Pilot Profiles 2004 & Prior
Pilot Profile:
Jose Casaudoumecq
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1979: Jose (left) and brother Javier (Right) expose an
early interest in aviation.
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Jose's early interest led him to competition paragliding.
This 1993 pre-launch shot shows his FAI declaration to goal in Iqulque,
Chile.
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Jose's first actual job was a dream - flying as a Hang
Glider Test pilot in the U.K.
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Although having settled down has brought family into the
fray, he continues to fly and support the hectic schedule required of the business.
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Added 12/28/2004
Personal: Born in Valencia, Spain on
July, 5th 1968., weight: 245 lbs.
Started flying when ?
Hang Gliders in 1985 at age 16, Paragliders in 1989 and PPGs in 1991.
Family status ?
Married with one 3 year old daughter, Chloe.
Where did you first see PPG ?
Bassano del Grappa, Italy while flying a Paragliding competition
in 1990. A small crazy Italian pilot circling the same thermal that I
was coring along with 12 other pilots. He got to cloudbase very fast and
first !! I spoke to him after I landed in goal that day and got hooked.
He lent me his ProDelta paramotor (Solo 210 engine) that same day and
flew 1 hour around The Alps valleys.
How you found out about it ?
My good friends Matthias Betsch and Heinz-Jurgen Scholz (owners
of Flight Design Paragliders) knew the owner of Pagojet in Germany
because they used Flight Design Paragliders for all of their research
and adventures around the World. Unfortunately, Pagojet was too
expensive so my brother Javier and I imported the first PAP paramotor to
Venezuela and begun our commercial relation with paramotor
manufacturers.
Who had the most influence on your flying and how ?
Definitely my brother Javier who is 9 years older than me. He
was the one with the passion for flying since a little kid. I just
followed his footsteps. He was and still are a better pilot than me. I
only bet him in competition once when I became the Colombian National
Champion in 1994, he placed 2nd !! The last day of the comp, Javier
took-off with a little piece of branch tangled between the C and D lines
not allowing him to fly as far and fast as I did in that championship. I
was lucky.
Describe your first flight including where and when.
My first Hang Gliding flight happened in 1985 in La Victoria,
Venezuela ... a famous XC flying site. My first hang glider was an used
Wills Wing Raven (single surface) which I bought in partnership with my
brother Javier. We bought it from a guy who crashed it into the 8th
floor balcony window of a famous Hotel in Caracas. He was trying to fly
at night with a dense fog at the launch site (3000 ft. above the city)
and strong winds. Imagine the surprise and faces of the "just
married" couple in that hotel room when he decided to "crash
in" the party !!
My first flight was kind of scary. I only had 4-6 bunny hill jumps and
Javier was not next to me that day (he was on his honeymoon). I
overcontrolled the whole way down because I was afraid of stalling the
glider. Someone once told me that "speed and altitude" were
the most important things when flying a hang glider so I went to a
relatively high mountain and pushed in that speedbar !! The result ... a
series of "almost wingovers" all the way until I finally
flaired and kissed the ground.
My first PPG flight was in Italy, as I mentioned before. Not scary at
all because I was already a Paragliding competition pilot. It was a
great feeling and I remember to think about flying in places where I
could not without a PPG.
Your first motor and wing ?
My first PPG was a PAP 920 and my first wing an APCO Hilite.
Your current motor and wing ?
I fly today a FLY Products Kompress (Corsair Black Devil) and an
APCO Thrust motorglider.
Where you usually fly ?
I am a member of the "Power Para Gators" which is the
local PPG club in Miami / Fort Lauderdale area. We have different
locations to fly PPGs. The closest to my home is Homestead General
Airport which is a public airport with a beautiful grassy field for
ultralights. I love to fly at the beach in Miami Beach. Laminar air is
great !!
How often you fly ?
Sometimes 5 days a week when we are testing prototypes or new
released products (motors and gliders) in order to form our own opinion
about it and be able to pass it on to our clientele. Some other times I
do not fly for weeks. I like to fly in competitions and events or when
we are invited to other countries to teach or demonstrate. I like new
places, I get bored of flying the same place over and over.
What do you do for a real job ?
Believe it or not, Hang Gliding, Paragliding and Powered
Paragliding has been my first and only job ever. I am the Vice-President
of Aerolight USA, Inc. I'm in charge of customer service, sales and
marketing.
What you like about PPG ?
