Summer Idiocy?
Thread Starter
Summer Idiocy?
Yesterday (Saturday) was the first 'real' Summer day this year and here on the N Norfolk coast the visitors were out on the beach and the kids enjoying themselves. Then along came 3 'Darwinian Candidates' or, possibly, 3 village idiots having an afternoon's jaunt ... in motorised para-gliders. Heading N - S at heights ranging from 150-ish to some 30 - 40 they proceeded gaily indulging their 'Look at me. I'm terribly important and daring' fantasies. Some while later, we were treated to a repeat spectacle in the opposite direction - only lower. So, if this brain dead trio wish to endanger themselves, so be it. I would, however, prefer NOT to have some gene-pool liability damaging me or my loved ones with the sudden arrival of the mechanical bits of their pointless pastime. Should any of them be reading this (assuming literacy is a skill which they DO possess), they might wish to bear in mind that their chosen 'display stage' included the Bacton Gas Terminal - the UK's main gas terminal, which has more 'plods' per square inch than you can (or would wish) to shake a stick at. Apart from the possibility of legal action, the general enthusiasm of our 'protectors' for shooting and killing things which they find disturbing (innocent or otherwise) might persuade them to re- route their future playtimes, both further from the inhabitants AND at heights which more approximate to FLYING.
Such a change, at least in respect of staying further from the buildings although stupidly low, has been evidenced by the clown with the low wing fixed gear aerobatic job which regularly demonstrates his (lack of) skill along the same coast line so one can but hope!
Such a change, at least in respect of staying further from the buildings although stupidly low, has been evidenced by the clown with the low wing fixed gear aerobatic job which regularly demonstrates his (lack of) skill along the same coast line so one can but hope!
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Cornwall ahhh a beautiful area which I know well having been married to a Cornish Girl.
I also used to fly a twin into a disused airfield called Davidstowe.
The reason was a building company needed to get management in on a regular basis to inspect the construction of a large factory.
Often the cloud was very low and I would do a very low pass over the runway to make sure there were no animals on the very short usable bit of runway remaining before landing the twin.
The amount of times I had people with chains dangling around their necks and smoking grass complaining was ridiculous.
The microlight club owner would call them Cornish Carrot Crunchers. The Cornish are unique in being quite isolated people but lovely too.
They resent the constant invasion of Emmits and oppose any development which will upset their meditational peace.
Are you really sure the events were as dramatic as you portray.
If so a visit to the Microlight club where they live may achieve something as most are sensitive about upsetting the locals me too even the Cornish Carrot Crunchers!!!
Pace
I also used to fly a twin into a disused airfield called Davidstowe.
The reason was a building company needed to get management in on a regular basis to inspect the construction of a large factory.
Often the cloud was very low and I would do a very low pass over the runway to make sure there were no animals on the very short usable bit of runway remaining before landing the twin.
The amount of times I had people with chains dangling around their necks and smoking grass complaining was ridiculous.
The microlight club owner would call them Cornish Carrot Crunchers. The Cornish are unique in being quite isolated people but lovely too.
They resent the constant invasion of Emmits and oppose any development which will upset their meditational peace.
Are you really sure the events were as dramatic as you portray.
If so a visit to the Microlight club where they live may achieve something as most are sensitive about upsetting the locals me too even the Cornish Carrot Crunchers!!!
Pace
)
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Are paragliders same as paramotors? People with engines strapped to back and parachute wing thingy (& do goose step to launch?)
Last edited by Duckeggblue; 22nd Jul 2012 at 19:19.
Cornish Jack ....."their pointless pastime" Without getting into disputes about their alleged poor airmanship, please explain why it is "pointless" Shirley it is just another way of enjoying flying?
To echo the words of my Kamerad, Pato.... "Pray tell what a microlight club has to do with paragliders"
Gawd! There's some right snobs around here
To echo the words of my Kamerad, Pato.... "Pray tell what a microlight club has to do with paragliders"
Gawd! There's some right snobs around here
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It might not be snobbishness.
Those who only fly certified aircraft and do actually know that there are such things as uncertified aircraft may simply think of them all as "microlights" and not be aware that actually there are myriad different types of uncertified aircraft.
I guess you could class that as "ignorance", but most people are "ignorant" of many many things that they don't actually have any reason to need to know.
Those who only fly certified aircraft and do actually know that there are such things as uncertified aircraft may simply think of them all as "microlights" and not be aware that actually there are myriad different types of uncertified aircraft.
I guess you could class that as "ignorance", but most people are "ignorant" of many many things that they don't actually have any reason to need to know.
Paramotor = paraglider + engine.
They are subject to the ANO the same as the rest of us, but unfortunately because training is not mandatory, many of their pilots have no idea about controlled airspace, rule 5, and a handful of other things that they really should know about.
Microlights in the UK are certified aeroplanes with licenced pilots, and tend to be operated rather more sensibly. I've yet to come across many paramotor pilots in microlight clubs, but a check here might find a paramotor club locally who can point you in the right direction.
Incidentally Pace, if you used to fly into Davidstowe, you probably were talking to the inimitable Ian Stokes who I also knew quite well. So, you probably will not enjoy reading the link below about his untimely ending a few months ago, but one should know perhaps.
Briton
G
They are subject to the ANO the same as the rest of us, but unfortunately because training is not mandatory, many of their pilots have no idea about controlled airspace, rule 5, and a handful of other things that they really should know about.
Microlights in the UK are certified aeroplanes with licenced pilots, and tend to be operated rather more sensibly. I've yet to come across many paramotor pilots in microlight clubs, but a check here might find a paramotor club locally who can point you in the right direction.
