NewsRoom,
Home Improvements:

Retractable Foot Rest
by Greg Anderson
Dec 26, 2001

For getting into the seat or resting feet on 
during long cruises, a footrest is a wonderful 
addition. However, it can also cause problems if it gets into your feet 
while running on launch. So by having a retractable version, the 
problems are dramatically lessened.

To begin constructing your PPG Self Retracting Footrest you will need the following items:
  1. Approx. 66 inches of one inch hollow nylon webbing (it's the black webbing in the photo and can be purchased at most outdoor recreational stores). The length can vary depending on the PPG pilot's height and length of legs. 
  2. Approximately 66 inches of shock cord (again, can be purchased at the same store).
  3. Needle and a lot of black thread (this would be a good time to be very nice to your spouse).
  4. Twelve inches of aluminum tubing. The tubing should be 0.5 inches in diameter. The inside diameter is 0.25 inches.
  5. Two aluminum or steel carabineers (these can be purchased at a local hardware store).
  
Begin by running the shock cord through the aluminum tubing and taping one end. As illustrated in the photo. You will slide this tubing and shock cord completely through the hollow nylon webbing. Easy so far.
This photo shows the shock cord through the hollow nylon webbing. Remove the tape. Now, reposition the aluminum tubing in the center of the hollow nylon webbing. Secure the shock cord at both ends to the hollow nylon black webbing.
As you can see in the photo, the aluminum tube is centered in the hollow nylon webbing. So far, so good. Now is the time to romance the wife. Honey, can you please do me a small favor…
With your needle and thread, sew the hollow nylon webbing to prevent the aluminum tube from moving. Do NOT sew the shock cord. The two Craftsman screwdrivers are pointing to where you (or your kind spouse) need to sew the webbing. Depending on your sewing skills this could take either five minutes or an hour.

 
Okay, the tubing is centered and secured. Now you can begin on the two ends. As you can see, I have tied a knot in the shock cord to prevent it from slipping back into the nylon webbing. Fold the nylon webbing back two or three inches and begin sewing. You only have to sew the end of the nylon webbing. Sew it thoroughly; and sew the shock cord. The better you (or your spouse whose now gets to go out for dinner) sews, the longer your PPG Self-Retracting Footrest will last. Where are you taking your spouse to dinner?
In the photo, the left side has been completed. Before sewing the second end. Pull out the shock cord. Like magic the hollow nylon webbing will draw up. This is a good time to adjust the length of the shock cord. Too short and you will have a difficult time getting your feet onto the footrest. Too long and it may get tangle in your feet during launch.
As you can see, both ends have been completed. Both carabineers have been attached and now your PPG Self-Retracting Footrest is ready for your paramotor.
You can see the PPG Self-Retracting Footrest attached to a SD 48. The SD 48 is designed and manufactured by Eric Dufour of Paratour. Eric can be reached at http://www.paratour.com The SD is my preferred choice of paramotors for several important reasons: power, quietness, reliability, and most important, customer service.
This is the completed PPG Self-Retracting Footrest. As you can see, you may need to take a few measurements to determine the correct length. 

CAUTION: It is extremely important to pre- and post-flight inspect your PPG Self-Retracting Footrest for frayed webbing or ripped and torn stitching. Please keep in mind that all paramotors are ultralight vehicles and therefore, not certified aircraft. Please conduct a thorough pre- and post-inspection on every part and component of your paramotor. I hope you enjoy the new PPG Self-Retracting Footrest. Please fly often and safe