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Enterprise Log
by Jeff Goin

This is a log of the paramotor carrier "Enterprise,"
its continuing mission to seek out new sites and new heights, 
to carefully go where many more will hopefully go again.

Note: New entries are now on www.FootFlyer.com

Enterprise A Lives On

Oct 08, 2005

Ray Belleeza and family have taken the helm of the original Rialta paramotorhome and are on their own adventures. It would appear he's putting good use of it's 8 seats and ability to go into tight places.

While Enterprise B has ventured off to Albuquerque, Ray sent this photo (below left) of his own travels. She still sports the original markings of so many adventures. This photo shows her sitting astride Turner Falls in Davis Oklahoma, one of the Family's first voyages. It's a good thing Ray is mechanically inclined too - he found a faulty fuel filter that was spritzing fuel on the muffler. Paramotors aren't the only things with such problems!

Thanks to Don Jordan (In driver's seat) who manned the bridge for most of that trip.

It's nice having more room but there sure is a trade-off. It costs almost a new propeller every time I fill up and the taller stature limits locations. It doesn't clear 9 feet. Don't ask me how I know that. No damage, story to come.

Launch of Enterprise B

Sept 20, 2005

The original Rialta paramotorhome  that spawned many flights and many writes has gone to a new home. Ray from Texas drove it home, leaving only the larger Enterprise B ready to embark on the continuing journey. There will be many compromises and no RV (I've rented many) drove as good as that Rialta. However, while on station at the fly-ins, in the boondocks or wherever, I'll enjoy the room.

It was a good ride and, Lord willing, I'll meet up with it again as Enterprise B heads through Texas on it's way back home next spring. The winter trip gets underway, with Don Jordan at the helm, from Chicago to Albuquerque, NM and the big fly-in there. Graphics are almost done and, for the first time, I'll have an actual picture emblazoned on the side so inquiring minds can be duly satiated.

The used BT Cruiser behind just before the new owner, Ray, launched on his own mission back down to Texas. His most common question was "how does it drive with 8?". The answer, "perfect!". And quite comfortably. Many aspects, mostly driving, gas mileage and parking, will be missed.

Moving to New Digs

July 20, 2005

The Original Enterprise (left) has served me well and I will miss many aspects but alas, it is time for a larger home. The Enterprise has been sold to make way for "Enterprise B," a 2004 (or so) BT 27' Cruiser that will take over the continuing mission. She had some squeaks and rattles but served me well, the motor's 5 hamster wheels having propelled me for over 35,000 miles of parapleasure.

Chicago: Doing The Dune

July 16, 2005

When you pull up to the gas station to find the attendant ensconced behind inch-thick glass, it makes you wonder. Such was the stop on our way to Indiana's big dune, Baldy Mountain. After roller blading Chicago's lakefront and visiting, it was off for the flying half of this local trip.

No, 170 feet of sand isn't much of a mountain, but it's enough. For those willing to deal with the required howl, it's possible to soar (no motor) this hill for hours. Of course a nearly perfect north wind must underlie the daily cycle in order to pull that off. Fortunately, on this short-notice trip, it did just that.

Baldy Mountain, part of the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, has a great deal going for USHGA rated pilots. Pardon the plug, but thanks to USHGA for having a system in place that can be recognized by authorities enough to allow this. You go to the ranger station, show them your USHGA card (requires a Intermediate rating) and fill out the paperwork. Imagine my surprise when I asked how much: free! Thanks also to a fellow named Brad who worked all this out - he is the real hero.

The dune is great. You got to hump your gear up in soft sand first but that's a small price. Tim Kaiser and I hauled our wings up (he wanted to learn and practice some high-wind handling) and were pleased to find another motor-head already there - Jaro Krupa was soaring some ragged out MacPara thing I'd never heard of. Cool!

The soft sand allows things that a hard surface just can't. Namely dropping into it intentionally. Jaro talked me into trying a "helicopter". The silex wound up being too hard to collapse for such shenanigans. I did get it to do so but the monumental effort made it physically painful with my climbing harness (bad call - bring the free-flight harness next time goober!). Then, by the time I got turned around, the silly wing was inflated again. The Mistral would be much better for these shenanigans.

