Most people don't know this, but my Dad is a paramotor pilot and has been flying since the early 2000's! His younger brother, my uncle, is the one who trained him and both helped train me in 2012.
Here's a little story time for you.
In August of 2012 my Dad took me down to southern California to learn to fly paramotor with him and my uncle. My uncle at the time was hosting a training class and we stepped in as some sideline help and so I could get my hand on a glider and start learning for myself!
Learning to fly took me a bit longer than one might think. I didn't just magically get it and start doing epic things like the pro's. I actually couldn't really keep the glider up for a few days!
One late nigth at around 11:30 pm my dad took me out kiting near the pear and we used what little light we could to see the wing. We spent hours out there until it clicked and man was that one of the most fun times of my life. Just me, my dad, the wind, and the wing out there kiting late into the night.
It was awesome!
That's the moment where all of this started to click for me. I was 13 years old at the time and I was hooked. Fast forward 11 years and I now teach people to fly full time and even help my dad fly from time to time
Fast forward to the present time and my Dad and I recently went out for some flying. Sadly I didn't get to fly, but being able to help him fly and watch him rip around made me one happy camper!
He nailed the landing first try even though it had been over 6 months since he last flew. Launch was great, landing was great, and it reminded me that this is a skill we don't just forget all of a sudden.
He's maybe flown 5-10 times in the last 3 years and every time he goes out to fly, he nails it first try.
This skillset (flying) is something you don't just forget or lose. If it's been a while since you last flew, you'd be suprised at how quick you'll pick it right back up. It's a skill that lasts!
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If you are looking to learn to fly for yourself, check out our training program at BackcountryPPG.com. We would love to help however possible!