Learning to fly a paraglider is as easy as learning to ski and as hard as learning to fly a powered airplane. It's easy because the basics of launching and landing a paraglider can be taught in a single day, and it's hard because becoming a competent pilot involves learning about aerodynamics, meteorology, and risk management.

The U.S. Hang Gliding & Paragliding Association has a pilot proficiency system that is the foundation for learning to fly a paraglider. Instructors certified by the USHPA teach a curriculum based on the pilot proficiency system, and student pilots progress from a Beginner rating (flying under instruction) to a Novice rating (flying without an instructor present). In addition to the hands-on lessons, there are textbooks to read, videos to watch, and ground school lessons to attend.

Steve Roti has been flying paragliders since 1991 and teaching paragliding since 1996. He is certified by the USHPA as an advanced instructor and a tandem instructor (for two-place instructional flights). If you're interested in learning to fly a paraglider in Central Oregon, contact Steve to discuss training opportunities. Because of the weather in Central Oregon, most training occurs from late spring through early fall.