"I would not have achieved my goal of
flying a paraglider without the training and coaching of Eric and his
support staff.
I tried two other instructors/schools and all I learned was how not to
teach people to paraglide.
Eric maintains a well structured training
approach tailored to the individual student. An excellent training
facility, as well as a written syllabus keeps the student progressing at
a comfortable, safe and fun pace.
|
|
|
If your ready to realize your dream, give Paratour a week
and they will change your life.
Any prospective student is free to
contact me at my email."
Stephen M Henry DMD, September
2006
Gainesville, FL
smhdmd@atlantic.net
|
"If you are thinking about learning to fly a
powered paraglider or parachute, PLEASE do yourself a favor and go to
learn with Eric Dufour and Michelle Daniele.
I just finished my foot-launch PPG training course with them and can't
say enough good things about my experience.
I went to train with them after training
locally the previous year, and suffering with numerous broken cages and
props. I was so frustrated I was ready to give up. I had only 2 flights
and hundreds of dollars in broken equipment. |
|
|
All of this changed when I got to see Eric and Michelle.
Both work so hard to give you the most out of your time there.
One of them was always with me, giving me guidance and acting as
my chase crew. They maximize your learning by concentrating on
the important things. After landing, I would usually take a few
breaths while Eric or Michee saved me time, money, and heartache.
The last point I want to address
is the high quality of their equipment. I arrived with my
own equipment (motor and paraglider). After one flight
with the SD RDM 100 and EZ-glider wing (I believe this is pretty
much the same as the Escape wing they sell now), I was shocked
to feel how much easier it was to launch. The weight
distribution of the motor was perfect, and the wing is so
willing to stay up in the air while launching. So, I
decided to purchase them on the spot and sell my old equipment.
Again, I would have saved money if I just went to them first.
They also have a full motor and glider shop on site, so if you
have any equipment malfunctions, they can usually be sorted out
the same day so you can continue your training.
I can keep going, but I will sum
up with the bottom line: If you want to learn to fly a
powered paraglider (or powered parachute), make the investment
in going to the best. PLEASE take my advice and go to see
them – there is simply no substitute for doing things right the
first time around.
PS – you are welcome to email me
any questions/comments."
Paresh
Karandikar, August
2006
Herndon,
VA,
USA
pkarandi@yahoo.com
|
"A
chance remark at work regarding Powered Paragliding led me to Eric
Dufour.
I ordered an SD RDM 100/Swing 140, helmet, and watch, and
drove from New Brunswick to Montreal for training in June 2004.
A
one-line comment on that experience would be: “If you are ready,
willing, and able to work with Eric, he will reciprocate.”
I
should know: I didn’t make the “PPG Academy’s Dean’s List “.
Au contraire, I was advised to come back for a refresher course, and I
did, in October. Am I glad? Yes!
Why
believe me? I knew nothing about PPG, but I do have experience
in sport parachuting.
Rightly or wrongly, certain aspects can be related; e.g.: you could
“drop in” (no pun intended) to a “Drop Zone” where a quick appraisal of
the staff and facilities make it obvious that it’s not worth the effort
of even getting your gear out of the trunk. |
|
Picture by
Frank Savignac
|
|
Also, this is a “referral”: I’m a “happy
camper”; otherwise I wouldn’t be writing.
In my opinion, the training was conducted in a professional
manner: It was like a voluntary army “boot camp”; there
were exhortations to “Run! Run! Run!”, but it wasn’t debasing.
The “Simulator” introduces a student to the effects of thrust
and torque, and knowing where and how to use the “kill switch”
on the throttle control. (If this seems “Mickey Mouse”, do
a little research into what the Apollo astronauts underwent:
It’s called “Operant Conditioning”.) “Ground Control” showed
that the inflated glider was not an unruly horse to be
controlled through brute force – balance, anticipation, and the
subtle use of reins are the key. Tows demonstrated how to
layout the glider, grasp the steering handles, inflate the
glider: Lunge-run-control-check inflation-maintain
heading, and wait for the sweet relief of the towing cable’s
tension to finally prove that this is really worth the effort.
Tow-and-Release added an interesting psychological dimension:
there’s an inborn reluctance to “cut the ties that bind” you
above the ground, whether the “tie” provides suspension or
tension. With a squeeze of the lever, the cable with its
orange flagging tape attached drifts earthward several hundred
below, and you’re back to being a glider pilot setting up a
landing circuit.
The motor – what can I say? There’s only 10 hours on mine
and I haven’t attempted to emulate Charles Lindbergh yet.
The only “incident” occurred during my refresher course:
an instructor was using my gear to demonstrate techniques when
the motor began to lose power, as if it suddenly developed
asthma. A quick check determined that the carburetor
filter was clogged with what appeared to be pollen. Spray
it off, and we’re back in business.
