Powered paragliding is often viewed as a higher risk sport than it actually is. There is a potential for injury for the reckless or ill prepared. The safety of our wonderful sport is directly influenced by the quality of equipment and training, along with the skill and common sense of the pilot. Almost all paragliding accidents are the result of pilot error. The new paragliding equipment today is very well built and, if properly cared for, very safe.   The cost of instruction should never be a deterrent to getting quality training.  That is why Ohio Powered Paragliding LLC provides free training with the purchase of a paramotor and paraglider.

As a United States Powered Paragliding Association (USPPA) School, Ohio Powered Paragliding offers The USPPA sanctioned ratings for those pilots wanting to participate in the rating process.  When taking the Ohio PPG Complete Motorized Training Course, the student will receive a USPPA PPG 1 rating at the completion of their training at no additional charge.  This will require joining the USPPA ($34 fee).  You will receive a $100 incentive reimbursement from the USPPA paid to you for achieving the PPG 2 rating (See below).  Ratings are offered to pilots who have received formal training and come to the rating process with a base of knowledge from their formal training and their flying experience.  This rating program with the fees shown below is not intended to replace a complete formal motorized training program.



PPG 1 Rating
    Ohio PPG Students - included with the Complete Motorized Training Course - No Charge
   
PPG 2 Rating
    Ohio PPG trained pilots - $150 ($100 USPPA reimbursement upon completion)
    Experienced  pilots - $200  ($100 USPPA reimbursement upon completion)

PPG 3 Rating
    Experienced pilots with a PPG 1 and 2 rating  - $100 
    Experienced Pilots without a PPG 1 and 2 rating - $225 ($100 USPPA reimbursement upon completion)


From the USPPA Website:

USPPA will reimburse part of a pilot's training cost when they achieve their PPG2 rating within limits listed below. The goal is to encourage thorough training through complete use of the syllabus, simulators, ground work and skill building.  Amounts reimbursed are: From no rating to PPG2 is $100.

How it Works & Requirements

1. Use a current and qualified USPPA PPG Instructor to get training for the rating you desire and qualify for. The USPPA syllabus must be used and filled out for each rating obtained. Pass the tests, accumulate the requisite experience and demonstrate the specified skills. For the PPG2, our basic pilot rating, those are pretty straight forward. The most difficult is that you must consistently be able to land, after a power-off glide from 300 feet high, within 40 foot of a target.

Instructor payment is up to you and it doesn't have to be the same instructor as who gave you all your training, but the one that gave you the rating must fill out the reimbursement form.

2. Pilot submits the following:

A. Rating application.

B. Signed reimbursement request form. This must be signed by you and the instructor testifying that training was given, the syllabus was used and that payment was made to the instructor.

C. Copy of the first syllabus page for each rating obtained showing that it was properly filled out.

3. A check will be sent within approximately 30 days to your address as listed in our membership file.

4. The pilot seeking reimbursement must actually pay for training that is equal to or greater than what is claimed on the rebate. It is reimbursement for training actually paid.

Who is Eligible?

Any powered paraglider pilot is eligible. Non-USPPA members must join concurrently with the application. You can submit your membership application payment simultaneously with the reimbursement application, including membership payment.

Funding & Duration

We are using a combination of general funds and charitable donations, the largest of which came from the Parastars club in 2006. The program will continue until funds devoted to it ($20,000) are used up which means it will likely go through 2010.

If you are interested in promoting training by contributing to this program, USPPA can accept tax-deductible donations for this purpose.