I think we have all been there at one stage or another. Not all have the courage to put it out there. Rule number one should be never ever rush, not for anyone or anything
I have some footage. I'm also new to the sport so I make beginner mistakes. I did my schooling in 2019. 10 hours of ground exercises (forward launch) and a begiiner stage (In dutch we call it stages but I'm not sure about the terminoligy in english). On my beginner stage I used rented material from the school I flew with. It was an A wing (SOL primus 4 I believe) which was medium size. Now I'm tall and skinny and was under the weight range for the wing. I didn't find flying it enjoyable as I couldn't weight shift and felt the wing was controlling me more than I did it. After that Covid happened and I didn't fly until this year. I bought my own material this time (I bought a high B wing, the SOL Atmus 3) in small so I am within the weight range. I signed up for my second stage (advanced now rather than beginner as I had already completed the beginner though I told my school to treat me like a beginner since I hadn't flown in over 2 years. We had an instructor at the launch and one at the landing. As usi-ual I dit a forward launch, as the wind was light. I put my faith in the instructor to stop me if something was wrong. Big mistake. I launched with my right wing tip caught in the lines. As soon as I was of the ground my wing turned right back towards the launch. With a bit of left brake I managed to fly in a straight line. Than my instructor on the landing noticed I had a cravat and told me to yank the B lines a couple of times. I managed to get the cravat out, but I was genuinly bricking it. I'm doing a soar stage in may 2024 to improve my wing control and hopefully learn to reverse launch. I guess we all shit ourselves when learning at some point. I got the footage if you want it. I also had one bad launch and I fell. I started running but the wing was not properly inflated and above me. Near the end of the stage my forward launches were textbook though.
Thanks for sharing mate. Consistent flying/ground handling is definitely important in this sport hey. Here in Australia, I personally fly 99% coastal so reverse launching is my go to technique using the A and C risers. I've found playing around on the dunes to be really beneficial when it comes to ground handling, but obviously not everyone has that luxury. Clearly, even with instructors there is an inherent risk to the sport (although I would argue all the good things in life require some calculated risk). Most incidents I've witnessed are from students going too heavy in the brakes or being recently qualified with little to no ground handling skills (which in the short time frame to get your licence is natural, but every new pilot should make it a priority once they finish school to build their confidence and improve their own safety on launch). I'll eventually get around to making an episode dedicated to the 'realities of learning'. Would love to see you footage if you're happy to share it. Feel free to post it on the Danger Dave Facebook page :) Thanks again for sharing your experience.
Guessing you're a very low time pilot... Having your speed bar hooked up & understanding how & when to use it, is an early lesson! Glad you made the landing
Fantastic video, honestly looks like you made the best decision with what you had. Love the format, would be awesome to see more. End breakdown of lessons learnt was a great addition 👌 Safe landings and have fun
I fly as a tandem pilot for 32 years (full time job) and I see that you already understand to see what is wrong and to admit your skill level. With that attitude you will advance in this sport and become a good pilot. Yes, speed is the key in order to reach your target (sometime you do not reach it). Regarding forward launches, whenever you can do a forward launch. Reverse looks sexy and all but unless there is a good breeze, you will need a lot of space to get airborne. Light or no wind is not good (not impossible) for a reverse launch. Most important, if you need to abort, then do it and launch again. About other pilots waiting, let them wait..
battery powered mini angle grinder with a cut-off wheel. Make it a weekend project for the local flyers to "retrofit" that fence with some nice friendly rounded caps
All forms of aircraft have a 'window' of meteorological conditions in which each can operate safely. That window is very large for a commercial jet and at the other extreme are paragliders with a window the size of a small porthole = high accident rate. The fatality rate would be much higher, except that parachutes were designed as an emergency decent device, so the pilot can sometimes experience numerous accidents but avoid death. "Generally ".