Got a bunch of close-up pictures for the book including B-line stall, full stall, and a number of high-wind handling techniques. Sand is a challenge because the wing wants to slide in a strong breeze and it has to be a strong breeze (15+ mph) to soar this site. But there are some techniques that make it manageable. 

What a blast, motoring is fun but soaring adds a whole other dimension that can be explored with the exact same wing. The Silex is not good for it - too inefficient, but it worked...I was able to soar with Jaro on the same small ridge. In fact, it worked better because I was always below him.

Thanks to Tim Kaiser for taking the million (ok, 82) pictures. We also motored from a school nearby in the morning but bumpy air (it was 11am) wasn't much fun. I did get a good picture of a rear riser turn though. Far more fun to get these pictures from the air instead of a simulator.

Denver, CO to Chicago

June 09, 2005

You know it won't be flyable when the wind makes driving hard. The gale that blew across the Colorado plains made the Enterprise sway and swerve. After a gorgeous morning at Colorado Spring's "Garden of the God's", Tim Kaiser and myself headed East.

Our motors sit idle as we make way for Chicago with a planned stop in Salem and Greenville, IL. The plan is to set up and fly the competition that is planned for August in conjunction with the World PPC Competition. But it sure would be nice to fly before then.

A line of nasty weather cuts the country in half. Last week I spent traversing that in a 737 so it's strange to be below the mess.

Albuquerque, NM to Denver, CO

May 12 - May 16, 2005

Day 1

This sport continues to add new experiences to my life. After landing in ABQ I redied the Enterprise and headed for "Paramotor City," the new combined PPG flight school of The Daniele's and Dufour's. But first there was I-40 to negotiate. I'll call it an highway but refuse to call it an expressway. There's "express" to be find. It's fast for a parking lot.

Those who've endured the torturous road out to the Daniele's place will appreciate this. Although I pulled in at night I couldn't believe my headlights. That quarter mile Berma road was smooth as silk with what felt like asphalt. Turns out they got some incredibly good deal to have their driveway build up with reclaimed highway material. In essence, I was driving on I-40. Ooooh was that nice!

The last time I drove up here, Michelle was on a tractor. This time she was pounding on wood, working on the foundation that will be Eric & Elisabeth's home. Amazing woman that Michelle.

The next morning (this morning) would begin a big day of firsts. The job of assembling my motor was a priority but so too is the book (and now the convention video which I'm anxiously working on). Too many things.

1. The foundation is on the lower left corner. Man is this a better way to see it!
2. Ed Poccia was kind enough to "assume the position" and let me capture some of Albuquerque's beauty.
3. If you gotta own bare land, might as well have runways on it!

The whole "fits in a suitcase" is a wonderful idea but the trade off (there's ALWAYS a tradeoff) is that this process isn't quick. I don't care what the brochures say, the average pilot who doesn't do this 10 times a month is going to struggle. I struggled. Less this time than the last though.

I was awoken by the loudish buzz of a paramotor - for me, a good way to meet consciousness. Since my motor wasn't together I wasn't going to fly but Greg, who had just landed, offered me his. At first I declined since I really wanted to get mine into airworthiness. He offered again. "OK".

OK, it's nice to push the button and have the motor start. This particular Simonini, on a Fly 115, was a very nice running unit. Greg said he's spent many hours fine tuning it and it shows. I was able to get instant response from the mid range and it had, of course, tons of power. Nice machine. The sting 140 that he let me fly was a nice behaving wing. Long and skinny means that it's a bit more of a squirelly ground handler than the silex 
but plenty easy. It's very lifty too. More efficient than the silex, milder handling and about the same on inflation.

Then the fun began. Greg had lost a cell phone and we went out "4-wheeling" to find it. Yeah right. Give me the needle infested hay any day. Against all odds though, after giving up, we spotted it on the way back. I saw something on the roadside and spoke up. He backed up and there it was. Shoulda played the lotto.