I like the simplicity of it. You can be airborne in 15 minutes
once you know the preflight routine. When I used to work for Solar
Wings, a Hang Gliding manufacturer in Wiltshire, England I used to test
flight production Hang Gliders for proper trimming before delivery. I
spent hours and hours rigging and unrigging Hang Gliders in the cruel
English weather. PPGing is great in that aspect, portability is another
excellent feature about our sport.
Most memorable flying moment ?
Flying from The "Auyan-tepui", indigenous name for the
Angel Falls, the highest waterfall in the world located in the
Venezuelan rainforest. Got sprayed with "sacred water", as the
indigenous call it, while flying very close to the actual waterfall
wall.
Comments on how you acquired your gear:
Mario Arque, writer and editor of several Paragliding and
Powered Paragliding books and magazines in Europe, brought us that first
PAP 920 from Pierre Aubert's factory in Marbella, Spain to Caracas,
Venezuela as luggage when visiting us for vacation. Big favor !! I'm
still owing Mario one. Times were different back there and you could
travel everywhere with new or already used PPGs without hassle.
If able, what would you change about the sport ?
Nothing, this wonderful airsport is what it is. However, more schools /
instructors are needed for the growth of it. Paragliding and Powered
Paragliding have many more participants in other countries of the world
because there are true professionals guiding the way and making a living
out of it. USPPA is on the path to promote this and our support to the
association it's very important.
Use your common sense when flying guys !! It is one of the most
important aspects if you want to continue flying when your grandsons are
older.
Pilot Profile:
Daryl Sawdy
Feb 16, 2004 (Moved
06/16/2004)
 Member Daryl Sawdy (Slim “D” at the flying
field) had been flying R/C models for over 20 years. At 52 years old,
three grown children and 4 grand kids, he had time to kill awaiting
recovery from gastric bypass surgery and went looking for fun. Surfing
his mouse about the internet eventually landed him on our sport. By
March of 2003 he had soloed.
He offers his responses to our
questions:
 Mo definitely had the most influence on my learning to fly,
He is so safety orientated and relaxed and took all the time I needed to progress safely. I really appreciated the fact that he would not “push” me to go beyond what I felt I was ready to do. Yes, it took me months to solo, but when I did, I WAS READY TO DO IT! That made the experience even more enjoyable!
My first flight was by foot-launch on March 23, 2003 at Phoenix Regional Airport near Maricopa, AZ. After 3 failed forward attempts a reverse inflation did the trick and I was airborne before I knew it. I stayed up for about 40 minutes before Mo guided me in for my first landing via FRS radio.
My motor that I still use is a Fly Products Gold 115 and my first wing used was a Mac Para Pasha 40 meter tandem wing. (At the time of my solo I weighed close to 400lbs.) Since I have lost quite a bit of weight since my surgery I now use a Mac Para
 Eden II 33 meter wing and have added the “Flash” trike as well (I don’t care for running!)
There are 3 main flying sites we use. The first being at PRA (Phoenix Regional Airport) the second is a wide open field we call McCartney Field near Casa Grande, AZ, and the third field (which is closest to me) is known as Jomax Road, located in North Phoenix, it is also a popular site for Hot-Air Balloons to launch.
My flying time is sporadic as I have a rotating work schedule and it is also a 60 mile drive (1 way) to the main 2 flying sites, but when the weather permits I normally fly every day off I get sometimes 2-3 times a week during the warmer months.
My real job: I am a licensed funeral director and embalmer in Arizona and California. Yes I do hear a lot of different responses when people find out what I do, but we really are just normal (mostly) people that do a job no one else wants to do.
What do I like about PPG? It is fulfilling a lifelong dream I have had to fly! I enjoy the simplicity of the equipment, the slow speeds involved, the visibility and sensation of freedom when airborne, the overall affordability and mostly the people you meet!!!
Most Memorable flying moment? Every flight of course but I guess I’d have to say my first XC with several other pilots.
Acquiring my gear did take some time, mostly to raise the needed funds. I purchased everything through Mo Sheldon who is our local dealer/instructor. I have always felt Mo is fair and honest in his dealings and still deal with him for whatever I may need.
What would I change about the sport? Secure more flying sites. You’d think being in the desert that there would be an abundance of room to fly. But to stay within FAR 103 guidelines, between the GA airports and the massive housing developments going up everywhere it is tough finding a suitable place to fly safely from. That’s just my observation though."
 Chris
Santacroce,
30 years old, 160 Lbs.
