Boat towed tandem hang gliding lessons and scooter tow lessons in beautiful southwest Florida
LESSONS
Whether you think that you can, or that you can’t, you are usually right.
-Henry Ford
For those who wish to continue their personal quest into the wild blue yonder, Paradise Hang Gliding, Inc. offers a comprehensive package of USHPA Certified Instruction & Flight Training.
We are proud to be the only operation in Florida offering year-round tandem instruction over the safety net of soft saltwater, and the only school utilizing the proven method of “scooter towing” (our Low Tow program)
Flight lessons are individually tailored to the student’s needs and progress in accordance with their aptitude and commitment. Those who can schedule training days in close succession will retain their knowledge and skills better than those who only fly occasionally, and will generally require fewer lessons.
Individuals with prior aviation experience, who are licensed or had lessons to fly other types of aircraft, can also expect to have a bit of a head start.
Let’s Go Flying!
Beginning with your introductory Adventure Flight, when you get the itch to take hang gliding lessons, we have the tools and know how to provide continuing education. Ground school and home study begin the knowledge development segment, then subsequent tandem flights will be taken with the student in the pilots harness, and the instructor in the second harness.
After learning the basics of glider control in this manner, we progress you immediately to our land based Low Tow program, which teaches solo foot-launched flight in a very safe & controlled manner. Low and slow is the name of the game here, with the new pilot skimming along the ground for a distance of over 2 football fields while only 5 feet above the ground. This segment is very fun and educational, the student will learn fundamentals here which will be utilized throughout their hang gliding career.
THE LOW TOW PROGRAM
Our introductory lessons start at Day 1, Low, Slow, and Forgiving. Utilizing the well proven method of Scooter Towing, we harness the marvelous flying characteristics of the Wills Wing Condor 330. It’s LOW, it’s SLOW, and it will make your learning FLOW…! With its light weight, large wing area, and extremely low flying speeds, it is easy to experience the joy of personal free fight like never before.
Here’s the Deal:
The power comes from a 50cc scooter, which is bolted to a trailer. The rear tire has been removed, and the wheel converted to a drum for 3,200’ of high-tech Spectra line. This low powered stationary winch provides the “just right” gentle tug to help the glider & student into the air. A first-day beginner can expect to accomplish flights over 2 football fields in length, while only rising a few feet above the ground. The instructor controls the height of the glider, and can simply reduce power at any point to set the glider back gently on the ground to end the flight.
Starting with Ground School, we immediately progress you to ground handling of the glider, familiarization with the glider itself, followed by easy & fun ground handling exercises, a session in the hands-on flight simulator, and then move into ground skimming flight. Those who wish to continue their education may count this experience toward their USHPA Hang 1 (Beginner) Hang Glider Rating.
As the student progresses, on subsequent training days, the use of higher performance utility class beginner gliders allows flights to greater altitudes. In this phase of advancement, the towline is released, and more advanced maneuvers such as turns, speed control, and precision landings are learned.
In our training program, we embrace the Rule of Primacy, which says:
That which is learned first is remembered best.
Our program of flight instruction teaches good safety habits and core flying skills starting on Day One. Progress to more advanced levels occurs smoothly and relies on “building blocks” of knowledge & skills.
Upon sufficient mastery of the skills acquired over land, the student returns to the boat for more advanced levels of Tandem Instruction. All the while, academic knowledge is developed and students are mentored through the important early phases.
When instructor and student both agree that the time has come, the new flier will perform their first solo high altitude flight over the safety net of the soft saltwater. The conventional wisdom is that 20-30 flights are required to prepare the student for their first solo flight.
At this point, it can truly be said that the Sky is the Limit…!
All equipment, training materials, protective gear, and on-site refreshments are included. Our equipment is all new and state of the art. Each student is fitted with a helmet, a custom harness, kneepads, and eye protection. Also included, at no extra charge, is a 30 Day Membership into the United States Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association.
How can you find a better deal than that?
Lesson Prices:
Introductory Discover Hang Gliding Low Tow Lesson: $145.00
3 Low Tow Lessons Package $395.00
Additional Low Tow Lessons $135.00
Ground School $40/hr.
Tandem Intro Adventure Flight (boat towed 1500′ altitude) $119.00
Tandem Intro Adventure Flight (boat towed 2500′ altitude) $179.00
10 Tandem Flight Lesson Package (2500′ altitude) $950.00
20 Tandem Flight Lesson Package (2500′ altitude) $1850.00
Additional Tandem Flight Lessons $125.00
