Flying Like This Was For The Birds.... Until Now !
Ohio Powered Paragliding
Owner - Bruce Brown
Paramotor Sales, Service and Training since 1998
  brucebrown@wcnet.org        419-823-1270
20683 Hull Prairie Rd , Bowling Green, OH 43402  in NorthWest Ohio
Near Toledo at the Crossroads of the Ohio Turnpike(I-80/90) and I -75




Waiting for Tim's  picture!

But it could be
your picture here.
If you have the desire to fly and wish to fly in its most personal and exhilarating form, then you need to try powered paragliding and train with Bruce Brown from Ohio Powered Paragliding.  When I first decided to fly powered paragliders, I researched trainers and equipment extensively.  Based on that research and hours of telephone time with Bruce, I decided that the best and safest choice was to train with Bruce Brown in Ohio.  Bruce set me up with the quality equipment package that fit my needs perfectly, A Free Spirit paramotor and a MacPara Eden 4 paraglider.  I have recently added the Hybrid Cruiser Trike from Ohio PPG to the mix and 53 year old knees couldn't be happier.  Now I can foot-launch in some wind or trike launch if the wind is light.  The training was top notch and I realized my dream to fly on my third day of training.  I couldn't have done it without Bruce and his calm professionalism.  I will be forever grateful.

Dr Timothy McLaughlin  Troy, Michigan




A few years ago I was driving and listening to a podcast about ultralights. I heard this very accomplished professional pilot talk about his passion for Powered Paragliding.  I had never heard of it but it sounded amazing.  I soon as I got home I jumped online to research the sport and found www.flyohio.com and Bruce Brown.  I called Bruce and told him I would call him back in the spring to setup training. I could tell from the start that Bruce was very experienced and we would get along very well.  Several months later I called Bruce again to establish training dates and order the equipment - 28 meter MacParaEden 4 and a Free Spirit. Sweet! I told him I wanted to do training right and he suggested we schedule a full week. I eagerly looked forward to training and taking flight.  I was able to get my wing early and spend an evening with Bruce learning to kite before the scheduled week.  Training week finally arrived and the weather was hot. The early kiting practice helped tremendously.  Bruce was knowledgeable, safe, patient,  encouraging and he made training enjoyable.  I had a great time during training and on the third day I was in the air. I got in 9 flights that week. I had a total blast, met several other eager new student pilots and made a new friend in Bruce. I've been flying now for two years and I'm extremely pleased with the sport, my gear and training.  I highly recommend this sport along with training and gear from Bruce.

Jim Barr   North Ridegeville, Ohio





Many years ago I decided to take a PPG tandem flight and discovered Bruce Brown was the closest reputable instructor to me. The flight was great and I knew one day I would fly my own equipment.  The only problem was I was thirteen and had no money!  I began following the sport online, went to a few fly-ins, and always found Bruce to be highly regarded by others. Six years later when I was ready to buy equipment and train, the choice was clear in my mind. I ordered an MacPara Eden 4 and Free spirit paramotor from Ohio Powered Paragliding.   My training began early spring of 2011 with a day of kiting. Bruce had me launching and parking the wing overhead by noon. He sent me home and I continued to kite the wing at a park for a month. I returned anxious to train and hit the books with Bruce. His teaching is thorough and follows the USPPA syllabus.    The skies cleared and I was ready to solo. We spent lots of time on the simulator going through emergencies and the entire simulated flight many times. I don’t know how I could have been more prepared.  The first solo flight was great and went down without a hitch! Bruce walked me through the flight over the radio very well, saying what was necessary, but allowing me to concentrate. I soloed at least 4 more times that day and haven't stopped flying since. I put 48 hours on my equipment in 2011.  <>I do recommend Bruce’s equipment and the Eden 4.  I have had minimal problems with either and appreciate many of the design features. The wing is a blast to fly! Questions and problems are always resolved with a quick phone call to Him.  Bruce has replaced parts for me free of charge, which he was not obliged to do.   His integrity is noticed. I thank Bruce for enabling me to participate in this awesomely fun sport with safety and confidence!

Tucker Long   Delaware, Ohio

Bruce's comment:  I have to tell you the story of a 13 year old boy named Tucker who came to me with an extreme interest in flying.  He was very passionate about flying and PPG specifically.  He bugged his parents to the point that they were ready to consider a purchase of equipment and training.  I told them that my minimum age for students without a parent taking training is 18 years old.  Every year he would contact me by phone or email to talk PPG equipment and flying.  Six years went by.  When this young man had worked and saved, he purchased a new PPG Free Spirit and Eden 4 setup and completed training in the  Spring of 2011.  He was one of my best students, flies regularly and is having a ball.  I have seen him at several fly-ins since his training and he has become an excellent PPG pilot.   For those with passion and focus on a goal, dreams do come true.   I am proud to call Tucker Long of Delaware, Ohio a fellow pilot and friend.







