Way to Go - (Solo)  by John Wheeler

As some of you may have seen my paramotor was up for sale recently because I found it to be underpowered, mainly because last weekend when it was very hot/sunny and light winds, I found that I had problems getting off the ground, having to run much faster and longer before I could get lift-off, which was very frustrating, that had never happened on the previous occasions that I have been out flying with my motor.

Because I have only just started paramotoring I didn't know that there is some rocket science that can explain this phenomenon, after speaking at length on the phone to someone who runs a school and who seems to know his science on thrust etc; I was informed that they too had had problems that weekend with getting there students off the ground, I was told it was due to the fact that I was flying during the hottest part of the day from midday till about 4 O'clock when the air is at it's hottest and thinnest, and so there is less resistant for the props' to push against etc;etc, well something like that, anyway I can't remember all the technicalities as to why the engine performs less but it seemed to make sense at the time, so I have decided instead of getting rid of, I am "hopefully" going to upgrade the performance of my unit by just a few Kgs of thrust which is all I feel is needed to get me off on those hot light wind days.

I have found a company that can supply me the necessary bits and bobs to do this at very reasonable cost, to be precise £273 which includes shipping costs, (if purchased separately the cost would be £400+ .

The Booster kit consists of :

• SILENCED AIR FILTER.
• OVERSIZED CYLINDER HEAD.
• TUNED EXHAUST.
• SPECIAL GASKET.
• SPARK PLUG.

All of which I think I can fit myself.

This should boost my units performance by at least 5-10Kg if not more, which should help a lot, it will be a lot cheaper and less hassle than trying to sell mine and buy another unit, also, I have become very familiar with the workings of my unit since I've had to virtually re- build it from scratch over the last 6 months, I am gradually, slowly but surely, ironing out all the probs; with it, that's what I like about Paramotoring there is always something to keep me tinkering about and to keep my interest up on those miserable non flyable days, I think that had I not discovered the motoring side of flying I would probably not be flying any longer, as there is only so much you can do with a bag of washing, most of the time it's just sat in it's bag, in the corner, at least with the motor you can strip it down and re-assemble it for something to do, I find this is a very good way of learning about the workings of the unit and helps keep my interest up,(reverse engineering I think they call it) So if anyone else has the same problem of "getting it up"(the paramotor that is) on those hot windless days, maybe that's the "WAY TO GO"
(Just can't wait for my BOOSTER kit to arrive to have a tinker)

PS The same company also stocks a complete range of SOLO engine parts.
Check them out at: http://www.flyproducts.it/Ing/index.htm a long established company who have a fantastic new website that shows everything in excellent detail, at very good prices, plus you can also order online now.

J.W. Oxford. BHPA Mem: No. 4713. Email: Av8er@lineone.net

By Pierangelo Mezzapesa