I just opened last night and I must say this thing is awesome!  Literally the craftsmanship and toughness of this thing blows me away.  It looks way better in real life than any of the photos I scanned through on my computer.  After staring at my BDs for the last few months, I honestly didn't expect a ppg engine to be this rigid and look this well made.  With luck I'll be able to fire it up tomorrow night for a few flights. 

The one thing I do need to ask about is the torque settings.  The manual recommends the head gasket be torqued to 9+2 NM.  Is that 9.2 NM?  If I understand it right, that would be about half the torque of the black devil which was 2.2 NM. Do the needs just change that much with a different thread?  Probably a dumb question. 

Anyways, the motor is beautiful and I thank you for encouraging me to buy this motor!!!

I received the prop balancer today. I would just like to take this opportunity to say thanks for your speedy responses to my emails and your very quick mailing, excellent customer service.

Thanks again

Brett

Would you comment on the following?

A flying friend bought a new paramotor from a local PPG instructor/dealer in June (not Black hawk). There was barely enough thrust to taxi his trike, and not enough to climb after take-off. It took a month from the time it was deemed to be an ignition problem till the new parts arrived and were installed. The test flight ended after 10 minutes when the carburetor fell off (the pilot glided down OK).

The instructor/dealer stated that:
The *** paramotor has no warranty. As you know any 2-cycle motor, paramotor, motorbike etc. can fail at anytime and no one will warranty them.
Well, I see that your Black Hawk motors have a two year warranty, so the above statement isn't true.

Is it an exception, rather than a rule to expect paramotors to come with a warranty?

Thank you for your time.

- Glen

Hi Glen
Our Black hawks and all paratoys products have always come with a 2 year warranty. Many of the lesser quality brands do not offer warranties at all, I would imagine as they could not cover the cost of warranties with poor products.

I felt like a little kid on Christmas morning. I've flown old and used motors for three years, and this was my first brand new unit. Anticipation was running high to say the least. I finally got everything out of the box and onto the shop floor. I located the book of instructions and the ParaToys assembly CD.

Like most of us, I read the directions when all else fails. So get yourself a cup of coffee, sit down in front of the tube, and relax. The CD is an excellent production, and the subject matter is presented in orderly and clear format. All manufactures could benefit from a similar CD for their products. I found the harness set-up and hang test section to be very helpful. On the last page of the instruction manual, ParaToys includes a list of tips I found very useful and informative.

The cage radius tubes are numbered with yellow paint and slip into the frame at the corresponding number. I used my electric engraving tool to mark the parts in case the paint rubbed off over time. If you disassemble your unit for transport on a regular basis, this might save some frustration later on.

The engine started very quickly after being primed. The automatic compression release makes pull starting so easy, it renders electric starters obsolete. I left the original carb settings unchanged until I had run it for two hours. After run in, I leaned out the low screw and obtained a 2400 rpm idle that was incredibly smooth. The midrange on the Walbro 37C is very good, but the throttle is a little touchy. The left-hand throttle is the smoothest I've ever used.

Now that everything was ready, it was time for the big test. On the ground, the motor was comfortable on my back. I thought the comfort bars might create an awkward feeling on the ground like they did on my Walkerjet, but that was not the case. The carbiners were easy to operative with gloved hands and snapped into the open position. After warm up, the motor was easy to pull start on my back; a quick easy pull is all it takes.

The wind was not going to assist with this launch as indicated by the limp windsock. Fortunately, my ParaToys wing likes no wind conditions. I started to pull the wing up and added a little power to assist. Normally, I can feel the wing through the shoulder straps on my Adventure. On the Black Hawk, I could feel it from the shoulder straps all the way through the leg straps. The positive feed back through the harness made it a snap to tell what the wing was doing during pull up.