After 6 years of research, I chose to train with and purchase equipment from Bruce Brown. I had searched and studied every dealer and instructor I could find on the internet. I studied just about every bit of information out there looking for a competent, experienced, and trustworthy dealer/trainer.    I finally decided to train with Bruce and purchased a Free Spirit Paramotor, Apco Thrust Paraglider, and Universal Trike. Bruce worked hard to understand exactly what equipment best suited me, and built the perfect machine for me, not some run of the mill package. The cost was much less than most others I had found, yet the quality of the equipment was better!     Bruce made training easy and fun. He complimented my strengths and understood how to change my weaknesses. Bruce understood what I needed to best learn how to overcome any fears (I'm scared of heights) and his crawl, walk, run approach gave me the confidence I needed to finally fly! Bruce is also just an all around good guy, with an easygoing manner that makes him approachable and easy to be around. His attitude and personality helped me relax, and made training that much better!      I now fly out of a little airport near my home in Kansas (yes, the long drive was well worth the high quality equipment and training) and have a blast! My equipment never lets me down, and I fly with the confidence of a person who knows they have made the best choice. I would tell anyone who even considers flying a powered paraglider to call Bruce! He won't sell you junk, he'll get you in the sky, and he'll arm you with the confidence to fly whenever you want! Bruce is always there for me to call with any question, and he still works hard to make sure I am happy and flying safe.

Shaun Long    Junction City, KS




Thank you Bruce for introducing me to PPG.  I thought that being a fixed wing pilot, wind surfer and sailor would prepare me for this sport and you were wise to inform me to prepare for something different.  Thanks for the gentle way you took me through the stages of ground handling, kiting, forward and reverse launch practice and motor simulations.   I was thrilled at the end of the week to make my first flight, and subsequently additional flights improving launch and landing techniques.  I have enjoyed the process and in the months since my introduction, meeting the many people devoted to this sport.  I recently heard one of your very accomplished former students say something I think I may have written to you over the summer.. It must be a common feeling among PPG fliers,  that this is the way I fly in my dreams.  In the air without windows or wings to block the view, the wind in my face.. To be able to soar up high or to float low and slow over fields and rivers.....thank you, thank you.   I also appreciate  your care in helping me select equipment.   The MacPara Eden 4 flies very well, and the new Free Spirit Paramotor with the Black Devil engine has performed very well.  I like the light weight strong frame and the low profile 10 liter fuel tank.  Thanks again for everything,  looking forward to flying with you whenever the opportunity presents itself.   

John Vining   Mt Vernon, Ohio
 
  



Hey Bruce!  Thanks for a wonderful experience. I've always dreamed of flying. When I was a kid on the farm,  I used to stand way up on our hills and feel the wind blowing across the big fields, wishing I could somehow glide through it.  That is exactly what I do now, it is so beautiful.  Thank you so much.  You are my teacher,  whom I love and you are my friend. Thanks for getting to know who Harry Short is.  You got personal with me, knew me, and then taught me.  You are more than an instructor.  This sport needs more people like you Bruce.  I will recommend to anyone that they use OHIO POWERED PARAGLIDING!!  Thanks again....

Harry Short    Duluth, Minnesota

       

I’m usually a pretty fast learner with most things but, for some reason, I didn’t catch on in my powered paragliding training as quickly.   I was hugely disappointed in myself. I was ready to give it all up, sell my week-old equipment and go home. But Bruce sensed that I really wanted to be able to fly. So he convinced me that I just needed more practice. He suggested a training regimen that I could work on by myself at home to build my skills and confidence---to be followed by a return to his field for my first solo under his radio direction. He even called me at home twice during that time to check up on how I was progressing and help me work through a few techniques. I returned to Perrysburg several weeks later and soloed just like Bruce predicted. It was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made to stick with something. In the meantime, I've had the opportunity to power paraglide in Australia, China, and South Africa!  I’ve had more fun in this sport than any other activity I’ve pursued in my 54 year life. And I owe a lot of thanks to Bruce for inspiring me to achieve one of my own personal bests. If you’re thinking about getting into PPG, you’re practically guaranteed to have success if you learn from Bruce. He’s a practical and honest gentleman who knows how to have good, safe fun. And a darned good motivator---I’m proof.
                                    