Today happened to be the day for pouring concrete for Eric & Elisabeth's foundation. The forms had yet to be finished and three concrete trucks on the way. So several of us visiting pilots offered to help. Of course you can barely fill a thimble with my knowledge of such work. Fortunately I could take orders and helped with the preparation/pouring of some 20 tons of concrete. Then there was "Screening" and then troweling. Michelle Daniele is an animal. Where are these women made anyway? She just dug in and went to work. It was incredible. 

Mostly I did brainless things; holding the mounting bolts up, pounding stakes but occasionally was tasked with something new. It was all new but things like using a nail gun were new to me. As the cement trucks rounded the corner they told me to nail these stakes to the forms. Here's the nailgun, "where's the remote?" I asked. 

That's one cool tool. But don't point it poorly. The nail WILL go through whatever it's shot at. I gave it a lot of respect. That was a first. Later on Jerry handed me a trowel or float or whatever. He'd just done a section and motioned towards it. "Make the rest look like this." he told me. I'll try anything. 

That's not as easy as it looks. Jerry was extremely polite and didn't say one mean word (out loud anyway) as he re-did much of my effort the right way. Better stick with the nail gun. 

Finally it was done. And it looked good as only a newly minted concrete worker could say. It'll be a while before they accept me into the union. But what an experience. 10 or so of us out there working to get this thing done. My muscles aren't thrilled, I'm sure, and tomorrow I pay. 

There was enough light to enjoy pizza (my favorite fuel) and a couple evening flights. I've got property out here and have leased it to an R/C club. They are going to town creating manicured runways and leveling the ground, it's great. While flying, I saw a white truck and landed next to him. The two guys would be working on this runway and thought that was the coolest thing. After chatting a few minutes I pulled the wing up and 
headed back. Rocket man, eat your heart out!

It was good to have my equipment back and operational. The Enterprise heads towards Denver, CO. Flying out here is spectacular. Clear skies enable crisp views of the vertical landscape that inspire the mind. This evening was that way.

It was great seeing a bunch of the ABQ folks and getting to know Greg and Sheila a bit better. I'll be looking forward to some of her many pictures. I'm sure they'll eventually wind up as feature photos.

Day 2 (added 05/15/2005)

Yup, it hit me today, sore muscles. This is what it's like to get old - it hurts to move. What's annoying is that I didn't LIFT any concrete (see above) but all that pounding and nailing didn't agree with my underused muscles.  Ouch.

Yes, I know, I should be working on the video and book. I will, promise. About a fourth of the video "Experience PPG: 2005's National Convention" is done. There will be an update put on www.FootFlyer.com soon.

So there I was in Albuquerque, NM, going to Santa Fe on my way to Denver. The Enterprise traverses the US on various routes and this would be the first time Northbound through Santa Fe were I was meeting up with David & Miriam. Imagine my surprise after learning that my brother Mike and his family was making their own trek around the country and would converge on Santa Fe at exactly the same time. What are the odds! Even more surprising is that I rarely make plans for these trips; it's a wonderful appeal, I get there when I get there. Good flying or friends can easily waylay me.

How weird to be camping next to my brother. It was at an actual RV park. I've only been to one of these before and that was in Mexico. Most of the time I prefer being at the flying field or in the midst of things to do. Plus, most of the places don't take new people after 5pm although maybe you can pull in and pay in the morning. 

Somewhat to Dave's dismay, I descended on his abode largely unannounced. He tolerated the intrusion well although with some stress. Some folks just aren't into the surprise visits which isn't surprising, they already had a houseful. Although that made it even more fun, a more diverse group of folks would be hard to find. Miriam (his wife) is a gem too.

Visiting was a blast. Eating too much was a bummer but there are worse problems. Pushing off this morning was fun, waving at the girls and Mike (he's severely outnumbered: Kristen & 3 wonderful little girls keep him busy!) 