The time had arrived to pour on the power. I was prepared for a lot of torque effect, but it didn't happen. When the power came on, I was ripped off the ground in less than two steps. That and the rate of climb left me breathless. I let off the throttle immediately and slipped into the harness. I looked at my altimeter, and I was already passing 150 feet. This made my old Solo 210 seem like a Model A Ford by comparison. I tried two mid-air engine restarts, and it fired up both times with an effortless pull on the cord. At full power, torque induced turn is noticeable but not at all overwhelming. At cruise power, where we usually fly, it was barely detectable.

In the air, the Black Hawk is as comfortable or more so than my Adventure, which is that motor's best feature. I set the 'angle of dangle" at 12 degrees, which made for a comfortable upright seating position. I found it very easy to make weight shift turns, which is not a requirement for me, but it does makes flying hands-free for photography much easier. Fuel economy improves as the motor breaks in, and the nine-liter tank will deliver more than two hours of flying time.

I added a Tiny Tach, my special 'pink eraser" cruise control, and a second kill switch. I mounted the second kill switch to the lower frame and utilized a separate ground location. It's usually the kill switch ground that prevents shut down, so using a separate grounding location for the other switch will usually eliminate the problem.

I checked everything over after the first hour in the air. I found the exhaust bolts at the head had loosened slightly, but that was all. Quality control is apparently alive and well at Black Hawk, because I have found no fault with any part of the motor.

There has been a lot said about the perfect paramotor, but I always felt it didn't exist. The sport needed someone to blend all the good qualities of the various motors into one unit, and this is it. There doesn't appear to be anything new or ground breaking in the Black Hawk; it just does everything very well. What more could you ask for? If you're considering a new motor and want exceptional value, you don't need to look any further than ParaToys or the Black Hawk paramotor.

Tom Scott - Washington

I wanted to share this picture of John Blair flying my low boy quad. Without Johns help I don't think I would have even thought of buying anything that was Paratoys. John has shown me a lot of things that only a very experienced flight instructor would know. He went as far as to have my quad setup for me and had the mz34 engine broke-in and test flown when I came for my first day of ground handling. I was very impressed with the low boy quad and the feel of a paratoys wing. This wing is easy to inflate and its performance is awesome. With this setup I feel that I have made a great choice and will only fly a paratoys wing for life!!!

MATT LAWSON

Best Regards

Paul from PA.... Just wanted to drop you a line about my first two flights last night! Both the wing and the Black Hawk Pramotor worked PERFECT! I got off the ground in less than 5 steps and I'm 220 lbs. I also didnt notice any torque and the rate of climb was IMPRESSIVE! The ParaToys wing is ROCK SOLID!

THANKS AGAIN!

FLY WITH A CLUB CHECK OUT THE WEB SITE WWW.PAPPG.COM

I have been having an absolutely great time with my new Blackhawk, thanks a bunch for such an incredibly fun toy.

Jared, Arizona

First, I just want to take the opportunity to thank you for the Black Hawk package I received last week. I did my first solo Saturday evening, and already have 4.0 hours flown. I would have even more if the weather would cooperate here in Indiana. Everything came as advertised, and I am impressed with the thought and engineering that goes into this machine. Thanks again for such a great product!

Ryan R.
Columbia City, IN

I realize I have already said it but thank you again for your help and support. I fully realize that it is a business but it is rare to find someone who offers so much for so little. Please feel free to use me as a reference to absolutely anyone in the future and we expect to see you in the UK later this summer.

Regards

Derek - UK

It took a few months, but I finally found a used 172cc Blackhawk paramotor. Your Bh sure holds its value, that's all I've got to say about what I had to pay for it. Light, comfortable, and big balls for easy takeoffs.Now my parabuddies look like it takes them forever to get off the ground, since I take off so much quicker. I actually pull started it in the air, numerous times. Wow, you rule all. This is the 4th paramotor I've owned, and the best by far. The cage is strong, and the motor even looks sexy.

Thanks for making such a great paramotor. I've enjoyed flying it immensly. Having owned 3 other paramotors, and flown another few on top of that, I'd easily say this is the best paramotor on the market for overall value and performance. Keep up the great work.