Chris Kairys  Pittsburgh, PA is the Director I.T. Implementation at MSA International in Pittsburgh, PA.  Now living in Amsterdam, Netherlands.


Larry Moore flying



Hi Bruce,
Thanks for introducing me to the greatest form of flying ever invented. Your new "Free Spirit" machine is great.  I like that it can be configured with either high or low hook-in points.  (I use the low hook-in and like the weight-shift ability.)  My Muse II is so easy to launch that I've only blown 2 launches (1 forward & 1 reverse) since I first soloed.  Your training was excellent and you put up with loads of my stupid questions.  You'll remember that the weather interrupted my first week of training and I couldn't get back with you until about two months later.  Nevertheless, you quickly got me up to speed where I left off and I was flying shortly after.  I have one suggestion for you.  You should warn people that getting into this sport is addictive and that we will never take another country drive without assessing every field, paddock, large lawn, or soccer field we see as a possible launch site. 
I look forward to flying with you again soon.

Larry Moore  Lexington, Ohio



Bruce -   I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you for a job well done. I have always wanted to fly but have had numerous things complicate my ability to do it, until I ran across your site. The problems like hanger space, high cost, and transportation all kept me from the sky until I found powered paragliding.  At first I was looking for the equipment thinking my schedule did not allow for training and this didn’t look too tough.  I’m athletic and a fast learner so I thought,  just purchase the stuff and get to it.  I did some extensive research and found that you can purchase anything on the net but at the same time not know anything about what you purchased. I called you and we talked about the Free Spirit and training. I was skeptical at first because I lived so far away and time for training with work was limited.  After conceding we made arrangements to meet, purchase and start my training. I was thinking that classroom time was very informative but hey I can learn that, not with the same expertise but still could learn it.  Next we went outside and strapped the wing on and did some ground handling launches.  From the first second I was thinking "I AM GLAD I'M DOING THIS TRAINING". This was very informative and needed to correctly launch and maintain the wing. The ability to have you watch and talk to me while I was working the wing was priceless. After much ground handling practice,  we moved to getting off the ground.  We had some windy conditions and had to work around those but the slightly windy days helped us practice even more.  Finally it was time for my  first solo.  It took several attempts, but thank you Bruce for being on top of every mistake and helping to correct them. NOW, in the air and my mind was on nothing but "what the heck am I doing". What do I do next, more altitude, more power, more break, hands up.  For a split instant, I was a little stressed and overwhelmed. All of a sudden, that familiar voice of Bruce came over the speaker in my ear, “ARMS UP, GET THEM UP, SIT BACK, POWER UP, DOING GREAT”. Through the flight you talked to me.  To land without your guidance, who knows what could have happened.  My first landing was not pretty, but no harm done.  After more landings under  my belt, I now land with ease.   When I think back on it,  I am so glad I came to you for the training and equipment. To get into the air on my own and get confused could have been a disaster.  Your training program was worth every minute and dime spent. Thank you for being available after training as well. At the time of training I lived in Columbus Ohio, I have currently moved to Marietta, Georgia and still your available to help me when I ask.  You have become a good friend. I recently have added a trike to my gear and things are great, thanks for that advice as well.  I would recommend your services to anyone that is thinking of getting into PPG. The hotel accommodations are adequate and cheap so staying was not a problem.   Bruce - thanks for holding nothing back and telling me when I screw up, that is exactly what I needed for success.

Chris Beatty  Northern Georgia


Bruce Brown - Steve Dale



When I was a boy I had many dreams of flying. In these dreams I would run and flap my arms up and down as hard as I could and I would finally lift off the ground. Of course in reality it does not work quite like that. Powered Paragliding is the closest thing to that dream I had as a kid.  The most exhilarating feeling is the lift off and soaring over the landscape like a bird in flight high above it all. It's very addicting. I find myself always thinking about the weather and when I can fly again! Thanks to Bruce Brown I've been able to experience this joy. After training with Bruce he has become a trusted, knowledgeable friend and always available to assist me with answers to my questions about flight. So overcome your hesitation and let Bruce show you the way into the sky!"