What were my highlights? Two:
I inadvertently hit the kill switch on a touch-and-go attempt.
Not a problem. An instructor was running, backward, in
front of me, pulling on the starting cord, and “urging” both
yours truly and the motor to get going. We both did.
On the last evening I was tired, sore, and grateful that I had
accomplished as much as I had. A very “people oriented”
instructor made a very low-key suggestion that I join him and
another student for what turned out to be an hour long
cross-country. That experience was what you might see in a
slick advertisement, except this one was real. Sunset,
October 7, 2005, and here I am following two fellow fliers,
balmy weather, sleeves rolled up, bobbing around in three
dimensions, watching “little people” doing whatever in their
backyards, heading into the setting sun over Ile Perrot.
This isn’t the stuff of dreams. Contact Eric Dufour and
you’ll be shown that it can be reality."
Glen Boyd, April 2005
Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada
Glen.Boyd@gnb.ca |
"When I came to Eric in 2003,
it was out of frustration. I had
been training with another instructor because he was the closest.
Months
later, I was still practicing ground handling and had not flown.
While ground
handling is great fun and necessary, it is not what I wanted to do
forever.
It was like wanting to play baseball and doing nothing but batting
practice.
I had explained my frustration to Eric and he had said that he would get
me flying. |
|
|
|
We started the day with some ground
handling, I immediately saw the difference between Eric and my
other instructor. He is more like a sports couch than a flight
instructor; which is exactly what is needed here. I was
learning about ten times faster than I had with my first
instructor. Within two hours on the FIRST DAY he had
others and myself in the air on tow.
After several more tows and simulator training we broke for
lunch. After lunch we did several more tows and more
simulator training. As the sun was setting and the winds
became "perfect" the "crew" strapped me in to a motor, put a
helmet on me, and rigged and checked radios. Eric said
once again as he had said all day, don’t think, just listen and
do.
I was given
clearance to start the launch when I was ready. As soon as
I started forward, Eric's hand and voice instructions started, "step right, half throttle, run, full throttle, RUN, RUN…"
Seconds later I was flying like I had never flown before (I
have 1200 hours in general aviation airplanes).
I returned the next month and stay most of a week, to become
confident and safe. I have been flying a year now and it would
not have happened with out Eric and crew.
Am I saying you will solo the first day if you train with Eric?
No, I am saying that you will solo as fast as YOU are capable of
in a safe and friendly environment."
Mark Evans,
February 2005
Alabama, USA
vivovoyager@comcast.net
|
An open letter to all interested in flying a Powerparaglider.
"When I decided to learn to fly a PPG, I was 70 years old. I just
bought one and signed up for lessons.
My initial experience with Eric Dufour was a bit intimidating. He
looked me straight in the eye and asked how old I was. The next
question was if I thought I could do this.
He then proceeded to tell me he was going
to push me to learn.
I rather expected someone a little less blunt. At that point I
almost wondered if I had made a mistake. |
|
|
|
Well, he did push me. Never beyond what I was capable of and if
I indicated to him I was a bit tired, he bluntly said “Rest for
a few minutes”. He also informed me to do as much as I could
and at any time if I was uncomfortable in any way to let him
know. And he did work me hard that first day. In the evening
during the debriefing he let me know I was doing okay. (Just
okay?) I had memories of being back in Marine Corps boot camp.
Next day more of the same and he never let me (or anyone else I
have discovered) slack off or if we made any mistakes, he was
quick to let us know and also let us know how to do it
correctly. What a perfectionist.
That second day at noon he asked me if I wanted to solo that
afternoon. Me solo, but, I was sure if he said I was ready,
then it must be so. I did and had the pleasure of soloing side
by side with Matt Hoffman (BMX Champion). He seemed as thrilled
as I.
If I made Eric Dufour out to be an ogre, he most
certainly is not. What he is IS dedicated, precise, very alert
to all that is going on with all students at all times and very
concerned that all learn skills and above all safety.
I have the fortune of living within a decent distance of where
Eric teaches and therefore am able to fly there often. I have
become friends with Eric and his wife Elisabeth and have had
some personal conversations with them both. Eric truly is
dedicated to each student and teaches with a passion. If I do
something wrong even today (and it might be a half mile from
him) he will see it and correct me. Eric is without a doubt
the premier Instructor in this business and when you learn from
him... You WILL LEARN from him.
By the way, he really is a fun persons, but when he instructs,
he is all business and gives you everything he can. He will
teach you how to fly and how to fly well.
