February 1-5, 2002 - Ocotillo Wells PPG Convention

Summary and Images
(Click on these thumbnail images to view a larger image)

Mo writes:

What an incredible time. The convention lasted until mid-day Sunday, but I decided to stay until Wednesday with three other avid pilots: Alex Varv, Bruce Brown, and Andy McAvin. Really nice to put a personal face on many folks I have communicated with over the internet including Bob Armond, Jeff Goin, Nick Scholtes, Wally Wally, Jim Jackson, Milos, Chris and Tammy Bowles, Alan Chuculate, Check, Greg Anderson, Bill Kerr, Steve Tustison, Bud Johnson, Michael Purdy, Casey Cadwell and many, many others. The flying conditions and location were incredible, except for the fine dust that seemed to cover everything as it was blown into the wind. I got a chance to kite or demo over a dozen different wings and a bunch of motors during the convention which was a real treat. I was also interviewed for a 20 minute segment by Casey Cadwell and Michael Purdy of the Powered Paragliding Radio Show for an upcoming broadcast. Also, I got a chance to go on my first tandem ride with Bruce Brown, a PPG instructor from Ohio Powered Paragliding in Ohio. Lastly, I experienced Eric Dufour of Paratour break a historical record when he flew an experimental Scooter PPG designed by Wayne and Susan Mitchler, PPC and PPG instructors of SkyBiker Aviation with a big 51" Walkerjet PPG mounted to the back and a giant wing to carry it and him into the air.

Here are some other OW reports:

Ocotillo Wells Report by Elizabeth Guerin of Paratour. Excellent write-up and pictures. She seemed to capture the flavor and personality of the convention.

OW Pictures by David Cook. Lots of high, bird's eye shots of the convention and the area.

Ocotillo Wells 2002 by Jeff Goin, President of the USPPA. Excellent write up and pictures.

02/04/2002 - Ocotyllo Wells by Milos of Walkerjet. A brutally honest, written report. Too bad there were no pictures. I saw Viktor taking a bunch of shots that seemed like they would be stunning.

Images
Some cool Mod's. Wally's nice throttle with a twist cruise control.

A unique weight shifting mod on Wally's Sky Cruiser.

Jim Jackson of ParaLite prototype blader gas container for his Sky Cruiser.

The Bob Armond (of Paratoys) Thrstersizer.

On this side of the field is Eric Dufour and Richard Good of Paratour and his SD Monster.

And on this side, Milos and Victor of Walkerjet with their 51" Simonini Simon TD.

Geting ready for the stand off to see who blows (and sucks) more.

And the blowing starts! Unfortunately, the Thrstersizer was not accurate in the least since it didn't budge at all, even when there was a significant thrust difference. All in all, it was a load of fun watching the testoserone hit the fan.

Views of the the Convention Main street. Some of the vendors shown are:
Javier Casaudouhmeck, PPG instrucor and importer of Fly Products PPGs from Aerolight USA in Miami, Fl;
Rusty Adamson and David Beres, from Beres & Hirsch propellers;
Michelle and Jerry Daniele, PPG instructors from American Flyer in New Mexico;
Chris and Tammy Bowles, PG and PPG instructors and importers of Freesh Breeze PPGs, from Southernskies in North Carolina;
Bob Armond, PPG instructor of Paratoys;
Claude Fiset, PG and PPG instrucotr of Ojai Paragliding and Paramotoring showing his cool Bandit with a CorAir engine;
Jim Jackson of ParaLite, manufactures of the popular SkyCruisers;
David Sigier, PPG instructor and importer of Nervures wings of AirPro Paramoteur;
Scott Johnson, HG, PG and PPG instructor and importers of the Miniplane PPG, from US AirBorne, in Washington
Elizabeth Guerin of Paratour