I recently had the opportunity to join Team Fly Halo on the sand over in Morro Bay for their winter / spring 2014 training session. Instructors Byron Leisek & Shane Denherder had a full class and on the day I was there the students were taking their first flights. It was a great group and you could see the infectious desire to fly in their eyes; One I remember that so permeated my soul when I was a new pilot and still does to this day. Heartfelt sense of accomplishments were had on the part of all those who soloed that day.
Fly Halo stocks their equipment from the ranks of Gin, Dudek, Parajet, and Scout, among others…. Giving their students plenty equipment to choose from. I had the chance to fly the Dudek Universal in a 25m and was quite impressed with its inflight agility and customization options.
The beautiful Scout paramotor graces the sand. I was offered the chance to fly it but unfortunately wasn’t able to this time. It’s truly a work of art, both in its carbon construction and wonderment of mechanical engineering.
Shane teaching the basics of forward launching, while finessing the finer points here.
Last minute checks before launch. Student: Jonathan Hart
A Bailey 4-stroke on the Parajet Zenith in candy apple red highlights can’t help but make you hungry for one
Byron explaining the finer points of engine operation
A 10-15mph wind provided plenty of good kiting experience
At the end of the day we went for dinner where some great stories were told and many laughs were had by all. Team Fly Halo puts a lot of attention into the finer details which makes for a very comprehensive learning experience. Byron and Shane are clearly dedicated to their craft and it shows!
Stay tuned for a podcast with Shane I have in the works on the finer points of no wind forward launches!