Sincerely,"
Don Andrews (6/26/1934), February 2005
10639 N E 151 Street
Ft Mc Coy, FL 32134
Phone (352) 555-1234
Fax (352) 555-6789
captdon.1@earthlink.net
|
"When I decided
I wanted to get into the sport of Powered Paragliding, I purchased many
videos about the sport and watched them over and over.
As an experienced Hang Glider pilot and Ultralight Pilot, I knew I
wanted to get professional instruction in this area of aviation.
One of the videos was an unedited video, filmed at Sun & Fun in Lakeland
Florida. The video showed all the manufacturers,
schools, and their products. |
|
|
|
It also showed many powered paragliding
takeoffs and landings by the the pilots in attendance. In one
scene, a newer pilot was struggling to get into the air much to
the entertainment of the crowd. No one seemed to really want to
help this guy. A pilot who had just recently landed, walked out
to the field and offered his assistance. The pilot offering
assistance was Eric Dufour. This was not his student and he had
no reason to do so other than the fact that he wanted to help.
I had known Eric was a very skilled pilot and instructor, and
this totally made up my mind as to where I would go for
training.
I spent 3 days with Eric, and I was in the air the very first
day. I purchased my wing from Eric and have had many many hours
of enjoyment since.
Eric will push you as hard as you allow him to because he wants
you to make the most out of your experience. His training
is thorough, professional, and he will capitalize on all your
strengths.
When someone asks me about getting into the sport of Powered
Paragliding, I do not even have to think about where I will
refer them. If my son or daughter ever gets the desire to fly
PPG, I would take them to Eric."
Mike MacPherson,
February 2005
14, Whitetail Way
Pequea, Pennsylvania
17565, USA
mmacpherson@comcast.net
|
"To fly is the dream of many, but the cost and safety is why we don’t
see more people enjoying the dream to fly.
The PPG gave both my brother and myself the ability to see this dream
come true. With its ability to take-off in short distance and land
almost anywhere, the PPG has proven us how safe and versatile it can
be.
When we first research the PPG on the internet, we had no idea where to
go for a course in PPG. |
|
|
After some thoughts and
word of mouth from a few
PPG pilots in our area,
we decided to be trained
by Eric Dufour and we
were please to hear and
see that we had made a
good decision, not only
for getting excellent
training, but most
importantly in safe
hands.
We knew very
little about PPG, we saw
the first real one
flying the morning of
our course, having Eric
Dufour for instructor
made us feel more at
ease and confident
during the training.
For me, combining
photography and flying
gave me a new
opportunity to capture
my own postcards, for
myself and others to
see. Fly low or high
and slow, no vibration,
the use of both hands
freely and almost 180%
ground visibility makes
the PPG the ultimate
aircraft for aerial
photography. Fly around
your favorite fishing
lake, hunting grounds,
or even search and
rescue; the
possibilities are
restricted to your
imagination.
The PPG is not only for
the strong and
physically fit person,
for those who are not
fortunate of having
strong bodies may enjoy
the same thrill by
adding a trike to their
machine and not need any
physical stress to fly.
For my brother Donald,
he just likes low
flying, and he’s in the
air every chance he
gets. The ability for
the PPG to be ready for
flight in a few minutes
and to fit in a car or
boat, because of it’s
weight and size, make’s
it the best little
aircraft ever made.
We recommend for anyone
wanting to investigate
this lovely new and safe
sport to seek the
assistance of Eric
Dufour in getting
themselves in the
air".
Maurice and Donald
Robichaud,
February 2005
New Brunswick, Canada
|
|
|
|
"Dear Eric,
I wanted to drop
you a note to
let you know how
my flying is
going and how
much I
appreciate the
training you
provided. The
techniques you
use to build a
student up to
solo
flight.
After
all the ground
handling,
simulator, and
towing
practice, by the
time I was ready
to solo I felt
pretty
comfortable that
I had the skills
to pull it off. Once I did get
in the air,
your continual
radio contact
and directions
made
it surprisingly
easy.
As I continued
to practice, I
noticed that you do
an amazing job of
knowing what your
students are
doing in the air,
even while working
with other students
on the ground.
|
 |
|
I always felt like you were watching out for me and making
sure I did not screw up! Now that I am around some
other pilots with other training I can really appreciate
the solid foundation you provided in both launch
technique and safe flying.
I also wanted to tell
you how happy I am with my equipment. Everyone I have
met seems to agree that the Sting is the best wing for a
beginner. I am amazed to find myself pulling
off successful forward launches, when some other pilots
are having trouble getting off the ground. I have no
doubt that the Sting was the perfect wing for me to get
into this sport with.
