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Oklahoma Endless Footdrag Report

by Ken Johnston

I left Tulsa for Ft. Smith early Thursday afternoon the 24th, through intermittent rain showers with a huge tarp on my motor. It acts like a sail and I could not exceed 55 mph without the tray undulating violently. But arrived safely and checked in to my motel, then met Britton at the LZ for a quick flight.

Meanwhile, our USPPA administrator, Francesco ("Check") DeSantis, who was to conduct the instructor's clinic did not arrive Thursday evening as planned since all flights from Dallas (his connection hub from Florida) were cancelled because of the storm. To make matters worse, he does not use a cell phone, making it more difficult to coordinate alternative plans. Tentative plans were for him to fly in to Little Rock or Tulsa, and take a rental car to Ft. Smith. But, alas, he did not bring his driver's license! I was beginning to wonder just what I had gotten myself into. The next plan was for him to go standby on the first available flight on Friday to anywhere close (I'd have to go pick him up). But we lucked out, as there were some pilots driving up from Dallas Friday afternoon, and Check "hitched" a ride with them, arriving late Friday.

So instead of class on Friday as planned, at about noon, several of us took 2 cars and headed south to Britton's PG soaring site in the beautiful Ouachita National Forest near Talihina. Lousy rain in Ft. Smith, but absolutely beautiful weather at our destination. After driving up a very steep gravel road to get to the take-off site, we were awe-struck at the view. I managed to get an Mpeg of Britton's take-off and landing, but since I was just learning how to operate my new Samsung SYNC cell phone (it has a 2 mega-pixel camera and can store over 4,000 minutes of mpeg movies!), I accidentally deleted all but his take-off. When I figure out how to load it on to my computer, I will email you a copy. Britton flew for about 30 minutes and then made a "top landing." That is when you can gain enough altitude (through a combination of skill and good wind) to land where you took-off, instead of down the mountain. After this experience I can say that I am definitely going to try out PG. Yes, it is more dangerous in some ways, but learning this can only make you a better PPG pilot. Besides, sometime when you are motoring around the country, but don't have room for your paramotor, you can always take your wing and partake of the local sites.

Meanwhile, back at the Fly-In . . . . Saturday morning I met Check for the first time. Since Don and "Spruce" (the other clinic attendee) were working with a student, Check and I had a chance to get acquainted and talk PPG. Check was born in Italy ( but does not appear Italian to me) and was raised in Canada, with a definite Canadian accent (kinda like John Valiulis). In that time, all of my trepidations were allayed. I found Check to be an outstanding individual and teacher. I'll go further. Of the hundreds of teachers I have had since I was 5, I can count on 2 hands the ones that made a real positive difference in my life. I will now add Check to that group. In short, his instructor's clinic far exceeded my expectations. He is superbly knowledgeable of his subject matter, able to easily get across the most convoluted material, very considerate of his students needs — what can I say? --- a real gentleman and a tremendous asset for USPPA. If you ever get a chance to learn from him, do it. He will make a difference in your life.

Despite what the Ft. Smith weather may have looked like from here, there was plenty of flying everyday, including all day on Saturday with high clouds making conditions ideal. Britton offered mechanical towing during the day, and, in the late afternoon, began taking visitors up in his tandem unit.

Sunday was another great flying day, with one more clinic session before we were tested. Check had us thoroughly prepared, and we all did very well. As soon as we meet a few more qualification requirements which can be completed at home, we will have our official USPPA instructor rating.

On Monday morning I headed back so I could beat the rain (no more stupid tarp!). I would have liked to have stayed longer, as it was such a delight to see all my PPG friends again! Overall, it was a whopping success (47 pilots attended, several with their families), and I am looking forward to sharing my new knowledge of this great sport.

Think seriously about attending next year, guys --- you will love it!

All Contents Copyright © 2007 USPPA