Back on the road now and amazed at the Colorado plateau. It evokes thoughts of our past. Thoughts of big things and long times. What would it have been like 200 years ago? A thousand years ago? Ten thousand years ago. It's obvious this place was inundated with water. What makes it so beautiful? What would an explorer think when cresting a hill to this sight? Why do a bunch of rocks framed between towering clouds and green prairie hold so much intrigue? Too bad it's a blowfest - there's some things I'd love to see from the air. 

Phoenix, AZ to Albuquerque, NM

Mar 25 - Mar 27, 2005 (04/10/2005)

Having thoroughly enjoyed some superb desert hospitality of the "desert rats", I headed East towards Albuquerque. It was time to try the scenic route: highway 60 goes through some spectacular canyon and I figured it was time to give the new transmission fix its first real good workout.

I wasn't disappointed; in spite the hills, the enterprise did just fine. Patience was in high demand--on the bigger hills, 40 mph was the best she'd do. But the scenery was fantastic! It wouldn't have been conducive to flying due to the lack of landing "outs." Even from the road, though, it was superb.

When radio show time came, I perched next to the fireplace in some Best Western hotel along the way and did it from there.

The next morning it was refreshing to top a hill and swim in the vista that was my new home: The Rio Puerco estates. American Flyers lives there now, run by two of my favorite people, Jerry & Michelle Daniele. As a bonus, two more of my favorite people will be joining them, Eric Dufour and his wife Elisabeth.

When I pulled up, Michelle was on a tractor. She sure does make that tractor look good!

It was raining occasionally and we harbored little hope for flight. A wing that I'd been hoping to get my hands on arrived that afternoon and I really wanted to try it: the Spice 22. That's small, my Silex is 24.5 so going to to this would be an interesting test. I'd flown the 25 and liked it but not quite as much as my Silex. I though the 22 should be sportier.

Later that afternoon Eric arrived with a friend from Florida, Mike Ralph. The Spice had arrived too. Then the weather cleared up a bit and we declared it flyable. "All hands at flight stations!" I grabbed the spice and headed out. 

The wind was incredibly switchy. It went from calm to 8 mph and in different directions. After launch I kept busy working the spice to stay put but it wasn't difficult. The wing is a bit more "twitchy" than my silex but handles ohhhhhh so well! The spice is nice. I did a lot of turns, some power-off landings and loved it. This is the first wing I've flown that I'm afraid I like more than my silex. But the silex, which I flew immediately afterwards, is less work. It's lower efficiency means that it doesn't surge as much and I don't know why it stays put better laterally. So, in a way, the silex is probably better for those wanting good handling in a less "busy" wing and don't mind the higher power required. But for me, this spice is now the most likely replacement for when my Silex gets to retirement.

Phoenix (Again!)

Mar 23 - Mar 25, 2005 (04/10/2005)

Another $1300 later, the Enterprise is back. Now the lights won't turn off though. Hmmm. If the motor is running, the lights are on. That's a feature found on many modern cars but not one that you want on a motorhome that expects to have it's engine run periodically amidst sleeping campers. Plus it never did that before. Go figure. But the transmission is working awesome!

Going out to PHX was like going to an instructor fest. There was Mo Sheldon, Wayne Mitchler and Eric Dufour who was training a TV host from the History Channel. Mo and Wayne earned their USPPA instructor certification from Eric (both good additions in my opinion) and the History Channel folks got their training. 

The first evening was perfect. It was Radio Show night and I'd been cooped up in the cold drab of Chicagoland for the last couple weeks. Michael was understanding and let me "off the hook" so I could enjoy the evening. 

1. Eric Dufour demonstrates a forward inflation.
2. The gang groups for a mugging. Josh and his producer Jason join us.
3. Josh Bernstein enjoys a cruise over the airport. 
He's used to flying with photographers all around 
but I made sure to keep my own "outs" in mind since this is only about his 5th flight.

It was magical. 

I don't know why this particular evening was so cool but it sure was. Mo, Wayne, John and I went cruising about the desert floor and little mountains within a few miles of the field. Thankfully I had my camera (rarely fly without it) and got some great pictures.

