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Organizing a PPG Event/
Motorneuvers Clinic

by Terry Alford

Nov 28, 2001

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This resource is intended help any future organizers of a Motor Maneuvers Clinic. Chris Santacroce has coined the word "Motorneuvers" and needs to be given full credit for the name. Bill Hocker wrote a story about the Clinic with numerous accounts of the pilots as they "Slurped the Surely Bonds".

First "Build it and they will come". This simply means get the whole thing put together and don't worry if anyone will attend. I assure you that the course will be full nearly immediately. At this years Motorneuvers Clinic we had to turn people down. I had had a few discussions with Chris regarding the number of people allowed to attend. Logistically since this kind of thing had never been accomplished before we had no idea as to a format etc.

However as you will read in the following, the operational plan was developed and we followed it with only a few exceptions. It grew out of the written format I submitted to the FAA for a waiver. The waiver requested the use of Class B airspace (Surface to 2000 ft.) for ultralight training. Chris decided to limit the number of pilots to 15 in as much as we had no idea of what would be accomplished. There were a few cancellations and we still ended up with 17 pilots. Go Figure.

The Checklist

The following is a list of the items that I had to address in no specific order. I will address each item on the list with additional detail. 

1. Location - requirements, site acquisition, preparation and security, seating
2. Legal - Airspace, Waivers, FAA notification (800.275-3071), Local Airport Pilot Notifications, Law Enforcement Notification 
3. Emergency - Rescue Vehicles, Emergency retrieval and transportation to hospital ( Fire Department/EMS), Immediate Emergency Kit.
4. Information dissemination to pilots , printing of syllabus, pre arrival notification 
5. Operational - Rules that all the pilots must follow, plan for movement into and out off the maneuvering area, An operational plan for the orderly execution of maneuvers, Briefing and debriefing 
6. Insurance 
7. Transportation
8. Understanding the focus of the Clinic and not allowing distractions 
9. Reserve clinic, or refresher clinic 
10. A simulator 
11. Organizational -
12. A post clinic plan for cleaning up the area 
13. Someone designated to collect data and disseminate to the PPG community. 

Simulator Provided by John Madgic, occupied by Steve Boser

It's important to note that much of this information needs to be sent to each participant weeks before the clinic. This will give them time to accumulate the necessary equipment, get the motor in outstanding shape, have the reserve inspected and packed and read and understand all the rules before showing up.

The waivers can be viewed here and John Phillips article on Reserves here.

Although the above list is not in order of priority it does outline the items that need to be explored. I will take the liberty to simply write down my thinking process and how I tried to accomplish all the above with help from many of the Parastars and Mr. Chris Santacroce. 

Location

I needed a location. I explored 5 different sites and found each one of them to have different obstacles to overcome. The primary desired site was Fantasy of Flight. It has the lake, the boat launch, the friendly management and the property. Additionally the airspace above the property was not controlled and fully available. The only problem was the site had been previously booked and was not available. The other sites were much more complicated. 

To find an appropriate lake that would meet our needs and have access to the site for launch and recovery was difficult. Many thanks to Jim Jackson of Paralite who was able to make initial contact with a land owner very near the lake that we wanted to use. The area was an Ultralight Airport about 2 -5 minutes flying time from the Lake. In retrospect this turned out to be perfect. It allowed the Pilots to take off, climb to altitude without being in the maneuvering area, move into the maneuvering area at the upwind side of the lake and check in with Chris on the Radio Frequency. 

Waiver

The problem was the altitude requirements for the maneuvers. Chris needed 2000ft. The Airspace for use without a waiver was only 1200ft. Fortunately, we were able to overcome the obstacle of airspace with the proper waiver which included the following:

• Parastars
• All local airports, FBO's, etc will be notified by phone and FAX for notification to all pilots flying in the area.
• The local Sheriff's flying operational command post would be notified by phone and FAX. 
• The Tampa Approach Control Facility would be informed of the exact airspace location and time of operation each day. 

The waiver was granted and we were off to the races. Once the major hurdle was cleared it turned out that the local ATC people simply kept the traffic away all 3 days, and they told me I didn't have to call and BUG them. So once all the local airports (Peter-O-Knight, Vandenburg, Top-of Tampa, Zepher Hills, Clearwater Exec., Lakeland, Tampa, and Clearwater International) had been notified, and the FAA Notam had been issued, I didn't have to talk to anybody anymore. 

