Click on the logo to get un-biased advice about paramotoring from the United States Powered Paragliding Association.

Check out the USPPA Pilot Rating Program to learn what it takes to safely fly a paramotor.

Instructor
 Don McNiven  
Certificates and Ratings:  USPPA Instructor PPG3, FAA Commercial Pilot CFII
(307) 762-3389  or donmcniven@blackdiamondaircraft.com

Training Location
May - October: Flying sights in the Cody Wyoming area.
November - April: Flying sights in the Phoenix Arizona area.

Questions answered

Q: What does the gear cost?  A:  As little as $5995 for a complete gear package including everything you need to fly.  There are 3 options when it comes to gear, buy new, buy used and build your own.  The cost of your gear will depend on your weight.  If you weigh more you will need a bigger, more powerful and more expensive engine.  You will need to add about $900 to the cost of gear for a bigger engine.  You can also expect to pay around $900 - $1500 more if you would like a top brand name paraglider instead of a basic model.   You can save money by buying used gear or building your own paramotor from plans or a kit.  However, you should only attempt these two options if you have the close supervision of an experienced paramotor pilot you trust guiding you through the process.

Q:  How much does training cost?  A:  $990 for complete training when you buy your gear from Black Diamond Aircraft after the $200 training incentive rebate from the USPPA.  If you buy gear from another source training costs $1290 after the $200 training incentive rebate from the USPPA.

Q:  How long does training take?  A:  As little as 1-3 days for your first solo flight and 5-8 days to safely fly on your own.  Training time is  very difficult to predict because of large variations in physical ability, weather, scheduling ect.  In general, most people will be able to solo in 1-3 days (PPG1 Rating) and safely fly on their own after 5-8 days of training (PPG2 Rating). 

Q:  Do I need to be in good shape?  A: Yes, you are going to learn to dance backwards with 45 - 70 lbs. on your back while flying a paraglider over your head.  Its easier than it sounds, but paramotoring is not a sport for everyone.

Q:  What is the best way to get started?  A:  Give me or any USPPA instructor a call and take an introductory lesson.  DO NOT BUY GEAR FIRST!  Check it out live and you will know more than you can ever learn by reading or watching videos.

Introductory Lesson $95
(100% of the cost of the intro lesson can be applied to toward the USPPA PPG1 Pilot Rating Course.)

  So, it sounds too good to be true and you just can't believe flying can be that safe, easy, affordable and fun?  The intro lesson will answer your questions about training, gear, and the physical requirements of paramotoring for a minimal cost.  Still not sure after one lesson?  Take another lesson for $95.  Every lesson you take applies toward the USPPA PPG1 course.

All gear is provided for the intro lesson.

   USPPA PPG1 Pilot Rating Course $995
(Only $695 if you purchase a complete gear package from Black Diamond Aircraft.)

The PPG1 pilot rating allows you to fly under direct instructor supervision.  This first step establishes the skills, knowledge and experience for you to take your first two flights.  Although you are far from ready to venture out alone you have made a significant milestone.

USPPA PPG2 Pilot Rating Course $495
(Only $295 after the $200 training incentive rebate from the USPPA.)

This rating gets the you safely out on your own.  In addition to gaining more experience in the air, you will become intimately familiar with your new gear.  After completing the PPG2 pilot rating course you will be a confident and safe paramotor pilot.  Already soloed with another instructor who didn't bother using the USPPA syllabus?  Feel like you missed a lot of the details in the rush and would like more complete training?  Get your USPPA PPG2 rating with Black Diamond Aircraft and become a safer, more confindent rated pilot and recieve the USPPA $200 training incentive rebate. 

USPPA PPG3 Pilot Rating Course $295

The PPG3 rating is the advanced pilot rating for experienced pilots ready to take their flying to the next level.  Specific instruction on airport operations/procedures for pilots who would like to fly from public airports is also included as part of the PPG3 rating for interested pilots.