Steve Dale  Tampa, Florida





Tim Doughty's Sunset Flight
Click Photo to Enlarge



My wife and I spent a week training with Bruce at his training location in Ohio 2 years ago, we both fly regularly. Looking back on our training 2 years ago, having the experience I have now, I feel very fortunate to have found Bruce and received such high quality and competent training and instruction. Bruce is a skilled pilot and an excellent instructor. My wife and I both appreciate his patient yet thorough style of instruction. The instructor/student relationship we have with Bruce was, and continues to be, important and satisfying to us. I still call him regularly with questions or sometimes just to say hello. Bruce is an asset to this sport and I would highly recommend him as an instructor to anyone interested in Powered Paragliding.  I own, and fly regularly, an Airfer Bimax/Cors-Air, for 2 years now. I have had absolutely no problems with it, zero. The electric start has easily started the engine within 1-2 seconds of pushing the start button every single attempt since I have owned it. It runs, accelerates, and idles like a dream. If there is a drawback to this unit/motor for me, it would have to be the fact that it has not given me a single opportunity to experience an unexpected motor out in two years and nearly 160 flights. It has plenty of power to spare, I am 225 lb. and rarely ever use full throttle. It requires very little maintenance and/or adjustments. Keep the belt properly tensioned, the head bolts properly torqued, and the spark plug properly gapped, and it will never let you down.

Tim Doughty
 

Christine Doing a Forward Launch

Dear Bruce,
I’m writing to thank you for the excellent training and service you provided me.  I was hesitant to learn to fly and you made the training process enjoyable and rewarding.  Your calm and cool demeanor put me at ease and your patience with me made the learning process relaxed and pleasurable.  I was very nervous during my first 20 or so flights, even contemplating whether or not to continue, but your constant encouragement kept me flying.  I’m so glad I stuck with it!!  I love the freedom and independence I’ve gained with my PPG.  

Christine Doughty



Bo's Goldwing and Airfer
Airfer Bimax, MacPara Muse
in Bo's GoldWing Trailer


Dear Bruce,

   

    I don't know what made me ride my motorcycle over 4400 miles (round trip) this summer to get trained by you, but I am glad I did.  I have been to 2 fly-ins now, met over 100 pilots (almost all of them know you and have very nice things to say about you) and have over 20 flights.  I have talked with a few different instructors that ask me where I was trained. When I tell them Bruce Brown trained me, they told me that Bruce really set me up right.  I have all the right equipment with the Black Devil Airfer Bimax Paramotor and the perfect wing for a beginner, (Muse) which will take me a long time to outgrow and my skills are of a pilot with hundreds of flights. You were the 1st person I’d ever seen fly a PPG on a Tuesday and by Thursday I did my 1st solo flight.  Some people say I am a natural but I contribute it to your outstanding instruction.  Thanks again for everything and I look forward to flying with you in the future.  Sincerely, David Beaudette  AKA; Ranger Bo. Colorado Springs, Colorado

Update:
Hey Bruce,
 Just wanted to send you a quick update.   I just returned from a balloon fest in Socorro NM.  Another great time.  There were about a dozen pilots (2 trikes) and many balloons.  A good time had by all.  I was just reading my testimonial and I thought I would send you an update to it.  I have been flying for 2 1/2 years now, have over 200 flights and I have had incredible  success with this sport. I haven't blown a launch in over 18 months, all my landings have been stand-up landings and I still fly the original prop.  Considering that most of my flights take place at 6840 ft. asl, (Colorado Springs) I consider myself to be pretty successful.  I just got my wing back from its annual inspection and it is in great shape.  Even the big red "RANGER BO" you painted on it looks like new still.  No cracking or fading which I had almost expected after years of use.  I love the wing so much I bought another one just like it. (Muse 28)  I compare myself to other pilots and the trouble they've had with their motors and I have been fortunate there too.  Just some minor periodic maintenance and this Black Devil still rocks.  I take it  everywhere I go.  Although I still consider myself to be a "sky putter", my wife still can't watch me fly but she has warmed up to the fact that it is in my blood and it is a life-long addiction.  Whenever I see an open grassy field, my heart rate still goes up.  Anyway I just wanted to give you some feed-back on another success story for your archives.  I hope life is treating you well and every student you train has as much fun and success as I have.  Thanks again for everything.
Ranger Bo  Colorado
 
Bruce.
When I came to see you in Ohio, I was feeling pretty much defeated by PPG. Six months earlier, when I had first become interested in PPG I'd sold myself on the idea that my new motor should weigh as little as possible and be equipped with a clutch. I quickly learned that the smaller motor , simply did not have sufficient thrust to launch me without a very long run. I weigh 220lb and I realized I needed a lot more thrust than I was getting from the small motor. To his credit, the manufacturer who sold me the small motor gave me a 100% refund.  When I first fitted on the Bimax, I could tell that it was going be more comfortable to carry than the lighter motor.  This is because Airfer offers their harness in multiple sizes; I choose an XL.  Back home when I set up for my first Bimax launch, I was pretty nervous because of all my previous blown launches. I pulled up the wing in a forward launch, added some power and I was up and gone in 10 steps. I'm still amazed how easy it is to launch with lots of power.  My favorite Bimax features are electric start, big custom sized harness, Cors-Air engine, and the low weight shift bars. However, the best Airfer feature is the fact that you and Alex Varv of www.aerocorsair.com  have been available and supportive when I needed to get in the air. Thanks!  