Aug 22, 2002
How you found out about it?
From the web...
Who had the most influence on your flying?
Check, Bruce Erion, Chris and Tammy Bowles all helped to get me fired up about
paramotoring.
Describe your first flight:
I broke several props and dislocated my shoulder before actually getting in the air. Then, I got a flight with Chris and Tammy Bowles in NC. I was overjoyed....
Your first motor and wing?
Adventure F4, Firebird Ignition
Your current motor and wing (if different)?
Top 80, Ozone Octane
Where you usually fly?
Over water
How often you fly?
twice a week (motors that is...)
What do you do for a real job?
Sit in front of a computer, ride on airplanes, listen to myself talk.
What you like about ppg?
I wasn't allowed to have any motors when I was little. Now I am getting even.
Most memorable PPG moment?
I once flew a twenty mile triangle from my shop in SLC. I got to ten grand. I landed back at my truck an hour and ten minutes later. I had a tail wind everywhere that I went... Brilliant!
How you acquired your gear?
I got my first motor from Check, then from Chris Bowles, then from Scott Johnson, and most recently from Paralite.... I have a hundred or so paragliders at any time.
If able, what would you change about the sport?
I would get everyone to start buying motor fields... I would have landed at the
Hollyfield/Tyson fight, on the roof of Buckingham Palace and on the torch of the Statue of Liberty, FIRST!
 Jeff
Baumgartner
Born 1961, 175 pounds,
Flying PPG since
August 1999
April 2, 2002
Family status (married, kids, dogs, etc.)?
All of the above
Where did you first see PPG?
A fellow in my neighborhood had one for a while, I had to have one!
How you found out about it?
Long talks with the same fellow in my neighborhood
Who had the most influence on your flying and how?
Of course my instructor, Bruce Brown, a great guy to be around. Then I met
this group in Illinios, and the fun began!!!
Describe your first flight including where and
when:
 Your first motor and wing?
Dymamic Sport, solo210 and a Symphony wing.
Your current motor and wing (if different),
Sky-Cruiser Top80, Trekking Parawing, and just getting to know a new
Independence Dragon, which I hope to do some soaring with soon, it also motors very well.
Where you usually fly?
Southeastern Wisconsin, The Famous Holy Hill area.
How often you fly?
As often as I can with (married, kids, dogs, etc.)? 50+ hours in 2001.
What do you do for a real job?
I am a troubleshooter for the local power company, everything from 345,000
volt transmission switching to changing fuses in homes.
Comments on how you acquired your gear.
I bought a used motor over the internet and a new wing, the motor got me
through training and my first year ok, and really allowed me to make an informed decision for myself about what I wanted and needed for the next
one.
If able, what would you change about the sport?
I am not sure that I would change much, I am more interested in preserving
what we have and ensuring a future so we can enjoy this sport with our children and grandchildren.
 Bill Hocker
46 yrs. old, 146 lbs.
married with children,
12 and 16 yr old sons,
paramotoring since 1996
Mar 1, 2002
Where did you first see PPG?
I saw it in an ultralight magazine. I showed the picture to my friend Terry Alford, and asked what he thought of it. He immediately said, "let's go do it!"
How did you find out about it?
I thought we'd be taking our time checking it out, looking into the cost issues, etc.. No, not Terry. He had the local instructor, Francesco DeSantis already set us up an appointment for a lesson the next day! We did some ground handling and were flying on a tow line later that first day of instruction. The whole thing was overwhelming to me. I was finally realizing my lifelong dream of flying an aircraft. I'm not one for swearing, but I did unconsciously blurt out an expletive when I first left the ground and started the tow to 400 ft..
Who had the most influence on your flying and how?
First, Terry Alford continues to have a great influence on myself and the Parastars group I fly with. He's a former U.S. Air Force veteran, pilot instructor, commercial airline pilot, test pilot, parachute jumper and has owned several private airplanes. He's flown everything from antique biplanes to supersonic fighter jets. I value his opinion on aviation matters.
It was fun taking the PPG lessons together because although Terry had tons of flight time, this was just as new an experience to him as it was to me. So, we sort of started on the same page, so to speak.
Francesco "Check" DeSantis has also been a big influence on me and my flying habits since he first was my instructor. He is an excellent instructor, very safety-conscious, and is a truly gifted PPG pilot. I have learned a lot just by watching him fly. I also value his opinions on instruction and other aspects of PPGing.
Eric Dufour is another influence I have been fortunate to have. He is an terrific pilot.
