Why Use a Certified Instructor? The benefits of using USPPA/USUA certified instructors

government does not regulate paramotor instruction. No license is required and anyone can hang out a shingle calling themselves an instructor. The problem is, how does a new pilot know whether the individual or school follows safe practices, has a thorough training program or even has the knowledge and skills to teach students? That is why we have a certification program. Our sport's minimal regulation was setup because the government essentially (and fortunately) lets us do our own thing, including hurt ourselves individually, as long as we don't take anyone up with us. No passenger, minimal regulation. But then you don't want to get hurt. This is aviation. We operate in the US Airspace system and missteps could ruin it for everybody, let alone the individual. Inadequate or improper training could result in student injury or death. We fly very unique aircraft who's handling and characteristics are not always intuitive. USPPA/USUA (and USHPA) instructors have demonstrated knowledge and skill in the flying of these craft along with how to handle numerous emergencies that can come up. While there may be wonderful and effective non-certified instructors out there, it becomes up to you to find out on your own. Just being certified does not make an instructor "good" or even safe. Nor does being an expert pilot. They must be good teachers, be disciplined and able to effectively communicate, among other things. Recommendation from a trusted pilot is a great reinforcement that your choice is a good one. If They're Certified Using the USPPA syllabus is not required. This document covers all the essential knowledge and skills that we feel should be included during training for the PPG1 (first solo), PPG2 (pilot) and PPG3 (advanced pilot) stages. The PPG2 rating is what we consider the minimum for a pilot to be ready to set out on their own.  You should ask your instructor to go through the entire syllabus for the rating you seek. You both will initial each area covered. Humans are not perfect, even instructors, and this document helps insure complete training. USHPA Instructors The US Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association has very thorough training and instructor program for paragliding. Ours was based on it. Learning to paraglide first is an effective (and fun) way to get into the sport but you should know there are significant extra techniques and emergency recoveries when power is added. Learning these is not part of the USHPA program. Learning them will make a huge difference in your success and survival in powered paragliding. A USHPA-only instructor who does extensive motor flying will likely know these techniques and emergencies but check around. There are numerous USHPA and USPPA/USUA certified instructors out there.

 

Instructor Commitment

We make this commitment to help insure students instruction is as safe and effective as possible.

It is beneficial for USPPA instructors to periodically review their commitment to quality training.

While engaged as a USPPA instructor I commit to the following:

1. I commit to understanding and following USPPA training directives and guidelines as detailed, updated and communicated by the USPPA training committee.

2. I commit to following any applicable Federal Aviation Regulations. 

3. I commit to following training and product trends in the paramotor and paragliding industry by reading articles in publications world wide, discussions with other professionals, and whenever possible, attending fly-ins and trade shows.

4. I commit to sharing information on product deficiencies and improvements.

5. I commit to sharing information and seeking information on incidents and other safety related subjects.

6. I commit to training and issuing USPPA ratings as described in the ratings skill levels with integrity.

7. I commit to using appropriate and modern equipment during training, and that this equipment be airworthy, inspected and maintained to a high standard.

8. I commit to only conduct training in sites where both the student as well as other members of the general public and their property will be put at minimal risk. In so doing this means the choice of a big field without obstacles that may make flying hazardous such as but not limited to: electric poles, trees, hills, water, buildings, ditches, animals, holes, etc..

9. I commit to fully communicating to the customer/student that all training as well as paramotor flight and associated equipment used in the USA is minimally regulated and as such it is up to the pilot in command to accept the risk this regulation brings.

10. I commit to communicating to the customer/student that to the best of my ability and his/her efforts, errors can and have been made in the past and no amount of care will eliminate them from occurring in the future. That accidents resulting in serious injury and death have and can happen, that the details of these accidents are made available as best as possible through our association as well as other associations.

11. I commit to cease training to any or all students that have shown any tendency to put their lives or the lives of others (as well as property) at risk and to do so immediately and as tactfully as possible, I commit to discussing this possibility with the customer/student prior to the start of training.

12. I commit to conduct a pre-course interview and have the student fill out the pre-course form provided by the USPPA in order to better understand the student's needs as well as have reference information available should an incident/accident occur.

As a USPPA Instructor I pledge to use professional conduct and good moral and ethical values.