Winch

[motorhead]

Have any of you guys heard of the skynch project? These guys built a remote controlled winch system:

[RClarkson]

Sorry I don't, like Golden I go so much I just know where they are. How's the winch coming? Please don't do this on your own. It's great that you want to tow. I've really wondered why paragliders haven't been out flying in the spring. It is the best flying this country has and I would think even more so for paragliders. I don't have a problem with you building your own winch but don't build a winch and then go out and try to learn how tow by yourself. Get some one who knows how to come out with you and teach you. They will know where the sites are. Good luck and I hope to see you out in the spring. Keep us updated on how the winch is coming.

[bollob]

I do have a static line winch and we did some tows with it, but it is not to comfy and safe even with weak links.







I was looking in the internet for any cheaper solutions than hydraulic payout winch and finally decided to purchase one of Quantum winches made by Greg Justus from South Africa. This winch does not looks that much solid like hydraulic payout but many paragliders from whole world are very pleased about it and so far I have not found any complains. It is designed to use for small groups of pilots ( up to 4-6 guys) who do tows mostly in weekends. I should receive it sometimes in middle of march and after few tows I be able to say a bit more about it.













Here is link to the Greg Justus website: http://quantumwinches.com/

[motorhead]

For the money you spent on that winch and the dangers involved with towing paragliders (stalling on launch or lockout) you where much better off buying a paramotor. The amount of gas that you would spend on a day of towing would amount to an easy 3 hours of airtime with a paramotor (10 litres = 3 hours airtime without thermals).

I have done some static line towing when I trained for flying paramotors. When I had asked the instructor why he never towed paragliders to high altitudes his reply was that it was too dangerous and that he only incorporated towing into his school so that the student could learn a proper landing approach and flare prior to their first powered solo flight. I have also met several PG instructors who agree that towing is too dangerous and to get airtime over the flatlands and it is much better and safer to fly a paramotor.

[bollob]

Hmmm, You kind of right about costs and gas , but I think this is all about difference between paragliding i PPG. I never tried PPG, but I do not think I would feel to comfy with all that noise and extra 15 kg on my back. On top of that , one of most beautiful things in paragliding for me is that wind sound in the lines and quiet around.

[motorhead]

Can't blame me for trying now can you! Just trying to turn more pilots over the powered flight, but I also love the sound of the air passing through the lines and under the canopy.

BTW, I know of a road just east of Morinville that is clear of power lines and is only 20 minutes from the city. The downside is that restricted airspace starts after 2200 AGL, but you could still use it for practice tows. Just go east of Morinville on HWY 642 and then north on Range Rd. 261. It is clear of power lines and surrounded by farm land.

Have fun!!

[E-MARK]

YES!
This is a totally cool and viable resource for a paragliding group. I looked at a couple of manufacturer's sites and then the videos of some of the tows. It looks safe enough. One guy claims to have achieved 210m climb on 900m tow with 0 wind. Impressive.
Ty, please keep us up to date on how your machine is coming along.