The SD RDM engine you provided is
performing very well also. I have ample power to climb
and I have had no starting problems. Many veteran
pilots I have met have commented on the apparent quality
and sturdiness of the design. I also love how easy it is
to remove the cage. I have a topper on my truck and
I just remove the top half and slide the unit in to keep
it out of the weather. Recently there has been allot of
talk about problems with carabineers and its great
that with my SD and its backup system I don't have to
worry about that.
I have been flying every chance I get since I finished
training and have been getting together with a group of
guys in this area. In the process, I have seen one
pilot have his wing get wrapped up in the prop and one
destroy a prop and cage. Too bad these guys did not have
your equipment and training!
I am very happy to report
that all my flights have been successful and without
mishap (so far!) even though many of them have been in
less than ideal conditions. I can only attribute
my success to the quality instruction and the excellent
equipment you provide. Thanks again for helping me make
this happen, and keep on doing what you do so other
pilots can safely enjoy this sport as much as I am!
Later,"
Chris Johnson, February 2005
Florida, USA
|
"It's hard to believe I've been flying now for a
year and a half (since September 2003).
Were it not for Eric Dufour, it wouldn't have
happened.
Initially I emailed Eric Dufour and as he said
at the time, "If you have the desire to fly, I will train
you."One has to
appreciate an Instructor that talks straight without being
vague or half hearted. That's Eric's
style. |
|
When you're
tired and ready to give up and take a break, fall out or
fail, he coaxes one more try out of you. Mainly you
feel all the better for having done so and continued...
My words after my first solo flight "Se magnifique !!!",
with a huge smile.
Add to that the other half of Paratour, Eric's wife
Elisabeth, (skilled PPG pilot, Wing Maintenance
Technician, video editor, and business genius, as well
as a very stylish lady) and you have a one stop answer
to your PPG flying needs.
Did I mention Eric's line of SD Paramotors? Eric has a
motor range for the lightest to the heaviest pilot.
I fly an SD mini monster and haven't had so much as a
hint of a problem with it. The mini-monster
because I'm one of the heavier fliers at 260 lbs,
Paratour because I took good advice and liked what I saw
when I followed up on it.
You will too if you do the same. Don't hesitate to
email if you have questions.
Fly Safe, Fly Again,"
Robert Dawson, January 2005
Georgia, USA
|
"My thanks to Eric, Max, Patrick, Sebastian,
Elisabeth and Christiane who all helped me learn to
fly at Paramotion, Montreal last June.
We were hampered by high winds many of the days and
I certainly did not get enough flights in to feel
comfortable yet, but I flew and was able to do some
more flights in Connecticut last year.
|
 |
| I also thank
the CT PPGers for their help on many of my flights. Due to
family issues, I was not able to get as many flights in last
year as I had hoped, so I am definitely going to come back
to either Paramotion or Fly By Ranch for a refresher course
in 2005.
Special thanks to Eric for
his patience - I was a slow learner. Being a former GA
pilot and sky diver does not automatically make you a
proficient powered paraglider! I think your training must
be one of the best available in the world. I'm sure glad
that I stayed the extra day and was able to get 3 better
launches accomplished".
Jim Waletzko,
January 2005
|
|
"Learning how to fly a Powered
Paraglider is a fun and exciting sport, but the training
process should be safely planned by a professional
instructor. In a sport that requires careful
attention and precise habits, I believe that shortcut
compromises should be avoided.
My training with Eric Dufour provided an excellent
experience. It was very enjoyable, safe,
and it moved me in a step-by-step approach of learning
at my own pace.
|
 |
|
The techniques on how to kite and
control the glider, fly close to the ground with a tow line
for practice landings, sit in the harness of the hanging
motor simulator, and then put this all together to fly, are
all methodical and proven practices.
I have learned skills that help me be a safe
and consistent pilot, and I am very satisfied with my
training decision to go with Eric.
In getting my equipment, the motor and glider were
properly fit for my size, weight, and needs; and I
became familiar with my own equipment as I trained. The
motor and glider wing are made with quality
and reliability. I really like my equipment!
Eric is a hard-working innovator of this sport and has
helped Powered Paragliding advance to new levels of
professionalism. I have been watching and wanting to do
this for many, many years and I knew that I could not go
wrong training with Eric Dufour.
Thank you for your dedication, Eric!"
Scott Adair, January 2005
Maine in summer & Florida in winter
|
"Dear Eric,
This is a thank you going all the way back to last year, for the
great hospitality, fabulous training, wonderful equipment and after
sales support.
My only regret is that the weather
here in Connecticut hasn't been very pleasant on the weekends I had
a chance to fly.
As soon as the weather warmed, I went to a UL friendly field in
Madison CT. |
|
I arrived shortly before 9
am to find a clear, beautiful
sky, a warm 4 - 5 mph breeze out
of the west and an open field.
