So how to find the right Instructor:
The Cascade Paragliding Club (CPC) encourages people interested in learning to fly Hang Gliders, Paragliders, Mini / Speed Wings, or Power Paragliders (PPG) to start by seeking out trained Instructors and Schools holding valid USHPA Instructor Appointments. It is a good idea to contact several schools and talk to local pilots since choosing your instructor involves factors including (but not limited to) the type of flying you want to pursue and personality fit.
The Cascade Paragliding Club does not endorse or recommend any specific school. While all instructors/schools listed below have been members of The CPC, the club is not directly affiliated with any instructors or schools. The schools listed below have valid USHPA Instructor Appointments to the best of our knowledge and train new pilots in areas that local pilots often fly:
Check here for an up to date listing of United States Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association (USHPA) certified instructors!
Click here for USHPA recommendations regarding the very important step of searching for the right instructor!
The preceding link is a list of instructors across the United States. The advantage of finding a local instructor is that you will learn to fly at local sites: This is advantageous if you plan on doing a lot of your flying locally after getting your rating and often allows for some flexibility around life. There are a some non-local schools that maybe worth checking out that have relatively reliable weather. This is an option if you can afford to travel and dedicate a couple weeks to learn at a non local site.
Click here for a list of former USHPA certified instructors/schools whom have had their Instructor appointments revoked!
Local Schools
ASTRO PARAGLIDING
CLOUDSURF PARAGLIDING
DISCOVER PARAGLIDING
MAX ROC PARAGLIDING
What a tandem instructional flight can do for you:
A tandem instructional flight is the best opportunity for you (the student passenger) to experience the incredible views that high flights have to offer. A tandem instructional flight also gives the student passenger the opportunity to take the controls of the glider to fully experience flight. The link below will bring you to a list of tandem instructors who have a current USHPA appointment and are legally compliant with FAA regulations to fly with passengers.
Powered Paragliding
While The Cascade Paragliding Club is dedicated to the advancement of free flight, their are a number of pilots who crossover to powered paragliding. Powered paragliding is governed by the United States Powered Paragliding Association (USPPA). Their is a list of certified schools on the website. Currently Discover Paragliding is the only known local school that is USPPA certified.
Contact us at CASCADEPARAGLIDING@GMAIL.COM