There are many people who might be thinking about getting into this sport based on what they see online. From an outside perspective, it might seem like you can just fly any time you want as if it’s like taking a boat out or something. It’s not that simple. If you have a lifestyle like mine or only have curious interests about the sport, this is the video you want to watch before you go out and spend all your money. Unless this is the only hobby you have, the only thing you look forward to or think about, this may not be fitting. People who have dreams of flying or obsess over it are the people this is fitting for. Optimally you want a local place to fly from and you either need to be retired or work a schedule that fits the circumstances of this sport. The video is about my experience and I may sound like I’m complaining, but it’s the frustration you hear. I really did like flying, but watching videos of others flying gives some illusions about it. It all depends on the type of person you are and how you want to spend your time. With something like this, it will always be on your mind about your next chance to fly. It can stress you out. I don’t see why so many people disliked this video. I’m not being negative towards anyone or trying to say I dislike the sport itself. It’s a discussion from my perspective and how it fits my personality and lifestyle. I’m am not unique and there are others out there who desire awareness wether they realize it or not. There is very poor resale value on the equipment so make sure this sport is something you truly want to do and stick with.
Just want to encourage you man, I gave this vid a thumbs up. There are NO videos out there that even begin to address some of the downsides of the sport, which you intelligently did here. Very valuable, and I'm glad you did it. I do want to fly, and will eventually get into something, but it may be ultralights vs. paramotors. Ultralights just seem safer, more flyable in moderate wind conditions, closer to "real" flying, etc. Your video helped me, so please don't be discouraged by the dislikes. Your video was enormously helpful to me, if nothing else by addressing some things that nobody else does. I'd rather go into something like this "eyes wide open" than with a fairly tale perspective. I want to hear the good, bad, and the in-between. Everything for sure. And you provided that, so thank you.
Thank you for this video there a lot of people who might get the impression that you can just fly away anytime you feel like going for a quick little spin around the county, it’s not anything like that my issue has always been finding some quality friends who enjoy flying also, I’m talking some experienced buddies you can fly with and have a good time together sharing the experience, that’s what I lack I don’t have anyone who is into the sport that is within reach to go flying on a Saturday, I’m always alone
PPG Reality (average casual pilot): 1. Cost - Initial and spare parts (fragile, expensive, and wait for overseas shipping). 2. Time - Hard to fit into a normal/working/family schedule. Not a family event. 3. Frequency - Only during low/steady wind (
I've trained a lot of students over the years and I know this sport is not for everyone. It's not even for everyone who thinks they want to do it. Of course I'm not in business to talk people out of their 'dream', but after some conversation with a prospect I can often figure out if he's a likely fit for PPG. This guys video regarding time available and launch option proximity is a good place to begin evaluating. Also PPG is a time consuming solo sport in which family participation is usually negligible. Spouse/kids will not participate in your PPG passion on a level compared to boating, camping, biking, etc. Anyone with zero mechanical skills (and little interest in acquiring them), is a poor match for PPG. As simple devices go, these machines are frustratingly maintenance heavy in terms of time and money. Passion, free time, money, maintenance, and a spot to launch..it takes all 5 to make it work.
Hi. I have a fear of heights but love the idea of PPG. I have done stuff that one would think a person with a fear of heighs would never do. Like hiking up 5000 meter mountains. My question is this; do you, as an experienced teacher, feel that PPG would be a good or bad hobby for me?
@@cosnniran Fear of heights is the natural human reaction to the fear of falling, there is nothing odd about that. Of course there are degrees of this fear that go beyond a normal reaction (acrophobia = irrational fear of heights), that does not sound like your problem. I tend to be shaky on ladders but PPG isn't an issue..go figure:)
Yeah, when I first looked into PPG, it became apparent that I’d be my own mechanic, I’d need a vehicle/trailer to haul the motor and all of my gear, and the potential to get to launch only the have things blown out seemed very daunting. Luckily, much of that was alleviated when I finally decided to go motor-less!
For all the same reasons I sold my ultralight airplane. Had it for 8 years and averaged 10-12 hours per year of flying. Working full time and being at the mercy of weather and time. I decided that it was a retired man's sport. I would love to fly again once my days are my own and I can pick and choose what my day consists of. Videos show all the glory without the effort. Hardly ever see a video where the pilot spends an hour getting their gear ready, an hour driving to the field to be there by sunrise only to sit in the vehicle and go home because the conditions sucked.
Just stopped flying also. Built a light sport (Sonex) and flew it about 250 hours. Had a couple of ultralights. Very fun, but the maintenance and logistics finally wore me out. Decided to fish and ride my scooter a lot. Sleeping much better now….
Thanks, exactly what I needed to know. I thought this was gonna be about too many crashes or near crashes or something. Sounds like he just pussied out.
I took my father to the Air and Space Museum in DC this last year. This enormous complex was filled with contraptions ranging from lawnchair helicopters and homebuild jet packs, to spy planes and space shuttles. The museum is a monument to every fool who saw a bird flying and said, "If it kills me, I'm going to do that". I've been paramotoring for a year now, and I can say that for me the reward has been worth the risk. There was some early breakage (including my foot) but now I have over 130 flights in a row without any equipment damage. I still go out 2-3 times a week. I believe it's medicine. My wife says it's my therapy. For me, the 15k was money well spent. We live largely 2 dimensional lives. Gravity puts us on the ground, and there we stay... unless we learn to fly.
I have a private pilots license and these are the exact reasons I quit that. I know exactly what you are saying. - Ideal weather is the only enjoyable weather. - planes are always broken. Something always needs to be fixed. - the whole point is to not die, my flights turned into forcing myself to fly and try to enjoy it. I was just surviving. - I was flying like once a month like you said. - If i had a $300,000 plane, maintained by a crew I would enjoy it...probably.
Sounds like you need a new job. Life is too short to work that much, we have to make time for fun. PPG is not so much a sport to me, but more of a way to be. It is the best therapy for PTSD that I have found. There is nothing that compares to the freedom of it. I think you will miss it, and I do think you would enjoy foot launching better. Take off from a soccer field and load it into your car. :)
yeah this guy has been completely brainwashed thinking work is important ask anyone on their death bed non will tell you they wish they worked a job more. unless your a mechanic and love it then i dont see how his job is more fun or rewarding or less stressful? than ppg
It may not only be the job.. I work remotely and that helps a lot. I don't do PPG, but only regular paragliding. I must say it is a lot cheaper and may seem like a different sport entirely. I have a fixed on-call shift where I'm responsible for paging people and coordinating the team for restoring service, but I am lucky to be able to swap shifts sporadically with a couple of my colleagues. Getting back to the point of remote work and where you live... I live 20 minutes away from a great couple of ridge-soaring spots, and this year I managed to clock 100 hours paragliding, between thermaling, ridge-soaring and mountain-flying. Regular paragliding is a lot cheaper, a lot easier to get to a location where you need to be, and I believe even safer to put yourself in "strong" conditions (mid-day thermals) which I actually look for
If you don't work enough how exactly do you pay for the fun things in life that you can do with all your spare time while not working? It's a balancing act which changes as you move through life depending on circumstances and priorities.
It's totally false though and has nothing to do with the real sport. Get super training with a Flat Top and Dominator and it's a completely different world from getting scammed like this guy did.
@@DellSchanze Have you ever said something positive about another person in your life? Shut up about your brand and stop spamming toxicity on other people's videos
Wanted to add a few more comments from my last post. Last year I ran into some resistance on my launch site (elementary school with a lacrosse field). The janitor at the school made every attempt to always kick me off. And for some reason he took it personal. He must of had the cameras linked to his home monitor, didn't matter what time of the day (early morning Saturday or early evening Sunday) he would show up. Always threaten to call the police (being polite, I would tell him just to wait, because the police usually park here and watch). In the end, I pleaded my case to the school board superintendent and got permission to use any of the school's fields as long as there's no classes or parent teacher conferences going on or the fields aren't being used. Today the janitor and I exchange smiles and waves. Also, I find video editing to be much more enjoyable with a collective movie that includes clips of flights throughout the year. Good luck in your future endeavors brother
I think that's a big thing he never really considered, asking someone else with a big ass field if you can launch from there, most people would happily say yes, if just to see the spectacle
Thanks man, it's good to hear a measured opinion on the sport. I also appreciate the fact that you were not necessarily prescriptive about your decision but explicitly stated that this was a set of personal factors. Definitely helps round out what we see on youtube and helps those of us considering entering the sport develop an informed expectation. Cheers.
WOW! What job is so rewarding? You are the exception to St. Peter & the pearly gate question. "Do you wish you had spent more time at your JOB? Choices are the human desires. Thanks for your additions to my searching of perspectives.
The air time I get, also came as a surprise. I finished my training last spring and I got maybe 12 hours of flying during the summer. When I first started getting into ppg, I thought I would be in the sky every day. Well, being a noob I always waited for calm weather and that didn't come too often and when it did many times there was something else to do. It sucks when you only get to fly 2-3 times a month or less. It's not fun and it also means your skills and confidence don't build up as fast so you might actually start losing interest.
You're being too picky, not reading the weather correctly, or are letting little things scare you that are objectively not a threat. Most mornings and evenings are fine. Do you have a more experienced instructor / friend where you live that can help evaluate the conditions? What weather parameters are you accepting? What weather sites are you using and what are you looking at to decide? When you get onsite, how are you deciding if conditions are safe or unsafe?
@@entelin I've been keeping around 7mph a limit. I don't mind the bumpy air so much, but winds aloft pick up fast after that and that just means your parked with a slower wing. It felt like it was an exceptionally windy summer, but can't be sure since it's only now that I've started to pay attention to the winds so much. I live in Finland so I also have winter and short days to contend with for a good portion of the year. And if your planning to fly in the winter, a lake is pretty much your only bet for a launch site since the snow there isn't that deep usually. Then there's the cold. 30min max and you start to freeze.
It sounds to me like you're trying to convince yourself it's not for you. And that's ok. It's either "for you" or it's not. There's no shame in following your head. But most of your opinions and statements are for you only, not everyone. Everything you stated you already knew going in. You knew you worked a lot. You knew there were dangers. You knew it was weather specific. These are things that should've been evaluated before taking up the sport and spending the money. Good luck to you and take care.
@@LoLifeFPV Well I'm not trying to convince anyone, just saying I do understand where the guy's coming from. When starting out, I really didn't consider how much the weather conditions and work might shave off flying time. All I was thinking was "Man, I'm going to be a paramotor pilot and I'm going to fly every day!" The reality is, when it's -20C outside you're just not that eager to go out flying ;) Or those evening flights might get a pass due to having to get up early for work. Having said that, I don't regret dropping 10k into the sport one bit. Personally, I would not sell my gear until my legs or back give out and it's physically impossible for me to fly. In fact I have a herniated disk situation going on for a while but I still manage.
Yeah come to middle Geogia and run your mouth about weather. I used government web sites to track winds velocities to include wind speed aloft and direction at different altitudes. Where I live is a clash of gulf warm air and cold air from the north. It was alway unpredictable I dont give a crap what site you used to look at weather. I flew on days with the sock barely moving and at 1000ft you would be thrown all over the place at sunrise. @@entelin
Thank you for posting this video. I appreciate your perspective. I’m still a relatively new pilot and I have been experiencing all the things you mentioned in this video. I will continue to pursue this dream, knowing all the challenges that come along with it as you described very well. Maybe things will change for you and you’ll get back into the sport. But if not, that’s OK too!
Yes , just went through it all. I'm 70 yrs old and lived in Alaska 30 yrs, retired from the army , started watching tucker gott on youtube , my wife wanted to live near her family in spokane and bribed me to take the class in spokane. Well i did a dumb thing and let blackhawk talk me into a quad 4 stroke with a 40 meter wing.😱 insted of a foot launch. It Ended up costing , with the class and hotels ,helmet, radio ect ect about 18,000 . Refied my house and made the class , eventually got the new quad from blackhawk some time later after the class . I was lucky and one of 3 people that actually got to solo before the instructor had to leave . Weather was not very good for the 6 day class but was able to get my solo. Did some ground handling after that and got about an hour airtime before my $5,000 wing started developing tears in leading edge of the huge wing . I then heard the other two people tbat soloed started having engine problems while in flight. I got smart real fast after this and traded my rig for a new sxs from my instructor in training. Quite an experience and was able to check off that box on bucket list 😊. thanks for your honesty, it really struck home👍. Take the class before you buy !!!!
you should have reviewed dell schanze training and opinons on the black hawk. The wing is a death trap. This guy will tell you everthing you need to know about certified paramotors. However, thermals and turbulence will change you mind quickly. I flew for 2 years with an ELSA 27 ft wing. Rotex 670 engine rated 90HP. I could not get use to the turbulence. My training saved my life quite a few times.
Damn Tucker lol, hes got me 15k deep into the sport and i still haven't left the ground. Stoked to be a few good days of ground training from ready to take my first flight! might still be next spring.
Why did you spend that much money before leaving the ground? You shouldnt buy anything without trying and learning how to use it first. Did you buy a car before you had the drivet licence? Would you buy a boat without having been on a boat before?
Because where I live we dont have the luxury of flying schools and all that shit. My instructor is is extremely experienced but he doesn't have a school It's 1 on 1 lessons until I'm ready. Any time I want as much as I need and all free because I invested in his motor which he designs and builds with high end parts. Moster 185 and all that shit. Then I bought the wing so I could practice kiting without him. So when I started I had enough money to just decide to commit. I'm doing this I never quit anything so I wasn't worried. I'm Canadian too so 7k for a motor with free unlimited training I couldn't pass up.
If you work that many hours a day, it is hard to get into any hobby. Then I hope you are making a lot of money from your work. Maybe you need to strike a balance between work and life.
No it isn't. Tons of hobbies take 0 prep time and can be done at any time during the day/week. If this guy wanted to do biking, he could start today, and go whenever he wanted to, never check conditions, and just go however many hours he chooses.
Be glad you didn't take up hang gliding like I did when I was young. It, too, is very much a fair-weather friend. I did it long before this era of towing, in a state with 350-500-foot hills, some with no road access to launch. On the rare days wind direction and speed were good (~15 weekends per year), I would spend hours per fly-day driving, lugging my 65-pound glider up the hill on my shoulder (GRUELING, even for a fit 20-year-old!) and assembling/disassembling my wing, all for 1-2 flights that (for me as a Novice flying small hills) lasted only 2-3-4 minutes, tops. Then there were the trips where I went through all the trouble and never flew because conditions changed during the day. In a whole year, I would be lucky to accumulate 20-40 MINUTES! The 50 or so flights I got in over 8 years? GLORIOUS! It will forever be a part of my fond memories of my youth. Thank you for your video highlighting the downside of flying small craft!
