Full USPPA PPG2 Certification Program
Go from zero hours of experience to a fully certified, confident, independent pilot who makes safe judgment calls.
The Zero to Hero course is our premier, all inclusive training package designed for those with absolutely no aviation background. We take the mystery and intimidation out of flight, breaking down complex aerodynamics into practical skills. Named after the philosophy that anyone with the drive can achieve greatness, this course provides the structured, step-by-step instruction you need to earn your USPPA PPG2 (Foot Launch) rating and claim your Newventure.
What You Will Master
This curriculum is split into clear, manageable phases that build muscle memory, technical knowledge, and judgment.
Phase 1: Ground Control & Kiting
(The Foundation)
Before you look at the sky, you master the ground. You will spend intensive hours training your hands and body to control the wing.
- Wing Understanding: Unpacking, inspecting, and caring for your glider.
- Ground Handling (Kiting): Master forward and reverse inflation techniques. You will learn to feel the air and control the wing in varying wind conditions until it feels like an extension of your own body.
- Throttle Management: Simulating motor usage on the ground to build muscle memory for the throttle.
- Equipment Consultation: We look at you as an individual pilot to find the appropriate equipment that keeps you safe and excited for the next flight.
Phase 2: Aviation Ground School
(The Knowledge)
A great pilot is a knowledgeable pilot. We bridge the gap between physical skill and aeronautical theory.
- Micrometeorology: Understanding pressure gradients, thermal activity, winds aloft, and how local terrain creates rotor or turbulence.
- Airspace & Regulations: Navigating FAR Part 103 regulations safely and legally.
- Equipment Diagnostics: Comprehensive breakdown of the paramotor, including pre-flight checklists, basic 2-stroke engine mechanics, and torque/thrust effects.
Phase 3: Flight Operations & Soloing
(The Achievement)
The moment it all comes together. With a radio in your helmet and your instructor guiding every second, you take your first steps into the air.
- Flight Simulation: Hang-test adjustments and practicing emergency procedures on the ground.
- First Solos: Experiencing the unmatched thrill of your first successful launches, flights, and landings.
- Flight Maneuvers: Practicing precise turns, altitude control, energy management, and landing patterns.
Course Deliverables
By the end of this intensive program, you won’t just have flown—you will be a certified USPPA pilot.
• Skills Sign-offs: Documented flight time, launches, and specific skill masteries.
• USPPA PPG2 Rating: Official processing of your United States Powered Paragliding Association Pilot qualification upon meeting all flight and written exam requirements.
• Independence: The autonomy to safely assess weather, set up your gear, launch, fly, and land at new locations without direct supervision.
Prerequisites: None. Just bring a solid work ethic, a willingness to learn.
Note: You will need your own equipment by the halfway mark of the course. Don’t let this deter you—we will look realistically at your budget and look at both new and used options to find gear that is safe, airworthy, and right for you.