Emergency

Next thing on the list was to have recovery vehicles. Mr. John Goode of Paralite provided a pontoon boat. It also turned out to be the perfect platform. Very stable and fast enough to get to a downed pilot. We positioned the boat in the center of the lake. No special reason, it just seemed like the right place for a fast recovery. 

Videos from the boat are difficult because they cannot be placed on a tripod due wave action. The boat was equipped with a radio on the same frequency as Chris, extra floatation, and at least 2 people for obvious reasons. Aside from the boat as a recovery vehicle, the requirement for a truck/transport vehicle was also necessary. In the event a pilot was recovered from the water, I had to assume that he/she may need transportation to a hospital or simply back to the flying field. I made sure that the local Fire Department and EMS was notified of our activities and that we knew the shortest path to help. I also had a a rather complete emergency kit on the field. 

Insurance

The EAA provided Insurance. This was a chapter fly-in with its purpose as educational. The Parastars is an EAA Chapter (113) and as such, I submitted a Class 1 event notice and was issued insurance. This is a very valuable service that the EAA provides to its Chapters. 

The Operational plan was to be as follows: There would be three groups of pilots, five in each group. The first 5 would take off and climb to 2000 ft or so. Each pilot was to move into position as Chris identified each pilot . They would accomplish the requested maneuver and then move out of the maneuvering area and climb back to altitude. We estimated that the first group of 5 pilots would be flying for about an hour. The second group of 5 pilots would take off and begin to climb and get into position about the end of the flying period for group 1. This would allow Chris to work without a break and best utilize his time. The 3rd group would then takeoff at the end of the 2nd groups flying period etc. Each group was responsible for helping the group in front of them to get airborne, give a final equipment safety check etc. There would be a debriefing by Mr. Santacroce after all the flying periods was over. This all sounded good and like a great plan, but it just didn't go this way, and as we found out it didn't need to.

There were times when we had 11 pilots over the water ready for maneuvers. And it happened quickly. Chris is a very fast study. Within minutes he was able to recognize everyone's wing and work each pilot quickly. It was phenomenal. The one draw back was the enthusiasm that the pilots had got in the way of final equipment checks. We had two incidents where if another set of eyes were looking at the equipment, the pilot would not have taken off. Fortunately no one was injured. In hind site I can tell you that you still need to start with this plan. This allows the pilots to become familiar with what they are doing and the other pilots in the area and watch the maneuvers from above in an organized sequence until everything is underway. Then it goes smoothly. There still needs to be some pilots on the ground for ground recovery if necessary. 

If there are a lot of pilots in the air, you just park for a while and basically wait your time. Plus it's an awesome sight! Try to follow the plan so that everyone gets an equal opportunity. This is very different then a regular maneuvers clinic where only one person is airborne at a time.

Equipment:

Pilots should have the following minimum equipment list. 

1. A seat. There will be open discussion forums and debriefing. You need to be seated and comfortable. A pilot moving around or working on equipment is a distraction.

2. A Hook knife.

3. Fuel Guage (such as a mirror).

4. Floatation equipment- ( Three kinds of floatation recommended). I recommend that a thin ski vest be used. Chris requires that the floatation equipment not require activation on the part of the pilot. The pilot may be unconscious when he or she contacts the water. 
   After trying numerous methods of floatation I discovered that the ski vest offered the minimum interference with the back of your neck and your radio set-up. The standard activation vest that the Coast Guard approves is OK but it has to be inflated before takeoff or getting into your harness. Once inflated it restricts the movement of your neck, makes it difficult to get into your harness, complicates the radio harness, and if your reserve is front mounted makes you uncomfortable. The ski vest type actually is comfortable. You feel a little more snug in your harness. 
   
   Chris also recommended that you have a second floatation method for personal use. I recommend you get the Stern's Waist pack. It fits nicely just below the ski vest and it doesn't get in the way of the radio pack. Since it is attached to your waist it can be HUGGED after activation or placed around the neck making for a great secondary system. It is also cheap, about $58.00. 
   