I've seen some of those early hang gliding flicks, the colossal effort involved for a 2min flight for today's youth isn't acceptable. I appreciate the monumental experience it was leaving the earth, even if it was for a moment for your generation. I fully expect the next generation won't be impressed unless there's a rocket ride to the moon, with optional shuttle to Jupiter....... in under 10 mins.
I got hang glider rated in the nineties. Would have to spend several hours traveling and more time for setup and waiting for wind in right direction. And this was before the internet on your phone! Would just have to stare at the ground for many hours.
Great discussion...that could describe many of the activities we'd like to try. Besides all the time constraints mentioned, don't forget all of the other hobbies/sports that you are already into. They all compete for your time. As I tell my buddies who own multiple motorcycles, "You only have one butt, why do you need 5 bikes?". I'm taking PPG lessons right now & have considered many of the downsides you mentioned. However, I am retired, live near a small airport, and it won't be a financial concern. I'm still not certain I'll purchase the gear after my training. I'll need to find some retired PPG buddies for it to really be much fun to participate in.
Definately difficult when you have to drive an hour to launch site, I can understand that for sure. I am self employed and can often take a few hours if I want to go flying. Hope you get back into the sport later in life
I've been flying PPG for 3 years and I have to say your video is on point! I like to tell people, for me to fly the stars have to align. I really enjoy the sport when conditions are safe. I live in michigan and during the short summer I fly maybe once every two weeks. To get more time in the sky I just go to the great lakes shore line with the best forecast and it can be an all day event. This helps to offset the bad forecast.
I enjoyed your video. Recreational flying is privilege lifestyle and definitely requires a lot of sacrifice and even before TH-cam came along there were some people really selling a lifestyle which border on religious. I met enough dealers and instructors to know that. I also knew that the pitchforks would be coming out after you in the comments section for what they see is challenging their passion or living. Everyone has to figure out whether the "price" (time, cost and risk) is for them and as you pointed out the majority of content on TH-cam is very pro. There is a business term "sunk costs fallacy" basically meaning once your invest in something there a pressure to keep doing so even if it feels like it was a bad investment. The sad reality is flying is not for everyone and more importantly not equally available to those who do want it for many complicated reasons. Few of us live in ideal locations and can afford to purse this activity at all cost. In general if a person finds that flying is not worth it for them that is ok and if they stay that is ok too. I think the reason a video like this strikes a raw nerve in the flying community is many of us have had doubts, frustrations and less than 100% enthusiasm all the time for the activity. Chasing the wind extracts a heavy toll on all of us. It is fun to share our experiences and sometimes attract new people to the activity but equally important to discuss honestly with new people why people leave too. Anyway thanks for your video.
I appreciate this video a ton! I've definitely gotten lost in Tucker Gott's videos, and I'm taking a long time to evaluate whether this is just another hyper-fixation hobby, or something I genuinely want to pursue. So thank you.
I just sold mine today, sure it's fun. But I thought I could fly anywhere anytime, that just ain't the case. Fun in calm conditions, not fun at all in a small amount of wind unless it's steady, like off a beach or whatever
According to Dell Schanze, Tucker Gott doesn't know anything about paramotor flying. He promotes death traps. If you think you want to fly one, I would watch Dell Schanze, he knows what he is talking about. His training seems to be way more indepth that the idiots I have seen in Florida.
Honest opinion! I appreciate that. I completely understand and have experienced some of the same frustrations. This sport takes a commitment, and if you stick with it (for better or for worse) for better will always prevail. You have to accept that flight with a PPG is contingent on many factors, the beauty is when your experience guides you through those contingencies. It's a spiritual feeling when it happens.
This is very common for other sports involving weather like windsurfing, surfing, snow sports. You spend a lot, travel a lot and give up time to sit on a windless beach, or screeching down frozen mountainside with no powder. The videos of the pros don’t look like that since they spend 24/7 looking for perfect conditions around the globe. Great video.
Yes..I get stoked by Tuckers vids, but I realised I only enjoy his very low flying. I have bought an ebike and can tear around the mountains, pretty well any weather and get that buzz on the ground.
Thanks for making this video and offering your unvarnished remarks about your experience. It actually helps validate my reasoning for considering getting a powered parachute. I live in the country, have land I can keep clear for taking off and landing, and have space to store the thing. My schedule is flexible; I'm not retired but an empty nester with evenings free. And a PPC as opposed to a PPG is a better solution for me because I won't have to hold my rickety old arms up in the air to steer. However I totally get everything you said, including the p.s. at the end about it feeling like an obligation; when I've felt that way about hobbies in the past I knew it was time to move on. It's all good! Life is a journey; be mindful about where you are in that journey, stop and smell the roses, and keep going.
Thanks for your honesty and not “glossing” over like many in this hobby do. Due to the costs many are in denial about this hobby’s negative aspects. Your choice.👍👍👍
There's plenty of things worth criticizing about the sport, but he's wrong about the weather, "2-3 months" of weather unsuitable for beginners is complete garbage nonsense. Most places, most evenings and mornings are absolutely suitable for beginners.
Good video. I am a private pilot and rated for single engine and tail dragger. Much of what you say here is true. If you don’t fly often it can rattle you in bumpy weather. Especially flying in the south with the thermals caused from the warm environment. I appreciate your open and honest review. You are right, we don’t see the hard times on TH-cam very often. Al the best!
This could be shortened to a couple of sentences. If you love to fly, and you can do it a lot, it's fun and satisfying. If he(or anyone, for that matter) doesn't want to do it any longer, he doesn't have to justify to anyone. Just stop and start gardening. OK, I didn't have to say that! Just being flippant. Are you still flying, David? I'm retired, as well.
@@ParamotorPrattville David, I'm 68 and just retired. I have a past as a private pilot and skydiver(many years back) and that is the genesis of my comments about loving what you do, and doing it often. I have spent countless hours on TH-cam researching your sport. This is what I want to do, other than riding my Harley. I was just struck by your comment referring to time available. Where will you get your certification? Does this allow you to legally fly with passenger? What gear do you use? I'm currently researching reviews for different motors, frames and gliders. Any input would be appreciated.
@@2cqql1 yes, the FAA has a rule that you must fly alone. But they have an exemption to that rule if you are USPPA certified to do tandems as an instructor. I’m going to Travis Burns of One up Adventures in Lake Wales Florida. As for gear. Choose your trainer and discuss it with them. I will say you might want to look at trikes. As we age the trike can make it easier to keep flying. I’m 56, but my knees are not the best, if I fly allot and am real active, they will swell, I’ve already had surgery on both. I still Foot launch though because I can do it from smaller take off areas (like my front yard). 😀. Again, talk to an instructor about the gear you need. They will probably be the ones buying it for you as most dealers or even private people will not sell to an untrained pilot. God bless! Dave
When you have had your fill pushing on will just get you hurt. You have made a proper aviation decision. I didn't have a smooth flight after my first flight for months, and caught a late day thermal my 2nd flight, so I guess I got acclimated to turb pretty fast, mixed blessing :)
A few years ago, I gave up on trying to get my license to fly microlight airplanes for very similar reasons. The main issue was that the gap between lessons (because of waiting for the right conditions) was preventing me from making steady progress. I wanted a challenge but the whole thing started to turn into an disheartening slog - even though I loved it when I was in the air. Having become hooked on Tucker Gott's videos, I could tell that the old itch was sneaking up on me again but this gave me a reality check!
Dude, You started with the wrong gear. I trained with a light foot launch unit, And flu in all kinds of weather. I never minded turbulence, and flew over 100 hours on my tach in three month’s. Literally I flew almost every single day. That big heavy trike of yours, is Strictly a Fairweather machine. A lot of inertia in that thing, and it feels sketchy as hell. Getting tossed all around twisted back-and-forth, I know because I also have one of those. Your first mistake was training With the wrong people, and buying the wrong gear.
@@ernieestrada5774 Ha, same here. Though I am still concerned about the fatigue he mentions of holding your arms up for so long. He's younger than me so wonder how big a deal that is?
@@andybowman9697 I could be wrong, but that seems like it might be trike only? The only reason I say that is because I see people letting go of the brakes all the time in various videos, but only when foot launching. I mean, the risers even have little spots for you to velcro or snap the brakes to for that very reason, and you can just turn with weight shift. I don't care either way. I'm queued up to go to Aviator PPG for their 2 week course in a couple months. It's in my blood and absolutely must be done. If it ends up I don't like it, or can't do it very often, so be it. At least I tried. (but I don't anticipate that being the case)
Flying for me is a passion. I know where you are coming from from a time perspective, I used to live away from home and trying to get the stars to align is not easy. I did stop flying for a little bit but for I couldn't stay away. I hope you want to come back at some point. Flying its self is passion. Thank you for sharing.
Absolutely outstanding video. Thank you for sharing the reality of what you experienced. I have been considering getting into the hobby but you have given me some things to seriously think about before making the commitment. I appreciate it!
Ballsy video. I’ve gone through training and didn’t buy equipment for some of the gut feelings I had about the sport. You’ve touched on many of them. Thanks for the vid.
C B my gut was telling me no too, but I do not regret the fun I had. I regret the money I lost. I think back how long it took me to make that money and the rage I went through from work during the time it took to make it. But anything can be viewed that way. I mean going on expensive vacations and returning with nothing but memories is hard to say that a memory is worth it. Maybe one day memories can be implanted at cheaper cost.
Very good talk. You've raised a few things I didn't consider. I'm not sure if it has changed my mind yet as I'm losing some weight to either try paramotoring or gliding. Great talk about the time aspect and a few details that most people don't consider such as aching arms.
I've designed a prop/wing combo that might revolutionize this sport. A twin prop, contra rotating propulsion and a dirigible wing (i.e. inflated with lighter than air gas and uncollapsable). The twin props are to either side of the pilot and can be swung in behind the pilot meaning the wing can be flown, unpowered, while remaining aerodynamic. The intention is to also allow the props to point down allowing thebpikot to "hover" and the buoyant wing will remain overhead. The wing only holds its own weight, not the pilot etc.
I did a PPG course in Florida , but we never got to solo flight due to conditions and a questionable instructor. Never bought equipment and glad about that. You definitely work too much. Hard to enjoy any extracurriculars with that schedule. I would just be too busy enjoying not being at work to tackle an energy intensive hobby like PPG during my limited time off. Still, your video reminded me of my half-hearted attempt to learn surfing. Not my thing... then I got into kitesurfing and I live in the right place to do it. The money and time become inconsequential when you can do it a lot and enjoy the hell out of it. I would say keep looking for that right hobby, but I think first things first, find a job that doesn't rob you of life.
I guess the difference is work to live or live to work. I hope you love your job, because giving up something you enjoy because all your time is spent working I believe is a soul killer. This video makes me feel extremely lucky to have the time and resources to fly when the conditions are right. One note, winter flying is great, but requires some extra gear. I think heated gloves and socks are a must, a face mask with goggles also helps immensely. Finally, a heated vest under a snowmobile suit, and it all keeps you toasty warm for up to 2 hours. Yes, there is a little extra weight, but frozen lakes give flying access to thick wooded areas you could never fly when it’s warm. I hope when you get older and work less you find something you love to do.
the cellulon triptometer I had that stuff. No I don’t like my job, but it’s made me wealthy and I have too much time invested in the company to just up and quit. Throughout my employment the company has been called the soul sucking factory of sadness. And most employees did feel they lived to work there and most have quit for that reason.
It's not that I don't understand. I spent 30+ years in the Army meaning 16 hour days overseas in bad conditions for years at a time. Retired now and lucky at 50 to be drawing a full pension and have all the time in the world. I live in Wisconsin, so it is hard to believe with all that electric warmth you were still cold. Good luck, and I hope you get to live sometime soon whether that means doing this, or something else you love doing.
@@GrowingAnswers what the point of being wealthy if you dont have time to do stuff you like? And work all the time at a job you dont like. "I have too much invested " is the worst reason to stay in a situation you dont like.
Yup. Priorities...some choices are: Work your life away to chase the dollar. Find a compromise of wealth and time. Barely scrape by and have time to live. Sounds like @growinganswers hasnt achieved the balance. Makes me sad to hear that someone works 6 days a week, lots of overtime and can't enjoy much for hobbies. Priorities, priorities....
I'm just now getting into paramotors, and I just saw your video. I'm so glad to hear the reasons. Thank you for the video. Luckily I'm in the situation where I work from home and have all time available and can take off nearby.
It's not for everyone, but it is absolutely amazing if you take the time and effort to grow your skills and buy the right equipment. I work five days a week 7am-5pm and still fly an average of three to four days a week for over an hour each flight. You have to be resourceful at times to find LZ's and plan different routes, but that is all part of the fun. Find others in your area to fly with and your skills improve faster. There is nothing out there that compares to it and I think my videos translate that very well. Life is too short to not experience something like PPG. At least you tried it. Take some time off and maybe come back in a year or more and give foot launching a shot. Thanks for sharing!
My first reaction to your story is #1 fear was plaguing you, #2 if this sport isn’t clearly the most awesome thing you’ve ever done, then I must lead a very sheltered life. To me there isn’t a close comparison.Sorry to hear this story really ,but I get it.
I think your narrow minded dude , if you didn’t listen much of it was his time to fly ie working long hours, also weather conditions un suitable to and his time off etc , there was a lot going on and realising this wasn’t worth it for him in the end not to mention the money spent on it all , this guys story is reality for more people than you know , I was going to get into hang gliding many years ago and because of this I never even bothered to buy the equipment or even start flying the dream was dead before I did anything I realised the reality before I was in, not to mention you got to have somewhere to store your hang glider they are very long even when folded down to pack away , there is a lot to consider , for those with lots of money and free time knock your socks off.
@@JS-uz5tl Especially rough air. It's by no means a problem for some, some will learn to deal with it. For others, it's a pain you just don't want to deal with. Sounds like he belongs to the last group.
