Flight 17 - Short XC flight

I've been looking to fly and use the paramotor to get from point A to point B and not just A-A.  Inspired by the Icarus Paramotor Race I figured I would attempt to fly a short XC flight from my current landing zone (LZ) at Farm B back to the house, and return to the LZ.  Total distance is actually less than my last flight from the Farm, so I wasn't planning anything out of the ordinary just using my aircraft in a different way.

I arrived at the field with a very light and uncertain wind.  This would be great for flying, once I could get off the ground.  The field was getting a little tall,.. maybe 8 inches or so, but clumps of weeds and stiff grasses were present here and there.  I took some extra fuel on board in case I decided to circle around the town and fly over the eastern farms and open space rather than returning along my start route.

Setup went well and I built a wall with my glider, layed it back down, and cleared my lines.  Last time I flew here my first launch was blown because my lines snagged a weed and I needed to reset.  So, this time, I grouped my lines together and walked them back to my wing.  Engine checked out, so I clipped in and prepared for the launch.  Of course, a truck with two guys is now in the driveway and I"m ready to launch, better get this one right!..... 3....2....1..... and off I went.  Smooth on the inflation and power, and I was off rather simply.

Here is a video of my flight.  Down the eastern side of the lake to stay away from over town and the most direct way to my home.  A few quick circles around the house and neighboring farm, and I decided to follow this route home instead of taking the eastern side of town.  I didn't get much time to map out a route on that side so maybe that will be the next flight.

Well, damage done, but not to bad after I really inspected it.  Everything else seems in tact and no damage to the prop, netting, or me.  Even though the night was full of soreness.

Bent outer cage as I tripped up on landing

Sometimes, you just have to get creative.  I installed some lag screws into the big jams of my garage door and used a series of ratchet straps to secure the cage at the joints so that nothing should shift.  I used another as a stretcher, and took my time keeping watch on things.  Snug one here, one there, and I'm really happy with the end result, can't even tell if you didn't see it here on my blog.

"Experimental" method of repair

Hope to get some flights in soon.  This working stuff is taking its toll.