How much do paragliding lessons cost?
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- $250 per person, per day.
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How much does a tandem flight cost?
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- $200 per person.
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How do I schedule a paragliding lesson or tandem flight?
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- The best way to schedule a lesson or tandem flight is to contact Stephen at (909) 202-9581, or e-mail him at eatflysleep@gmail.com. He will need to check weather conditions, as well as his and your availability.
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Are you able to accommodate groups for paragliding lessons?
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- Yes, we can accommodate groups. You may take lessons with your friends and/or family members, so long as you schedule ahead of time. What gear each person needs will depend on their weight, and we want to make sure we have the right gear for everyone that day.
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​​How old do I have to be to take paragliding lessons?
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- You must be at least 16 years old to take lessons.
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Am I too old for paragliding lessons?
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- If you are still able to run or jog, you're not too old! The beginner learning process can be physically challenging in weaker weather conditions, but once learned, kiting and flying is easy on the body. If running for long periods of time is not your strong suit, we can tailor the lessons to your physical abilities by scheduling you for an afternoon lesson, when wind conditions are more favorable for kiting practice.
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Do I have to know anything about flying?
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- Have you ever flown a kite or an RC air plane? How about a paper airplane?? If so, you have some experience. You do not need to know anything about flying in order to learn how to paraglide! Although any flying experience will help you understand some of the technical concepts of flight, it is not a requirement. We will teach you all you need to know.
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Do I need to bring my own gear?
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- You do not need to own any gear to begin lessons. All gear will be provided to you by your instructor, including a harness, glider, spare parachute and helmet. You may bring your own helmet if you have one.
Do I need to purchase gear to take lessons?
- Until you decide that paragliding is for you and you want to continue to fly, you do not need to buy your own gear. If you wish to pursue your P2 license, you will eventually need your own gear so that you may fly independent of your instructor. When that time comes, you may purchase all your new gear from NeverLand Paragliding, or look for used gear options.
- NeverLand Paragliding depends on your patronage for survival and deeply appreciates any orders made through us. We are a certified Ozone dealer and offer highly competitive prices on all purchases. For quotes or general gear questions, please contact Stephen at (909) 202-9581.
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What time does the first lesson begin and end?
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- In the late spring and summer months, lessons begin at 8:00AM and end just past sunset, unless your instructor says otherwise. In the winter when the weather is cooler, we begin at 9:00AM and end just past sunset.
- If you're older or tire easily, your lesson may be scheduled for early afternoon to help you learn under easier wind conditions. An all-day session with weak wind conditions can be physically strenuous, and this will help keep you in the game.
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What can I expect from my first lesson day?
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- You can expect to have fun!
- At 8:00AM (or 9:00AM in the winter) we begin with introductions to get to know each other and determine your level of flight experience.
- Each student will need to fill out a 30 day USHPA form. It is important that you are on time, so that everyone has filled out their form at the same time and nobody takes away from lesson time of the other students. Showing up late and stalling the instructor with paperwork will slow everyone down, and during hot weather when things heat up and conditions change quickly, it can make a big difference.
- Once everyone has filled out their USHPA form, we go over some basic flight theory on the white board.
- If conditions are favorable (and usually they are), we move from the white board to the grass where the instructor will demonstrate how to safely strap into your harness, he will explain what all the lines do and will show you how to kite the wing.
- Each student will practice forward and reverse kiting on the grass until the instructor feels confident that the student can handle a short flight from one of the two training hills on site.
- In the summer months when it is hot, we break at 10:30AM or 11AM for safety reasons and may either discuss more flight theory on the white board, or reconvene at 3:00PM to continue the lesson. In winter time when it is cooler, we may continue kiting until 12:00PM, break for lunch and meet back up after lunch to continue the lesson.
- The afternoon is filled with kiting practice where the instructor spends time teaching you how to keep the wing above your head long enough to turn around and launch off the training hill.
- Each student will take a few practice flights from the training hill until they demonstrate that their kiting, launching and landing skills are satisfactory.
- Depending on how fast you learn, how comfortable you feel taking flight from the training hill and if weather conditions are safe, you may be able to take your first real solo flight from Marshall on your first day!
