INSTRUCTOR DEBRIEFING - Paramotor First Flight

After the Flite Test team's first Paramotor Solo, Aviator PPG's instructor, Eric, walks everyone through the mistakes they made and how to improve. More on paramotors: bit.ly/FTparamotor
Watch the full paramotor training journey: bit.ly/ParamotorJourney
Want to see more paramotor awesomeness? Check out Aviator PPG's channel: goo.gl/Sc6A75
Have something to share with us about general aviation? Reach out to us here: bit.ly/GeneralAviation
Aviator PPG has a unique way of teaching their students how to pilot a paramotor.
“It’s really a three-phase segment,” says Eric Farewell, Aviator PPG co-owner and instructor. “You learn how to kite the wing, you learn how to control the motor, and then you learn how to fly the wing. And we have lots and lots of ground school inside of all that. Then you finally have that triumph of getting off the ground for the first time on your own.”
Eric believes every aspect of paramotor training is important for success.
“Suddenly, you put all these pieces together and you got in the air and you landed and you survived!” says Eric. “You did something that man is not supposed to do and survived.”
After the first solo flight, students have the opportunity to go back, watch the flight, learn what they did well and what they need to improve on so that the next time they get in the air, their flight becomes even more fluid and successful. The great part is that the students get to have a second attempt at soloing with the paramotor.
“Not only do we get to do it again, but we get to share much more accuracy in the air work,” says Eric. “Your first few flights, you’re a great robot. You’re going to learn exactly how to fly the wing, how to fly the motor, how to be controlled. But then after you get those first few flights, you start to take control yourself.”
As students continue to take solo flights (after 10-15 or so), the instructors begin to cut back on speaking to them in the radio. However, here and there they will give helpful tips and little reminders about their flights.
“You’re starting to get that control,” says Eric. “You’re starting to get that air work in, starting to learn how to turn around a point, learning how to fly low and how to fly between trees…all the things that make flying paramotor so incredible.”
Eric and the instructors of Aviator PPG are passionate about seeing students grow from that very first day in ground school as newbies to experienced pilots of paramotor.
“The whole adventure is amazing to teach people and show them those first three segments,” says Eric. “And then when you guys take that energy and put it all together into something amazing in your first flight, you become part of the flying family and then moving beyond that into becoming an expert pilot at your own level is the best thing for us.”
If you want to learn more about paramotor and how you can become a pilot yourself, visit www.flitetest.com/paramotor.

[@FlightChops]

Debriefing flights with video is what I am all about - love it!

[@FliteTest]

FlightChops we love your content my friend! Keep up the great work ;)

[@aviator]

We need to fly together sometime!

[@derMusicSlasher]

I have the feeling that you guys couldn't have found a better company than Aviator PPG to get you in the air. From all what I have seen, it really looks like they take care of you and teach you every single aspect of flight so trustfully and with heart and mind, so that it is so darn hard to ignore that all of you, teachers and pupils, have so much fun!!

[@BadWallaby]

Seeing Alex choked up after his first flight literally had me in awe. I wish I could feel that same feeling. Such an incredible series. I'm absolutely hooked on the flite test journey through paramotoring

[@TuckerGott]

Awesome stuff guys! You all did so well!

[@ngv001]

Woo! Tucker! Love you vids man :)

[@thatGUYbehindthemask]

i somewhat expected you would be in this comment section. lmao. :P

[@thatGUYbehindthemask]

i somewhat expected you would be in this comment section. lmao. :P

[@call911forcookies2]

oh hey Tucker XD

[@FliteTest]

Thanks Tucker! :)

[@aviator]

Gahhhh! Having to listen to this much of myself talking is painful, haha. Good video though guys! Great edit! Thanks for sharing!

[@mikepowers171]

AviatorShow truly amazing, out of curiosity, how much does that course cost?

[@jcims]

I don't know dude, I think you're doing a fantastic job. This is making me want to pick up the sport.

[@aviator]

Haha yes indeed. The Wild West! haha. We don't make claims at being the best though, we prefer to let our students do the talking. As for pricing, we're still at $2,500 for 2017... We're only raising it for next year as we're adding more elements to our training as well.

[@usmcculp]

As a new prospective pilot, I wish the industry wasn't so fragmented. Hard to tell who is being the most honest.

[@aviator]

Yes indeed... Find some folks who you like and trust. Ignore the hype. There's a lot of great folks out there!

[@tomandsophie]

GREAT video, this is useful for all pilots. I have 200+hrs and this is still really useful to get tips from. Brilliant instruction. More please!