Set up, pre-flighted and warmed
up the red SD, which purred in
anticipation. Forward launch
with the EZ Glider was a breeze,
airborne in 3 or 4 steps of full
power. Procedure turn left
to avoid the houses lining the
field and headed for the beach.
Air was like glass and did not
find a single bump all the way
up to 1500 feet. View was
wonderful, with the high ridges
just south of Hartford and New
Haven Harbor visible in the
distance. After a perfect hour,
return to the field for a easy
two-step landing.
Since then
I have put a total of 40 flights
in the log book, all safe, all
comfortable due to your
comprehensive training and
ultra-reliable SD RDM Lite.
My only
regret is that it took me 50
years to find this sport.
Again, thanks for helping to get
me safely into this.
Sincerely,"
Paul
Kluga,
December 2004
Connecticut
pckluga@yahoo.com
|
"I
have great respect for Eric Dufour as a professional powered
paraglider instructor.
I investigated quite thoroughly the
various schools in North America that were providing PPG instruction.
Based on extensive reading on everything that I could find, I
discovered that the most qualified individual in the field is Eric
Dufour. I don't think there is another individual out there as
qualified as he. |
|
I would like to say something about his
integrity. I scheduled a flight training week with Eric for the
week following the "Sun n' Fun Fly In" in Florida in April
2002. I met with Eric at the Fly In and we discussed my
reasons for wanting to learn to fly and own a PPG.
You’ve no doubt heard about people who have
O-D’d and thought they met God, well no
disrespect intended to “Her” divine
inspiration, but, Mr. Eric Dufour has been
an instrumental cog on my personal path to
spiritual enlightenment and manic nirvana.
Flying has changed my life and respect for
(almost) everything around me, from
consideration of close family and the
workplace, friends and journeys to
expectations and goals.
Safety in flight is what I gained from this
man, and it started with trusting the
equipment and understanding how to use it. The bookwork, simulator, ground-handling,
winch tows and running around with a motor
on my back made for good familiarity of
equipment and a solid prep for flight. It is
this teaching technique that I blame for
robbing me of that expected rush on my solo
flight. My solo flight just felt natural,
the rush and/or addiction to flight creeps
up on the well instructed pilot, I think
anyway.
Before meeting Eric, I had done some
shopping for equipment and teachers of this
sport. I thought I knew what I wanted but
took the advice of the guy I decided to
trust and sure glad I did… I watched another
guy fare differently for sticking with what
he thought he knew instead of following the
advice of a well rounded guru. Trust is the
main ingredient for the student and
purchaser of equipment and Eric Dufour knows
what you need despite the things you think
you want. After 8 days at his school in
Quebec, I headed home to fly alone, now
there are 7 other paramotors around me in 3
short years. After the sale, the service
was/is great – the cost of parts are
reasonable and they are sent without delay –
the advice continues to flow and I have only
good things to say about Mr. Dufour except
that he flies every day where I only wish I
could.
There seems to be a great gap between what
most people think about the dangers of this
sport and what I know as calculated risk.
Knowledge and understanding the limits of
our equipment are not all confined to the
classroom though, I have continued learning
and reading regularly because my instructor
does not fit in my tool box – too bad.
Understanding of the weather cannot be
taught except for the basics in a classroom,
this takes years unless you have absolutely
nothing else to do. So, if you’re like me,
you may only get 138 flights in a 3 year
stretch, but those flights are in benign
conditions and super enjoyable. People
wonder why and how anyone could climb so
high to shut their motor off and glide
without fear of dying – I tell them to get a
good instructor and the latest equipment and
join us on this wonderful journey above
ground level."
Mark Dean, December 2004
Nova Scotia, Canada
Mark.Dean@gnb.ca
|
"I
have great respect for Eric Dufour as a professional powered
paraglider instructor. I investigated quite thoroughly the
various schools in North America that were providing PPG instruction.
Based on extensive reading on everything that I could find, I
discovered that the most qualified individual in the field is Eric
Dufour. I don't think there is another individual out there as
qualified as he.
I would like to say something about his
integrity. I scheduled a flight training week with Eric for the
week following the "Sun'Fun Fly In" in Florida in April
2002. I met with Eric at the Fly In and we discussed my
reasons for wanting to learn to fly and own a PPG.
Based on the information that I shared with Eric,
he frankly explained to me that PPG is not the ideal way for me
to go and that powered parachutes would be a better choice.
|
|
I was so impressed and thankful for his honesty. Not only
did Eric direct me elsewhere, but he even took some of his valuable
time to accompany me to evaluate the quality of a particular powered
parachute brand that I was interested in. Here is a man that
put his own interest aside to help another person.
