.png)
PARAMOTORING AT FOUNDERS MEMORIAL PARK
Photos by John Pacheco
Dripping Springs parks host a great many sports and hobbies, but for Dripping Springs resident Oliver Reynold, the park is his personal runway for his Paramotoring hobby.
“I’m a pilot, but my day job is welding inspector,” Reynold said. “Paramotoring is actually safer than riding a bicycle. I had someone look it up in an actuarial table. If something goes wrong I can just glide down. I also have a parachute should I need it.”
Renold’s powered glider is foot launched and consists of an engine, small fuel tank, and propeller attached to his body with a harness. The unit is worn like a large backpack, which is in turn attached to a Paraglider that provides the lift. Reynolds has been a Paramotor hobbyist for two years, and said a local company, Austin Paramotor, helped him get started. He said he can fly as high as 12,000 ft with his device.
Reynold’s Instagram with photos taken from the air can be found at https://www.instagram.com/omrenold/ .
Dripping Springs' resident Oliver Reynold takes flight with his paramotor at Founder's Memorial Park, last Saturday afternoon.
Checking his equipment prior to take off.
Putting on the gear is a remarkably quick process.
Reynold yells "Clear!" as he turn on his motor.
With the engine fan on, Reynold cautiously walks towards his paraglider assembly, which he had previously already laid out.
Gauging the wind one last time, Reynold prepares to create lift for his Paraglider.
Air begins to lft his Paraglider
He cautiously walks forward, premitting the Paraglider to begin lifting him off the ground.
Lift off!
Reynolds said he can fly as high as 12,000 ft with his device.