Incidentally Pace, if you used to fly into Davidstowe, you probably were talking to the inimitable Ian Stokes who I also knew quite well. So, you probably will not enjoy reading the link below about his untimely ending a few months ago, but one should know perhaps.
Briton
G
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Must happen in July every three years!
Just reread OP's similar post for July 2009 called "Once is stupid..........". 'twas entertaining!
Would post a link if I were not so stupid........
Maybe we should just cut & paste to save getting overheated?
Just reread OP's similar post for July 2009 called "Once is stupid..........". 'twas entertaining!
Would post a link if I were not so stupid........
Maybe we should just cut & paste to save getting overheated?
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Paramotor = paraglider + engine.
I raise the distinction since paragliders are largely flown under club auspices & as a collective flying community go to some lengths to maintain good relationships with landowners and other stakeholders. Paramotoring doesn't really exist within the same structure hence the odd rogue buzzing the beach drawing a bit of sniffy irritation such as above. 100% of pilots are out for a good time, slightly less than that are consistently sensible and exhibit empathy toward others, but let's maintain a sense of perspective.
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I had a go at paramotoring last year and loved it, unfortunately the present Lady Dementia decided it was too unsafe, I was too old, and it was about to become another toy, sadly she has a PPL so speaks with some aviation knowledge (she's also an ATCO, but I forgave her that some years ago) She also hated it when I tried paragliding, but that time she had made sure she knew where all the insurance policies were first.
I was a tad surprised when flying north up the eastern side of the Luton zone in a helicopter about 7-8 years ago to see a paramotor above Luton's usual layer of cloud at about 1500'-2000' flying straight across the 26 final approach. I doubt he would have shown up on radar at all, but I also doubt he really knew where he was. It was the usual early year weather in that part of the world, low cloud and fog at Luton and Stansted and clear and sunny in the BPK-BKY gap.
I wish anybody who is able to enjoy unregulated aviation the best of luck (I wish I could skip a few regs), but maybe a bit of training on controlled airspace wouldn't go amiss.
SND
I was a tad surprised when flying north up the eastern side of the Luton zone in a helicopter about 7-8 years ago to see a paramotor above Luton's usual layer of cloud at about 1500'-2000' flying straight across the 26 final approach. I doubt he would have shown up on radar at all, but I also doubt he really knew where he was. It was the usual early year weather in that part of the world, low cloud and fog at Luton and Stansted and clear and sunny in the BPK-BKY gap.
I wish anybody who is able to enjoy unregulated aviation the best of luck (I wish I could skip a few regs), but maybe a bit of training on controlled airspace wouldn't go amiss.
SND
Last edited by Sir Niall Dementia; 23rd Jul 2012 at 11:27.
Cut & Paste Intellectual
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Genghis - that is some justice handed down by Gambian court : looks as though the police in Gambia have some interesting interrogation techniques as well.
The court heard that Churwbiken was beaten, stamped on and burnt with cigarette butts while being questioned by police
Pace - I remember making an approach to Davidstowe and noticed that there were several anglers practising their casting techniques on the field. A missed approach and flying down the runway at about 1000’ attracted their attention. I was always wary after making a landing at North Cotes – just south of Humberside and running into several gulls who were ensconced on the runway. The gulls that survived but injured were humanely destroyed with a plug socket spanner I carry in the rear cargo bay and a large body bag was returned to CAA.
Sorry about the drift both contextually and now it appears geographically
The court heard that Churwbiken was beaten, stamped on and burnt with cigarette butts while being questioned by police
Pace - I remember making an approach to Davidstowe and noticed that there were several anglers practising their casting techniques on the field. A missed approach and flying down the runway at about 1000’ attracted their attention. I was always wary after making a landing at North Cotes – just south of Humberside and running into several gulls who were ensconced on the runway. The gulls that survived but injured were humanely destroyed with a plug socket spanner I carry in the rear cargo bay and a large body bag was returned to CAA.
Sorry about the drift both contextually and now it appears geographically
Yes - I found it interesting that this simply seemed to be the police report in court, and the local paper didn't seem to find that at-all unusual or worrying.
A very dignified response from Gordon Salter as well I thought.
G
A very dignified response from Gordon Salter as well I thought.
G
Back to the original thread.......
I know that plenty of Paramotor pilots must have ended up hurting themselves accidentally ....... but has there ever been a documented case of a Paramotor injuring any Third Parties ?
I know that plenty of Paramotor pilots must have ended up hurting themselves accidentally ....... but has there ever been a documented case of a Paramotor injuring any Third Parties ?
Last edited by Blink182; 23rd Jul 2012 at 13:57.
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"....... but has there ever been a documented case of a Paramotor injuring any Third Parties ?"
Don't know but there but for the grace of.... etc I could have gone...
About eight years ago returning from the west country to North London, at FL050 I was south of Lyneham, north of the ranges and receiving a radar service from Lyneham in good viz etc. I decided to go round a bit of Cu instead of thru' it, and thank God I did, On the other side of it at exactly my level and about 300m from the side of the Cu was a paramotor. Presumably no radio, not painting on radar etc. Would have been a nasty mess for both of us!
Don't know but there but for the grace of.... etc I could have gone...
About eight years ago returning from the west country to North London, at FL050 I was south of Lyneham, north of the ranges and receiving a radar service from Lyneham in good viz etc. I decided to go round a bit of Cu instead of thru' it, and thank God I did, On the other side of it at exactly my level and about 300m from the side of the Cu was a paramotor. Presumably no radio, not painting on radar etc. Would have been a nasty mess for both of us!