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Advanced Training

USPPA Instructor / Tandem Ratings

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.

ADDITIONAL THINGS TO THINK ABOUT

How do I know if I'm ready to become an instructor?

Aside from the skills and requirements that the USPPA sets, we encourage potential instructors to consider some of the following scenarios:

A student may have a wing that doesn't quite feel right. Would you feel confident in your ability to fly the wing and troubleshoot the potential reasons why it might not "feel right"? Are you comfortable with testing out a student's paramotor to ensure it has the harness set up properly? Are you confident in your ability to adjust brake lines, harness straps, and test the air before sending a student up to fly?

Once you have the skills and the confidence to do these things, take that next step and become an instructor. It's incredibly satisfying to be able to help people to achieve their dream to fly!

What gear do I need in order to get started as an Instructor?

At a minimum, you'll need to be ready to allow others to possibly learn on your own gear. If possible, have at least 2 paramotors, yours and the one you use for training. You can encourage students to learn on their own gear, but not all students will be ready to make such a commitment. You'll need to have at least the correct wing size for the weight of the student you are teaching. If you use your motor to teach, are you ready for the eventual bumps and scrapes your gear will sustain? Broken props, busted nets, and bent frames are all part of the process of learning. Consider keeping spare netting, props, and other essentials on hand when you start training. Ideally, you'll have a couple of wings and hopefully a couple of motors and helmets. Don't forget comms...you don't want to send up a student without being able to communicate with them.

How else can Epic Paramotor help me as an Instructor?

Our main goal is to see people turn their dreams into reality. We want you to succeed as an Instructor. We can offer tips and advice on other things besides training, like branding and marketing, setting up for gear sales, etc. We're here to help you each step of the way. Please reach out and contact us if you have any questions or concerns.

I'M READY TO DO IT! NOW WHAT?

How do I sign up?

Our advanced training program is not simply a program you can sign up for. There is an application process where you must first, fill out an application, then schedule an interview with us, and then if accepted into the program, we will go over all the details of what it will take for your specific scheduling and requirements.

Let's make the dream a reality!

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