ADVANCED TRAINING FAQ'S
What is Epic Paramotor "advanced training"?
Advanced training is for advanced PPG pilots that are interested in obtaining the USPPA Instructor or Tandem ratings.
What are the requirements for "advanced training"?
A full list of the USPPA minimum requirements for all ratings is available here: USPPA Ratings Program
In addition to the standard USPPA minimum requirements, we expect the following from our "advanced training" candidates:
You've had at least 300 consecutive incident-free flights. (Incidents that would have injured a passenger if you had been flying tandem)
You consistently land soft and on your feet. If you still land hard from time to time, you are not ready for this course. (Hard landings with a passenger are not acceptable)
You have a reputation for safe and highly skilled flying abilities.
You meet or exceed all the current USPPA requirements for Instructor or Tandem: USPPA Ratings Program
You have flown in multiple flying locations/terrain styles. (3 or more states or countries preferred)
You have flown multiple wings and motors/frames. (3 or more wings and 2 or more paramotors)
Can demonstrate the practical skills required for the ratings sought.
Can pass all the corresponding written tests.
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 (near Phoenix).
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 course duration. Alternatively, students can stay at nearby hotels or Airbnbs and commute daily. If you have questions about logistics, please contact us.
If I get the USPPA Instructor rating, can I offer tandem flights?
No. A USPPA Instructor rating is different from 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 (using the USPPA tandem exemption) 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.
Can a tandem instructor teach others to fly tandem? No. Only an Administrator can issue tandem ratings. A tandem instructor can only issue PPG 1, 2, and 3 ratings.
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 within 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?
For advanced training, the costs will vary depending on which ratings you seek to obtain and what gear you need to rent. In general, you can anticipate a cost of $500 for the Instructor course and $500 for the Tandem course. It will cost $750 if you do both. There may be additional costs for renting gear if you need to rent a tandem wing, spreader bars, tandem trike, etc. Contact us for details.
Meeting the requirements and attending the course does not guarantee receiving the Instructor or Tandem rating. You must be able to pass the tests and demonstrate the appropriate skills commensurate with the ratings you seek to obtain.
We only accept highly qualified applicants that we feel are a good fit for our program and that would be good ambassadors for the sport and the USPPA.