ADVANCED TRAINING FAQ'S
What is Epic Paramotor "advanced training"?
Advanced training is for PPG pilots who already have a USPPA PPG3 rating or equivalent skills and want to become a USPPA foot launch instructor or USPPA tandem foot launch instructor. We only offer foot launch training, not wheel launch (trikes/quads).
What are the requirements to become a USPPA Instructor?
The USPPA minimum requirements for all ratings are available here: USPPA Ratings Program
300 flights of incident free airtime on a powered paraglider.
Ability to consistently perform zero-wind landings.
Have a reputation of safe and high skilled flying abilities.
Read all the other requirements here: USPPA Ratings Program
Aside from what the USPPA requires, we have additional requirements for pilots interested in our advanced training program. In order to do advanced training with us, we expect that you have experience flying a paramotor in more than one environment. For example, flying at a coastal/beach site and also an inland or mountainous site. The more locations the better. We expect instructor candidates to be well-rounded when it comes to experiencing different terrains, seasons, and equipment (wings and motors/frames). For tandem instructor pilots you should have a minimum of 300 incident-free flights and should be consistently successful at launches and landings.
What are the dates for the advanced training courses?
At this time, advanced training can be done during the dates of our basic training courses (other options may be available, contact us for details). The USPPA requires a minimum of 20 hours of apprentice work. Eligible candidates will participate in learning to instruct during our basic training course (the 10-day course). This allows for all the apprentice requirements and also the syllabus content. Please reach out for more details.
I can't attend a 10-day course. Are there other options?
At this time, we will only consider advanced training outside our 10-day format on a case-by-case basis. If you can't take the time to attend one of our training courses, please contact us to see what we can do for you.
Where do you do the advanced training courses?
From November - April we do our training course in Arizona at a field near Maricopa, AZ.
From May - October we do our training course in Utah at an airport near Eagle Mountain, UT.
Logistics - Both of our training locations allow for camping. Students are welcome to bring camp trailers (dry camping) and stay on-site for the duration of the course. As an alternative, students can stay at nearby hotels or Airbnbs and commute daily. If you have questions about logistics, please contact us.
Can a USPPA Instructor offer tandem flights?
No. A USPPA Instructor rating is not the same as a USPPA Tandem Instructor rating. A USPPA Instructor may offer PPG1, PPG2, and PPG3 ratings to students but can not legally offer tandem flights to students (See FAR 103 for details). A USPPA Tandem Instructor can offer the PPG1 - 3 ratings AND can legally offer tandem flights for instruction purposes only.
How do I become a USPPA Tandem Instructor?
In order to become a USPPA Tandem Instructor, you must first become a USPPA Instructor. USPPA Instructors can then obtain a USPPA Tandem Trainee rating by meeting the following requirements:
Minimum 100 flight hours or 300 flights of logged incident-free airtime hours on a powered paraglider.
Demonstrate the ability to consistently perform zero-wind and light-wind landings culminating in the slowest possible ground speed at the moment of the flare and when the pilot’s/passenger’s feet first contact the ground.
Candidates will have a reputation/ history of being appropriately conservative, safe, and highly skilled pilots with judgment commensurate with the task of 2-place operation.
At least 1 logged tandem flight as a passenger with a Tandem Instructor (TI).
At least 5 flights as the flying pilot (from the instructor’s position) with the TI or PPG 2 or higher as the second occupant. The TI must witness these flights.
Successful completion of the Tandem written test.
Successful completion of a Tandem Clinic to be administered by the TI or TA who attests that the applicant meets all requirements. This test/training will include, as a minimum, a passenger briefing, checklist use, and successful tandem launches and landings.
Must achieve at least 3 successful inflation and launches including one in wind less than 3 mph (may be simulated).
Once these requirements are met, the trainee must then log at least 24 tandem flights with a passenger that is at least PPG2 or higher and also pass an oral exam and practical exam. Must be a Tandem Trainee for 3 months in order to become a Tandem Instructor.
How long does this process take?
The USPPA Instructor clinic can usually be completed during our 10-day basic training course.
The USPPA Tandem Trainee clinic can usually be completed with 2-3 days.
The USPPA Tandem Instructor rating will usually take months to complete while the candidate logs tandem flight hours.
How much does advanced training cost?
We don't charge for our instructor and/or tandem course. We only accept highly qualified applicants that we feel are a good fit for our program and that would be good ambassadors for the USPPA.