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We offer Transition Training for PPG Pilots seeking their free flight certifications.
Please feel free to contact us for more information!
For folks looking for beginner training and have no previous canopy piloting experience,
see below for more information regarding training.
Learning how to paraglide safely requires intensive and managed training by a certified USHPA instructor (US Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association). It also requires having a suitable training location with an appropriate training hill to complete all required flights and demonstrated skills to prepare for solo flying.
At this time, WNC Paragliding does not have a suitable training hill or location for teaching beginner pilots. We primarily work with intermediate students, pilots seeking to improve their thermal flying skills, certified paramotor pilots transitioning into free flight and looking for a USHPA certification, or canopy pilots seeking speed flying instruction.
Training takes time – it typically takes up to 14 (minimum of 10) training days to successfully complete a USHPA P2 training program. And weather can have a significant impact on how long it takes a student to complete their training.
As with all forms of aviation, there are significant costs associated with paragliding.
Training programs (depending on the school, instructor, and location) can typically run from $1750-$2500.
Some schools offer student equipment for training. Purchasing new gear for training should be done with your instructor as they will have brands they prefer and some offer discounts for students.
With that said, a new paragliding kit is expensive: a glider is typically $5000-$7000, a harness is $750-$1500, and a reserve is $500-$1000.
An expected total for beginners getting started in the sport of paragliding (including training) is approximately: $10,000-$15,000*.
(*does not include travel or related expenses)
Since we do not currently train beginner students, we recommend potential students seek instruction at one of our partner schools.
We are part of a network of instructors and schools that offer quality training to students – click the link below to see our partner school list.
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