Exploration from the AIR, by John Holder
Powered Paraglider OE Triphibious
Exploration from the AIR, by John Holder
The Ultimate Tool for Aviation Photography
The powered paraglider (PPG) is classified as an experimental aircraft; it
is the smallest, lightest, and slowest flying powered aircraft in the world.
The unique abilities and qualities of this aircraft enable the
pilot/photographer to capture powerful images of the planet, inaccessible by
other more traditional aircraft.
The Aircraft
The PPG is composed of three primary components: The Wing- A ram-air device,
which appears to the layperson as a parachute, but is actually an airfoil or
lifting device (wing). The wing has openings in the leading edge directed to
internal cells which in turn are charged by the pressure of the force
generated by the incoming air inflating the cells and producing the form of
the wing, that form an airfoil which produces lift. The Motor- a back
mounted motor; generally a two-stroke gasoline powered device producing
forward thrust ranging from 150 lbs - 250 lbs. The Harness- A single seat
harness and frame assembly which the pilot occupies and is secured via four
- to - six point retention straps; the wing is attached via risers which
clip into carabineers attached to the frame, and the motor is mounted via
bolts to the rear of the frame assembly.
Taking Flight
The PPG is launched via a process known as 'Foot Launch' in which the wing
is laying spread out on the ground. The pilot then pulls the wing forward
and up into the direction of the prevailing wind, inflating the cells and
forming the wing. The wing rises overhead and the pilot moves forward while
applying input via the throttle producing thrust from the motor; and when
done properly, within a few steps the aircraft and pilot become airborne.
Flight (Video of Flight)
The powered paraglider (PPG) generally flies at one speed approximately 30
mph (48 kph); this is the optimal speed of the wing. When more thrust is
applied it results in the aircraft climbing, not increasing in speed like
most other aircraft. Directional control is achieved via a combination of
input via the toggles, which are attached to the trailing edge of the wing
via control lines made of Kevlar, and weight-shift input produce by the
pilot's body. When the pilot pulls on the right control lines and leans
right, the PPG turns to the right, when in neutral trim level flight
results, left input produces left turn, and so on.
Deployability
The entire aircraft is contained in a system of three bags ranging in total
weight from 70-100 lbs and thus is transportable, and may be taken as
baggage on most commercial aircraft, ships, trains, and automobiles. The
modularity of the system enables ease of entry into most countries without
issues or conflicts with local customs and aviation authorities.
Significantly, unlike most aircraft, an airfield and support facilities are
not required of the PPG for take off and landing, an area no larger than an
Olympic swimming pool is all that is needed. Upon arrival at the
destination an hour of assembly and preparation are all that is required
prior to launch. With a couple gallons gasoline mixed with 2% oil, flights
in excess of 2-3 hours may be achieved. Very cool!
Photography
The PPG is in my opinion the optimal platform for aerial photography as the
pilot/photographer has an unrestricted field of view of 180 degrees in both
the horizontal and vertical axis. The PPG is also very quiet when compared
to other powered aircraft allowing the operator to fly low and near subjects
being imaged with a minimum of disturbance. While the PPG may be flown to
great height (30,000 ft. ASL being current world record), altitudes of 1,000
ft. AGL, and more intimately 500-100 ft. AGL produce the most compelling
images of landscapes/seascapes, wildlife, and human activities.
Photography Equipment
With the PPG the operator is both Pilot and Photographer. Flying and
imaging is multitasking of the highest order, and thus an exercise in
applied minimalism. Anything that adds additional weight and/or volume is a
distraction and results in compromised safety. For photography a digital
SLR system comprised of one camera body and a couple of lens is optimal.
The primary lens should be a zoom lens in the 18mm-70mm range enabling the
pilot/photographer more range in shooting without changing lens to often.
The second lens should generally be a wide-angle in the 8mm-16mm range
enabling the photographer to capture large areas in low level flight, which
produces such powerful images of landscapes/seascapes, and wildlife, wow!
Safety
The PPG when compared to other aircraft is inherently safe in emergency
landings due to these primary factors; weight, and glide ratio. The weight
of the entire aircraft wet (with fuel/oil) is generally around 100 lbs,
translating to less G-load/Crash Pulse and related issues. The glide ratio
of most PPG is in the 7:1 range, meaning the aircraft glides 7 ft. forward
for every 1 ft. down. The PPG is very stable in calm conditions; therefore
limiting flights to the early morning and late afternoon hours is the safest
policy. These are of course the best periods for lighting as relates to
photography-- funny how that works. Ha!
Conclusions
The ultimate purpose for undertaking photography via PPG is the uniquely
powerful opportunity to capture images in the most intimate way, within
regions, which due to the remoteness have for the most part, never been seen
let alone photographed before, and in a way impossible for any other type of
aircraft. The PPG is truly a 'Magic Carpet' for the photographer seeking
the remote unexplored, and thus never imaged special places of our planet.
Seeing-imaging-sharing, is to know our world, to know is to love, to love is
the catalyst to protection of our beautiful Earth.