Eric filled in as instructor for a session or two while Check was out of town during my training. The first time I saw him do big ears, asymmetrical collapses, a touch and go, a launch with his eyes closed, and a two-step takeoff I was in awe of his abilities. We've stayed good friends since then, and I am still learning from watching him.
 Francesco De
Santis
37 years old, 175 lbs
PPGing since July 1991
Feb 1, 2002
Family status (married, kids, dogs, etc.)
Single without kids
Where did you first see PPG?
My friend Arnim Vogel flying one just like mine 5 minutes before it was my turn. In other words
it looked good so he went first.
How you found out about it?
My good friend from the Royal Military College, Arnim Vogel showed me a Pagajet brochure one day
in the mess (for non military types, it's the dining hall). 5 days later we sent full payment for two
comlete units (one for each of us). About 6 weeks later he went to pick them up at Oshkosh 1991 and
get "trained".
Who had the most influence on your flying and how?
My first paragliding instructor, Benoit Tremblay and
Michel Montmigny, they opened my eyes to what I
didn't know as well as what I would now want to
learn. They taught me to think and use caution when
I felt thinking wasn't going to be good enough.
Describe your first flight including where and when.
My first flight happened on my 3rd inflation of
my glider ever. It was under the guidance of my
good friend and fellow PPG pilot Arnim Vogel (who
at the time had 3 flights). We met at a great field,
sod in Laterriere Quebec where I lived when I was
stationned at the Bagotville Air Force Base as an Air
Traffic Controller. The wind was perfect 3 or 4
miles per hour, it was in the afternoon at the end of
July, temperature of 70-74 degrees.
With Arnim in front of me giving the hand signals, I did the rest. I started my inflation and I guess
it was going great because Arnim gave me the full power signal 2 seconds into the inflation. My heart
was pumping out of my rib cage and at a scary rate, but I gave it full power without hesitation.
The
thrust powered me forward and after two unsuccessful
jumps, I was powered into the air on my third jump. Arnim had told me not to jump, but the hand signals
don't remind you of that, and I was in a hurry to get into the air.
The three jumps made my take-off distance quite a bit longer than was expected, so the huge distance from
the barn of my initial position now seemed very near. I missed the barn by 20 feet with a right hand turn,
then I missed some hay bales by about 40 or 50 feet and the rest of the 15 minute flight was great. The minute my feet
left the ground my heart was back to normal and I had a complete focus of my new sensations (I had never piloted any kind of plane before, and my
flight experience was limited to 1 Parasail run in Mexico).
I landed very soft with a nice flare into the wind, and then jumped up and down like Rocky on top
of the steps! I was just thrilled with the flight and couldn't wait for my next experience. Now with over
3000 flights I'm still very happy to go flying my PPG, the sensations only get better...
Your first motor and wing?
Pagojet SC430, Impulse Star paraglider
Your current motor and wing (if different),
SkyCruiser, ITV Polaris 26 for solo flight Fresh Breeze Monster, ITV Bi-Turquoise 43 tandem
Where you usually fly?
Longboat Key, Florida
How often you fly?
Average 4 tandem flight per week, as well as 5 solo flights per week
What do you do for a real job?
My real job is working for a full time PPG business, Instruction, product testing/development, writing my
first PPG book, field maintenance, etc.
What you like about ppg?
I like taking off and landing on my feet.
Most memorable flying moment?
Flying without motor in the French Alps with at least
40 other pilots for 1 hour and 40 minutes. I love
PPG but I love to fly the mountains without power better.
Comments on how you acquired your gear.
In 1991, there weren't many options. I was shown a
brochure from a friend (who new only what the brochure
said). We left it up to the Pagojet people to send
us what we needed. We were very fortunate that these
guys had the best equipment of the times and sent
us the correct paragliders for our experience level,
our weight and intended use. Boy were we lucky!
 Bruce Brown,
49 yrs old, 155 lbs
Flying PPG Since Dec, 1996
Jan 7, 2002
Started flying when?
Training started December, 1996
Family status (married, kids, dogs, etc.):
Married 27 years, 3 children, 3 dogs, and one wife forever!
Where did you first see PPG?
Back of Popular Science Ad for Easy Up Plans
How you found out about it? Checked on the internet.
Who had the most influence on your flying and how?
Scott Alan - Trained me when he was still in Texas.
Describe your first flight including where and
when.