[@richvincent6282]

Your first flight video was the video that made me realise that I need to do this. I'd just been watching Tucker and others for a couple of years for entertainment but you guys were the inspiration that finally got me in the air. In October 2018 I flew from the UK to Florida and had 2 weeks with Four Winds PPG (an Aviator Alliance school) and now I'm flying whenever I can. Thanks again and I hope you're all still enjoying the skies :)

[@kennyFF033]

I am so amazed by PPGs, the quality and class of instruction... mind blown. Fantastic!

[@HeroicFerret]

You guys need to do a video with Tucker Gott. I think this every time I see you with paramotors.

[@th0mas21]

psst, they work together :) ...not for this training stuff but for team flying

[@lucasnunez3193]

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

[@BinaryBadass]

Wow, this just happens to come out the same day I take my first paragliding course! It's sooo cool!

[@JohnnyVegasStudio]

Deposit made and signed up for May! Sooo looking forward to running into the air!

[@dkhallal]

So cool, definitely on the bucket list, and Aviator PPG is definitely where I'll go. Way to go guys, congrats!

[@milesb4231]

Super cool video and looks like an awesome area to fly. I love that you evolve your teaching.

[@jbkroeger]

Excellent job guys!

[@bikemancody2752]

Excellent video! Nice recap for the fellas.

[@johnb365]

most interesting, great video .

[@josemontalvo4532]

I enjoy your videos. I especially like your review of students on video. You seem to have a great ground school. I’ll be getting my feet wet next year. Thanks!

[@PredatorParamotor]

Great vid guys!

[@DougFordsr]

Well done guys!

[@hocadidilyocuttCAP]

What an awesome instructor

[@peterblackburn7269]

this is great video as just finished paragliding free flight course here in australia with the excitement of paramotoring as did one single free flight with lots wing training to’ i cant wait to improve as this vid is good inspiration 🤗

[@baggedcat]

SUPER flying Guys!

[@gixerkiller1]

Hey after watching you guys learning to paramotor my 7 day course is booked for august can't wait !

[@aviator]

Congratulations!!

[@32laurens]

Yeah I know this is old but I just found it. I am learning so much that I can use when I go and do this, and it's really cool to see your reactions to all the steps. Thanks for this, is what I'm saying.

[@csc4693]

So cool doing very well keep up the good work

[@guyrichard2030]

Thank you so much for sharing 😊👍

[@shatalin_alex]

Хорошая работа!Молодцы. Есть чему поучиться!

[@TylerOstergaard]

Man these guys are amazing :D

[@mikeharper4915]

you guys are amazing:D

[@tomatofarmer_]

That guy seems like a really cool teacher.

[@GerrysDiy]

Well done Lads..Great video, the video debrief is a great idea. I love it up there Freeflying or with the motor. Subbed Cheers Gerry

[@JSparky13]

Superb post flight debriefing. With video readily available in our pockets, you guys really do an amazing job hitting every angle of training. I'll say it again, my instructor is great but these guys (in my opinion) are at the top of the list. 4 guys with near perfect launches and landings...just bad ass! Bixler had to work out all the "I go first" kinks and deal with leftover thermals I'm sure!!! You guys rock and I hope to fly with you some time!

[@skrutinizr9372]

Looks like SO much fun... my back could never deal with that, though.

[@434holly]

Awesome!

[@bedbugization]

wanna come and train with you guys - perfect instructions !!

[@the_pennine_paraglider]

More,,, we want to see more 😀 fantastic !!!!!

[@RTS907]

Wow! All I can say is Wow! And I wish I could.

[@kennethjohnson347]

This is so cool i may eb interested in the futer

[@flying6676]

Great video and training. Toward the end you mentioned the 3 P's . Does that stand for Power-Position and Pressure? Thanks Eric

[@aviator]

Yessir it does!

[@Groundrat]

I'm hopping to take your class this fall and wanted to know if 275lb is to heavy to fly? I'm currently trying to loose more weight. I would like to be at 250 by November or sooner. Thanks Great video

[@ZoniesCoasters]

GTA needs paramoters

[@aquaticllamas28]

Zonies Coasters That would be amazing

[@josepherickson7618]

awesome

[@marvinhillAllthrwaytolife]

I love the way you teach. its awesome.....Where do you teach at?

[@lixxxxit]

hey I've been wanting to build a r/c paraglider, but I have no resources......but I'll be you guys could make one! that would be very cool to see.