This speaks volumes to me regarding his integrity. I now
fly a powered parachute and am enjoying it very much. I
anticipate a day in the future when I will want to learn to fly a
PPG, and when that day comes, I will be calling Eric Dufour.
Thank you Eric, and may God Bless You! "
Gerard Beauchemin, July 2002, Missionary dentist
Brownsville,
Texas, USA
gerrydenise@yahoo.com Phone
: (956) 831-
9011 |
"Paramotoring was not part of any of my dreams . . in
fact flying was not something that attracted me
really. After having met Elisabeth and Eric Dufour I
started to watch and observe those "crazy
flyers" every weekend.
Eric Dufour being an excellent instructor, and having
the knack to see hidden talents in others, PROGRESSIVELY
trained me to the point of soloing (and believe me
patience he needed with me).
Needless to say that I
cannot stop flying since 1995. His patience, his
talent have made me an instructor since.
Thanks to Paratour in initiating me (and seeing
what I could not see at the time) to this extraordinary
sport and hoping for many more years of fun"!
Christiane
Moisan (CC), April 2002
Paramotor instructor
Québec, Québec, Canada
ccparamoteur@hotmail.com
|
|
|
"As
a well experienced PG pilot but neophyte PPG pilot,
I had to come to the "Mecca" of powered
paragliding to see for myself.........ie
St-Jean-Chrysostome.
Both
Eric & Elisabeth were very welcoming upon my
initial arrival. Eric checked out my
paraglider and it seemed ok......but after
installing the new short risers on my Pro- design
Effect.......we were ready" to rock & roll" Trim
tabs do make a difference.
Eric
is not only a technically excellent flyer, but he
seems to add an artistic component as well.
|
|
|
His swoops and steep turns are a joy to watch and an
inspiration to all who aspire towards advanced flying goals.
Eric uses instructional metaphors
that stay with you long after you have departed. For example, I was
reminded that I needed to "make the motor my friend"....this
because we, PG pilots, are simply not used to having 55 lbs of
excitement on our backs & a throttle in the hand..... so,
understandably, this can generate some apprehensions.
As a PG pilot, I quickly learned that
what was acceptable ground handling for ridge soaring (always reverse
launches) was insufficient for motorized flat surface launches
(often forward launches). So the operative word
was..."practice, practice, practice".
When it comes to PPG, you can never
do enough ground handling. It is easy at times to get away with
sloppy launches when free flying, but it can be outright dangerous to
get into bad habits leading to sloppy launches when motoring. This
is where having an accomplished instructor who is able to give you
instant feedback via 2-way radio, can boost the 'ol learning
curve....... and Eric sure fits the bill in that regard!
Clearly, there are adjustments that
have to be made in switching to PPG from PG.
Some are subtle and some are glaring. For example, forward
launches are no longer
done by dropping your arms straight back in a delta formation and
dropping the upper body in a "charging bull" formation.
In PPG, this procedure would lead to a major launch malfunction.
In summary, I would strongly
encourage all my PG compadres out there who are
contemplating powered paragliding, to get some serious quality
instruction from an
instructor who appreciates the hurdles and challenges we, PG pilots,
face as we make the transition to another flying style/mode. If
you live in a flat terrain area, PPG can be just the ticket you need to
go thermal hopping to cloud base.
Fly Safe"
Herb Hornig, October 2001
Ontario, Canada
herb.hornig@sympatico.ca
|
"I trained at Paratour's
school in Quebec in 1999, and have been hooked on PPG ever since.
I find
Eric Dufour to be straight forward, hard working and honest. If
ever I have a question regarding PPG he is there to help. I have
called him on several occasions from my flying field and in
most cases the problem is resolved. Eric takes his passion seriously
and teaches with safety being #1. Paratour is a small family run
business. Both Eric and his wonderful wife Elisabeth, make an
excellent team.
|
|
|
Eric started me out on a Apco Prima 30 and now,
with the proper training and advise I got from Paratour, I fly a
small Silex. A fast and exciting wing. Eric will stand behind his
word, he will offer continuing support. Eric and Elisabeth are really
nice and sincere people, and will always make you feel welcome."
|
| "On April 6, 2000, I purchased
an SD 48 from Eric Dufour in Canada. I now have over 80 flights on the
SD 48. Those 80 flights occurred in Florida, Louisiana, Canada,
Mississippi, Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico and Montana! They ranged
in altitude from to sea level to over well over 6000 feet.
Every claim, promise, etc.
that Eric Dufour made has been fulfilled. It has met all of my
expectations, all.
Eric's SD 48 (48" prop)
is essentially a Fresh Breeze 48 with a Solo 210, tuned exhaust,
Bing carb, intake silencer, modified cylinder for easy starting,
etc. Eric then adds his own sturdy frame and cage, floating j-bars,
throttle and redrive - Not so "essentially a Fresh Breeze"
maybe.
