What:

The First Annual Oregon Coast PPG Tour.

Where:

The Oregon Coast. From the Columbia Jetty to the California border!

When:

Fourth of July weekend through about July 7th.

Who:

All PPG pilots (and aspiring pilots) who, like me, have only imagined what the entire Oregon Coast looks like from above.

Learn to Fly PPG:

For those wanting to transition from PG to PPG flight, Discover Paragliding is now certified with the USPPA (US Powered Paragliding Association) for Powered Paragliding instruction as well as PPG Tandem instruction. We offer the opportunity to learn to fly the PPG, with the first flights being relatively effortless via our tow rig. Tow up to 1000', glide powerless for the entire first flight, or start the motor 1/2 way down and stay aloft for 30 minutes or more. (In flight radio communication/guidance provided.) Tow launching takes away all the worries of a broken prop on those first flights where motorized flying is still so unfamiliar. When you're ready, start the motor and take off under power. Contact us about how to get started!

Tandem flights:

During our southward travels, there will be opportunities for spouses, friends, and even pilots to partake in a tandem PPG flight for sections of the route. Details forthcoming, but imagine a crossing of Cape Kiwanda by motor, or spending an hour or so exploring the Oregon Dunes from above. Maybe you have always wanted to see the remains of the New Carissa? I am anxiously awaiting this trip, so I can imagine what it would be like for a new tandem passenger flying low and slow over the Oregon coast. Great fun!

The Goal:

July Fourth weekend will be the beginning of what we hope to become an annual tradition. While PPG flight is certainly not the same as PG flight, it allows some very interesting alternatives to flying under a fabric wing. Ever since my first PPG flights out here on the coast, I have imagined what it would be like to travel from the northern tip of Oregon, all the way into California. 2010 is when it's going to happen.

We will start on July 3rd, with gear check outs, gps training, waypoint and LZ planning and discussion, including some extensive flight planning/discussion.

The 4th will find us taking advantage of the prevailing northerly winds and heading southward, dropping in 'invited' to partake in some of the holiday celebrations in both Seaside and Cannon Beach. Both cities have expressed an interest in having us be part of 'their' show!

Beginning at 9:00 am each day, we will fly until about 1:00 or so in the afternoon, averaging about 75 miles a day, we will travel southward, camping and hotelling overnight at various cities and towns along the coast. Our eventual destination/goal is Pelican Beach State Park, about 7 miles south of Brookings Oregon, and about 1/2 mile across the California Border.

Requirements:

At least some prior PPG experience with good launching and landing skills (PPG2 rating or above). While there will be some technical crossings for advanced pilots, there will be many sections that are perfect for novice PPG pilots as well.

Reliable, clear, and RELIABLE!, CLEAR!, and functioning radio communication ability. (Repeatable redundancy is important...) (Noise suppression mic and headset approved for PPG flying.)

A Hook Knife and GPS will also be required, with a vario/altimeter as recommended equipment. (Some crossings will be recommended to be at 4000' or above.)

A few days off work, and a big smile that's regularly available. :-)

Cost: $295.00 which includes shuttle service around technical headlands (if desired, or required by the safety director), shuttle service from daily landing spots to hotels and the heart of town. Motor storage overnight. This also includes the GPS and flight planning class, equipment inspection, and pilot evaluation on July 3rd, as well as transportation of extra equipment, camping gear, tools, etc., required for the trip. (Fuel and oil are not included, but options for this are in the works.)

(We are also working on an alternative program for folks that can only join us for certain segments/days of the trip.)

There are lots more details in the works regarding this trip, but this will do for now. I wanted to give the CPC the first opportunity to join in the fun as we will limiting the size to a relatively small squadron of PPG pilots.

Let us know if you are interested in participating, learning to fly a PPG, or just want more information. (Volunteer opportunities will also be available.)