[@bobss7]

I would love to get into this but worried about my age and condition. I am 58 years old and overweight. LOL I am 5'10" and 250 lbs. You think it would be too tough on me? I am very familiar with flight. I used to fly a PPC that I sold about 15 years ago. I flew for 4 years. It was a part 103 legal trike and I was only able to fly just a little over an hour on the 5 gallons of fuel. I am really missing the thrill of flight. What do you think?

[@Dqrnan]

I didn't realize that Alex walks in sticks (legs)....lol! Jk. Great video! Keep up the good work guys.

[@Hello-wo7vn]

hey flite test a good Idea for a project at flite fest east is try making a Microsoft stratolaunch with 6 edf jets if you have seen that GIGANTIC PLANE YET flite test is life.

[@TonyWony]

nice

[@YankeeinSC1]

It seems that everyone in the world all of the sudden wants to PPG! Who do we blame? Eric? Tucker? or Kyle O?

[@RonBesse]

All three for me. No kidding. I sold my ultralight trike, because I never had anyone to fly with. Just started taking PPG lesson (third day into it). Already making friends in training that are already making plans to fly with once we're done. Can't wait, already having so much fun.

[@markbailey6051]

Is it common to motor off at landing?

[@TheHexperience]

When can I buy an Ozone Bixler? ;)

[@tomshawjr.9925]

hello, are you affiliated or know of anyone who does training in Maryland? thanks.

[@dagobb]

I just can imagine how scary and yet how fun this can be! Do you fly with the instructor before your first solo?

[@DFX2KX]

nope, at least not in this program. They use the tow line instead. Hang Gliding is the one where you fly tandem a few times first. Tandem PPGs exist, but the student can't reach the toggles, so you don't learn much.

[@harrisonjacob8931]

Great vid ft

[@tommyhackbarth443]

Peter's Awesome

[@savageguy25]

It was sure nice of Will Arnett to teach y'all to fly.

[@RCFunRu]

Завидую Вам!

[@DAS-Videos]

Happy Father's Day guys, even to those without kids. Great video. I was wondering why he said look at me not at the ground, now I know why.

[@Onlyone10184]

why is the spartan x so expensive ?

[@_droid]

Aviator seems better than the BlackHawk training. Are they affiliated? Whatever the case, Aviator needs to train more instructors (I think they know this) because there are too many people that want to do this. I see great things!

[@aviator]

We are not affiliated at all, no sir. We are training a ton of instructors though!

[@aviator]

Actually, not quite true. Our syllabus incorporates USPPA's but we have expanded on it massively..

[@paublusamericanus292]

this instructor may think man wasn't designed to fly, but I am, and do.

[@Maceyee1]

Good video

[@joeddejohn]

Looks very interesting.

[@pinecorey]

Instructor nickname ( Bob Ross) 😁❤️

[@eamonnhayabusa069]

This is what I want to do...

[@thatGUYbehindthemask]

argh i want a paramotor so bad and i cant even settle for paramotor vr :(

[@Shawnstradamus]

Can we combine this with the old episode where you tried to fly through panes of glass, or some Sripol explosives?

[@emilelepennec]

France

[@ngv001]

I've been looking into learning to fly paramotor here in Australia but first you need to complete a 9 day parasailing course then accumulate at least 12 hours of solo parasailing flight time before you can start on a paramotoring license. Shame as parasailing does nothing for me...I really want the power and control during flight and not at the mercy of thermals or altitude to launch.

[@robroy25]

What you really mean is "paragliding".....parasailing is being towed behind a boat on a round parachute. Don't knock it until you've tried it....paragliding is so much more than you can imagine.

[@ngv001]

Rob Roy Ahh yes, you are correct. I meant paragliding. I'd still rather have a motor strapped on! But like I say, the only way to do that is through paragliding first so we'll see how fun it is!

[@Arkay.]

CosmicF There are straight through courses for paramotoring in Aus. I just did one, and I have to say I love watching these videos of first flights (keep 'em coming Eric!), it's a great way to relive a moment you can never regain. That aside, yes, you will learn paragliding first, but you do in America too. Just not as much of it. Truth is, you need those short training hill flights, and the towing, long before you see a motor. Paragliding is every bit as much fun as motoring, you just don't have the motor. I, like you, was more interested in the motor for my eventual flying, as I have no close gliding sites, but don't discount the thrill of free flying, trust me, adding that motor only complicates what is already more that enough to manage for a novice. KZbin gives you a false sense of ease. Watching and doing are vastly different and paragliding first prepares you to be safe(r) on your first motor solo. It's all new, so enjoy it all! Cheers, Rick P.S. if you've not yet chosen an instructor I can highly recommend High Adventure in Laurieton NSW. Dave Wainwright is the CFI there and is currently the two time Icarus trophy winner (look it up if you don't already know what it is).