I am a P-2+ now and I took up paragliding years ago in Arizona and when we 1st started we did ground handling on flatland reverse launching because the winds were blowing between 10 to 15 miles an hour, I did one day and it was 3 hours long all we did was launched the glider on flatland turn and run down the field Over and over and over and I got those maneuvers down really good, But however years later I take up paragliding again to start all over because I moved into a new location in the island of maui and Hawaii My 1st day was off the Bunny hill and we learned how to do forward launch Now this task for me was very difficult because when you launched forward you don't know if your wing is coming up straight or not You really don't know what's going on behind you of course this is your 1st lesson and you don't know to look back as your wing is coming up off the ground you're paying attention on moving forward and stay in focused on what's in front of you and that behind you ! Now I have had years of experience of flying and thermals because I was a hang 3 pilot for 15 years So I do know about thermaling But however in your situation it looks like You didn't do your homework on your LZ and distance in light winds without knowing anything about Thermoing And might I add you got very lucky that you even made it to the LZ without a scratch😳 I was very surprised Me I have had a couple of incidents in my learning of paragliding where I did a controlled crash into the trees rather than fly away because something was wrong with my wing It's pretty much all decision making and pilot error You really need to understand mother nature more weather patterns act. Pretty much being a meteorologist To fly these things and understand them So be safe keep moving forward and learn from that experience that is a notch in your belt that you know what not to do anymore until you understand it.
Hey bro, cool video, have you ever heard of target fixation? Don’t look at the trees look where you want to go. Anyway, keep flying you’ll get better,mistakes are how you learn.
Sure have! I had an experience with it on my PG2 course lol I kept looking at this rock on the cliff that was freaking me out (it was getting scratchy). Instructor luckily yelled at me to look where I want to fly, because I was genuinely fixated. Never had it since though. It's definitely something a lot of new students go through though. It's all a bit overwhelming at first and your brain is going a million miles an hour lol That was a few years ago for me personally though. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for sharing. The whole flying "carreer" is always learning, as we all do mistakes. I would personally do hands up whole the way down, and if the sink was too strong, accelerator to avoid at least the worst part. It is true that you are sinking faster, but you are gaining some speed to escape descendent air. Glad that you landed safely, on the right you had small windsock ;) Take a look at it in the future :)
Last time I went flying required forward launches because the wind was so light. When you are not used to forwards, it is something you want to take extra precaution with and make sure your risers are positioned properly so when you take off, everything is where it is supposed to be.
Yeah, forward launches are definitely the way to go in light/nil wind. Should be able to feel equal pressure on both risers in the prep for launch. Make sure all your lines are clear and the wing is spread out evenly. Sports ovals are great places to practise them (that's what I do). Thanks for the feedback! :)
The reason for that type of fence on middle brother S.E launch is because of base jumpers climbing the tower and jumping off. So, it's a deterrent for those mad people.
Close one! The correct amount of speedbar can also increase glide ratio when in a headwind. Want to analyze/laugh at my close call with trees? th-cam.com/video/CEnL5e96ZcA/w-d-xo.html 😂
It was a close one. Worst part is it was close for the whole flight, so there was no reprieve until the end. Love to add your video to the channel if you're happy to share? Just compiling at this stage though :)
it looked like some funky riser control on inflation? Only one riser controlled and pulling c's on the other? To be forthright- a big no no. It's rare for me to do a frontal launch, the wind is generally to strong for that.
Thanks for sharing, all good points. Being able to do a good forward launch is important. But so is every other skill in paragliding. As you learn each skill, you build a tool kit of skills. I've seen loads of pilots trying to run backwards down a hill when a forward launch would be so much easier, safer and cooler. It's not hard to learn either. Take yourself to a flat field, set up and start running! It's all about learning to listen to the pull on your hips. Once you have it, the skill is there forever in your tool kit and you are in a good place you learn the next skill. Active flying - all about listening to your hips. Knowing when you are about to get an asymmetric collapse and how big it will be - all about listening to your hips.
Great point about the hips. I noticed lately I am using my arms when raising the wing on launch rather than keeping them straight and loading the hips on launch too. Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts, appreciated.