Terry Lutke Dorr, MI
 

 

 

 Hi Bruce, 
I’m still on a high (No pun intended) after visiting you this past summer and having you reintroduce me to powered Paragliding after my 1 year absence from the sport. Fitting me with just the right wing, the Mac Para Eden II,  and matching it with the Airfer Bimax really made it a dream flight come true. I’ll never forget adding full power and leaping up into the sky. The unit performs perfectly, always starting on the first try and climbing out at rates I have never seen before.  You’re reassurance gave me the confidence to do it again and all those extra pointers made me look like I never was away from the sport. Keep up the good work and I look forward to the day when I can fly with you again!


Angelo Chirico Wellington, Connecticut (638 miles east of Bowling Green, Ohio)

 
 

 

 

 Dear Bruce,
I'm writing to thank you for all you have done for Cindy and I this past year.  Although we received 7 days of training by another instructor when we purchased our equipment 3 years ago, we have found your training, advice, and assistance led to a real break through for both of us on a number of fronts.  It was my 3rd broken propeller that prompted me to seek your help with no and low wind forward launches.  After one morning with you, I was able to make repeated no and low wind forwards and I haven't broken a prop since.   Being able to get in the air on quiet days has really opened up a lot of flying time for me.  Recently, I've been trying the power-on landing you showed me at your last fly-in with great results too.  Cindy sends her regards and thanks you for your help with her trike.   It has made a real difference.

Phil Adkison - Waterford, Michigan ( 38 miles NW of Detroit)

 
 

 
So you think you want to fly do you.  I have flown in airplanes; I trained in a Cessna 150 and waited for the right kind of flying for me.  Then I was introduced to PPG, Powered Paragliding and Bruce Brown.   Bruce trained me to fly safely and smartly.  I trained with him at his location in Perrysburg, Ohio.  This was a friendly spot to learn from, there was lots of space to practice on the ground or in the air.  Bruce takes nothing for granted, if you already know it, you will review it.  If you don’t know it, you will when he is done.  You will have to do your homework if you want to succeed, however, with your effort and Bruce’s training you will be off and in the air in no time.  You will not fly, if you’re not ready.  Bruce can supply you with all your needs to be a PPG operator.  If you choose, your first introduction can be a tandem flight.  You will learn first hand if you have the will to be a powered paraglider pilot.  After that, you can start your training.  There are lots of motels should you need to stay a few days and plenty of great restaurants.  I live in Michigan, only a few hours from Bruce’s location.  He has changed my life and made me a flier.  If you want to learn, and have fun doing it, contact Bruce Brown in Ohio for the experience of a lifetime.  Thanks Bruce, with your training I am having the time of my life.

Tom Zoner, pilot.  Tom Zoner, is owner of a greenhouse operation with his wife MaryJean.  He is also the Supervisor of the Charter Township of Commerce in Oakland County Michigan (35 miles NW of Detroit).  He is 57 years of age and says; you’re never too old to have some fun in your life.

 
 

 

  
Well, first off let me tell you that you are miles ahead of the game by dealing with Bruce Brown.  I hold him in high regard as a trustworthy businessman and a talented instructor.  Bruce is the importer as you surely know for Airfer. The Tornado is an excellent ppg and I highly recommend it to you. Also, it is good to have product support and since you are close to Bruce this should be a big selling point. As for a paraglider, of course I would recommend the Muse by MacPara. I am the US importer for them so I am biased. That having been said, it is a great motoring wing. And my personal wing of preference as a flyer and an instructor. As a flyer, I like the sportiness of it in the air and also the security it offers. It is one of the few DHV 1 rated gliders that is a performance glider.  As an instructor I like the Muse because it make my job easier and the learning curve quicker for the new pilot. The Muse is one of the easiest wings to kite and launch with on the market. For the student this means that you will spend less time on the ground and more time in the air.

Andy McAvin,  US importer of MacPara Technology Paragliders

Ohio Powered Paragliding
20683 Hull Prairie Road
Bowling Green, OH  43402
Bruce Brown  -   Owner
 Phone:   419-823-1270