[@ngv001]

Rick Kirk Thanks very much for the info, Rick! Great to hear there is a way to somewhat fast-track to solo paramotoring. I have no doubt that paragliding will indeed also be a lot of fun, but like you I live in an area with very few suitable gliding sites so I really am focused on the end game of solo paramotoring. I live in QLD making Laurieton about 500k's away so probably not the most practical flight school to be attending, but I'll certainly check them out. Thanks again for the post!

[@Arkay.]

CosmicF no probs. I'm in Melbourne so I had to travel too. All part of the fun. I just hope you get great weather when you do train. We had a bad run and didn't get completely signed off so now I'm watching these videos and pining for my next flight! can't wait till I can finish off and get out there any time the weather is good! There really is no way to explain just how awesome it is, including my first paraglider solo from a 1500 ft mountain 😁 There are trainers in QLD, I can't personally comment on them but I'm sure you can find info if you search. Dave though is very similar in demeanor and calmness to Eric at AviatorPPG, something that's worth it's weight in gold when you think about what they are going through to get you in the air. Whatever you decide, hope you get into the air soon! Cheers, Rick.

[@verticalwolf6380]

Roses are red Violets are blue Watching Flite Test Is all I wanna do

[@kleenexfn5527]

Do it with Dan anyone??

[@kevinerickson2595]

989👀

[@noormaes3344]

latter salad type trailer aim preparation independent install midnight drum.

[@paramotorhead6623]

Noor Maes, covfefe?

[@brianbryan6636]

This looks like so much fun I wonder how it feels to be in the air.

[@marcvwest]

You want to ask the neighbors to turn their music down its distracting the video.

[@lifesabowlofcherries]

boga boga boga

[@walterjackson8449]

use that 120kv motor 28 inch blade make it electric paramotor

[@cptkirkusfpv9982]

what kind of people thumbs down this?

[@rcbif101]

kirk hustwitt - Paramotor people, lol. But seriously, I dont doubt it. I spent a good deal of time researching paramotors and there is some rabid competition between some dealers and trainers. Its very weird...the whole thing is like listening to multiple used car salesman or somthing...

[@usmcculp]

Like Rcbif said, the PPG world is really the Wild, Wild, West right now. Everyone thinks they have the best gear, the best training, the best Organization, etc... Had to believe any of them when they ALL spend time bashing each other's approach. In the end, you just have to pick one. I did not pick this one, because after I called to make training arrangements, they informed me that they are book almost through 2018, and that they now charge $3500 to train, a 140% increase in 2017 prices. Look around, they are the most expensive. Other options are available that are reasonable prices that offer the same USPPA syllabus. That may be why there are thumbs down. Don't raise your prices just because they have now cast a wider net and can not meet the demand. Like I said, wild, wild west. You can do whatever you want in this sport, minimal federal regulation. Want to get your private pilot license, cost is typically fairly close across the board. Want to fly a kite with a scooter engine, cross your fingers and hope for the best!!

[@aviator]

Super sad, really :/ We do our best to never get in that conversation, heh.

[@DFX2KX]

@Rcbif As far as the Dealers go, it makes even less sense, because most of the kit is interchangeable. Ain't nothing really stopping you from putting one of Blackhawk's wings onto a Scout frame with an engine from Germany...

[@rcbif101]

Not for the experienced, but right from the get-go they try to get newbies to buy THEIR training and THEIR equipment, cause all others lack proper training, support, and are garbage (or so they have you believe).

[@merakm5177]

pro flite test

[@comevald9609]

Hello flight test

[@lucasnunez3193]

nice job

[@lukeb6936]

8th comment

[@victoravina409]

I hate this. I need more rc stuff. Bring back Peter y'all wack doing this

[@lucasnunez3193]

yes, sadly tiss true

[@DFX2KX]

Why, they still post plenty of R/C stuff. And why likes R/C but doesn't like actually getting in the air themselves?

[@htoby.]

Peter said that every week he was just designing a new plane to be sold to the masses each week and it became very repetitive. That's sort of why I stopped watching them as well. I loved the David and Peter days. (I only came back for PG vids tho haha.)

[@jacobhn2]

Yes, make a rc paragliter VR.