   The third form of floatation needs to be placed on the motor. I recommend a very inexpensive device. Place an 8" trailer tire tube in the seat of your harness. Fill it with air. Its made of tough, thick black rubber and is nearly indestructible. Since the tube is IN your harness it doesn't cause any problems as does some of the devices that are strapped to the cage and could possible be a point where a suspension line or brake line might get tangled.

5. Radio set-up. This will make the difference in your comfort and development of knowledge during this clinic. Your must be able to hear every command that Chris says. If your radio isn't working, YOU DON'T FLY. I recommend that you have a back-up radio. I carried two radios just in case the battery's failed or what ever. I Had Had a lot of problems with being able to communicate. I could hear, but couldn't talk. Chris does not require that you be able to talk back. However, when you're in the drivers seat its very nice to be able to convey your desires to the MAN. I considered it a NO-GO item if I couldn't have perfect two way communications. Do you need a back-up radio---NO--- but after you're airborne and ready to do these crazy things that Chris wants you to do, if you don't have a back-up system you're on your way home. 
   
   A radio pack is also necessary. You can either make one or buy one. Call Superfly - they have a good one.
   
   Everyone must be on the same frequency. At this clinic we had two pilots that could not receive the normal FRS bands. Chris S had the required radios to talk to them but they lost out on all the communications to the other pilots. Additionally, We lost out not being able to hear Chris when he was talking to Them. This is a very important point. Our debriefing each day covered so many things that we all really needed to be on the same freq for the maximum learning and maximum safety.

6. Reserve. Your life line. Be sure that your reserve has been packed recently and that you have completed a reserve clinic or been instructed in its proper use. You cannot effectively step into the ring without knowing how to use this system. The mounting of the reserve is critical also. If you side mount-no problem. If you front mount-Have a quick disconnect available to remove the reserve container from one side so that you can easily exit your harness. Please practice this. Motor balance and floatation can be unpredictable in the water and you need to be able to get out and away from the equipment.
   
   John Phillips has an excellent article on reserves that will be helpful on the subject.
   
   Front mounted reserves need to have the Bridals routed to one side or the other depending on the dominate hand that the pilot intends to use for the deployment. The reason for this is to allow quicker exit from the unit if the there is water landing without deploying the reserve. We had one pilot land in the water. Fortunately he made it almost all the way to the shore. He did not need to use his reserve. He had been airborne so long that he ran out of gas (had no fuel gauge which is why I now recommend a fuel guage) 

7. Helmet (helps keep your "thoughts" together when things go really wrong). 

8. Gloves -

9. A Wing and a motor that has been inspected and in EXCELLENT condition. I can not overemphasize this. Don't come to a clinic and waist your time and the time of others doing things that could have already been done. Certainly if something needs to be repaired (and it always does) OK. Its the nature of the beast. But this an intensive educational clinic. Be ready 

10. An operational Speed system. This is a requirement -----Don't skimp. I suggest that you call Superfly and get their super duper speed system. Its worth it. 

Other equipment - Very handy

1. Cooler with Ice water and drinks. Stay hydrated
2. Tool kit with everything that you might need. 
3. Extra prop 
4. Replacement lines. 
5. Patch repair kit for your wing 
6. Gas/oil 
7. Towel- to dry off if you go in the drink 
8. Hand cleaner/paper towels 
9. Some extra flying cloths 

Organizer Preparations

ORGANIZERS FOR THIS EVENT NEED TO PROVIDE A LARGE TENT. Recommended----minimum 20X 40. It would be the best if you could provide two 20x40 tents. At this clinic the area under the tent was used for seating during lectures, briefing and debriefing. It became rather packed when we wanted to place our motors under it as well and the wings, coolers etc. It started to rain for a very short while and the tent just wasn't large enough for everything. 

A simulator needs to be present to allow for the adjustments, reconfiguring etc of harnesses and reserve practice throw for those that have never thrown a reserve in a simulator. I made two dummy reserves that allowed use to place nearly everyone in the simulator and throw the reserve multiple times if they wanted to. If you plan to do this, you'll need a dummy reserve for the pilots to throw and easily repack. It's a lot more difficult in a simulator but more realistic.