You speak the truth. I'm a former skydiver and current PPG pilot. If I ever leave the sport it will be due to the same reasons you mention. 100% spot on in your assessment.
good video. I'm currently learning to hang glide which is also an expensive sport and subject to the weather. I have spent many days driving to the launch site only to get little to no flying time in because the winds are to high. Luckily as I progress I will be moving to truck tow and flying in the afternoons so wind will not be so much of a consideration as it is for me now as a newbie. One good thing about hang gliding is you can rent your gear if you want instead of buying. That helps keep costs down short term but will cost you more long term than just buying your own glider. Also, there are plenty of used/great condition gliders available because so many pilots transitioned to Para gliding or got out of flying completely. I hope you get to fly again its a shame to do all that learning and not be able to enjoy the fruits of your labor. Good Luck!
There is really no reason to dislike this video. You shared your honest opinion and personal experience. Nobody, really nobody is entitled to say you are wrong about what you are thinking. People often forget TH-camrs like Tucker Gott are first and foremost interested in delivering exciting and interesting content to gain views, and viewers are mostly interested in the romantic side of aviation and the freedom of flying. So that's what they will get, all the goods none of the bads. I think you made it pretty clear without trying to talk anybody out of the hobby, just sharing your view and things to consider. Good job!
Totally agree with you....and thank you for your honesty. You may have given it up now....you are still young, trust me....the passion will always be there, and when the time comes, maybe ten or twenty years time, circumstances will have changed and you will really want to get back in the air....Cheers
I very much appreciated this video. I was seriously thinking about taking this up and was really trying to weigh the pros and cons, Sure, the view is great up there, and being exposed to the elements that way would certainly be a big rush. But I can also see that once that initial rush wears off, it could get boring pretty fast. Flying low playing the terrain like an obstacle course would be fun for a while -- until I end up in the hospital. For a real rush, nothing could beat windsurfing in the ocean for me in years past. But trying to get down to the NJ shore from Philly was a major hassle and usually resulted in a total waste due to LACK of wind! I finally just gave it up for that reason. Just as well though because too many guys who were seriously into it were dying of skin cancer.
We all appreciate your time honesty in making this. Where did you get trained? Not trying to pass judgement on you or your training, but I agree with others if it’s for you then you’ll make sacrifices to do it. I’m a big believer in the concept of we shouldn’t have to “learn” to like something... Maybe it’s not the right time, or it’s just not for you. I’ve got 10 flights in during training and anxious for more. But winter is here and I didn’t want to buy gear until after training. I figured in 10 flights I’d be able to make a personal and “educated decision”. I’ve tried several hobbies and even those that I spent thousands of dollars on, but didn’t work out, at least now I KNOW for sure. Interest in drifting, did lots of research, bought a mustang, built it into a drift car, learned how to drive it, now know I want more. I wanted a motorcycle with a side car, did lots of research and ended up buying a URAL, kept it about a year, decided it wasn’t for me, sold it and never looked back. I have an interested in fun “sporty” cars so I did lots of research and test drove a car for about 15 minutes and still have that miata today, almost 10 years later. No plans on getting rid of it anytime soon. There is only way to experience some sports / hobbies, and that is by doing. Almost all of my friends dislike the miata, but as with anything you value, it has to tick YOUR individual boxes.
J10on4ds I trained at flight junkies. the closest I could come to knowing if I would like it was watching 100’s of videos. I couldn’t for the life of me get the trainer to do anything so that I could experience it before buying. No tandem, no tow line. I did like it and I did go out of my way to make things happen. But that’s what got me. I kind tired of doing all that. It’s like when I play some video games. I’ll love playing them for a period, but once it gets either too hard or starts feeling pointless I just stop. I tend to lose interests in many things though. I’ll try stuff for a while and then just stop. this was the hardest thing I decided to stop doing. It’s life changing. It’s somewhat close to the feeling of a break up.
Don’t know Capt Kurt at Flight Junkies, but he doesn’t seem like the most trustworthy guy to me. He makes a lot of claims that seem too good to be true.
@@GrowingAnswers You didn't get training, you got sold equipment. You fell for his "free" training that, as you found out, didn't include things like towing etc. and was not much training at all. I always tell people who are eager about the sport and want to run out and buy gear not to. Reputable places WILL give a tandem for about 100 bucks so you can experience it first and decide if it is right for you. If you ever decide to take it up again in the futures, please go get a 100 dollar tandem first and do not train iwth anyone that requires you buy equipment first.
I have had a very similar experience, I have owned my motor for a year and only have 20 hours on it. It’s hard to get out and fly with work and young kids, I wonder if training had anything to do with being so uncomfortable in the air? I feel like I rushed myself into the air and it makes it harder for me to feel comfortable in the air I have heard of people having 20 flights with their instructor I had like 3....it was definitely me pushing to be on my own. Good topic for a video sorry to hear about your experience.
Glad I listened to your story, thanks for posting. I am a CFI and have considered PPG, enjoyed your frank comments. I agree; you don't want a hobby that scares you sometimes, even a little. Kudos!
I can relate to everything really. Work is fine for me but family commitments take its place. There is also the guilt of having a young family and doing a sport that is not family inclusive and potentially dangerous. That said, Monday looks flyable.... Woohoo. Best of luck to you
I have an Aerochute. Now I live in Sydney. There is nothing and nowhere to fly around here. So I go to Victoria and meet fellow Aerochute flyers. Its more than 1000km away. But I take 5 or 6 days off to do it. The flying is only one part of the trip. You spend more time on the ground than in the air. So its frienships and the meeting of like minded people that form the whole package of flying. Like any sport you spend more time off the field or out the water than you do in it. So again its about sharing the interest or adventure. If you work 6 days a week tben its obvious you are working too much. Also in the USA you do not get anywhere near the holidays and rostered days off we get. It comes down to the old proveb. Do you live to work or work to live?
You made the right call man. To do this hobby, a person needs a flexible enough schedule to get enough flights per year to keep their skills sharp and maintain flying reflexes. It can be dangerous if you only do it a few times per year. You made the safe choice. And you can always come back to it if you get a more flexible schedule, or during times between jobs, or retirement. Else I would recommend using vacation days when the weather is right during the week. That's how I get enough air time. I don't use a motor and rely on thermals, so the weather has to be just right. I go any weekend with a good thermal forecast, and if it's an epic weekday, I'll take most of the day off after checking in with the boss in the morning. A person should tell their boss they have an aviation hobby, and occasionally will need a day off last minute -- just promise you'll only do it a few times per year. 3-4 solid weekday flights per year plus all the good weekends should be enough to keep your skills sharp. For me it's not so much about schedule, but I get sick and tired of how far I have to drive just to get to TRY to fly. Sometimes I drive all that way 1:45 minutes, and there is no lift or the thermals aren't working. I wish I could fly closer to my house. I wouldn't do PPG either, I don't like the noise and all the extra equipment to deal with. Free flight is the way to go for me, even if I have to tow to get started. Good decision man. Also, with hang gliding, you never have to worry about a collapse. But you lose the easy portability of pg. For me it was worth it, the feeling of flight in hang gliding is what I was looking for all along. Pg taught me the air and skills, but I see hang gliding as the culmination of my air time. To me it's the best and only way to fly.
You've made some very valid points for someone like me considering getting into the sport that I haven't really thought of. I've been researching it a lot and I'm sure it would be fun but working full-time and not having a convenient area to launch and land from is a perspective I initially failed to consider. So that does really limit the amount I'd even utilize the investment especially when weather and conditions are so pivotal. It is a lot of money for something you can't expect to do everyday or even every weekend if you're lucky enough to have suitable conditions. Thanks for sharing your insight
Wow, listening to you and your experience sounds awful. I live in Michigan, flew 120 day's my first year and arguably we have some of the worst weather in the country. I never once complained about bringing out my gear... I used it, cleaned it, tuned it, learned about it. When Para waiting for the right time, I would Kite my wing, never once thinking poorly of whether I would fly that day. Bottom line, I commend you for making the decision to move on. Your message shouted that you did not fall in love with PPG and that's ok, it's not for everyone. I think you should listen to all the excuses, complaints and negative remarks you stated in the video.. then be honest with yourself and ask, is what you said the reality of the sport or was it you?
FlyMiPPG LLC Mike Cotter thanks for a civilized response. Comparing paragliding to fishing is just a poor comparison. While not getting into everything, fishing is called “fishing” because the point of it is TRYING to catch fish not “catching fish.” It’s not called “catching” for that reason. The other point of it is to simply to waste time for those who have nothing else important to do. My girlfriend is obsessed with it. I can tell you she has not spent thousands on equipment and goes literally any time she wants to. No matter the weather. She also spends the entire day if it’s a weekend. While I’m home taking care of chores and priorities. point is, I hate fishing. But even though I don’t like it, it would be much more of a lax hobby than PPG. There is tons a local places to go, no burden of weather or specific wind conditions, can go any time you want and just sit there with a rod and do exactly what you want, which is nothing. I have other things I enjoy doing. But ur right, it’s not ppg that’s the problem as I said in the video, it’s my own perspective. It’s like a bad relationship with someone...you both are a bad match, not just you or the other.
@@TomKeda Yes we do. Take a look under the advanced tab of our Facebook page it has a list of all of our scheduled training classes. Feel free to give me a call if I can answer any of your questions. You will find my contact information on the Facebook page facebook.com/FlyMIPPG/ M Cotter
Oh how I love the long drawn out explanations. The word count is so important. I never have enough frustrations in my life but this video certainly helps.
I taught myself in a months time of training an hour every evening after work when weather permitted. In 5 months time I’ve got 14 hours+ of flight time and I work a lot. If you foot launch you can launch from almost anywhere, I’ve launched out of parking lots. The more you fly the less turbulence will bother you. At first the smallest bumps seem sketchy but in reality they’re not. If anybody has questions about getting into the sport from someone who just got into it themselves feel free to contact me. Don’t fall for the captain kurt fresh breeze or super dell crap either. A lot of other machines out there that are just as good and better. I got into this sport for 5 grand and my equipment is still going strong.
I am a private pilot. Weather downs me me too. Your work situation would pose an obstacle to flying fixed wing aircraft as well. Since I’m thinking about getting into the sport, I value your input.
I started paragliding 6 years ago and did it for two year did 150 hours then started ppg foot launch i have 500 hours air time , if you wanted to fly you would find time and you would learn to predict weather better over time .
Thank you so very, very, Very Much for this video! You helped save me a lot of time, effort and money and Thus pain and aggravation! I've been watching other videos that talk about the problems and difficulties people have run into, that I was not aware of... I'm so glad I took the time to find these videos!!! Additional because I am on a fixed income!
1) You need to just fly from a local field, you shouldn’t have to drive over an hour to go an fly. Don't bother going to an approved site or where you have special permission. The best strategy is to not ask for permission otherwise the land owner might say no. As long as it's a relatively quiet spot and you use it for landing and taking off only and you fly away from the spot for your actual flight the chances of someone having an issue with it is really quite low. 2) The fact that you felt that you needed to constantly share footage of your flights says more about you than the sport. 3) If you are scared of being bumped around a little then you need to man up, PPG's are really very safe and can handle turbulence without being at risk. Your hands should not get tired, you should stow your lines when cruising. 4) Any meaningful hobby requires time and money, aside from speed and useful load PPG's are the most superior forms of flight in literally every sense.
@magnetosphere please don't suggest trespassing on peoples property to launch your paramotor! Around here it is considered a crime and can get you into all kinds of trouble. If people ask first I usually am happy to help them but if they are trespassing It doesn't end well. A little consideration and respect will serve the sport better than acting like a little entitled kid.
I just looked at the rest of your channels videos and can tell that plant growing is obviously your main passion. Follow your passion and do what makes you feel alive. For some people it's paramotoring, for others it's plant growing. Just do what makes you happy people 😊
I love free flight myself. Thermalling is like playing chess in the sky, incredibly gratifying when you do a great distance, and QUIET!! All that said, I have built an electric paramotor (which I haven't flown yet) just to (hopefully) get to thermal altitude when not in the mountains. If you're on the flat, towing is an option, and also isn't super expensive like a paramotor. Small engines pack it in as soon as I look at them so I'll never go near a gas paramotor. And I sympathize with you on the location. I have to take 2 ferries (5 hours total) to get near a flyable ridge, and it's damned inconvenient! So I do like many, wait for summer holidays, shake off the rust, and pack a whole year's worth of flying into 3 weeks. Anyway, so if you like to fly, and don't mind the thermals, or finding a location, free flying is marvelous!
You sound cool, I would like to know more about your motor, like what base frame did you build off of? And emotor and batteries you use, what your controls look like
@@shable1436 I have a video of it here on my sailing site th-cam.com/video/M3AjxVkDUNI/w-d-xo.html I just designed it all myself. It's a 100cc, but wish I had gone with 150cc. Running on 44V
I can relate to everything you have said I am in the same position with work , have a 20 mile run to the airfield and live in the UK where the weather is always bad. I bought all the gear and have been training for the last 6 months with just 2 flights in up to now, I get very despondent with the actual time it's taking between availability and weather conditions.
im in the uk too £7k in and im the same young family , trying to work extra for the money to pay for my kit plus shit weather , ive considered selling up several times its ashame as i love it when im up
A bunch of valid points. Don't pick a hobby that is expensive, weather-dependent, and requires a long drive. Especially if you are a kind of person who wants to get good at it. Some examples are alpine skiing (unless you live on the mountain), some more fragile forms of aviation, certain water sports... the list goes on. Pick something that involves a 20 minute drive to an indoors facility that is available every day in any season. You'll be way more happy and you'll get much better at it.
If you love the sport and you're passionate, you make it work. I'm a full time student and work 30 hours a week. Still find time to fly at least 2x a week. Definitely not a sport for everyone.
I think it's important that people contemplating getting into a relatively expensive hobby or sport consider their situation and reality. Watching what is essentially someone's curated "highlight reel" doesn't tell the whole story. I like watching Tucker Gott and have watched his videos since his 15,000-foot viral video. He certainly makes the sport look very cool. BUT, Tucker is one of those rare individuals in every sport or hobby who can make a living doing what he loves to do. So he can focus his life on his passion. Let's face it, that's rare in EVERYTHING. Most people will not be able to create a TH-cam channel and build a brand that supports their interests. Your parents lied to you; you can't be or do anything you want in life. Some people can, but for most of us, we can't. So, Tucker's passion has paid off, allowing him to do things 99.99999% of those watching his video will not be able to do. He can travel and fly in interesting places, and he has built a huge network allowing him to focus on his passion. I'm happy for him. But the rest of us need to consider all the variables in our own life. Thanks for doing this video.
