Training
Total beginners are exactly who we teach. You learn one-on-one with Shawn Elder— a USPPA-certified, tandem-rated instructor — on a private field in Durant, an easy drive north of Dallas–Fort Worth. Start on the ground, go at your own pace, and never fly before you're ready.
Three ways to start
Just fly. Nothing to learn.
A real flight beside Shawn on a two-person tandem wing — he flies, you take in the view. Nothing to prepare or learn.
Who it's for: First-timers, gift-givers, and anyone who just wants to feel flight without signing up for training.
Spend a day learning to fly.
A full day on the field with Shawn — equipment, ground handling, and the real fundamentals of flight, hands-on and one-on-one.
Who it's for: Anyone curious who wants to actually try it before committing. Zero experience needed.
From zero to solo.
The complete USPPA-aligned program — ground school, equipment, and supervised flights, all the way to flying solo on your own wing.
Who it's for: Anyone serious about becoming a pilot. We start from scratch and go at your pace — no prior experience assumed.
What to expect
No two students are the same, but the shape of it is steady and unrushed. Here's the path from your first day on the field to flying on your own.
Before anything, Shawn talks with you about your goals, any nerves, and your fitness — then matches the day to you. No surprises.
You learn the gear and spend real time ground-handling the wing — the single most important skill. This is where confidence is built, with both feet on the grass.
When you and Shawn agree you're ready, you take your first flights with him right there — radio-guided, low and slow, in calm morning or evening air.
You advance only as fast as you're comfortable. Some students solo within a focused week; others spread lessons out. The goal is a safe, confident pilot — not a rushed one.
In the Full Training Course, it all builds to flying on your own wing — the moment it truly becomes yours.
Safety-first, always
Powered paragliding is one of the most accessible forms of flight — and good training is what keeps it that way. Here's how Shawn keeps every lesson safe.
You spend real time handling the wing on the ground before you ever leave it. Most of learning to fly happens with your feet down.
Training follows the United States Powered Paragliding Association's proven curriculum — the recognized standard for the sport in the U.S.
Lessons are scheduled around the weather — usually early mornings and evenings when the air is smooth. We reschedule rather than fly in conditions that aren't right.
You only progress when both you and Shawn are confident you're ready. Powered paragliding is low and slow by nature — and good training is what keeps it that way.
Training questions
Still wondering about something? Call Shawn at (319) 795-4278.
None at all. Most students start with zero flight time. The Full Training Course is built to take a complete beginner all the way to solo, and the One Day Intro and Adventure Tandem are perfect first steps.
Probably not. There are practical weight ranges tied to the wings, and launching involves a short run, so reasonable fitness helps — but people of a wide range of ages and sizes fly. Call Shawn and he'll talk through your specific situation honestly.
It depends on you, the weather, and how you space your lessons. Some students reach solo within a focused week of training; others spread it out over weeks. Shawn advances you on readiness, not a fixed schedule.
That's completely normal — and exactly who Shawn loves teaching. You start on the ground, build up slowly, and never fly before you're ready. Most nervous first-timers land grinning.
We fly year-round whenever conditions allow, but the best air is usually early morning and evening when it's calm. Lessons are by appointment and scheduled around the forecast — we'll always reschedule rather than fly in unsafe wind or weather.
Long pants, closed-toe athletic shoes or boots, and clothing for the weather. Bring sunglasses, water, and sunscreen. All flight equipment is provided — just bring yourself and a willingness to learn.
Want to know who you'll be flying with? Meet Shawn →
Your first flight is closer than you think
Pick a day, and Shawn will get you in the air safely — at your pace, with someone you trust right beside you. First-timers welcome, always.