The Operations Director needs to assign or accomplish the following. 

1. Notify the local law enforcement. Use the words "Advanced Pilot Skills Clinic" when explaining what you're going to be doing. 
2. Notify the neighbors and the surrounding land owners. Get their blessing and you won't have any problems. Tell them that the pilots are coming from all over the world. Tell them that they are the best pilots in the world that are going to be learning "ADVANCED PROCEDURES". Tell them that the instructor is the world champion and that your community so so lucky to have him there. 
3. Notify the Fire Department and the EMS. Tell them the same as above. 
4. Get a list of the people and phone numbers that in any way will impact this clinic. You need to be able to stop a problem before it begins. 

Site Preparation

1. Get the grass cut if necessary 

2. Have a plan to clean up after each day and at the end of the clinic. 

3. Have some garbage cans available. 

4. Develop a parking plan 

5. Have a potty in a camper or a port-o-potty available 

6. Have some rules while on site that everyone follows such as: 
   a. Running up the engines, where allowable for noise and safety
   b. When Alcohol consumption is allowed
   c. No working on motors or anything during briefing, Lectures 
   and debriefing 
   d. Have your assigned buddy or member of another pilot group 
   give you a final equipment check before takeoff, including a 
   radio check. 
   e. Everyone must understand the FOCUS of this clinic and 
   distractions will not be allowed.
   f. Post flight check. This will allow the pilot to find and fix any minor or major problems long before he/she is ready to fly again. Waiting to do a preflight before the next scheduled session and then finding a problem prevents that pilot from being ready to go when its his or her turn. A preflight check is also required along with a buddy check prior to each flight. John Magdic gets credit for this idea.

7. Security. If its possible to have people stay overnight this would be wonderful. They could be the police of the area providing security for the equipment that many of the attendees would like to leave there each evening. This is an important point and is a neat conveyance. 

8. Waivers of liability for all people that are in the area regardless if they are a pilot or not. The one we used in FL for the convention and this clinic is available here.

9. A medical release for all the participating pilots. Understand here that the pilots will be required to sign two documents. #8 above and the medical waiver. 

10. Assign someone to collect all the stories, data, times, dates, occurrences, pictures, etc. This information can be collated and produced for the good of the paragliding community. Besides that its great reading. 

11. If possible - get the thing videoed. I'm sure that there will be pilots that can video when not flying maneuvers and people on the ground. The pilots that are taking the maneuvers clinic would greatly appreciate being able to see what they had accomplished. Also If you have Chris Santacroce as your instructor you will have the opportunity to video a demonstration of maneuvers. He will be talking on the radio as he performs each maneuver. You cannot believe how valuable this information is to pilots taking this course. 

12. Information dissemination. Be sure to keep all the people informed as to the time, location etc of the event. Do this repeatedly. Download the syllabus of maneuvers provided by Chris Santacroce along with the rules page, minimum equipment list, and suggested equipment list and any additional information you may want to include. An example of things that can be included are:
    a. Detailed instructions on how to get to the flying site 
    b. Camping facilities in the vicinity or on the site. 
    c. Hotels/motels in the area with price ranges and phone numbers 
    d. Contact phone numbers of local pilots that will be taking the clinic. 
    e. Restaurants/Hardware stores(Home Depot) . 
    f. Airline schedules or lack there of into your area. 

Other Operational

After talking with several pilots it became clear there were too many people in the air at one one time. It turns out that several pilots just burnt fuel for anywhere from 30 minutes to 50 minutes before they could get into position. This did not happen to me so I was unaware of this problem. Therefore I suggest that the Operational plan be followed. Have the next group ready to go when the first group is finished. Additionally there is always someone with an engine problem or a communication problem which results in their early return. The plan should be structured to allow immediate departure of another pilot. This strict following of the plan would allow for maximum utilization of time and space.

That covers everything that we did to pull off our Motornuevers clinic and, with determination, this same effort could easily be duplicated elsewhere. It was certainly considered worthwhile by those pilots who participated.

J. Terry Alford 
President, ParaStars EAA Ultralight Chapter 113, Inc. 
"PARANEUVERS PILOT"

All Contents Copyright © 2007 USPPA