Why did I choose the SD 48?
ERIC DUFOUR - It does not get
much better than Eric Dufour, Paratour CEO (Elisabeth) and company.
Eric is a conservative, honest man, with an excellent reputation.
THRUST - I wanted
a lot of thrust, good climb rate. The SD has the most thrust of
any of the popular US paramotors except for the heavier tandem
units. Same as the Fresh Breeze 48. |
|
 |
QUIET - VERY quiet. I have
had many comments on how quiet the SD 48 is. I only know of one
other paramotor so quiet, but the thrust is noticeably less. I like flying low and not bothering people on the ground.
It
is important for me to not be restricted from beaches, public
parks, etc.COMFORT - It is very comfortable
on my shoulders with the adjustable shoulder straps and in flight
with the floating j-bars. There is very little or no vibration.
I never notice the floating j-bars in flight.
STURDY - It is Very Sturdy.
RELIABILITY - I can't really
compare paramotors. There is a lot of hype out there. With this
feature I just decided to go with Eric Dufour's reputation and
years of experience. He tells the truth, too conservative maybe.
This was is latest version of what he thought was the best. To
date, my SD 48 has exceeded my expectations. I really like flying
it.
NO ELECTRIC START - I like
not having an electric start - no starter, batteries or wiring
to fail, no batteries to charge, no potential fire hazard. The
SD 48 is very easy to start on my shoulders and to restart in
flight. If Eric offered me a free starter with free installation,
I would say no. If he offered the same with NO weight or batteries
to charge, I would have to think about it, maybe not, it is so
easy to start.
BING CARB - It is very adjustable,
but you don't adjust it for every flight. Only a substantial
change in altitude or temperature requires any adjustment. Then
only about 2 to 4 minutes are required.
TORQUE - I have not experienced
any noticeable torque during launch or flight with the floating
j-bars.
QUICK, EASY ASSEMBLY - I was
impressed with the cage assembly. It is hard to describe, but
you have to squeeze the cage just right, then a perfect, sturdy,
vibration free fit. Eric uses 0-rings with each attachment. There
are simply 11 velcro's and 6 prop bolts, 3 to 4 minutes. With
my new MiniVan, only 4 or 5 velcro's with the top 2 sections
of the cage, less than a minute.
LARGE FUEL TANK - 11 liters
plus.
FUEL CONSUMPTION - About 3
liters per hour, but "your mileage may vary".
THROTTLE - Very comfortable
with a foam handle. It is adjustable in 2 ways, and mine is now
super.
WEIGHT - Fine since my first
paramotor was noticeably heavier. The reduced weight has been
welcome. But if the SD weighed more, it would be worth it for
all the advantages cited here.
LOOKS - Nice I think, but this
is surely a personal preference.
Mostly, I have cited some facts
here, not personal opinions. I am very pleased with the SD 48.
Thank you Eric and Company."
Bud Johnson,
October 2000
New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
Phone :
(504) 467-6105
budjohnson@worldnet.att.net |
"Being a new pilot in the
sport of recreational aviation, I had some uncertainty about
the lessons and the equipment to purchase.
My reservations were
things like; is this motor the right one for me? Is it strong
enough? Safe enough? Quiet enough? Light enough?
Are there options
to fit my needs? By the time I left St-Jean-Chrysostome (the
field of Angels), I knew everything I was concerned about was
resolved and that Paratour was the place to be doing it.
|
|
It was from talking to other
past clients of Eric’s. It was from the confirmation of
other new clients that rest assured me that I was in good hands. The equipment and the lessons that Eric delivers are progressive
and top notch.
Fly safe and prowd!"
See more details @
http://www.geocities.com/fitzgr/para/angels.html
Grant Fitz,
November 1999
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
fitzgr@yahoo.com |
|
"Since my
childhood, one of my dreams was to fly. I have
discovered paramotor with Paratour by coincidence, watching
a video with people with a paraglider and a motor on the
back that could fly. I needed to know more had to try
it.
I have started my formation with
Paratour in summer '97, completed it in '98 and decided to
buy my paramotor in July '99. It is fantastic to be
able to fly!
