[jrbeccles]

I saw two powered parachutes flying over Brownwood a few days ago. Does anybody know if there is a local field or instructor that they fly from? If so I'd love to take some lessons!
Thanks

[John_W]

About 3 years ago I was at the Tamarind Grove pool and I was looking up, there is no noise to get your attention from a hang glider. So it was just lucky I was looking up when in short time I was watching at my count, 33 hang gliders all about 800' to 1200' above The Villages. I tried to find out about it, and there was a small mention in the newspaper about a couple of them had landed in TV, but they were mostly a club going from somewhere south of here to Ocala area. Here's a Hang Gliding club in Groveland, that is south of here, maybe they can help.

Quest Air Hang Gliding

However you mentioned powered, which would be powered paragliding and is totally different. These guys didn't appear to have any power, that is one reason I wanted to know how they could launch so many at one time that didn't have power.

Hang glider is what I saw that day.



You mentioned powered, this is Powered paragliding.

[SIRE1]

About 7 or 8 years ago (maybe more) there was a powered parachute operation west of Wildwood. There were offering both rides and instructions. They were operating out of a grass strip along the east side of I-75 between 466 and 42. I've tried to find that field another of times in the last few years because I too was interested in taking lessons, but I can't find it. If you happen to get some information, or if anyone else out there knows, please post it on TOTV. I'd really like to find out if they are still in business.

[collie1228]

There is a training facility in Apopka, which has YouTube videos showing training flights. Really neat stuff. Try searching YouTube for powered paragliding and you should find them.

[manaboutown]

This fellow I have known for many years may know of someone near The Villages who could help you out. You definitely want to go with a certified instructor and excellent gear. West Coast Paragliding Paraglider training instruction lessons Los Angeles Orange County Huntington Beach California WestCoast Paragliding WestCoastParagliding

[New Englander]

This must be fun, but it sure looks very dangerous.

[manaboutown]

My friend makes sure his life insurance is paid. A few years back his girlfriend who was flying solo plunged to her death.

[bob47]

Originally Posted by SIRE1

About 7 or 8 years ago (maybe more) there was a powered parachute operation west of Wildwood. There were offering both rides and instructions. They were operating out of a grass strip along the east side of I-75 between 466 and 42. I've tried to find that field another of times in the last few years because I too was interested in taking lessons, but I can't find it. If you happen to get some information, or if anyone else out there knows, please post it on TOTV. I'd really like to find out if they are still in business.

If you drive west on CR 466, about 0.6 miles before the road crosses I-75, there is a road that goes south. The operation you were thinking about was on that road but now appears to be closed.

[Retiring]

Originally Posted by jrbeccles

I saw two powered parachutes flying over Brownwood a few days ago. Does anybody know if there is a local field or instructor that they fly from? If so I'd love to take some lessons!
Thanks

Can I be your beneficiary

[croughwell]

We will be closing on a home in TV at the end of November. Jen and I both fly FAA Part 103 compliant powered parachutes (PPC) that fall under the same regulations as Powered Paragliders (PPG) also frequently referred to as Paramotors. Paramotors are the "backpack" models with the motor and propeller being worn, and they can also be attached to a small wheeled lightweight cart. We have made arrangements to fly out of a grass airport 10 minutes away from TV in Coleman called Freeflight (511 Taylor Ave, Coleman, FL 33521). The owner is a very nice guy and quite knowledgeable about aviation. Ultimately, we would like to start a PPG/PPC Club in TV.

[jrbeccles]

Croughwell
Please let me know what your plans are - Id love to learn and hopefully join your club
jrbeccles
e-mail jrbeccles@yahoo.com

[BoatRatKat]

Last night we watched a guy flying around in his motorized parachute in the field down Conservation Rd in Pine Hills. Never saw anything like that, looked like lots of fun except that every time the motor sounded a little weaker than normal we held our breath.