This flying season is right around the corner and with that comes the excitement to start flying again. I'm sure I'm not the only one stuck in the office day dreaming about flying in some beautiful warm weather! With that being said there are a few things we think are worth talking about before the season begins.
- Being Rusty - Whether it's been a week, a month, or 3 months, being just a little rusty is something we all will face. It's important that when you start flying again that you work your way back into things. Don't just immediately start yanking, banking, cranking, and spanking. Work into things slowly, have some patience, and remember you are not the same pilot you were last year.
- Pick Your Weather Days - Like I mentioned in the previous bullet point, we are a little rusty. The last thing you want to do is go out to the field a try to launch in conditions you are not prepared for or comfortable with. If it's not perfect for you, don't do it. Maybe you don't like light wind conditions, so wait until there is a little bit of wind. Pick your days more cautiously until you've gotten a few flights under your belt.
- Excitement - We are all super stoked to get back in the air but this doesn't mean you should push bad weather or bad situations. Just because you haven't flown in a while doesn't mean the bad conditions is worth flying in. Don't push those limits. Don't just force the flight because you are excited and haven't done it in a while.
- New Year, New Gear - Some of you may have found yourself buying the new latest and greatest wing over the winter and are excited to take it out for it's first maiden flight. However, maybe it's best you keep that in the bag for a few flights until you get comfortable in the air again. Get some practice in and then consider taking out your new wing. Being rusty, excited, and on new gear can be dangerous!
- Progressing Too Quickly - It is important when you are new that you don't try and push yourself more than you are ready for. Flying can be dangerous and it's ok to take baby steps and to work up to things slowly. Consider taking an advanced training or spending more time with your instructor before you push yourself to the next level. It may just save your life.
- Advancing Wings Too Quickly - We all want the next new hot thing, but maybe you are not ready for it. It's important that you are real with yourself before purchasing anything. More advanced wings can be fun but the room for error is a lot less and you don't want to find yourself in a situation you are not ready for.
- Consider Taking An Advanced Training - The old saying "you don't know what you don't know" is very true in the world of aviation and in paramotors. It's never a bad idea to spend more time with instructors who can help safely guide you to the next step. We offer one here at Backcountry PPG and would be happy to help anytime.
Spring is on the horizon and we are all very excited to fly. Hopefully this pointed out a few things to keep in mind as you wipe off the rust and get back into the swing of things.
Thanks,
Trevor Steele
https://backcountryppg.com/