Years of flying solo have prepared Cody Bandsma to be the wingman for future powered paragliders.
For several years the adrenaline-driven Shuswap man has been exploring the region with a birds-eye view via powered paragliding – a form of ultralight aviation where a paramotor (a large motorized fan) propels him forward and a wind-filled paraglider wing keeps him aloft. Bandsma has shared videos of his numerous daring flights on YouTube, giving viewers a different perspective of Mount Ida and Salmon Arm, the Enderby Cliffs, Armstrong, Blind Bay and more.
"Every time I do it, people say that must be fun," said Bandsma. "I don’t know if I’d call it fun. It’s adrenaline. It’s definitely exciting."
With his years of experience and ongoing training, Bandsma is now working with professional pilot Jim Reich of FlyBC, teaching newcomers to the sport to help them get their paramotor licence.
"I started in May this year and had a great season with the students," said Bandsma, who has been training students in Salmon Arm, Armstrong, Savona and soon Sorrento.
When Swan Lake freezes this winter, Bandsma will be there helping students take to the air.
"At FlyBC you learn all the skills necessary to fly a paramotor," explaiend Bandsma. "We familiarize students with their equipment, go over safety concerns, so you can practice and develop your skills and be a safer, more confident pilot."
Prior to takeoff, Bandsma's students (a number of which have been experienced skydivers), learn how to control their wing through "kiting." Salmon Arm residents may have seen some of these lessons taking place at the Safeway soccer field near Centenoka Mall. Kiting is a way of learning how the wing moves and how to adjust your body accordingly, to make the wing move how and where you want it to.
While Bandsma prefers having the paramotor on his back, he also teaches prospective pilots on how to use trikes and quads, three-and four-wheel contraptions with minimal frame, 1-2 seats and a fan at the rear.
Students are expected to have their own equipment, though Bandsma said a savings can be had by purchasing second-hand inspected equipment.
When not sailing through above the earth, Bandsma can be found deep underwater, keeping busy with commercial diving company. Videos of some of those experiences can also be found on his YouTube channel.
While Bandsma can be courageous with his flights, as was the case with his 6,000-foot flight over and around Mount Ida, he stresses it's up to students to keep within their comfort zones.
"It’s all about what you want to do with your flying," said Bandsma. "You can look at my videos and say that guy is stupid … but it’s what I like to do. I say to everybody, everybody has their own flying style."
For more information, visit flybc.org or email flybcpg@gmail.com, or contact Bandsma at 250-609-3076, or Codybandsma@hotmail.com.