I think we have all been there at one stage or another. Not all have the courage to put it out there. Rule number one should be never ever rush, not for anyone or anything
I have some footage. I'm also new to the sport so I make beginner mistakes. I did my schooling in 2019. 10 hours of ground exercises (forward launch) and a begiiner stage (In dutch we call it stages but I'm not sure about the terminoligy in english). On my beginner stage I used rented material from the school I flew with. It was an A wing (SOL primus 4 I believe) which was medium size. Now I'm tall and skinny and was under the weight range for the wing. I didn't find flying it enjoyable as I couldn't weight shift and felt the wing was controlling me more than I did it. After that Covid happened and I didn't fly until this year. I bought my own material this time (I bought a high B wing, the SOL Atmus 3) in small so I am within the weight range. I signed up for my second stage (advanced now rather than beginner as I had already completed the beginner though I told my school to treat me like a beginner since I hadn't flown in over 2 years. We had an instructor at the launch and one at the landing. As usi-ual I dit a forward launch, as the wind was light. I put my faith in the instructor to stop me if something was wrong. Big mistake. I launched with my right wing tip caught in the lines. As soon as I was of the ground my wing turned right back towards the launch. With a bit of left brake I managed to fly in a straight line. Than my instructor on the landing noticed I had a cravat and told me to yank the B lines a couple of times. I managed to get the cravat out, but I was genuinly bricking it. I'm doing a soar stage in may 2024 to improve my wing control and hopefully learn to reverse launch. I guess we all shit ourselves when learning at some point. I got the footage if you want it. I also had one bad launch and I fell. I started running but the wing was not properly inflated and above me. Near the end of the stage my forward launches were textbook though.
Thanks for sharing mate. Consistent flying/ground handling is definitely important in this sport hey. Here in Australia, I personally fly 99% coastal so reverse launching is my go to technique using the A and C risers. I've found playing around on the dunes to be really beneficial when it comes to ground handling, but obviously not everyone has that luxury. Clearly, even with instructors there is an inherent risk to the sport (although I would argue all the good things in life require some calculated risk). Most incidents I've witnessed are from students going too heavy in the brakes or being recently qualified with little to no ground handling skills (which in the short time frame to get your licence is natural, but every new pilot should make it a priority once they finish school to build their confidence and improve their own safety on launch). I'll eventually get around to making an episode dedicated to the 'realities of learning'. Would love to see you footage if you're happy to share it. Feel free to post it on the Danger Dave Facebook page :) Thanks again for sharing your experience.
Someone really needs to go and "Fix" that fence. Shaving those barbs off the top would be a good idea.
Guessing you're a very low time pilot... Having your speed bar hooked up & understanding how & when to use it, is an early lesson! Glad you made the landing
Certainly was at the time
Fantastic video, honestly looks like you made the best decision with what you had.
Love the format, would be awesome to see more. End breakdown of lessons learnt was a great addition 👌 Safe landings and have fun
I fly as a tandem pilot for 32 years (full time job) and I see that you already understand to see what is wrong and to admit your skill level. With that attitude you will advance in this sport and become a good pilot. Yes, speed is the key in order to reach your target (sometime you do not reach it). Regarding forward launches, whenever you can do a forward launch. Reverse looks sexy and all but unless there is a good breeze, you will need a lot of space to get airborne. Light or no wind is not good (not impossible) for a reverse launch. Most important, if you need to abort, then do it and launch again. About other pilots waiting, let them wait..
"whenever you can do forward launch" :D That's exactly why all the best pilots do backward launch right? Because it's sexy right?
battery powered mini angle grinder with a cut-off wheel. Make it a weekend project for the local flyers to "retrofit" that fence with some nice friendly rounded caps
That take off looks tricky brother! 😂 thanks for the insight
Cheers mate
All forms of aircraft have a 'window' of meteorological conditions in which each can operate safely. That window is very large for a commercial jet and at the other extreme are paragliders with a window the size of a small porthole = high accident rate. The fatality rate would be much higher, except that parachutes were designed as an emergency decent device, so the pilot can sometimes experience numerous accidents but avoid death. "Generally ".
Ive done the same… same place… same conditions
Glad you made it and thanks for sharing :)
I am a P-2+ now and I took up paragliding years ago in Arizona and when we 1st started we did ground handling on flatland reverse launching because the winds were blowing between 10 to 15 miles an hour, I did one day and it was 3 hours long all we did was launched the glider on flatland turn and run down the field Over and over and over and I got those maneuvers down really good, But however years later I take up paragliding again to start all over because I moved into a new location in the island of maui and Hawaii My 1st day was off the Bunny hill and we learned how to do forward launch Now this task for me was very difficult because when you launched forward you don't know if your wing is coming up straight or not You really don't know what's going on behind you of course this is your 1st lesson and you don't know to look back as your wing is coming up off the ground you're paying attention on moving forward and stay in focused on what's in front of you and that behind you !