Oh yes , I was interested to hear your story, very honest and very true. I fly ppg here in Uk and believe me we have same issues, Ive watched tucker flying in his shorts with sneakers on and a T shirt with no gloves, and thought jeeez I must move to America wher every day looks perfect the grass is always cut nice, and poeple fly to mcdonalds. ....But of course, its fake, really for most of us is exactly what you say. .....good weather on a day off, and then no equipment issues is a rare thing. But we manage. when it goes good it makes up for it........"to appreciate a sunny day, you need a few rainy ones" ......when you have more time, youll be back.
The amount of people being so picky in this comment section- I can't WAIT to fly a paramotor- I have other hobbies but I've always wanted to fly, I binge videos of them every day along with other air sport videos- I understand how much money this takes and how like- dangerous it can be- I'm prepared for that
Hear hear! I'm with ya. These comments have been bumming me out. I've already paid my fee at Aviator PPG and am scheduled to go in a couple months. I can't freaking wait to do it. In order to accomplish this, I think people need to have a tenacity like we're showing. Tenacity is key to success in practically everything. I never expected paramotoring to be any different. I mean, the universe is just going to have to bend to my will, because this IS going to happen. lol. 😄
I got into the sport awhile ago, the time and hassle were a huge negative. I had to drive 30 min to my launch site and then depending on my equipment, (I have had many broken pull starters on my corsair black devil motor) or the weather wouldnt be very good. Anyway half the time I couldn't fly. 5 years after getting into the sport I needed a new wing because of age and hours, I also needed a better motor tired of corsair starter breaking. I ended up getting out of the sport. I hope to get back into it when I have enough money for new equipment, and when I can take off from the backyard of a new place if residents.
For me, I practiced kiting for 12 months before I ever left the ground. You NEED to know that in your sleep in all conditions. I watched many barely practice, want to leave the ground, and bust up their equipment. Training and ground handling is crucial. Having a solid place close to home is also key. A lot of self employed are in this sport and provides more flexibility. Location is key. You can fly all year verses up north your limited. Where are you located? People were flying just about every weekend when I was in Connecticut.
This is a great counter to the whilly-nillly person getting into this. Before you commit. Check into where you are. Find places you can do it. Find out about how often you can fly. Really think about how often you can make it work to see if it's worth it to you. These are very valid points.
Dude, I totally get what you're saying; thanks for sharing, and thanks for the candor. I have flown lite planes; sailed boats; I currently ride motorcycles. Everything you have said applies (at some level) to these three sports as well. I think it really comes down to passion. For me, I had to wait till my house was paid off, my kids were raised and on their own, and I had the free capital. The way around the scheduling is that your passion MUST exceed your druthers. We do what we have to do, so that we can do what we want to do. I am retired. That ends the scheduling conflict. I drive a school bus part time; when a good day comes up, I'm outa here! Flight is one of those things (like sailing) where 'bumpy' is not really scary. That's just experience, training, and practice. Turbulence is part of flying. Hanging from a collapsible wing on strings is interesting when it comes to turbulence. One of the things that is counter-intuitive is that trikes and quads are NOT the way to go; always foot launch. Its easier, more stable, and safer, especially when it comes to overloading and oscillating. Flying in large high pressure zones is good; geographically large high pressure zones are bad for sailing, and excellent for paramotoring. NO WIND. You may have thermals (bumpy) but you won't have wind related turbulence; landing and taking off will be smooth. AND, you can fly all day (or as long as the high pressure zone is stationary in your local area. Obviously, you need to be a weather-person. If you're passionate about flight, passionate about experimental aviation, passionate about being airborne, then you'll find a way. For the reasons you mentioned, and maybe some others too, it sounds like you lost your passion for personal aviation and experimental human flight. I understand. Again, thanks for sharing your thoughts. marcus
This put me at ease. I am off as many days as I work so I am basically off half the year. I work 2 days in a row or 3 days in a row then i'm off as many days as I worked. I'll never work a 6 day job or a 9 to 5 job. 12 hour shifts are way better cause you get to dedicate the entire day to work then have more time off. I think the 9 to 5 is soul crushing.
This is really true for most any hobby where there is a significant investment in time and money. Sometimes before you go all in, it helps to think about how you're going to enjoy your hobby time practically while still maintaining your career or family obligations. Even when that works out when you start, sometimes life happens somewhere down the road, and it suddenly becomes unaffordable.
For a lot of hobbies, which look awesome watching others’ videos, one of the biggest factors is where those people live. Being able to readily and consistently enjoy the hobby from one’s property or with an appropriate field/track/lake/mountain/forest/etc. can make that hobby ideal for some and not others. Similarly, it also matters whether there are others in your local community to share the hobby with. A hobby is that much better when there are others nearby that share the passion, experience, camaraderie, or competition.
This was me and skydiving. I wanted my license so bad but my instructor said it's a sport that requires a lot of patience comparable to fishing lol I work full time throughout the week and same issue. It took me 1.5 drive to get to the school and then I'd sit there the whole day waiting for the right conditions that never came. Instead of spending my limited time off skydiving or with friends and family, it was me sitting for 12 hours waiting for a small possibility that I could skydive. These types of sports require patience, time, and money. It's privileged to have all three.
Wow, appreciate your insight and honesty. I gave ppg a try and here's what I found. Had a lifelong friend that works for a highly respected school. Had the opportunity to take his class for free, did some work for him so he offered this in return. Also used his equipment as he personally owned 4 motors. Made around 15 flights and got fairly competent at flying. Even did a reverse foot launch. My take...I got bored super quick. Yes, it's a quick thrill. But flying over open land...not very thrilling. And I absolutely know there are a lot of people in this sport that stay with it because they're upset at the amount of time and money invested. They're bored too. Even if you fly different areas, if you observe the rules you're still flying over the same basic landscapes. I just didn't see the thrill in it and came to that conclusion super early. Thank God I didn't drop 15 or 20k into this.
Do you have a sense of wonder about discovering new places in nature? I feel like that would be kind of a prerequisite to enjoy geography and nature before you get into this sport.
Thank you for sharing your experience, I'm thinking to try this sport but really I like your point of view. the content on the internet mostly doesn't talking about these things. I think if anyone lives in countryside this may make this sport easy. but as you mentioned it depends on many factors.
I bought a paramotor in 1995 before there was YT. After doing some self training, surprisingly I got airborne on the first try, and I distinctly remember thinking that I was not going to get out of this without getting hurt lol. I ended up lining up with the field and landed softly so I didn't get hurt. The one flight only cost $9,000. You are right, paramotoring is not for everyone.
Thanks for taking the time to make this video. I don't understand why anybody doesn't like what you say. You clearly state this is your opinion, your experience. Duh. I do understand your position and can relate to some degree. I am retired so finding time is not a problem but weather and finding a willing nearby instructor was. Consequently I too have given up PPG. I didn't have the success you had. I bought my Green Eagle PPG and never got to fly it. It was not for lack of trying. Anyway, I have left PPG and now have a PPC. It is more senior friendly than PPG. You steer with your legs instead of your hands and the wing or canopy is easier to manage being rectangular. Instruction is lined up for the Spring. Thanks again for sharing.
We ALL watch the vids and live our lives vicariously to a greater or lesser degree. However......... You don't have to do the same. I go to a lot of music gigs and a boat load of people spend the whole gig filming on their phones....... why? I go to get "hot, sweaty and have fun and listen to the band" Enjoy life don't film it. Sorry it wasn't for you. 👍🇬🇧
Great video! Appreciate your honesty. I have been wanting to do it but at my age, 85, I’m kidding myself. I’m in decent shape but even if I was younger and in perfect shape, there is so much more to consider, cost, damage, time, weather, family obligations etc., as you have pointed out. I think I am finally getting over the urge which I think may be a good thing.
This is the most negative video I've ever seen. Dude, get a new job... life's too short for this bullsh*t. You don't want to live to work. You're supposed to work to live. Truly live!!!
Michal Chruscinski on another note, the point of this was to inform people who were wondering why I quit and to inform others who’s lifestyle might be similar to mine and they think you can just fly any time you want. As if it’s like taking a boat out or something. Many people don’t realize the complications. And that’s the point of the video. To talk about it from my perspective.
@@GrowingAnswers I totally understand your frustration getting the time, money and weather all aligned. I face it myself. If you fly alone only that may have been a contrbuting factor to your losing interest. A fellow I fly with is 65 and just learned to fly very recently. PPG will be here when you are 60 and the gear will also be way better. I took fixed wing lessons 25 years ago and did everything except the check ride and written test. I quit because I saw the ongoing expense required to keep current and realized it was way out of my financial ability. PPG is a rekindling of my flight experiences back then and I prefer it to fixed wing. To me it is like your own IMAX movie. Best of luck.
This is definitely a sport for those with patience, skill and perseverance. It can be frustrating when your responsibilities hinder you. It's also not a sport for the fearful. It sounds like you never had enough consecutive flying opportunities to facilitate your overcoming your fears. Sad to see a dream crushed by fear and inconvenience. Hopefully this video helps some folks save alot of money on gear and instruction though. Expectations and reality often diverge with extreme sports.
I've had a passion for flight since I was very young and would have dreams about flying. I would gladly pay whatever it took to go flying, but that's not my reality, as I sit in a wheelchair and can't follow my passion any more. Costs for this hobby ("sport" is the wrong word) are generally, initial outlay for your sail, harness/helmet and maybe some lessons, if you're not a pilot already. If you're breaking things regularly, then you're doing something wrong, anyways. Not sure what you do for work, but it seems/sounds like you're miserable doing it. Get out of whatever it is you're doing and find something that doesn't grind you into oblivion/insanity. Life is too short. If asked, your average elderly person will tell you of regret, not for what they did, but for what they didn't allow themselves to do. Just a thought. I have over 2K hours in hang gliders and a few hundred hours in parasails and wouldn't give a second back, including bashing teeth out after stalling over a rock formation. Flight is life!!!
Not sure what your injury situation is that keeps you in a wheelchair and mobility as such, but if you are serious about wanting to fly again, there are quads with adaptive steering. Contact Eric DuFour at Paratour.com and inquire. What have you got to lose?
Sorry about your wheelchair. At least you done something before it happened unlike a lot of people. Im also in a situation where i cant do things i wanted anymore
@@death2theworld , look up paragliding lessons. There's a video that my friend made. It's under the name, Peter Hodly and he had compassion on his friend that is in a chair too. He definitely got drug around a bit more than everyone else but the dude flies any chance he gets. He is just a paraglider. No power. Look for it. It's a little long but you will see.
I feel you :D I've had my pilot license (necessary in my country) and own gear for over 2 years and in that time I have alltogether some 4 hours flight time. I've had days when I unpacked everything and the engine wouldn't start. I've had days that seemed perfect but 30 m higher was such a Mordor I was willing to plant it in the woods as long as I get back to ground in one piece and yeah.. sometimes I take of and I'm like... ooookk.. coool... now what? and I just kinda fly around and look down at villages, which start looking similar after while. After all you just sit there with your hands up, doing nothing.. So unless you want to start pushing your luck and doing some tricks to kill the time and make it more challangeng or you're the type of person, who enjoys driving car or riding motorbike just for the ride alone with no real destination or purpose this might not be a sport for you. I'm not a dare devil (my stomack hurts every time I look at the sky and decide its good time to fly) and I use my motorbike just for transportation. So every time I'm getting ready to fly, I'm asking myself, why on Earth would I even do that.
There are many people who might be thinking about getting into this sport based on what they see online. From an outside perspective, it might seem like you can just fly any time you want as if it’s like taking a boat out or something. It’s not that simple. If you have a lifestyle like mine or only have curious interests about the sport, this is the video you want to watch before you go out and spend all your money. Unless this is the only hobby you have, the only thing you look forward to or think about, this may not be fitting.
People who have dreams of flying or obsess over it are the people this is fitting for. Optimally you want a local place to fly from and you either need to be retired or work a schedule that fits the circumstances of this sport.
The video is about my experience and I may sound like I’m complaining, but it’s the frustration you hear. I really did like flying, but watching videos of others flying gives some illusions about it. It all depends on the type of person you are and how you want to spend your time. With something like this, it will always be on your mind about your next chance to fly. It can stress you out.
I don’t see why so many people disliked this video. I’m not being negative towards anyone or trying to say I dislike the sport itself. It’s a discussion from my perspective and how it fits my personality and lifestyle. I’m am not unique and there are others out there who desire awareness wether they realize it or not. There is very poor resale value on the equipment so make sure this sport is something you truly want to do and stick with.
Just want to encourage you man, I gave this vid a thumbs up. There are NO videos out there that even begin to address some of the downsides of the sport, which you intelligently did here. Very valuable, and I'm glad you did it. I do want to fly, and will eventually get into something, but it may be ultralights vs. paramotors. Ultralights just seem safer, more flyable in moderate wind conditions, closer to "real" flying, etc. Your video helped me, so please don't be discouraged by the dislikes. Your video was enormously helpful to me, if nothing else by addressing some things that nobody else does. I'd rather go into something like this "eyes wide open" than with a fairly tale perspective. I want to hear the good, bad, and the in-between. Everything for sure. And you provided that, so thank you.
Thank you for this video there a lot of people who might get the impression that you can just fly away anytime you feel like going for a quick little spin around the county, it’s not anything like that my issue has always been finding some quality friends who enjoy flying also, I’m talking some experienced buddies you can fly with and have a good time together sharing the experience, that’s what I lack I don’t have anyone who is into the sport that is within reach to go flying on a Saturday, I’m always alone
@@fearlessfred89 where u located?
Flying with other experienced pilots helps.
Nick Griffith northeast Ohio. Near Cleveland
PPG Reality (average casual pilot):
1. Cost - Initial and spare parts (fragile, expensive, and wait for overseas shipping).
2. Time - Hard to fit into a normal/working/family schedule. Not a family event.
3. Frequency - Only during low/steady wind (
Thank you for taking time to summarize it so well.
@@GrowingAnswers Thank you for for sharing this all too rarely discussed side of PPG!
I've trained a lot of students over the years and I know this sport is not for everyone. It's not even for everyone who thinks they want to do it. Of course I'm not in business to talk people out of their 'dream', but after some conversation with a prospect I can often figure out if he's a likely fit for PPG.