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- If you're a quick learner and your instructor feels it is safe for you to take your first flight, we will pack your gear into the shuttle and drive approximately 20 minutes up to Marshall launch. The instructor will further explain the flight pattern he expects from you, he will explain how to approach the landing zone and talk to you about any concerns you might have.
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- The instructor will double and triple-check to make sure all safety measures are in place and he will attach a radio to your harness. During launch, take-off and your flight, he will give instruction via radio to guide you safely to the ground.
- After sunset, the instructor will show you how to fold your wing properly and answer any questions you may have.
Do I need a P2 license to fly solo?
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- In order to take solo flights without your instructor present, many flying sites require that you have your P2 or P3 license to fly & land in USHPA certified locations. Andy Jackson Airpark in San Bernardino is a P3 site, but P2 pilots may get signed off by their instructor to fly solo - with some limitations -.
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I have my P2 license, wish to fly from Marshall and land at Andy Jackson Airpark. How do I get my sign-off?
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- There is a one-time fee of $60.00 for the day and you must demonstrate your kiting, flying & landing skills to an instructor before you receive your sign-off. If the instructor deems you a safe pilot based on what they see, you will receive your sign-off to fly from Marshall and land on the grass at Andy Jackson Airpark. Please schedule ahead of time so that there is an instructor present on site the day and time of your arrival.
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As a beginner, how long does it take to receive my P2 license?
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- This will depend on your experience level, speed of learning and weather conditions. USHPA requires 7 days and 35 solo flights to demonstrate your skill and understanding of free flight. You will also need to pass a written P2 test.
- If the weather conditions are favorable, you may schedule your lessons for the week, or return on the weekends to complete your training and solo flights. It is best to schedule your lessons in succession so that you are not slowed down by having to re-learn some things due to long passage of time.
What can I expect as a more experienced pilot seeking a P2 certification?
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- USHPA requires you to have 7 flying days and take up to 35 solo flights to demonstrate your kiting, launching, flying and landing skills to the instructor.
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- You will need to pass the written P2 test.
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How do I pay for my lessons?
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- We accept all major credit cards, PayPal & cash. No personal checks, please.
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When do I pay for my lessons?
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- Please give payment to your instructor at the beginning or end of each lesson day, before leaving Andy Jackson Airpark.
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Do I need to join USHPA (United States Hang gliding & Paragliding Association)?
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- If you wish to fly and land at USHPA approved sites, you must have a USHPA membership. You may purchase a temporary 30 day membership on site, or a full year membership via regular mail.
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- To join, please print & fill out this USHPA membership form and submit by regular mail with payment.
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Do I need to join the Crestline Soaring Society/Andy Jackson Airpark club?
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- You do not need to join the club, but if you plan on flying at Andy Jackson frequently, it is more cost-effective to join the club with a $100 yearly membership, rather than pay a $10 daily use fee every time you come out to fly.
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- Your $100 yearly fee or $10 day use fee will go toward maintaining the grass at the landing zone, the structure, WiFi, weather station, tables & chairs and so on. All maintenance and upkeep is performed by unpaid volunteers/club members.
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- To join for the year, please print & fill out this CSS Membership form and submit on site with payment. Daily use form can be found at the Andy Jackson Airpark.
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What is the Crestline Soaring Society (CSS)?
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- CSS is the Hang Gliding & Paragliding Club for San Bernardino, CA, USA. The CSS is a non-profit, volunteer-based organization (501(c)(3)), which exists to serve the foot-launched flying community in the San Bernardino Mountains - Crestline & Marshall Peak in particular - and Southern California and beyond in general.
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Can I camp at Andy Jackson Airpark overnight?
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- Unfortunately the Cross Country Ranch camping privileges by Andy Jackson Airpark were suspended by the County at the beginning of 2017, but will hopefully be reinstated by San Bernardino County in a few months. Stay tuned.
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- A hot shower and BBQ kitchen area are on site for pilot use.
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Where can I stay overnight?
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- A local pilot-owned rental cabin is available at a discount to visiting pilots. Click HERE to check it out.
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What are the main launch points in San Bernardino?
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- The 350 - Elevation of 350 ft (107m)
- The 750 - Elevation of 750 ft (228m)
- Marshall Peak - Elevation of 4,006 ft (1,221m)
- Crestline - Elevation of approximately 5,200 ft (1,585m)
- Mentone - Elevation of 1,650 ft (503m)
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