Taylor Moffitt

I finally got the chance to fly my new Blackhawk tonight.  Because the left-handed throttle is different than my old motor setup,  I blew two launches before getting airborne.  But once in flight, I was amazed at both my climb-out and and the smoothness and power of the /Black Hawk/Black Devil.  Before flight, I was concerned about the significant increase in power I would be getting, but in flight, the extra power was comforting since I knew I could climb more rapidly if need be.  I didn't want to land. WOW what a machine!

Todd Gaerke

JUST RECIEVED MY PARATOYS 30 SIZE GLIDER. I CANT BELEVE I STRUGGLED WITH MY RANGER PARAGLIDER FOR 2 YEARS. THIS WING IS AMAZING IT COMES UP CENTERED EVERY TIME. I KITTED IT IN LIGHT VARRIBLE WINDS AND IT IS VERY EASY AND FORGIVING. NEVER BEFORE WAS I ABLE TO HOLD A ,WING UP FOR SO LONG ,YOU HAVE A FINE PRODUCT AND SHOULD BE PROUD.

THANKS PAUL R.

Wanted to thank you again for working with my 15 year old son Cameron and I. No doubt, one of the wisest decisions I ever made was switching instructors from claude to you.

We had such a good weekend and we met a lot of nice people. I was so excited for my other son Tyler also. I mean how many kids get to go on a tandem ride on a ppg and also get to ride in an ultralight plane on the same weekend...for free! When Tyler gives me the go ahead, I'll sign him up for lessons but I'm not going to rush him. I want it to be his decision.

After you left, Cameron went up for another 3 more flights and I took mine up once , All of Cameron's take offs were excellent. In fact, when he was having trouble doing a reverse launch due to the diminishing winds, he went to a forward launch and nailed it perfectly. All his landings were excellent as well. He had such a good time and we're looking forward to doing a lot of flying together. We're hoping to go back down to Salton Sea Friday night and fly Saturday. Although it's a bit of a drive, I think it's a good idea to get in our initial flights where there's stable air currents and lots of room.

Bob, we slept with smiles on our faces all night. Thanks again for making our introduction into PPG"S not only informative but a pleasurable one. I'll be up there Wednesday or Thursday to drop off your wind sock.

Ron Nagin

Recomendation from a paratoys customer:

"YES, I do recommend Bob.

I live in Northern California and Bob is in Thousand Oaks. I didn't know of Bob or ParaToys when I purchased my equipment; and even though I hadn't bought equipment from him he gladly answered my questions each time I called him.

I was fortunate to meet Bob when I travelled to LA in 2002. I had gotten his phone number off the web before I left for LA and I called him out of the blue. He told me he was training some students at Ventura Beach and encouraged me to come over there to meet him (we had only spoken on the phone a few times) and watch his students. I had already soloed in my equipment so we just shot the breeze while his students practived kiting on the beach. When his students were done kiting he had them gather and he strapped into his PPG gear and gave a demo of some great PPG flying.

A year later I went to the ParaToys PPG convention in 2003 (held @ Port Hueneme). I found his whole clan, Bob, his wife Debbie, and [even] his daughters to be very nice people. The PPG convention was great too.

Since I met Bob at the convention I've purchased some equipment from him. I think you will be very pleased if you do chose to receive instruction and/or purchase equipment through Bob (if he's still operating his school as he was in 2002 he has school owned equipment you can train on before making a purchase).

I am responding to your email on a loaner computer because my other one "crashed" or I'd send you some jpegs of Bob instructing at Ventura Beach.

Bob is extremely knowledgable about PPG. He is personable, loves what he is doing, and maintains a smile while he is instructing. I'd encourage you to call Bob and see if you can come out and observe his students like I did and see if you think he'd be a good match for you as an instructor.

If you have any further questions (about Bob or PPG) please feel free to email me or phone me @ 530-990-xxxx.

Best regards, Evan."