This guys video regarding time available and launch option proximity is a good place to begin evaluating. Also PPG is a time consuming solo sport in which family participation is usually negligible. Spouse/kids will not participate in your PPG passion on a level compared to boating, camping, biking, etc.
Anyone with zero mechanical skills (and little interest in acquiring them), is a poor match for PPG. As simple devices go, these machines are frustratingly maintenance heavy in terms of time and money.
Passion, free time, money, maintenance, and a spot to launch..it takes all 5 to make it work.
Maybe paragliding is a better option for some less mechanically inclined individuals
@@andrewlapensee Maybe so. I don't have much experience with paragliding. Lack of close by hills mainly.
Hi. I have a fear of heights but love the idea of PPG. I have done stuff that one would think a person with a fear of heighs would never do. Like hiking up 5000 meter mountains.
My question is this; do you, as an experienced teacher, feel that PPG would be a good or bad hobby for me?
@@cosnniran Fear of heights is the natural human reaction to the fear of falling, there is nothing odd about that. Of course there are degrees of this fear that go beyond a normal reaction (acrophobia = irrational fear of heights), that does not sound like your problem. I tend to be shaky on ladders but PPG isn't an issue..go figure:)
Same 5 things for drag racing too lol
Thanks for your candor and honesty most people just don't think about the logistics involved, your point is well-taken thanks for posting.
well said!
Yeah, when I first looked into PPG, it became apparent that I’d be my own mechanic, I’d need a vehicle/trailer to haul the motor and all of my gear, and the potential to get to launch only the have things blown out seemed very daunting. Luckily, much of that was alleviated when I finally decided to go motor-less!
Not related, but I love your avatar... it's so cute...
Definitely good candor. I’ve been wanting to get into the sport in cleveland we have a good spot for it but I don’t have a lot of money.
For all the same reasons I sold my ultralight airplane. Had it for 8 years and averaged 10-12 hours per year of flying. Working full time and being at the mercy of weather and time. I decided that it was a retired man's sport. I would love to fly again once my days are my own and I can pick and choose what my day consists of.
Videos show all the glory without the effort. Hardly ever see a video where the pilot spends an hour getting their gear ready, an hour driving to the field to be there by sunrise only to sit in the vehicle and go home because the conditions sucked.
I'm 21 and trying to buy an ultralight now
I was wondering how this compared to ultralight. Thanks from Texas!
@@COMB0RICO
In Canada, a powered paragliding is registered as an ultralight aircraft.
Just stopped flying also. Built a light sport (Sonex) and flew it about 250 hours. Had a couple of ultralights. Very fun, but the maintenance and logistics finally wore me out. Decided to fish and ride my scooter a lot. Sleeping much better now….
@@liveandletlive2894 did you announce that for a reason?
TLDR; Work schedule is too busy; and you have to have good weather; all at the same time.
Saved you 16mins
thanks... about 6 minutes in and I'm still not sure what his definitive reasons are
Thanks man
Thanks, exactly what I needed to know.
I thought this was gonna be about too many crashes or near crashes or something. Sounds like he just pussied out.
Thank you
You should get a medal for taking this one for the team Mr Banana! Thank you!
I took my father to the Air and Space Museum in DC this last year. This enormous complex was filled with contraptions ranging from lawnchair helicopters and homebuild jet packs, to spy planes and space shuttles. The museum is a monument to every fool who saw a bird flying and said, "If it kills me, I'm going to do that".
I've been paramotoring for a year now, and I can say that for me the reward has been worth the risk. There was some early breakage (including my foot) but now I have over 130 flights in a row without any equipment damage. I still go out 2-3 times a week. I believe it's medicine. My wife says it's my therapy. For me, the 15k was money well spent.
We live largely 2 dimensional lives. Gravity puts us on the ground, and there we stay... unless we learn to fly.
That is poetry, brother.
Amen , I want to fly. I look up every day at the sky and want to be up there.
@@anonymousanonymous-tw3wm - much better to be on the ground wishing to be up, than up wishing to be on the ground. But still ….
You only live once think about it you can fly if you want .
It's either that or just sit on the fence and watch the birds fly by.
Weeeeeeeee
I have a private pilots license and these are the exact reasons I quit that. I know exactly what you are saying.
- Ideal weather is the only enjoyable weather.
- planes are always broken. Something always needs to be fixed.
- the whole point is to not die, my flights turned into forcing myself to fly and try to enjoy it. I was just surviving.
- I was flying like once a month like you said.
- If i had a $300,000 plane, maintained by a crew I would enjoy it...probably.
Sounds like you need a new job. Life is too short to work that much, we have to make time for fun. PPG is not so much a sport to me, but more of a way to be. It is the best therapy for PTSD that I have found. There is nothing that compares to the freedom of it. I think you will miss it, and I do think you would enjoy foot launching better. Take off from a soccer field and load it into your car. :)
So much this.
yeah this guy has been completely brainwashed thinking work is important ask anyone on their death bed non will tell you they wish they worked a job more. unless your a mechanic and love it then i dont see how his job is more fun or rewarding or less stressful? than ppg
It may not only be the job.. I work remotely and that helps a lot. I don't do PPG, but only regular paragliding. I must say it is a lot cheaper and may seem like a different sport entirely. I have a fixed on-call shift where I'm responsible for paging people and coordinating the team for restoring service, but I am lucky to be able to swap shifts sporadically with a couple of my colleagues. Getting back to the point of remote work and where you live... I live 20 minutes away from a great couple of ridge-soaring spots, and this year I managed to clock 100 hours paragliding, between thermaling, ridge-soaring and mountain-flying. Regular paragliding is a lot cheaper, a lot easier to get to a location where you need to be, and I believe even safer to put yourself in "strong" conditions (mid-day thermals) which I actually look for
If you don't work enough how exactly do you pay for the fun things in life that you can do with all your spare time while not working? It's a balancing act which changes as you move through life depending on circumstances and priorities.
take off from your backyard if its big enough..
This has been an excellent reality check for me and makes a ton of sense. Really appreciate you making this video!
It's totally false though and has nothing to do with the real sport. Get super training with a Flat Top and Dominator and it's a completely different world from getting scammed like this guy did.
@@DellSchanze Have you ever said something positive about another person in your life? Shut up about your brand and stop spamming toxicity on other people's videos
Sure it as
Wanted to add a few more comments from my last post. Last year I ran into some resistance on my launch site (elementary school with a lacrosse field). The janitor at the school made every attempt to always kick me off. And for some reason he took it personal. He must of had the cameras linked to his home monitor, didn't matter what time of the day (early morning Saturday or early evening Sunday) he would show up. Always threaten to call the police (being polite, I would tell him just to wait, because the police usually park here and watch). In the end, I pleaded my case to the school board superintendent and got permission to use any of the school's fields as long as there's no classes or parent teacher conferences going on or the fields aren't being used. Today the janitor and I exchange smiles and waves.
Also, I find video editing to be much more enjoyable with a collective movie that includes clips of flights throughout the year. Good luck in your future endeavors brother
I think that's a big thing he never really considered, asking someone else with a big ass field if you can launch from there, most people would happily say yes, if just to see the spectacle
Thanks man, it's good to hear a measured opinion on the sport. I also appreciate the fact that you were not necessarily prescriptive about your decision but explicitly stated that this was a set of personal factors. Definitely helps round out what we see on youtube and helps those of us considering entering the sport develop an informed expectation. Cheers.
WOW! What job is so rewarding? You are the exception to St. Peter & the pearly gate question. "Do you wish you had spent more time at your JOB? Choices are the human desires. Thanks for your additions to my searching of perspectives.
The air time I get, also came as a surprise. I finished my training last spring and I got maybe 12 hours of flying during the summer. When I first started getting into ppg, I thought I would be in the sky every day. Well, being a noob I always waited for calm weather and that didn't come too often and when it did many times there was something else to do.
It sucks when you only get to fly 2-3 times a month or less. It's not fun and it also means your skills and confidence don't build up as fast so you might actually start losing interest.
You're being too picky, not reading the weather correctly, or are letting little things scare you that are objectively not a threat. Most mornings and evenings are fine. Do you have a more experienced instructor / friend where you live that can help evaluate the conditions? What weather parameters are you accepting? What weather sites are you using and what are you looking at to decide? When you get onsite, how are you deciding if conditions are safe or unsafe?
@@entelin I've been keeping around 7mph a limit. I don't mind the bumpy air so much, but winds aloft pick up fast after that and that just means your parked with a slower wing.
It felt like it was an exceptionally windy summer, but can't be sure since it's only now that I've started to pay attention to the winds so much.
I live in Finland so I also have winter and short days to contend with for a good portion of the year. And if your planning to fly in the winter, a lake is pretty much your only bet for a launch site since the snow there isn't that deep usually. Then there's the cold. 30min max and you start to freeze.
It sounds to me like you're trying to convince yourself it's not for you. And that's ok. It's either "for you" or it's not. There's no shame in following your head. But most of your opinions and statements are for you only, not everyone. Everything you stated you already knew going in. You knew you worked a lot. You knew there were dangers. You knew it was weather specific. These are things that should've been evaluated before taking up the sport and spending the money. Good luck to you and take care.
@@LoLifeFPV Well I'm not trying to convince anyone, just saying I do understand where the guy's coming from.
When starting out, I really didn't consider how much the weather conditions and work might shave off flying time. All I was thinking was "Man, I'm going to be a paramotor pilot and I'm going to fly every day!" The reality is, when it's -20C outside you're just not that eager to go out flying ;) Or those evening flights might get a pass due to having to get up early for work.
Having said that, I don't regret dropping 10k into the sport one bit.
Personally, I would not sell my gear until my legs or back give out and it's physically impossible for me to fly. In fact I have a herniated disk situation going on for a while but I still manage.
Yeah come to middle Geogia and run your mouth about weather. I used government web sites to track winds velocities to include wind speed aloft and direction at different altitudes. Where I live is a clash of gulf warm air and cold air from the north. It was alway unpredictable I dont give a crap what site you used to look at weather. I flew on days with the sock barely moving and at 1000ft you would be thrown all over the place at sunrise. @@entelin
Thank you for posting this video. I appreciate your perspective. I’m still a relatively new pilot and I have been experiencing all the things you mentioned in this video. I will continue to pursue this dream, knowing all the challenges that come along with it as you described very well. Maybe things will change for you and you’ll get back into the sport. But if not, that’s OK too!
Yes , just went through it all. I'm 70 yrs old and lived in Alaska 30 yrs, retired from the army , started watching tucker gott on youtube , my wife wanted to live near her family in spokane and bribed me to take the class in spokane. Well i did a dumb thing and let blackhawk talk me into a quad 4 stroke with a 40 meter wing.😱 insted of a foot launch. It Ended up costing , with the class and hotels ,helmet, radio ect ect about 18,000 . Refied my house and made the class , eventually got the new quad from blackhawk some time later after the class . I was lucky and one of 3 people that actually got to solo before the instructor had to leave . Weather was not very good for the 6 day class but was able to get my solo. Did some ground handling after that and got about an hour airtime before my $5,000 wing started developing tears in leading edge of the huge wing . I then heard the other two people tbat soloed started having engine problems while in flight. I got smart real fast after this and traded my rig for a new sxs from my instructor in training. Quite an experience and was able to check off that box on bucket list 😊. thanks for your honesty, it really struck home👍. Take the class before you buy !!!!
you should have reviewed dell schanze training and opinons on the black hawk. The wing is a death trap. This guy will tell you everthing you need to know about certified paramotors. However, thermals and turbulence will change you mind quickly. I flew for 2 years with an ELSA 27 ft wing. Rotex 670 engine rated 90HP. I could not get use to the turbulence. My training saved my life quite a few times.
17:08 ⁰
@@kevindecker9444
Damn Tucker lol, hes got me 15k deep into the sport and i still haven't left the ground. Stoked to be a few good days of ground training from ready to take my first flight! might still be next spring.
I'm in the exact same place bro! 15k deep with two classes down! ✌️☹️
Why did you spend that much money before leaving the ground? You shouldnt buy anything without trying and learning how to use it first.
Did you buy a car before you had the drivet licence? Would you buy a boat without having been on a boat before?
Because where I live we dont have the luxury of flying schools and all that shit. My instructor is is extremely experienced but he doesn't have a school
It's 1 on 1 lessons until I'm ready. Any time I want as much as I need and all free because I invested in his motor which he designs and builds with high end parts. Moster 185 and all that shit. Then I bought the wing so I could practice kiting without him. So when I started I had enough money to just decide to commit. I'm doing this I never quit anything so I wasn't worried. I'm Canadian too so 7k for a motor with free unlimited training I couldn't pass up.
@@niconico3907 I did do a couple lessons before committing.
Guy in Alpine Ca near the lake El Cap claims to be an instructor. Ripped me off. Sells used garbage old gear to unsuspecting new pilots.
If you work that many hours a day, it is hard to get into any hobby. Then I hope you are making a lot of money from your work. Maybe you need to strike a balance between work and life.
No it isn't. Tons of hobbies take 0 prep time and can be done at any time during the day/week. If this guy wanted to do biking, he could start today, and go whenever he wanted to, never check conditions, and just go however many hours he chooses.
I agree with that work/life balance. It can take many sacrifices and a lot of compromising to make enough time to become a pilot!
Be glad you didn't take up hang gliding like I did when I was young. It, too, is very much a fair-weather friend. I did it long before this era of towing, in a state with 350-500-foot hills, some with no road access to launch.
On the rare days wind direction and speed were good (~15 weekends per year), I would spend hours per fly-day driving, lugging my 65-pound glider up the hill on my shoulder (GRUELING, even for a fit 20-year-old!) and assembling/disassembling my wing, all for 1-2 flights that (for me as a Novice flying small hills) lasted only 2-3-4 minutes, tops. Then there were the trips where I went through all the trouble and never flew because conditions changed during the day. In a whole year, I would be lucky to accumulate 20-40 MINUTES! The 50 or so flights I got in over 8 years? GLORIOUS! It will forever be a part of my fond memories of my youth.
Thank you for your video highlighting the downside of flying small craft!
I've seen some of those early hang gliding flicks, the colossal effort involved for a 2min flight for today's youth isn't acceptable. I appreciate the monumental experience it was leaving the earth, even if it was for a moment for your generation.