Now I have had years of experience of flying and thermals because I was a hang 3 pilot for 15 years So I do know about thermaling But however in your situation it looks like You didn't do your homework on your LZ and distance in light winds without knowing anything about Thermoing And might I add you got very lucky that you even made it to the LZ without a scratch😳 I was very surprised
Me I have had a couple of incidents in my learning of paragliding where I did a controlled crash into the trees rather than fly away because something was wrong with my wing It's pretty much all decision making and pilot error You really need to understand mother nature more weather patterns act. Pretty much being a meteorologist To fly these things and understand them So be safe keep moving forward and learn from that experience that is a notch in your belt that you know what not to do anymore until you understand it.
Thanks for sharing mate. Repetition and regular flying sure are key in this sport.
Hey bro, cool video, have you ever heard of target fixation? Don’t look at the trees look where you want to go. Anyway, keep flying you’ll get better,mistakes are how you learn.
Sure have! I had an experience with it on my PG2 course lol I kept looking at this rock on the cliff that was freaking me out (it was getting scratchy). Instructor luckily yelled at me to look where I want to fly, because I was genuinely fixated. Never had it since though. It's definitely something a lot of new students go through though. It's all a bit overwhelming at first and your brain is going a million miles an hour lol That was a few years ago for me personally though. Thanks for sharing!
when u sense danger dave, hit the speed bar ! nice vid ! love from Pakistan !
I mostly do a forward launch, exept when I can easily build a wall
What's the wing @ 4:40? Looks very flat, not sure if it's the camera distorting it. New pilot myself, good info and thanks for sharing.
Thanks mate. I believe that was an old Niviuk Hook 4
Thanks for sharing. The whole flying "carreer" is always learning, as we all do mistakes.
I would personally do hands up whole the way down, and if the sink was too strong, accelerator to avoid at least the worst part.
It is true that you are sinking faster, but you are gaining some speed to escape descendent air.
Glad that you landed safely, on the right you had small windsock ;) Take a look at it in the future :)
All great points and I agree. Thanks for the feedback :)
Last time I went flying required forward launches because the wind was so light. When you are not used to forwards, it is something you want to take extra precaution with and make sure your risers are positioned properly so when you take off, everything is where it is supposed to be.
Yeah, forward launches are definitely the way to go in light/nil wind. Should be able to feel equal pressure on both risers in the prep for launch. Make sure all your lines are clear and the wing is spread out evenly. Sports ovals are great places to practise them (that's what I do). Thanks for the feedback! :)
Yes. It does seem that you are a "DANGER" to yourself "DAVE".
Still flying safely years later... imagine that. Ill use your post on my next video about why so many people don't share their incidents.
If been there and I didn't make it 😅
Missed by a few meters
very cool format, thanks for sharing ! on point !
the old niviuk design is so beautiful, why did they get rid of it :/
As in the 5 compared to the 6 you mean?
try paramotoer on your back !! lol
The reason for that type of fence on middle brother S.E launch is because of base jumpers climbing the tower and jumping off. So, it's a deterrent for those mad people.
So my assumption its for impaling people is pretty accurate then lol
Those crazy people
Close one! The correct amount of speedbar can also increase glide ratio when in a headwind. Want to analyze/laugh at my close call with trees? th-cam.com/video/CEnL5e96ZcA/w-d-xo.html 😂
It was a close one. Worst part is it was close for the whole flight, so there was no reprieve until the end. Love to add your video to the channel if you're happy to share? Just compiling at this stage though :)
@@AussieDangerDave Go for it and grab whatever video you want 👍
@@andrey_climb_bike_ski Legend. Thank you
it looked like some funky riser control on inflation? Only one riser controlled and pulling c's on the other? To be forthright- a big no no. It's rare for me to do a frontal launch, the wind is generally to strong for that.
Bit late with your flare on landing ;-)
Definitely.
Thanks for sharing, all good points. Being able to do a good forward launch is important. But so is every other skill in paragliding. As you learn each skill, you build a tool kit of skills. I've seen loads of pilots trying to run backwards down a hill when a forward launch would be so much easier, safer and cooler. It's not hard to learn either. Take yourself to a flat field, set up and start running! It's all about learning to listen to the pull on your hips. Once you have it, the skill is there forever in your tool kit and you are in a good place you learn the next skill. Active flying - all about listening to your hips. Knowing when you are about to get an asymmetric collapse and how big it will be - all about listening to your hips.
Great point about the hips. I noticed lately I am using my arms when raising the wing on launch rather than keeping them straight and loading the hips on launch too. Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts, appreciated.
Danger Dave!