Salton Sea, Califorina, Florida  -  2009

 22 - 25 January 2009  -  Paratoys Fly-In 

 Jo and I arrived several day's early before the event started and I had a chance to get in lots of flying before the skies were full of paragliders. The Para-Flyers arrived several day's later and we al flew several unforgettable flight's to include a long 104 mile  XC flight around Salton Sea. This was the first time that this was attempted by PPG. The XC flight took most of the day to include several breakdowns . The first breakdown was myself. I had blown a clutch when I had arrived at the first fuel stop.  Luckily, Sean had some tool's and Marty with his spare parts I was soon ready to fly the next leg of the adventure.  Mike had a failed coil half way through the trip, unfortunately there were no spare part's and Mike's adventure was over.  We had three scheduled fuel stops and Rob and myself had enough fuel to make the trip with just two.  Rob and I arrived first followed by the rest of the team around 20 minutes later.  This was a great adventure and a great Fly-In, I had a chance to meet more PPG Pilot's as well as chatting with friends that I only see annually. Great time!! 

15 Jan 09 - Arrived at Salton City, California  -  We finally arrived at Salton City after traveling 10 days from Florida.  The weather is in the high 80's and although the trip was long,  the taste of California air made it worth it. Other pilots from Washington and Colorado had also arrived early to take advantage of the weather and air. 

16 Jan 09 - Big Blue Sky - Salton City, California  -  No clouds here only one big blue sky. The air in this area is so good that pilot's can afford to sleep in considering it is flyable most of the day. I had the opportunity to help out a fairly new pilot with a quick engine tune up and lend a hand to improve his reverse launch technique.  

19 Jan 09 - More people arriving - This afternoon, Christian arrived from Edmonton, Alberta and couldn't wait to fly his toys.  

21 Jan 09 - Jim and Mark arrived  -  This morning we were surprised to see Jim and Mark from New Brunswick, Canada and they are enjoying the California weather.  Mark flew his Fusion glider for the first time and Michelle from Albuquerque, New Mexico was completing a low fly by on the Mini PPG using her smoke system.            

Later that evening I joined in with the Pilots from Albuquerque, New Mexico to practice a few tunes for Saturday Night.

22 Jan 09 - Paratoys Convention started  -  This morning after the briefing there was 160 registered pilots eager to fly.  The weather was of course flyable all day, and many pilot's had the chance to get in some great flight's as well as looking at the newest technology in equipment in the industry. Fun for ALL!!  

23 Jan 09 - 10 Female Pilots  -  This morning the Stan and Rob made two trips on the PPG Train to bring the equipment to the beach.  We flew to the mountains and along Salton Sea before landing back.  Another full day for PPG Pilots to fly all day and later in the afternoon 10 female Pilots had the change to fly with each other.  Then Bubba from Colorado decided to pose with the PPG Calendar Girls.

                          Rob                                                          Neilson                                                       Frank

    6 American, 3 Canadian and 1 Mexican Pilot                                 Bubba poses with the Female Pilots

 24 Jan 09 - Florida Para Flyers flew around Salton Sea California  -  Nine Para Flyers from Florida flew 104 miles around Salton Sea.  It took us approximately 7 hours with three gas stops.  It was the first time anyone accomplished this trip and the ground crew to include Jim McLeod from New Brunswick had travel over 130 miles by road.  When we arrived back the bear drop and kiting war started until the last person drops his glider. 

Landing back after 100 miles around Salton Sea, CA

                                                                       Some of the Florida Para Flyers 

Teddy Bear drop to see who will participate in the Kiting War

     Kitting War

Kiting War Winner