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Much
of Chapter 1 describes the process you'll encounter along the way toward
becoming a competent paramotor pilot along with minimums that you should
look for.
The PPG Bible does not
address cost because it is such a moving target. However,
this article gives you a
realistic look at what you'll spend while providing a downloadable
spreadsheet to plug in your own numbers.
The most important thing you
can do for yourself is to get good instruction. Anyone can declare
themselves an instructor so make sure they are at least certified by USPPA/USUA
or USHPA. Even better is that they come
recommended by a responsible, trusted pilot. There are a few great
instructors that aren't yet certified but it is up to you to research
them more thoroughly. Instructing carries significant risk to the student and
we've learned a lot about how to minimize that risk.
There are benefits in going to
a local part-timer and different benefits from traveling to a full-time
school or paying someone to come to your locale. Regardless of your path,
ask to use a nationally recognized syllabus (USPPA/USUA or USHPA with
additional power material). The USPPA/USUA has one where the student and
instructor both initial each area so nothing gets missed.
How
Does My Training Stack Up?
March 17, 2006 | Read
"How was (is) my Training"
It is unfortunate, but training is one of the most hazardous portions
of a pilot's flying life. More so in our sport because sometimes students
experience their first-ever flight as pilot-in-command. That is a tragedy. After
watching the sport for 6 years and noticing where the accidents happen, it
has become apparent there is significant room for safety improvements in
the training arena. I have learned a lot from our long-time
instructors who have been teaching for years. Basically, they have seen it
all. So I have been compiling material that will become a short book just
for instructors, both new and old: The Powered Paraglider Instructor
Manual. Any good instructor who wants to improve will consider
different techniques as merely tools of the trade. The more tools at their
disposal, the more effective they can be when faced with various learning
styles. As a professional instructor in airplanes, I found that what
worked well for some students, puzzled others. The challenge was finding
what worked best and the same is oh-so-true in powered paragliding. This
coming book will aim to share the wealth of knowledge and techniques that
I have used and seen used over and over for teaching new pilots how
to safely fly powered paragliders. Moreover, it will present techniques
for teaching that will reduce the risk inherent in the process. Priorities & Rehearsal
You're getting tossed around due to unexpected turbulence. The wing
surges way forward. What do you do? If the reaction has not been
rehearsed, count on doing it wrong! Rehearsal with distraction is key.
Pilots have consistently shown that, in the heat of the moment, they will
react improperly unless they have previously rehearsed the correct
reactions to a given situation.
Airline experience has proven this fact with tragic consequences but
airlines have changed accordingly to recognize human limitations—changes
that have been immensely successful. Our training can benefit from their
experience.
Real improvements in paramotor safety, especially the training phase,
will only come with realistic improvements to training methods and
equipment.
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