MICHAEL B ASKS:
Hi Evan,
I got your e-mail off PPG.COM. I'm new to this sport and have a question for you. Would you recommend me buying equipment + lessons from Bob Armond of Paratoys.com?? I've heard good things about him...

Let me know of your opinion...

Thanks...Mike

Would you please share this email with Larry and David. They were so very helpful and kind while I was there. All three of you made the learning and experience a positive one for me.

Larry, thanks for the help with turning around and with holding my hands out straight in front for kite lift off.
David, thanks for the help in sorting lines, advising on how to practice kiting up,down, and sideways along the beach.
Thanks to both of you for being encouraging and directly supportive during training.

Bob; you are a masterful teacher and meant to do the work you do. Look at the influence you've had on Larry and David that they would willingly help / share
their experiences with a novice. I hope to be back there in June; must work out the time yet.

The Wing is beautiful.

Tell Larry that the 27 pictures in 11 minutes actually were a great idea. The photos form the core of my training album.

Regards,
Tom Mccoy

I wanted to drop you a quick line and say thank you again for the last two weekends. I had such an amazing time learning how to paraglide and I owe it all to you! It was such an amazing experience to be able to fly like a bird! You are a great instructor, and I really appreciate your patience and guidance. I learned so much, and I am successfully hooked on the sport. Thank you for allowing me to use your gear and for making me feel so welcomed and comfortable. Your encouragement, support, and enthusiasm really helped me through the process. I am really looking forward to the air show, and I will see you then!

Hugs,
Rochelle

Thanks for the great experiences during your training program! I was thoroughly impressed with your patience and demeanor throughout the challenges and triumphs of training. I've always dreamed of flying (literally) and wanted to actually do it. The Paramotoring experience is the difference between riding in an airplane viewing the world, like watching a TV vs.. living the experience.

I represent the 36 year old male with 3 kids, wife, cat and home in the suburbs, so safety was a key factor in my decision. I chose to travel there from upstate New York to train under your supervision after extensive web & phone research. Among the factors in making my decision was your experience in training so many pilots from around the world, no other instructor came close to the numbers of people that you have trained. I hope to visit you training grounds again or be a part of a national "fly-in" event in the near future.

Thanks for the excellent training and great experience!
Bob Kimmel

It was fantastic learning the sport and you're an exceptional instructor. Hope to send you more clients.

Many Thanks
Richard (fast hands) Joyce

Just wanted to Thank you for a Great experience going thru your training course. It was alot of fun. I am looking forward to getting back up there to play some more. I am glad I took your course! Your experience and understanding of PPG gave me a confidence I would of never had. It made a great difference. You are a great teacher and I am glad and thankful you are willing to help others like myself enjoy a totally awesome form of recreation. I can't thank you enough.

Dave Owens

Thanks for your excellent training this past weekend. You are good at keeping training fun and interesting.
I had a great time.

Jeff Hamann

Just wanted to thank you for one of the most exhilarating and fun experiences of my life! Paragliding is a marvelous sport and I had a great time taking the lessons with you. I feel that I have found the “hobby of a life time” and made a personnel friend too.

Thanks for being so patient and supportive, David Siddall.

I just wanted to let you know how much of a pleasure it was being trained by you. Ingrid and I definitely cannot say enough good things about the training I received and also your pleasant approach to helping me learn. Thanks once again for such professionalism.

Michael S.

I just wanted to write to you and tell you how much I respect and appreciate your enthusiasm for this sport. It clearly shows up when you teach and it gives me a real joy to know that I am being trained by a true professional who is passionate about his work. Your insights and background information has made this learning experience an absolute pleasure. Also your ability to asses my abilities and create a lesson plan around those abilities is an asset that I wish most instructors possessed. Not only did I learn more efficiently I retained the information!

I have three wishes...

1. That you educate OTHER Instructors on how to train the way you do.
2. You keep doing what you love!
Lastly,
3. I wish we could go flying together again soon!

All the best
Sincerely
Jason J