Paratour's
professionalism and the quality of their service made of me
a satisfied customer since 3 years. The Paratour team
with Eric Dufour will make you discover the joy of flying in
total safety. |
|
|
I could
tell you that if you want to fly a paramotor, I recommend
you Paratour. I could tell you also that I talked with
many satisfied customers, but do not believe on my words
only: Come to meet the Paratour people, make your own
mind and and who knows, maybe we will meet there. You
will recognize me easily: I have a motor on my back, a
paraglider over my head and I fly!" :-)
Luc
Poulin, March 1999
Charlesbourg, Québec,
Canada
Luc_poulin@hotmail.com |
|
"All my life I had a very strong
desire to fly. I even went so far as to take several
fixed and rotary wing lessons. In the fall of 1995, on
a business trip to Florida, I experienced my first encounter
with a powered paraglider. The feeling that came over
me was incredible. I wanted to know more about
learning to fly this new and exciting aerial sport. I
wanted to fly a powered paraglider. I had kept in
contact with the PPG pilot and then one day in September
1998, I made the commitment.
I asked the
pilot who was the best PPG instructor in the world and he
said without hesitation - Eric Dufour. He went to tell
me that Eric lives and instructs in Quebec, Canada.
I made the
necessary arrangements and within a matter of days I was
ground handling the "big Horse". After making a good
ground handling progress and after several towed flights - I
soloed. |
 |
|
After
several more radio controlled solo flights, my training was
complete and I returned home to Southern California. I
can't say enough positive comments about Eric's skills and
professionalism for safe training. His techniques
should be considered the industry standard. Eric's
training has created a very solid foundation and his passion
for flying was contagious.
After
returning home, I called Eric and ordered a SD unit from
Canada. The SD paramotor uses a Fresh Breeze motor from
Germany and a custom Canadian built protective cage.
The SD is one of the best made paramotors in the world - bar
none. Its safe, simple in design, powerful, and
important for southern California's beaches - quiet."
Greg Anderson, June 1999
Southern California, USA
GAndyA@aol.com
|
"I've logged over 600
flights for a total of 330 hours in my paramotor in the past
3 years. Thanks to the Canadian Paratour team. From the first solo on,
they stand behind their product. Anyone who is serious about
getting into this sport should research what Paratour has to
offer. They will not only get you flying.... their after sales
service support will keep you flying !"
Bruce F. Erion, February 1998
Atlanta, Georgia, USA
bferion@aol.com |
 |
| "My Powered Paragliding
fantasy began in March of 1993 with a short segment featured
on Inside Edition. Now 5 years later, I have 26 non-powered and
44 powered flights logged with a lot more to come.
I have searched for over four
years to find the right paraengine dealer and instructor that
was trust worthy, honest, knowledgeable and experienced. By surprise,
I found that there are some questionable companies offering expensive
equipment without the proper instruction and training.
|
 |
|
In Quebec, Eric Dufour of PARATOUR and
his staff, assisted me with the proper training, confidence,
and knowledge to fly a powered Paraglider safely. Eric and his
staff later assisted me in determining the proper size and model
that was right for my first engine.
The Dufour's and the staff of
PARATOUR have always been a pleasure to do business with, as
well as, know as friends.
As always, fly safely and " THANK YOU PARATOUR ! "
Mike Theriault, February 1998
Maine, USA
paraflime@exploremaine.com
 See
an article about Mike Theriault in the Sun Journal |
| "I started my course November
8, 1997... A day in my life I will never forget. Eric Dufour
is so passionate in is teaching but at the same time he makes
you understand that flying is a serious matter and that you have
to respect all the limits. And then you have no other choice
than to respect Eric Dufour and fall deeply in love with Paramotor."
Yanick Renaud,
March 1998
Oka, Quebec, Canada
jprenaud@videotron.ca |
 |
"I have known Eric Dufour
since the 1992 spring. We have flown and taught many people in
many countries. Eric Dufour is the best pilot I've had the chance
to meet and I have great respect for Eric with everything concerning
paramotor. In business, he is someone who always puts the
client first."
Francesco de Santis, February 1998
Certified instructor USHGA, ASC
U-CAN-FLY-2 Owner, Tampa, Florida, USA
FCHECK@aol.com |
 |
"I first met Eric in April
1995 when he very kindly came all the way out from Quebec to
British Columbia and taught me to use my paramotor which I had
just purchased.
Eric, who is French, was very articulate and careful with his
teaching and displayed an obvious mastery of the unique art of
flying the paramotor and an understanding of the flying machine
that comes only with personal experience.
He was able to
impart volumes of pearls of wisdom while the weather was bad
and demonstrate and teach with all the patience in the world
when it came to the practical part.
Although' I have been flying hangliders since 1974, ultralight flying since 1985 and paragliding
since 1991, I found Eric's attitude and knowledge
very reassuring and professional. I have been enjoying my paramotor
flying ever since. |
 |
But one of the most outstanding
things about Eric, is that he has kept in contact and kept up
encouragement long after his teaching was over!
I would highly recommend Eric to anyone who wishes to use Eric's
services."
Dr David Paisley, February 1998
British Columbia, Canada
pmedical@vip.net |
|
