MAC PARA MacJet User Manual - Flying The Macjet
15
FLYING THE MACJET
2. Paramotoring technique – Once the canopy is up to the angle of 80° open up full
power and lean back to counter the engine thrust, so that it can push you forward rather
than towards the ground. Continue to run in this position. When you approach take off
speed gently apply the brakes (max 30% of the brake range). The faster the trim setting
is, the more brake input is required to take off. Once you have safely taken off, continue
heading into the wind with released brakes to gain enough height.
Paraglider pilots, especially those who are used to flying, usually have a tendency when
running to lean forward with already slightly applied brakes. When taking off with a
paramotor the pilot needs to stand up straight and allow the thrust of the engine to push
pilots body horizontally forward rather than diagonally down. Paraglider pilots starting
paramotoring therefore need to learn how to stand up straight while continuing to move
forward into wind. Don’t try to get into the seat when you leave the ground as you are
still relatively low and in the event of an engine failure you will be back on the ground
very quickly. Instead, climb to a safe height, into wind, and then gently throttle back
before getting into the seat. Properly fastened leg straps before take off makes getting
into the harness much easier. If you need to use your hand be sure to put the brake
toggle on the magnet first to avoid it being sucked back into the prop.
WARNING!! Do not jump or lift your legs immediately after taking off! This could have
dire consequences when done with a paramotor if the wing has not reached the proper
take off speed.
WARNING!! Do not attempt to get into the seat while holding the toggles.
WARNING!! Do not use the forward launch in very strong winds. Make sure you don't
pull the risers too much towards yourself or downwards as this can result in a frontal
collapse, or in an asymmetric take-off
Reverse launch
The MacJet is easy to reverse launch. When doing a reverse launch or when launching
in strong winds the paramotoring glider can possibly surge forward more quickly or lift
off sooner than desired. To avoid this, walk uphill following the canopy during inflation.
We recommend pulling the trims down 2-3 cm. As this launch technique can be difficult
and turning the wrong way can result in the pilot taking off with twisted risers. It is
recommended to practice reverse launching on a training hill or slight slope first. When
on the flat with your paramotor then only with the engine off. The most important thing is
ground handling. You need to be able to keep the wing directly into wind while taking off
on flat ground. When deflating the canopy in strong winds, or aborting a launch, use the
C- or D- risers, not the brakes. Using the brakes in strong wind will cause more lift, lifting
the pilot up and dragging him/her much further back. A good way to launch the MacJet
in reverse with a stronger wind is using the A lines in the left hand, along with the left
brake toggle and the throttle (if you have it on the left side), and the D lines in the right
hand along with the right toggle (and the throttle if you have it on the right side). It is
better to start to learn this A and D reverse technique without the paramotor and once
you practise a bit you can start with the paramotor. Using this technique the pilot can
build a wall directly into wind with the pilot in centre of the canopy.