First Flight January 27, 1997 at the Gladewater, TX Airport. Very
exciting - never let go of the brakes to get myself into the seat - too
afraid - very painful.
Your first motor and wing?
95 DK Whisper and large Symphony
Your current motor and wing (if different):
Airfer Bimax and L Symphony, M Reflex, 42 Meter Elle Tandem
Where you usually fly?
Perrysburg, Ohio near Toledo
How often you fly?
Almost Everyday the weather allows.
What do you do for a real job?
Owner of Ohio Powered Paragliding - Train and Sell Powered Paragliders
What you like about ppg?
The exhilaration of a take-off and the freedom to do it anywhere,
anytime I want.
Most memorable flying moment? Meeting friends
and flying in the badlands west of Albuquerque, NM -October, 1999.
Comments on how you acquired your gear:
I import the Airfer Tornado and Bimax from Spain with the Cors-Air
engine.
If able, what would you change about the sport?
Nothing
 Walter
M. Hines,
Age 40, 165 lbs,
Flying PPG since 2000.
Dec 09, 2001
Family status (married, kids, dogs, etc.)?
Single no kids but a few fish manage to survive in the tank.
Where did you first see PPG?
First time I saw it first hand was Oskosh.
How you found out about it?
Not sure when I first found out about it other than to say I
frequent many aviation periodicals.
Who had the most influence on your
flying and how?
Nick and Jeff have had the greatest active influence on my ppg
learning curve. Not sure if that's good or bad at this point but I'm
still alive so that's a plus. As Nick puts it "that wing makes you
look good".
 As
far as my interest in aviation that started since I can remember. When
my first grade teacher asked us what we wanted to be when we grow up I
said "a bird". She told my
mother I need professional help. Unfortunately she meant a kiddie shrink
not a flight instructor. Never went to the former. Mom new better. Not
the latter either oh well.
Describe your first flight including where and when.
First glider flight was on the dunes of michigan.
Just a short bunny hop with sand in my pants.
My first motor flight was also a short hop into the air after
much self imposed ground school with the motor.
Did it at the local soccar field on my own.
YFirst motor was an F1 now suped up to full tilt mega mod F3.
Wing inventory started with a Pro Design Eole. Now I putter around with
my Arcus. Eole is on loan at the moment.
Where you usually fly?
Nicks International Paradrome is the most usual suspect for my
aerial jaunts but would never pass up an opportunity to launch
elsewhere.
How often you fly?
How often hmmm...Is it time yet to call awos for the conditions.
What do you do for a real job?
Design and build in-store displays
 Eric Dufour, 46
Flying PPG since 1992.
Nov 17, 2001
How you found out about it?
Magazines.
Who had the most influence on your flying?
Didier Plisson, former paramotor world champion.
Describe your first flight:
It was an easy take-off and a good flight. I thought the machine I flew was powerful, after I have tried it and ran the hole field with no success the morning before, because I had put the prop the wrong way.
Your first motor and wing?
Adventure 210, ITV Meteor Gold.
 Your current motor and wing (if different)?
SD and Silex for solo, SD Monster and Parawing for tandem.
Where you usually fly?
Quebec Canada in Summer, Southern USA in winter.
How often you fly?
As many times as weather permits.
What do you do for a real job?
Paramotor instructor.
What you like about ppg?
Freedom & simplicity.
Most memorable PPG moment?
Flying over volcanoes in Kamchatka, Russia.
How you acquired your gear?
I produce my own line of paramotors and I am a dealer.
If able, what would you change about the sport?
More qualified and skilled paramotor instructors.
 Patrick Caulfield, 47
Flying Since 1990
Nov 1, 2001
How you found out about it,
Mags
Who had the most influence on your flying?
Phoenix Jayme, Don Pierce
Describe your first flight:
Your first motor and wing?
F4 , Edel Saber XL
Your current motor and wing (if different)?
Where you usually fly?
Pilots Cove, Big Lake Minnesota
How often you fly?
once a week if I am lucky
What do you do for a real job?
Product Management
What you like about ppg?
Convenience
Most memorable PPG moment?
First cross country, spur of the moment, 25 miles cross wind to a family reunion if Kimball Minnesota.
How you acquired your
gear?
PoweredParaglider.com classified
If able, what would you change about the sport?
Training, training and did I mention training. PPG to an even greater extent then PG, allows people to get into the air with little in the way of airmanship skills making them ill prepared for the "Hand of God" times, making what could be a handshake, into sucker punch spanking. |