I fully expect the next generation won't be impressed unless there's a rocket ride to the moon, with optional shuttle to Jupiter....... in under 10 mins.
I got hang glider rated in the nineties. Would have to spend several hours traveling and more time for setup and waiting for wind in right direction. And this was before the internet on your phone! Would just have to stare at the ground for many hours.
Great discussion...that could describe many of the activities we'd like to try. Besides all the time constraints mentioned, don't forget all of the other hobbies/sports that you are already into. They all compete for your time. As I tell my buddies who own multiple motorcycles, "You only have one butt, why do you need 5 bikes?".
I'm taking PPG lessons right now & have considered many of the downsides you mentioned. However, I am retired, live near a small airport, and it won't be a financial concern. I'm still not certain I'll purchase the gear after my training. I'll need to find some retired PPG buddies for it to really be much fun to participate in.
Definately difficult when you have to drive an hour to launch site, I can understand that for sure. I am self employed and can often take a few hours if I want to go flying. Hope you get back into the sport later in life
I've been flying PPG for 3 years and I have to say your video is on point! I like to tell people, for me to fly the stars have to align. I really enjoy the sport when conditions are safe. I live in michigan and during the short summer I fly maybe once every two weeks. To get more time in the sky I just go to the great lakes shore line with the best forecast and it can be an all day event. This helps to offset the bad forecast.
I enjoyed your video. Recreational flying is privilege lifestyle and definitely requires a lot of sacrifice and even before TH-cam came along there were some people really selling a lifestyle which border on religious. I met enough dealers and instructors to know that. I also knew that the pitchforks would be coming out after you in the comments section for what they see is challenging their passion or living.
Everyone has to figure out whether the "price" (time, cost and risk) is for them and as you pointed out the majority of content on TH-cam is very pro. There is a business term "sunk costs fallacy" basically meaning once your invest in something there a pressure to keep doing so even if it feels like it was a bad investment. The sad reality is flying is not for everyone and more importantly not equally available to those who do want it for many complicated reasons. Few of us live in ideal locations and can afford to purse this activity at all cost. In general if a person finds that flying is not worth it for them that is ok and if they stay that is ok too.
I think the reason a video like this strikes a raw nerve in the flying community is many of us have had doubts, frustrations and less than 100% enthusiasm all the time for the activity. Chasing the wind extracts a heavy toll on all of us. It is fun to share our experiences and sometimes attract new people to the activity but equally important to discuss honestly with new people why people leave too.
Anyway thanks for your video.
You have good writing skills.
well said.
I appreciate this video a ton! I've definitely gotten lost in Tucker Gott's videos, and I'm taking a long time to evaluate whether this is just another hyper-fixation hobby, or something I genuinely want to pursue. So thank you.
I just sold mine today, sure it's fun. But I thought I could fly anywhere anytime, that just ain't the case. Fun in calm conditions, not fun at all in a small amount of wind unless it's steady, like off a beach or whatever
According to Dell Schanze, Tucker Gott doesn't know anything about paramotor flying. He promotes death traps. If you think you want to fly one, I would watch Dell Schanze, he knows what he is talking about. His training seems to be way more indepth that the idiots I have seen in Florida.
Honest opinion! I appreciate that. I completely understand and have experienced some of the same frustrations. This sport takes a commitment, and if you stick with it (for better or for worse) for better will always prevail. You have to accept that flight with a PPG is contingent on many factors, the beauty is when your experience guides you through those contingencies. It's a spiritual feeling when it happens.
This is very common for other sports involving weather like windsurfing, surfing, snow sports. You spend a lot, travel a lot and give up time to sit on a windless beach, or screeching down frozen mountainside with no powder. The videos of the pros don’t look like that since they spend 24/7 looking for perfect conditions around the globe. Great video.
Yes..I get stoked by Tuckers vids, but I realised I only enjoy his very low flying.
I have bought an ebike and can tear around the mountains, pretty well any weather and get that buzz on the ground.
Great comment, thank you
Yup been there. Can totally relate. but I just cant stop wanting to fly again. Great video and very honest and true. Thank you.
Thanks for making this video and offering your unvarnished remarks about your experience. It actually helps validate my reasoning for considering getting a powered parachute. I live in the country, have land I can keep clear for taking off and landing, and have space to store the thing. My schedule is flexible; I'm not retired but an empty nester with evenings free. And a PPC as opposed to a PPG is a better solution for me because I won't have to hold my rickety old arms up in the air to steer. However I totally get everything you said, including the p.s. at the end about it feeling like an obligation; when I've felt that way about hobbies in the past I knew it was time to move on. It's all good! Life is a journey; be mindful about where you are in that journey, stop and smell the roses, and keep going.
Thanks for your honesty and not “glossing” over like many in this hobby do. Due to the costs many are in denial about this hobby’s negative aspects. Your choice.👍👍👍
There's plenty of things worth criticizing about the sport, but he's wrong about the weather, "2-3 months" of weather unsuitable for beginners is complete garbage nonsense. Most places, most evenings and mornings are absolutely suitable for beginners.
For me motorcycles are the same cold rain. Too hot expensive and a money pit.
Good video. I am a private pilot and rated for single engine and tail dragger. Much of what you say here is true. If you don’t fly often it can rattle you in bumpy weather. Especially flying in the south with the thermals caused from the warm environment. I appreciate your open and honest review. You are right, we don’t see the hard times on TH-cam very often. Al the best!
Thank you. I live in Georgia and the turbulence is an experience. If I was lucky, I flew twice a month. I am retired too.
I’m retired, I can fly any day morning or evening, I fly allot, love it, most of his reasons here don’t apply to me.
This could be shortened to a couple of sentences. If you love to fly, and you can do it a lot, it's fun and satisfying. If he(or anyone, for that matter) doesn't want to do it any longer, he doesn't have to justify to anyone. Just stop and start gardening. OK, I didn't have to say that! Just being flippant. Are you still flying, David? I'm retired, as well.
@@2cqql1 yes, getting tandem certified in January. How about you?
@@ParamotorPrattville David, I'm 68 and just retired. I have a past as a private pilot and skydiver(many years back) and that is the genesis of my comments about loving what you do, and doing it often. I have spent countless hours on TH-cam researching your sport. This is what I want to do, other than riding my Harley. I was just struck by your comment referring to time available. Where will you get your certification? Does this allow you to legally fly with passenger? What gear do you use? I'm currently researching reviews for different motors, frames and gliders. Any input would be appreciated.
@@2cqql1 yes, the FAA has a rule that you must fly alone. But they have an exemption to that rule if you are USPPA certified to do tandems as an instructor. I’m going to Travis Burns of One up Adventures in Lake Wales Florida. As for gear. Choose your trainer and discuss it with them. I will say you might want to look at trikes. As we age the trike can make it easier to keep flying. I’m 56, but my knees are not the best, if I fly allot and am real active, they will swell, I’ve already had surgery on both. I still Foot launch though because I can do it from smaller take off areas (like my front yard). 😀.
Again, talk to an instructor about the gear you need. They will probably be the ones buying it for you as most dealers or even private people will not sell to an untrained pilot. God bless! Dave
@@ParamotorPrattville Yep, I guess that if I can get enough hours on one of these, my private license covers me for tandem.
When you have had your fill pushing on will just get you hurt. You have made a proper aviation decision. I didn't have a smooth flight after my first flight for months, and caught a late day thermal my 2nd flight, so I guess I got acclimated to turb pretty fast, mixed blessing :)
A few years ago, I gave up on trying to get my license to fly microlight airplanes for very similar reasons. The main issue was that the gap between lessons (because of waiting for the right conditions) was preventing me from making steady progress. I wanted a challenge but the whole thing started to turn into an disheartening slog - even though I loved it when I was in the air. Having become hooked on Tucker Gott's videos, I could tell that the old itch was sneaking up on me again but this gave me a reality check!
Thank you so much for your invaluable information, highly appreciate it, have a great day, keep it up the outstanding job.
Dude, You started with the wrong gear. I trained with a light foot launch unit, And flu in all kinds of weather. I never minded turbulence, and flew over 100 hours on my tach in three month’s. Literally I flew almost every single day. That big heavy trike of yours, is Strictly a Fairweather machine. A lot of inertia in that thing, and it feels sketchy as hell. Getting tossed all around twisted back-and-forth, I know because I also have one of those. Your first mistake was training With the wrong people, and buying the wrong gear.
Where do you live where the weather is flyable so often? Just curious
… and I'm back in. Thanks David.
I would think the trike would be more stable due simply to weight
@@ernieestrada5774 Ha, same here. Though I am still concerned about the fatigue he mentions of holding your arms up for so long. He's younger than me so wonder how big a deal that is?
@@andybowman9697 I could be wrong, but that seems like it might be trike only? The only reason I say that is because I see people letting go of the brakes all the time in various videos, but only when foot launching. I mean, the risers even have little spots for you to velcro or snap the brakes to for that very reason, and you can just turn with weight shift.
I don't care either way. I'm queued up to go to Aviator PPG for their 2 week course in a couple months. It's in my blood and absolutely must be done. If it ends up I don't like it, or can't do it very often, so be it. At least I tried. (but I don't anticipate that being the case)
Flying for me is a passion. I know where you are coming from from a time perspective, I used to live away from home and trying to get the stars to align is not easy. I did stop flying for a little bit but for I couldn't stay away. I hope you want to come back at some point. Flying its self is passion. Thank you for sharing.
Absolutely outstanding video. Thank you for sharing the reality of what you experienced. I have been considering getting into the hobby but you have given me some things to seriously think about before making the commitment. I appreciate it!
Ballsy video. I’ve gone through training and didn’t buy equipment for some of the gut feelings I had about the sport. You’ve touched on many of them. Thanks for the vid.
C B my gut was telling me no too, but I do not regret the fun I had. I regret the money I lost. I think back how long it took me to make that money and the rage I went through from work during the time it took to make it. But anything can be viewed that way. I mean going on expensive vacations and returning with nothing but memories is hard to say that a memory is worth it. Maybe one day memories can be implanted at cheaper cost.
Very good talk. You've raised a few things I didn't consider. I'm not sure if it has changed my mind yet as I'm losing some weight to either try paramotoring or gliding. Great talk about the time aspect and a few details that most people don't consider such as aching arms.
I'm trying to lose some weight also that's a good thing! Love flying. God bless.
I really want wingsuiting in my life but I'm 51 now and think maybe it's best I just sit that one out. lol
Never too late b
I've designed a prop/wing combo that might revolutionize this sport.
A twin prop, contra rotating propulsion and a dirigible wing (i.e. inflated with lighter than air gas and uncollapsable).
The twin props are to either side of the pilot and can be swung in behind the pilot meaning the wing can be flown, unpowered, while remaining aerodynamic.
The intention is to also allow the props to point down allowing thebpikot to "hover" and the buoyant wing will remain overhead.
The wing only holds its own weight, not the pilot etc.
I did a PPG course in Florida , but we never got to solo flight due to conditions and a questionable instructor. Never bought equipment and glad about that. You definitely work too much. Hard to enjoy any extracurriculars with that schedule. I would just be too busy enjoying not being at work to tackle an energy intensive hobby like PPG during my limited time off. Still, your video reminded me of my half-hearted attempt to learn surfing. Not my thing... then I got into kitesurfing and I live in the right place to do it. The money and time become inconsequential when you can do it a lot and enjoy the hell out of it. I would say keep looking for that right hobby, but I think first things first, find a job that doesn't rob you of life.
I guess the difference is work to live or live to work. I hope you love your job, because giving up something you enjoy because all your time is spent working I believe is a soul killer. This video makes me feel extremely lucky to have the time and resources to fly when the conditions are right. One note, winter flying is great, but requires some extra gear. I think heated gloves and socks are a must, a face mask with goggles also helps immensely. Finally, a heated vest under a snowmobile suit, and it all keeps you toasty warm for up to 2 hours. Yes, there is a little extra weight, but frozen lakes give flying access to thick wooded areas you could never fly when it’s warm. I hope when you get older and work less you find something you love to do.
the cellulon triptometer I had that stuff. No I don’t like my job, but it’s made me wealthy and I have too much time invested in the company to just up and quit. Throughout my employment the company has been called the soul sucking factory of sadness. And most employees did feel they lived to work there and most have quit for that reason.
It's not that I don't understand. I spent 30+ years in the Army meaning 16 hour days overseas in bad conditions for years at a time. Retired now and lucky at 50 to be drawing a full pension and have all the time in the world. I live in Wisconsin, so it is hard to believe with all that electric warmth you were still cold. Good luck, and I hope you get to live sometime soon whether that means doing this, or something else you love doing.
@@GrowingAnswers what the point of being wealthy if you dont have time to do stuff you like? And work all the time at a job you dont like.
"I have too much invested " is the worst reason to stay in a situation you dont like.
Yup. Priorities...some choices are: Work your life away to chase the dollar. Find a compromise of wealth and time. Barely scrape by and have time to live. Sounds like @growinganswers hasnt achieved the balance. Makes me sad to hear that someone works 6 days a week, lots of overtime and can't enjoy much for hobbies. Priorities, priorities....
I'm just now getting into paramotors, and I just saw your video. I'm so glad to hear the reasons. Thank you for the video. Luckily I'm in the situation where I work from home and have all time available and can take off nearby.
It's not for everyone, but it is absolutely amazing if you take the time and effort to grow your skills and buy the right equipment. I work five days a week 7am-5pm and still fly an average of three to four days a week for over an hour each flight. You have to be resourceful at times to find LZ's and plan different routes, but that is all part of the fun. Find others in your area to fly with and your skills improve faster. There is nothing out there that compares to it and I think my videos translate that very well. Life is too short to not experience something like PPG. At least you tried it. Take some time off and maybe come back in a year or more and give foot launching a shot. Thanks for sharing!
My first reaction to your story is #1 fear was plaguing you, #2 if this sport isn’t clearly the most awesome thing you’ve ever done, then I must lead a very sheltered life. To me there isn’t a close comparison.Sorry to hear this story really ,but I get it.
I think your narrow minded dude , if you didn’t listen much of it was his time to fly ie working long hours, also weather conditions un suitable to and his time off etc , there was a lot going on and realising this wasn’t worth it for him in the end not to mention the money spent on it all , this guys story is reality for more people than you know , I was going to get into hang gliding many years ago and because of this I never even bothered to buy the equipment or even start flying the dream was dead before I did anything I realised the reality before I was in, not to mention you got to have somewhere to store your hang glider they are very long even when folded down to pack away , there is a lot to consider , for those with lots of money and free time knock your socks off.
