04/25/12

Powered Paragliding Instruction

Powered paragliding (PPG) is more difficult to learn at the beginning level than free flying because of the presence of the paramotor.  At El Paso Paragliding, your long term flying safety is of paramount importance.  We also strive to minimize damage to your equipment.  Consequently, our instruction is thorough.  All training is done at the Gardner Turfgrass sod farms in Santa Teresa, NM.

Launch events, such as timing the throttle on the paramotor, inflating the wing, staying under it, preventing the glider from diving to one side or other, and enduring the roar of a fully powered engine can be a bit much for the beginning pilot.  How do we fix this issue?  With our special technique we can add new events one at a time when the pilot is ready rather than overwhelm him with a host of new tasks at the same time. We begin with a simple launch and landing -- all under tow, in a straight line, and with no paramotor (or, in the case of wheeled PPG, the engine will not be running).  Then, step by step, we increase the necessary tasks required.  This method of instruction increases pilot safety and helps prevent damage to the equipment.

TYPICAL PPG SETUP -- go here.

Go here for the details of the USPPA ratings and requirements.  Go here for information on what to bring to your training. Go here for details on our training location.

All PPG pilots need to be aware that a paramotor can quit at any time.  Please go here for an important warning!

All PPG students must use their own paramotor and glider.  Students may begin their training without a paramotor but will not be able to be certified PPG2 or greater.  We can help you decide which types of equipment are best for you and provide it.  Note: Part of the real cost of training is offset by the student's purchase of equipment from El Paso Paragliding.

Below, a new PPG pilot readies himself to be towed up with his paramotor attached (but not running).  This technique helps prevent problems caused by pilot sensory overload.  Photo by Guillermo Vargas

PPG-1 Basic Training

$550 - 3 days

If you decide to continue your training to the PPG-2 level and above, you will receive a full credit for the cost of your PPG-1 training towards additional training.
 

PPG-2 Beginner Training - Foot launch or PPG Trike

$1,900 – 5-12 Days (unlimited)

Master the fundamentals of flight in a powered paraglider.  This course will take a new student through both PPG-1 and PPG-2 certification by a USPPA certified instructor.  It includes a complete overview of paramotoring and powered paragliding. Upon completion of this course, students are ready for extended paramotoring flights with their own powered paraglider. This is the minimum certification level that allows PPG pilots to fly without the direct supervision of an instructor.  If you are considering any PPG certification, we highly recommend that you purchase the DVD "Risk and Reward" and watch it many times.  It is available  from us.  It will give you a clear presentation of what PPG is all about.  The main difference between foot launched PPG and PPG in a trike is that the trike does not require a short run nor does the pilot have to carry the equipment on his back.  For those who have some impairment of the back or legs, this is an important advantage.  The benefits of foot launched PPG are:  1.) It is more agile (less total equipment weight) and easier to launch.  2.) The pilot can launch and land almost anywhere.  3.) The pilot can more easily launch and land in higher winds.  4.) It has a greater cruise range and climb rate.

Please go here for the details of the USPPA ratings and requirements.

Students will:

• Understand the paramotor power pack: assembly, disassembly, preflight, starting, throttle control, power cutoff, fuel/oil mixing, maintenance, torque and thrust effects, special dangers, transporting and storage.
• Earn both the PPG-1 and PPG-2 certifications.
• Learn to control the wing through turns and mild turbulence.
• Begin to understand meteorology and its importance for safe and fun flights here in the desert southwest. Pilots who learn to fly in the mountainous desert of west Texas and New Mexico can fly anywhere.

• USPPA Syllabus study materials (optional textbook available for purchase - highly recommended)
• Computer based log book
• Ground school
• Unlimited hands-on instruction at the training site for your first powered flights.

Training does NOT include flying equipment such as a glider, paramotor, or accessories.  You can purchase this equipment from El Paso Paragliding, if needed.

PPG-3 Intermediate Training - Foot launch or PPG Trike

$750 - 3 days

Crossover Training (PG to PPG or PPG to PG)

$400  1-2 days

What to bring to your lessons:

• Usually we start early AM and it can be cool in the wintertime so bring warm clothes that you can shed later as the day warms up.
• This is an extreme sport – footwear is very important. Wear boots with high tops that provide adequate ankle protection.  Do not wear boots that have open clips for lacing – they can snag the lines of a paraglider. Do not wear sneakers or other kinds of low cut shoes if you want to avoid injury to your ankles.  For more info on footwear, go here.
• Bring snacks with you. You may get hungry and we are far from any stores. El Paso Paragliding provides cold water but you may want to have carbonated soft drinks for a quick energy boost. It is always important to feel physically well when paragliding: We need to have 100% focus on flying and not on anything else.
• Wear a pair of gloves with thin leather palms and cloth backs, such as Wolverine leather work gloves. (Note: Gloves with synthetic palms are easily cut by the lines on a paraglider and are not recommended.) The time will come when you fly high and you will need gloves for warmth so it’s best to get used to them as soon as possible. Gloves of this type are available at stores like Lowes.  Wear your gloves as much as you can, such as when you drive, work outside, etc.
• Bring your enthusiasm!  Paragliding is more fun than people are allowed to have -- look forward to it!
• If you have signed up for training, be sure to look through our Tips section.