Last November, under the Florida sun that painted the sky in hues of gold and crimson during flight windows, I embarked on a nine-day powered paragliding training adventure with a few of my co-workers. What ensued was an experience that defied gravity and left us all with a newfound respect for the art of flight. From mastering the intricacies of takeoff and landing to navigating the skies with precision and grace, each day brought a fresh exhilaration that deepened our bond with the open skies above. This is tiny glimpse into how those sun-kissed training days in Florida became the backdrop to an unforgettable journey of learning, courage, and the pure joy of flight.

Kiting and Ground School

A significant emphasis during our powered paragliding training in Florida was placed on kiting and wing handling, and for good reason. Mastering these skills is foundational to safe and successful flight. Kiting, the art of controlling the wing on the ground using wind power, not only builds muscle memory but also teaches crucial responsiveness to the wing’s behavior in varying conditions. From the gentle breezes of morning to the gustier afternoons, every session honed our ability to feel and anticipate the wing’s movements, ensuring we could launch and land safely. Moreover, proficient wing handling instills confidence and control, enabling us to manage unexpected situations with calm and precision once airborne. As we spent hours perfecting our techniques under the Florida sun, kiting became not just a skill but a cornerstone of our journey towards becoming skilled powered paragliding pilots.

When the heat was too much and we needed a break, we found refuge in the pilot’s lounge while we watching videos and listened to presentations from our awesome instructors during ground school. We went over the legalities of powered paragliding in Part 103, emergency procedures, equipment maintenance and safety checklists, and much more. Being cool, calm, and collected while flying is paramount to staying in this sport.

Towing and Tandem Flight

Mid-way through the week we started getting in the air. Landing is obviously one of the most crucial aspects, so to gain invaluable inexperience before the real deal, the instructors towed us up into the air before letting us descend unpowered to get used to the visuals and muscle memory associated with touchdowns. It was nerve wracking to start, but once you cleanly land and get a feeling for it, it makes the leap to first flight seem less great and daunting.

Using tandem trikes, our instructors took us all up for a flight, talking us through what our first flight would be like. Being a passenger princess was a refreshing break after all the hard work we had done and giving our brains a second to just relax and enjoy the views.

Flight Simulator and Lean Backs

To prepare us for our first solo flight, we were hooked up to a wing-less, suspended paramotor. This allows us to walk through all the motions while safely swinging a foot off the ground. Using one-way radios, the instructors walked us through our first flight, having us mimic handling the wing, while actually using the same brake toggles and throttle that we’d be using in flight. It was a huge confidence booster and made me more excited than nervous for my first solo flight the next day.

The simulator was great for using a paramotor in flight but didn’t give us the ground experience of a loud, heavy, giant lawn mower strapped to your back. The instructors had us learn to get comfortable walking around with a giant hoop on our back, starting and killing the engine, and feeling the different power output for different throttle positions. We did multiple lean back sessions, where we lean our body backwards, almost like a trust fall, but since the motor is producing thrust, we don’t fall over. Learning how to walk and control the power made for funny photos but a great way to safely get the feel of the throttle.

Up, Up, and Away!

Finally, after all the hard work, we were allowed to get our wings and take our first flights. Over the last three days, I did ten short flights, progressively getting more independence and less instructions from the pros. Only one hard landing and no bad takeoffs, so I give myself and A- for the week.

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