He did mention the fear factor. Sounds like that did diminished his pleasure.
@@JS-uz5tl Especially rough air. It's by no means a problem for some, some will learn to deal with it. For others, it's a pain you just don't want to deal with. Sounds like he belongs to the last group.
Very interesting video. I've been thinking about it but this video gives some honest perspective that I needed. Thank you.
You speak the truth. I'm a former skydiver and current PPG pilot. If I ever leave the sport it will be due to the same reasons you mention. 100% spot on in your assessment.
good video. I'm currently learning to hang glide which is also an expensive sport and subject to the weather. I have spent many days driving to the launch site only to get little to no flying time in because the winds are to high. Luckily as I progress I will be moving to truck tow and flying in the afternoons so wind will not be so much of a consideration as it is for me now as a newbie. One good thing about hang gliding is you can rent your gear if you want instead of buying. That helps keep costs down short term but will cost you more long term than just buying your own glider. Also, there are plenty of used/great condition gliders available because so many pilots transitioned to Para gliding or got out of flying completely. I hope you get to fly again its a shame to do all that learning and not be able to enjoy the fruits of your labor. Good Luck!
There is really no reason to dislike this video. You shared your honest opinion and personal experience. Nobody, really nobody is entitled to say you are wrong about what you are thinking. People often forget TH-camrs like Tucker Gott are first and foremost interested in delivering exciting and interesting content to gain views, and viewers are mostly interested in the romantic side of aviation and the freedom of flying. So that's what they will get, all the goods none of the bads.
I think you made it pretty clear without trying to talk anybody out of the hobby, just sharing your view and things to consider. Good job!
Totally agree with you....and thank you for your honesty. You may have given it up now....you are still young, trust me....the passion will always be there, and when the time comes, maybe ten or twenty years time, circumstances will have changed and you will really want to get back in the air....Cheers
I very much appreciated this video. I was seriously thinking about taking this up and was really trying to weigh the pros and cons, Sure, the view is great up there, and being exposed to the elements that way would certainly be a big rush. But I can also see that once that initial rush wears off, it could get boring pretty fast. Flying low playing the terrain like an obstacle course would be fun for a while -- until I end up in the hospital.
For a real rush, nothing could beat windsurfing in the ocean for me in years past. But trying to get down to the NJ shore from Philly was a major hassle and usually resulted in a total waste due to LACK of wind! I finally just gave it up for that reason. Just as well though because too many guys who were seriously into it were dying of skin cancer.
dying of skin cancer? wow, that sounds grim. I am looking at soaring atm. Less weather dependent and lower to the ground.
We all appreciate your time honesty in making this.
Where did you get trained? Not trying to pass judgement on you or your training, but I agree with others if it’s for you then you’ll make sacrifices to do it. I’m a big believer in the concept of we shouldn’t have to “learn” to like something...
Maybe it’s not the right time, or it’s just not for you.
I’ve got 10 flights in during training and anxious for more. But winter is here and I didn’t want to buy gear until after training. I figured in 10 flights I’d be able to make a personal and “educated decision”. I’ve tried several hobbies and even those that I spent thousands of dollars on, but didn’t work out, at least now I KNOW for sure. Interest in drifting, did lots of research, bought a mustang, built it into a drift car, learned how to drive it, now know I want more. I wanted a motorcycle with a side car, did lots of research and ended up buying a URAL, kept it about a year, decided it wasn’t for me, sold it and never looked back. I have an interested in fun “sporty” cars so I did lots of research and test drove a car for about 15 minutes and still have that miata today, almost 10 years later. No plans on getting rid of it anytime soon. There is only way to experience some sports / hobbies, and that is by doing. Almost all of my friends dislike the miata, but as with anything you value, it has to tick YOUR individual boxes.
J10on4ds I trained at flight junkies. the closest I could come to knowing if I would like it was watching 100’s of videos. I couldn’t for the life of me get the trainer to do anything so that I could experience it before buying. No tandem, no tow line. I did like it and I did go out of my way to make things happen. But that’s what got me. I kind tired of doing all that. It’s like when I play some video games. I’ll love playing them for a period, but once it gets either too hard or starts feeling pointless I just stop. I tend to lose interests in many things though. I’ll try stuff for a while and then just stop. this was the hardest thing I decided to stop doing. It’s life changing. It’s somewhat close to the feeling of a break up.
@@GrowingAnswers if you cant get the instructor to make you test fly before buying gear, run!! And go to an other school.
Don’t know Capt Kurt at Flight Junkies, but he doesn’t seem like the most trustworthy guy to me. He makes a lot of claims that seem too good to be true.
@@GrowingAnswers You didn't get training, you got sold equipment. You fell for his "free" training that, as you found out, didn't include things like towing etc. and was not much training at all. I always tell people who are eager about the sport and want to run out and buy gear not to. Reputable places WILL give a tandem for about 100 bucks so you can experience it first and decide if it is right for you. If you ever decide to take it up again in the futures, please go get a 100 dollar tandem first and do not train iwth anyone that requires you buy equipment first.
I have had a very similar experience, I have owned my motor for a year and only have 20 hours on it. It’s hard to get out and fly with work and young kids, I wonder if training had anything to do with being so uncomfortable in the air? I feel like I rushed myself into the air and it makes it harder for me to feel comfortable in the air I have heard of people having 20 flights with their instructor I had like 3....it was definitely me pushing to be on my own. Good topic for a video sorry to hear about your experience.
Glad I listened to your story, thanks for posting. I am a CFI and have considered PPG, enjoyed your frank comments. I agree; you don't want a hobby that scares you sometimes, even a little. Kudos!
I can relate to everything really. Work is fine for me but family commitments take its place. There is also the guilt of having a young family and doing a sport that is not family inclusive and potentially dangerous.
That said, Monday looks flyable.... Woohoo.
Best of luck to you
😂
I ride horses and in my opinion I don't think you should give up on it just because it's dangerous.
I have an Aerochute. Now I live in Sydney. There is nothing and nowhere to fly around here. So I go to Victoria and meet fellow Aerochute flyers. Its more than 1000km away. But I take 5 or 6 days off to do it. The flying is only one part of the trip. You spend more time on the ground than in the air. So its frienships and the meeting of like minded people that form the whole package of flying. Like any sport you spend more time off the field or out the water than you do in it. So again its about sharing the interest or adventure. If you work 6 days a week tben its obvious you are working too much. Also in the USA you do not get anywhere near the holidays and rostered days off we get. It comes down to the old proveb. Do you live to work or work to live?
You made the right call man. To do this hobby, a person needs a flexible enough schedule to get enough flights per year to keep their skills sharp and maintain flying reflexes. It can be dangerous if you only do it a few times per year. You made the safe choice. And you can always come back to it if you get a more flexible schedule, or during times between jobs, or retirement. Else I would recommend using vacation days when the weather is right during the week. That's how I get enough air time. I don't use a motor and rely on thermals, so the weather has to be just right. I go any weekend with a good thermal forecast, and if it's an epic weekday, I'll take most of the day off after checking in with the boss in the morning. A person should tell their boss they have an aviation hobby, and occasionally will need a day off last minute -- just promise you'll only do it a few times per year. 3-4 solid weekday flights per year plus all the good weekends should be enough to keep your skills sharp. For me it's not so much about schedule, but I get sick and tired of how far I have to drive just to get to TRY to fly. Sometimes I drive all that way 1:45 minutes, and there is no lift or the thermals aren't working. I wish I could fly closer to my house. I wouldn't do PPG either, I don't like the noise and all the extra equipment to deal with. Free flight is the way to go for me, even if I have to tow to get started. Good decision man. Also, with hang gliding, you never have to worry about a collapse. But you lose the easy portability of pg. For me it was worth it, the feeling of flight in hang gliding is what I was looking for all along. Pg taught me the air and skills, but I see hang gliding as the culmination of my air time. To me it's the best and only way to fly.
If it flies, floats or f***ks, it is cheaper to rent- Hagadone
You've made some very valid points for someone like me considering getting into the sport that I haven't really thought of. I've been researching it a lot and I'm sure it would be fun but working full-time and not having a convenient area to launch and land from is a perspective I initially failed to consider. So that does really limit the amount I'd even utilize the investment especially when weather and conditions are so pivotal. It is a lot of money for something you can't expect to do everyday or even every weekend if you're lucky enough to have suitable conditions. Thanks for sharing your insight
Wow, listening to you and your experience sounds awful. I live in Michigan, flew 120 day's my first year and arguably we have some of the worst weather in the country. I never once complained about bringing out my gear... I used it, cleaned it, tuned it, learned about it. When Para waiting for the right time, I would Kite my wing, never once thinking poorly of whether I would fly that day. Bottom line, I commend you for making the decision to move on. Your message shouted that you did not fall in love with PPG and that's ok, it's not for everyone. I think you should listen to all the excuses, complaints and negative remarks you stated in the video.. then be honest with yourself and ask, is what you said the reality of the sport or was it you?
FlyMiPPG LLC Mike Cotter thanks for a civilized response. Comparing paragliding to fishing is just a poor comparison. While not getting into everything, fishing is called “fishing” because the point of it is TRYING to catch fish not “catching fish.” It’s not called “catching” for that reason. The other point of it is to simply to waste time for those who have nothing else important to do. My girlfriend is obsessed with it. I can tell you she has not spent thousands on equipment and goes literally any time she wants to. No matter the weather. She also spends the entire day if it’s a weekend. While I’m home taking care of chores and priorities. point is, I hate fishing. But even though I don’t like it, it would be much more of a lax hobby than PPG. There is tons a local places to go, no burden of weather or specific wind conditions, can go any time you want and just sit there with a rod and do exactly what you want, which is nothing. I have other things I enjoy doing. But ur right, it’s not ppg that’s the problem as I said in the video, it’s my own perspective. It’s like a bad relationship with someone...you both are a bad match, not just you or the other.
Do you guys have any classes open this summer? I'm in Michigan and been thinking about getting into the sport.
@@TomKeda Yes we do. Take a look under the advanced tab of our Facebook page it has a list of all of our scheduled training classes. Feel free to give me a call if I can answer any of your questions. You will find my contact information on the Facebook page facebook.com/FlyMIPPG/
M Cotter
He literally explained in the video it was his personal reasons. There was no ambiguity whatsoever.
@@StockChartsTrading it natural for ppl to get offended if their passion is knocked
Oh how I love the long drawn out explanations. The word count is so important. I never have enough frustrations in my life but this video certainly helps.
I taught myself in a months time of training an hour every evening after work when weather permitted. In 5 months time I’ve got 14 hours+ of flight time and I work a lot. If you foot launch you can launch from almost anywhere, I’ve launched out of parking lots. The more you fly the less turbulence will bother you. At first the smallest bumps seem sketchy but in reality they’re not. If anybody has questions about getting into the sport from someone who just got into it themselves feel free to contact me. Don’t fall for the captain kurt fresh breeze or super dell crap either. A lot of other machines out there that are just as good and better. I got into this sport for 5 grand and my equipment is still going strong.
I am a private pilot. Weather downs me me too. Your work situation would pose an obstacle to flying fixed wing aircraft as well. Since I’m thinking about getting into the sport, I value your input.
I started paragliding 6 years ago and did it for two year did 150 hours then started ppg foot launch i have 500 hours air time , if you wanted to fly you would find time and you would learn to predict weather better over time .
Because everyones situation is your situation.
Thank you so very, very, Very Much for this video! You helped save me a lot of time, effort and money and Thus pain and aggravation! I've been watching other videos that talk about the problems and difficulties people have run into, that I was not aware of... I'm so glad I took the time to find these videos!!! Additional because I am on a fixed income!
1) You need to just fly from a local field, you shouldn’t have to drive over an hour to go an fly. Don't bother going to an approved site or where you have special permission. The best strategy is to not ask for permission otherwise the land owner might say no. As long as it's a relatively quiet spot and you use it for landing and taking off only and you fly away from the spot for your actual flight the chances of someone having an issue with it is really quite low. 2) The fact that you felt that you needed to constantly share footage of your flights says more about you than the sport. 3) If you are scared of being bumped around a little then you need to man up, PPG's are really very safe and can handle turbulence without being at risk. Your hands should not get tired, you should stow your lines when cruising. 4) Any meaningful hobby requires time and money, aside from speed and useful load PPG's are the most superior forms of flight in literally every sense.
@magnetosphere please don't suggest trespassing on peoples property to launch your paramotor! Around here it is considered a crime and can get you into all kinds of trouble. If people ask first I usually am happy to help them but if they are trespassing It doesn't end well. A little consideration and respect will serve the sport better than acting like a little entitled kid.
I just looked at the rest of your channels videos and can tell that plant growing is obviously your main passion. Follow your passion and do what makes you feel alive. For some people it's paramotoring, for others it's plant growing. Just do what makes you happy people 😊
You should donate all your equipment to a disabled, retired vet... um, that I know.
@Tut Pook ...or to someone with a speech impediment.
Or a really nice person 😀
@@anonymousanonymous-tw3wm perhaps the easily identifiable, nonjudgmental type
I love free flight myself. Thermalling is like playing chess in the sky, incredibly gratifying when you do a great distance, and QUIET!! All that said, I have built an electric paramotor (which I haven't flown yet) just to (hopefully) get to thermal altitude when not in the mountains. If you're on the flat, towing is an option, and also isn't super expensive like a paramotor. Small engines pack it in as soon as I look at them so I'll never go near a gas paramotor.
And I sympathize with you on the location. I have to take 2 ferries (5 hours total) to get near a flyable ridge, and it's damned inconvenient! So I do like many, wait for summer holidays, shake off the rust, and pack a whole year's worth of flying into 3 weeks.
Anyway, so if you like to fly, and don't mind the thermals, or finding a location, free flying is marvelous!