Bubba was also out cruising but him and another pilot headed off to the west to "do" a different piece of land.

The next couple days we did more flying and kibitzing, what a blast. I also watched Eric and Mo do training. Man is that a lot of work! Eric instructs with an intensity that would seem hard to keep up. You'd never know he was 50 years old or thereabouts - he's in perfect shape and it's no wonder. He was teaching both the host and producer of the History Channel show.

Mo was working with a guy learning to trike and that was very demanding as well, all that pushing and steering and correcting. Make no mistake, good PPG instructors are the heros of our sport.

1. Josh poses again.
2. Mo works on his monowheel forward launch technique.
3. Can't remember who this was but they made a great picture!
4. This threesome was the USPPA "Feature Photo" in early April.

Phoenix, AZ

Jan 31 - Feb 12, 2005 (03/14/2005)

The mission was to get a cover picture for the book. Yes, I should be writing on the book (instead of getting pictures) but the Enterprise was there, a great group of willing "shutter victims" presented themselves and March weather in Phoenix is to die for. It didn't let us down either. The picture below isn't even the best one, that will be on the cover! Of course some will indeed like this one more - it was a tough choice!

Phil Russman joined me and we met up with Mo Sheldon and a number of the Arizona crew. What great people. 

The first day was some great flying at the superstitions and netted some beautiful shots. Rob Hyatt, Mo Sheldon and myself headed to the hills. Unfortunately my top 80 toasted itself and wouldn't keep full power so that left Phil and I sharing the Snap.

1. Mo in the foreground and Rob Hyatt in the background.
2. Quick, look at the camera! Mo in mid-jump.
3. Walking is way too difficult, better being pushed and lifted. Phil slides by.

The next day turned out to be the real catch: Picasho Peak gave up it's glory to a sunshine filled blue sky and a picture that turned out purrrrfect for the mission. Mo loaned me his Top 80 Fly so that Phil could join us. It was glorious. It was also a lot of work but well worthwhile.

After the last shutter click it was down for some low cruisin' fun on the desert floor. Phil stayed up and called out wires to back up our own search. What a majesty opened only to our compact little craft.

1. Mo returning from the superstitions.
2. Phil getting his fix on my working motor.
3. Mo and Rob showing off the distant beauty.

At some point the Enterprise' transmission got tired of all that shifting and decided it would only give us 2nd gear. Put the lever in D and you got...2nd gear. Put the lever in 3 and you got...2nd gear. Fortunately R, N and P worked as advertised. 

So, at 45 mph, we limped her to Aamco for more transmission work. Fortunately it was under warranty, having been rebuilt about 8 months prior (at considerable expense I might add!). Unfortunately, the problem was some electronic wizardry not covered by the warrantee. Great.

1. Mo & Extreme close-up, you can almost pick out the foot flora from whatever was kicked last.
2. John looks awfully vulnerable against those rocks.
3. Phil (Mr. Risk & Reward) was probably trying to touch my wing. Is he looking at my wingtip? I think not! Yes, this *IS* covered as a risk in the video. 

The only silver in this lining was that it meant I would have to come back to Phoenix. That won't be so bad.

San Diego, CA - Phoenix, AZ

Jan 31 - Feb 12, 2005 (03/14/2005)

Wings went up in the west and the Enterprise was there. Oh how nice to be near nowhere and  have the convenience of home. Tim Kaiser and I went to the Paratoys convention then headed to Phoenix where I attended the Arizona Flying Circus. 

Tim had been flightless for several weeks and chomped at the bit to get aloft. This trip gave that chance.

San Diego, CA & Mexico

Jan 25 - Jan 30, 2005 (03/14/2005)

We packed 'em in and headed South. This is, by far, my favorite paragliding trip. Fifteen of us caravaned down to a soaring site about 3 hours south of the border and camped out right on the "cliff" where we go soaring. But it's chilly down there and man was it nice having a furnace!

We soared our brains out. Without power it was possible to land, stand and relaunch from any of the 5 vehicles parked around the camp site. 

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