore breeze and, by evening, it was all but calm. Some impromptu kiting wars challenged a few rotor-weary pilots and found Stefan Obenauer doing the most damage (good job!).

Jim's famous feast was changed this year from his house to Treasure Island where all the pilots could better partake. But the food was just as good with shrimp, other seafood, "dirty" rice, various "Gumbies" and too much dessert. We lined two long tables and indulged heavily in both food and fables.

A maximum of 75 pilots were allowed by agreement with the city and 73 registered so everybody that wanted to come, was able to. Most cooperated with the rules and, Lord willing, we'll be able to do it again next year. 

Sunday offered up surprisingly south winds early and many took to to the sky but it turned Southeast and got bumpy again. Many pilots wound up at another nearby (and very sensitive) East-facing site to suck up the smooth sea breeze that beaches are famous for. 

One pilot took wound up in the shallow water just off shore after "torque" spinning into the water. He was fortunately fine but there are some lessons we can all learn from (it will be on the incidents page within a week).

As usual it was as much fun to meet of up with distant friends and make new ones. Flying warm air is always a treat. Thanks to Jim Jackson, Terry Alford, Jeff Thompson, Bill hocker, Steve Boser and others who helped pull it off.

1. Andy McAvin launching the small "Trance".
2. Steve Boser and Colorado's "Bubba" Peters help John Coulter prepare for launch.
3. Pat Sullivan heads out towards the ocean. Launching was to the ESE which was a most challenging affair owing rotor off the buildings.
4. Don Jordan is clearly having too good of a time.

1. Elisabeth Guerin (left) prepares her Trike for launch. She and husband Eric flew all three days.
2. An Airfer pilot takes to the air.
3. Steve Boser (left) and Jeff Thompson served as safety officers, mostly the helped pilots get into the air; no small task given the light and rotored Easterly wind.

1. Jim Jackson gets ready to give thanks for safe flying and good food.
2. Danny, The "Duke", and Gail pose. Gail does beautiful while Danny does...well, Danny.
3. Mike Ralph, a local, shares the feast with many.

1. This early morning flyer woke me up on Sunday, this was taken from my room.
2. Cruising down the beach it's easy to see why this incredibly wide parcel of sand is so perfect. If we could just get the winds to do as well as the sand!
3. A gorgeous view to the south.
4. Pat Sullivan sliding by below. 

1. Andy McAvin cruises down the Skyway. That little spit of land in front of him is why this site is so sensitive: it is shared with beachgoers and doesn't offer a lot of room for options.
2. Nick Scholtes poses with the bridge.
3. These Ultralight (soon to be Sport Pilot) craft nested with us for a spell.
4. Kurt Fister trades camera shots with me.

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