You sound cool, I would like to know more about your motor, like what base frame did you build off of? And emotor and batteries you use, what your controls look like
@@shable1436 I have a video of it here on my sailing site th-cam.com/video/M3AjxVkDUNI/w-d-xo.html I just designed it all myself. It's a 100cc, but wish I had gone with 150cc. Running on 44V
I can relate to everything you have said I am in the same position with work , have a 20 mile run to the airfield and live in the UK where the weather is always bad. I bought all the gear and have been training for the last 6 months with just 2 flights in up to now, I get very despondent with the actual time it's taking between availability and weather conditions.
im in the uk too £7k in and im the same young family , trying to work extra for the money to pay for my kit plus shit weather , ive considered selling up several times its ashame as i love it when im up
Take a week off in the spring or summer
A bunch of valid points. Don't pick a hobby that is expensive, weather-dependent, and requires a long drive. Especially if you are a kind of person who wants to get good at it. Some examples are alpine skiing (unless you live on the mountain), some more fragile forms of aviation, certain water sports... the list goes on. Pick something that involves a 20 minute drive to an indoors facility that is available every day in any season. You'll be way more happy and you'll get much better at it.
If you love the sport and you're passionate, you make it work. I'm a full time student and work 30 hours a week. Still find time to fly at least 2x a week. Definitely not a sport for everyone.
I think it's important that people contemplating getting into a relatively expensive hobby or sport consider their situation and reality. Watching what is essentially someone's curated "highlight reel" doesn't tell the whole story.
I like watching Tucker Gott and have watched his videos since his 15,000-foot viral video. He certainly makes the sport look very cool. BUT, Tucker is one of those rare individuals in every sport or hobby who can make a living doing what he loves to do. So he can focus his life on his passion. Let's face it, that's rare in EVERYTHING.
Most people will not be able to create a TH-cam channel and build a brand that supports their interests. Your parents lied to you; you can't be or do anything you want in life. Some people can, but for most of us, we can't.
So, Tucker's passion has paid off, allowing him to do things 99.99999% of those watching his video will not be able to do. He can travel and fly in interesting places, and he has built a huge network allowing him to focus on his passion. I'm happy for him. But the rest of us need to consider all the variables in our own life.
Thanks for doing this video.
Oh yes , I was interested to hear your story, very honest and very true. I fly ppg here in Uk and believe me we have same issues, Ive watched tucker flying in his shorts with sneakers on and a T shirt with no gloves, and thought jeeez I must move to America wher every day looks perfect the grass is always cut nice, and poeple fly to mcdonalds. ....But of course, its fake, really for most of us is exactly what you say. .....good weather on a day off, and then no equipment issues is a rare thing. But we manage. when it goes good it makes up for it........"to appreciate a sunny day, you need a few rainy ones" ......when you have more time, youll be back.
Tucker can afford to fly all the time: he is comped by the manufacturers and also a flight school that pays him for referrals.
The amount of people being so picky in this comment section- I can't WAIT to fly a paramotor- I have other hobbies but I've always wanted to fly, I binge videos of them every day along with other air sport videos- I understand how much money this takes and how like- dangerous it can be- I'm prepared for that
Hear hear! I'm with ya. These comments have been bumming me out. I've already paid my fee at Aviator PPG and am scheduled to go in a couple months. I can't freaking wait to do it. In order to accomplish this, I think people need to have a tenacity like we're showing. Tenacity is key to success in practically everything. I never expected paramotoring to be any different. I mean, the universe is just going to have to bend to my will, because this IS going to happen. lol.
😄
I got into the sport awhile ago, the time and hassle were a huge negative. I had to drive 30 min to my launch site and then depending on my equipment, (I have had many broken pull starters on my corsair black devil motor) or the weather wouldnt be very good. Anyway half the time I couldn't fly. 5 years after getting into the sport I needed a new wing because of age and hours, I also needed a better motor tired of corsair starter breaking. I ended up getting out of the sport. I hope to get back into it when I have enough money for new equipment, and when I can take off from the backyard of a new place if residents.
There's no way your wing was shot after5 years.
For me, I practiced kiting for 12 months before I ever left the ground. You NEED to know that in your sleep in all conditions. I watched many barely practice, want to leave the ground, and bust up their equipment. Training and ground handling is crucial. Having a solid place close to home is also key. A lot of self employed are in this sport and provides more flexibility. Location is key. You can fly all year verses up north your limited. Where are you located? People were flying just about every weekend when I was in Connecticut.
This is a great counter to the whilly-nillly person getting into this. Before you commit. Check into where you are. Find places you can do it. Find out about how often you can fly. Really think about how often you can make it work to see if it's worth it to you. These are very valid points.
Dude, I totally get what you're saying; thanks for sharing, and thanks for the candor.
I have flown lite planes; sailed boats; I currently ride motorcycles. Everything you have said applies (at some level) to these three sports as well. I think it really comes down to passion. For me, I had to wait till my house was paid off, my kids were raised and on their own, and I had the free capital. The way around the scheduling is that your passion MUST exceed your druthers. We do what we have to do, so that we can do what we want to do. I am retired. That ends the scheduling conflict. I drive a school bus part time; when a good day comes up, I'm outa here!
Flight is one of those things (like sailing) where 'bumpy' is not really scary. That's just experience, training, and practice. Turbulence is part of flying. Hanging from a collapsible wing on strings is interesting when it comes to turbulence. One of the things that is counter-intuitive is that trikes and quads are NOT the way to go; always foot launch. Its easier, more stable, and safer, especially when it comes to overloading and oscillating.
Flying in large high pressure zones is good; geographically large high pressure zones are bad for sailing, and excellent for paramotoring. NO WIND. You may have thermals (bumpy) but you won't have wind related turbulence; landing and taking off will be smooth. AND, you can fly all day (or as long as the high pressure zone is stationary in your local area. Obviously, you need to be a weather-person.
If you're passionate about flight, passionate about experimental aviation, passionate about being airborne, then you'll find a way. For the reasons you mentioned, and maybe some others too, it sounds like you lost your passion for personal aviation and experimental human flight. I understand. Again, thanks for sharing your thoughts.
marcus
Now we don't have to worry about you getting hurt out there. On to other adventures!
This put me at ease. I am off as many days as I work so I am basically off half the year. I work 2 days in a row or 3 days in a row then i'm off as many days as I worked. I'll never work a 6 day job or a 9 to 5 job. 12 hour shifts are way better cause you get to dedicate the entire day to work then have more time off. I think the 9 to 5 is soul crushing.
It sounds like you made the right choice for you. (>* It's a tough call sometimes. Good for you.👍👍
This is really true for most any hobby where there is a significant investment in time and money. Sometimes before you go all in, it helps to think about how you're going to enjoy your hobby time practically while still maintaining your career or family obligations. Even when that works out when you start, sometimes life happens somewhere down the road, and it suddenly becomes unaffordable.
For a lot of hobbies, which look awesome watching others’ videos, one of the biggest factors is where those people live.
Being able to readily and consistently enjoy the hobby from one’s property or with an appropriate field/track/lake/mountain/forest/etc. can make that hobby ideal for some and not others.
Similarly, it also matters whether there are others in your local community to share the hobby with. A hobby is that much better when there are others nearby that share the passion, experience, camaraderie, or competition.
This was me and skydiving. I wanted my license so bad but my instructor said it's a sport that requires a lot of patience comparable to fishing lol
I work full time throughout the week and same issue. It took me 1.5 drive to get to the school and then I'd sit there the whole day waiting for the right conditions that never came. Instead of spending my limited time off skydiving or with friends and family, it was me sitting for 12 hours waiting for a small possibility that I could skydive.
These types of sports require patience, time, and money. It's privileged to have all three.
Wow, appreciate your insight and honesty. I gave ppg a try and here's what I found. Had a lifelong friend that works for a highly respected school. Had the opportunity to take his class for free, did some work for him so he offered this in return. Also used his equipment as he personally owned 4 motors. Made around 15 flights and got fairly competent at flying. Even did a reverse foot launch. My take...I got bored super quick. Yes, it's a quick thrill. But flying over open land...not very thrilling. And I absolutely know there are a lot of people in this sport that stay with it because they're upset at the amount of time and money invested. They're bored too. Even if you fly different areas, if you observe the rules you're still flying over the same basic landscapes. I just didn't see the thrill in it and came to that conclusion super early. Thank God I didn't drop 15 or 20k into this.
Do you have a sense of wonder about discovering new places in nature? I feel like that would be kind of a prerequisite to enjoy geography and nature before you get into this sport.
@@leob4403 sure, but flying over endless open fields maybe once a month after dropping 15k to 20k for that privilege is ridiculous in my opinion.
@@kevinc6763 fair enough but that would depend heavily on where you live though, you live in Kansas or something like that?
Thank you for sharing your experience, I'm thinking to try this sport but really I like your point of view. the content on the internet mostly doesn't talking about these things.
I think if anyone lives in countryside this may make this sport easy. but as you mentioned it depends on many factors.
You don’t experience personal flight and quit. You will be back. It’s too addictive
I bought a paramotor in 1995 before there was YT. After doing some self training, surprisingly I got airborne on the first try, and I distinctly remember thinking that I was not going to get out of this without getting hurt lol. I ended up lining up with the field and landed softly so I didn't get hurt. The one flight only cost $9,000. You are right, paramotoring is not for everyone.
sounds like you are just burned out. Too much on your plate.
Thanks for taking the time to make this video. I don't understand why anybody doesn't like what you say. You clearly state this is your opinion, your experience. Duh. I do understand your position and can relate to some degree. I am retired so finding time is not a problem but weather and finding a willing nearby instructor was. Consequently I too have given up PPG. I didn't have the success you had. I bought my Green Eagle PPG and never got to fly it. It was not for lack of trying. Anyway, I have left PPG and now have a PPC. It is more senior friendly than PPG. You steer with your legs instead of your hands and the wing or canopy is easier to manage being rectangular. Instruction is lined up for the Spring. Thanks again for sharing.
We ALL watch the vids and live our lives vicariously to a greater or lesser degree.
However.........
You don't have to do the same.
I go to a lot of music gigs and a boat load of people spend the whole gig filming on their phones....... why?
I go to get "hot, sweaty and have fun and listen to the band"
Enjoy life don't film it.
Sorry it wasn't for you.
👍🇬🇧
This is a very great video for me . It really made me think about paragliding in a more realistic way. And ti was an eye opener. Thank you.
No reason to give it up. I’m in exactly same position as you. I just fly when I get the chance sometimes there may be 2 months between flights.
Great video! Appreciate your honesty. I have been wanting to do it but at my age, 85, I’m kidding myself. I’m in decent shape but even if I was younger and in perfect shape, there is so much more to consider, cost, damage, time, weather, family obligations etc., as you have pointed out. I think I am finally getting over the urge which I think may be a good thing.
This is the most negative video I've ever seen. Dude, get a new job... life's too short for this bullsh*t. You don't want to live to work. You're supposed to work to live. Truly live!!!
Michal Chruscinski maybe when I’m 60 and retired I’ll revisit it. Most of the men I seen in training were 50 and over. That’s a tell right there.
Michal Chruscinski on another note, the point of this was to inform people who were wondering why I quit and to inform others who’s lifestyle might be similar to mine and they think you can just fly any time you want. As if it’s like taking a boat out or something. Many people don’t realize the complications. And that’s the point of the video. To talk about it from my perspective.
If this is the most negative video you've seen, you must live in a fantasy world. LOL
@@brandonnonya3680
Most negative video in regards to paragliding. 😎🤙
@@GrowingAnswers I totally understand your frustration getting the time, money and weather all aligned. I face it myself. If you fly alone only that may have been a contrbuting factor to your losing interest. A fellow I fly with is 65 and just learned to fly very recently. PPG will be here when you are 60 and the gear will also be way better. I took fixed wing lessons 25 years ago and did everything except the check ride and written test. I quit because I saw the ongoing expense required to keep current and realized it was way out of my financial ability. PPG is a rekindling of my flight experiences back then and I prefer it to fixed wing. To me it is like your own IMAX movie. Best of luck.
This is definitely a sport for those with patience, skill and perseverance. It can be frustrating when your responsibilities hinder you. It's also not a sport for the fearful. It sounds like you never had enough consecutive flying opportunities to facilitate your overcoming your fears. Sad to see a dream crushed by fear and inconvenience. Hopefully this video helps some folks save alot of money on gear and instruction though. Expectations and reality often diverge with extreme sports.
I've had a passion for flight since I was very young and would have dreams about flying. I would gladly pay whatever it took to go flying, but that's not my reality, as I sit in a wheelchair and can't follow my passion any more. Costs for this hobby ("sport" is the wrong word) are generally, initial outlay for your sail, harness/helmet and maybe some lessons, if you're not a pilot already. If you're breaking things regularly, then you're doing something wrong, anyways. Not sure what you do for work, but it seems/sounds like you're miserable doing it. Get out of whatever it is you're doing and find something that doesn't grind you into oblivion/insanity. Life is too short. If asked, your average elderly person will tell you of regret, not for what they did, but for what they didn't allow themselves to do. Just a thought. I have over 2K hours in hang gliders and a few hundred hours in parasails and wouldn't give a second back, including bashing teeth out after stalling over a rock formation. Flight is life!!!
Not sure what your injury situation is that keeps you in a wheelchair and mobility as such, but if you are serious about wanting to fly again, there are quads with adaptive steering. Contact Eric DuFour at Paratour.com and inquire. What have you got to lose?
Sorry about your wheelchair. At least you done something before it happened unlike a lot of people. Im also in a situation where i cant do things i wanted anymore
@@death2theworld , look up paragliding lessons. There's a video that my friend made. It's under the name, Peter Hodly and he had compassion on his friend that is in a chair too. He definitely got drug around a bit more than everyone else but the dude flies any chance he gets. He is just a paraglider. No power. Look for it. It's a little long but you will see.
I feel you :D
I've had my pilot license (necessary in my country) and own gear for over 2 years and in that time I have alltogether some 4 hours flight time. I've had days when I unpacked everything and the engine wouldn't start. I've had days that seemed perfect but 30 m higher was such a Mordor I was willing to plant it in the woods as long as I get back to ground in one piece and yeah.. sometimes I take of and I'm like... ooookk.. coool... now what? and I just kinda fly around and look down at villages, which start looking similar after while. After all you just sit there with your hands up, doing nothing.. So unless you want to start pushing your luck and doing some tricks to kill the time and make it more challangeng or you're the type of person, who enjoys driving car or riding motorbike just for the ride alone with no real destination or purpose this might not be a sport for you.
I'm not a dare devil (my stomack hurts every time I look at the sky and decide its good time to fly) and I use my motorbike just for transportation. So every time I'm getting ready to fly, I'm asking myself, why on Earth would I even do that.