How to begin...
First, learn about the sport, watch people do it (visit the ultralight area at EAA), maybe take a ride up (if one's offered), understand the costs and access your fitness and time commitment. Visit one of our events at Wisconsin Powered Paramotor Association (WPPA) each year and absorb all you can from the people. If you're ready to commit...
Basic Roadmap
- Decide on your training FIRST! Do NOT go buy equipment and then learn how to use it. The equipment will sometimes need to fit your height, weight and flying experience - all things an experienced trainer can help you understand. Wings are weight/skill dependent, so make sure you are not buying a professional or acrobatics wing!
- Interview multiple trainers - we have a whole list of trainers in the area. Ask them what they teach and for a course syllabus. Talk face to face. Ask if you can see them training others. These guys or gals are going to be pushing you to succeed. Make sure you feel comfortable with them and then commit. Do they have radio gear? Do they do "tow rope" training (if you're PPG foot launching)? What is the instructors-to-students ratio?
- Pick a trainer and determine training timeframe. When are they offering classes? Are they boot-camp style for x days in a row or a weekend at a time? Immersing yourself in it for x days is often the better choice if you can make it work.
- Get Trained (with equipment included) and get as many flights in as you can. Anywhere from 5-25 is normal. Aim for the high side.
- Work with your instructor as you invest in your own equipment. After training is a better time to buy, because you know a little bit more about what you're doing and what questions to ask.
- Find yourself a place to launch from - we have a whole list of landing zones that people in the group like to use.
