Building a Flying Machine - Photos from building my first backpack aircraft
A paramotor is a flying machine that literally lets you run into the air and fly like a bird. Very simply it is a paraglider propelled by an engine you wear like a backpack (paramotor).
The paraglider is really the "flying machine" the paramotor is what propels you through the air.
Here are some random pictures I took while building it.
It came in what seemed like 100 pieces...
Unlike other paramotors that have the fuel tank on the outside, this one has a fuel bladder that is sandwiched between the frame...
I chose the Vittorazi Moster 185 for it's power and good reputation for reliability...
Initially the engine didn't fit so I had to modify the engine plate.
While there are some paramotors that have electric motors, most have 2-stroke engines because of their high power to weight ratio. This engine puts out about 25hp which is impressive for it's small size.
Adding the primer bulb and the fuel filter...
The propeller and the harness are on...
Ready to fly....
Hope you enjoyed :o)
Michael
Wow cool, like to see more 😁
Thanks bud :o)
Well done, I am very tempted to try this. As you have the experience you might want to give this a look: The World's Toughest Air Race - The Icarus Trophy
It's definitely one of the coolest things I've ever done but the sport is weather-sensitive and unfortunately the weather in South Florida has been crappy the last few months.
Those guys that fly in the ICARUS are way more skilled than I am right now. Not sure if flying a long distance like that appeals to me...paramotors are VERY slow unless you catch a good tailwind.
Thanks for the comment bud :o)
So it is 185cc ? Cool post! I have a Buckeye powered Parachute back in Indiana. I did a post on it 9 months ago.
https://steemit.com/life/@brianphobos/flying-ultralight-aircraft-is-another-passion-of-mine
I'm going to follow you, and Resteem your post to get you some exposure!
It is good to have more para pilots here on Steemit!
Hi Brian, yeah it's a 185cc, one of the larger engines found on a paramotor which I need because I'm pretty heavy at 215 pounds.
I like your powered parachute, there's a few of those flying around down here. They are quite a bit bigger than a paramotor, almost like a flying car lol.
I'm sure the weather in AZ is nice for flying, you should check into getting a paramotor because they are easy to travel with and can literally just go into the back of your car, especially if you have an SUV or a truck.
Thanks so much for the resteem, as minnow food, it's not easy getting posts seen ha ha.
I subscribed to you too.
Cheers,
Michael
I like the portability of the paramotor like you have for sure. I don't feel like it would carry me out of the runway at my parents house in Indiana like you see in the pictures. I'm 215 lb as well.
That Buckeye has a 592cc Rotax 2 stroke engine. 65 HP. Taking 1 person out of that runway was no problem. It was up in no time. Taking 2 people was another story. It was sketchy but I did it about 6 times.
How lucky to have a runway at your parents house, It's not easy finding take off areas in South Florida, everything is developed or fenced.
Nice! Cant wait to see some flying action!
Thanks man!
Dude I've been fascinated by these since the first time I saw one. I cannot wait to see more!
Cool man, thanks :o)
This looks really fun. What are the safety concerns?
Hi Andrew:
It's actually one of the safest forms of aviation.
If the engine quits in the air, you just float back down to the ground nice and easy...and it's happened to me a few times.
Takeoffs are the riskiest part but I've botched PLENTY of them nut it usually means a grass stain and a bruised ego and if you're unlucky that day, a busted propeller....which I've experienced too.
Unlike free flight paraglider pilots who look for thermals, to avoid potential wing collapses, paramotorists (especially newbies like me) try to avoid them which is why we fly a few hours after sunrise or a few hours before sunset.
Of course you are flying so there is a lot to think about....weather, other flying things, power lines and so on but overall I feel safe doing it.
Cheers,
Michael
Nice looking and well engineered :) Is this a recent build? i.e. any flying videos yet? :)
Here you go Rob...
http://paramotorflying.com/my-videos/
The best video is the Flying With Birds video.
I have more flying footage, I just have to sit down and edit it.
Thanks man,
Michael
"I ran out of gas!" lol
Very competent looking for only your 7th flight :)
Music a bit of a 'Pirates of the caribbean' style.
Yeah I actually have another paramotor now.
This paramotor looks cool with no external tank but it (1) doesn't hold much fuel and (2) it's not easy to determine how much fuel you have left by squeezing it.
I've actually run out of fuel a few times, luckily with a paramotor this is not a big deal as long as you have someplace safe to land.
Now I have a Kangook with an external tank (you can visually see the fuel level) which will be in all my future videos.
Cheers,
Michael
Do you have a little mirror on a retractable lanyard to be able to view the tank behind you?
Yep a little Lucite backpacking mirror.