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Paragliding Lesson Preparations

The reason that students need to “check in” is to optimize the time and location for each lesson.   Being at the best training spot for each lesson is one of the most important ways to maximize your lessons.  Bay Area weather forecasting is tough, so last minute tweaking is sometimes necessary.

In the below steps, sometimes a morning check in might be added to further refine the weather realities (there are days where the forecast is dichotomous and for example: we need to see if that 60% chance of rain actualizes into a dry or wet day).   The system also makes it easier for everyone.

CHECK IN STEPS:

  1. For 1 day lessons, you can skip to step 2.   If you are in a full or multi-lesson program, you will need to download the Telegram App to your mobile phone.  Download for iPhone   Download for Android.   Connect with me(In the app, open contacts and add Airtime of SF, using my phone number).   After you send me a message, I will add you to several groups.    Once you have this app, you can check the notes in the Airtime Lesson and Ground School planning group after 7 PM the night prior to your lesson.  If you are out of internet range or do not have access, skip to step 2.   In the group, there should be instructions including where to meet, or check in instructions for the following/lesson day.   Sometimes I cannot get to a computer to update the calendar, if the calendar has not been updated, go to step 2.

  2. Call Jeff at the cell phone 415-310-7411 between  7:00 and 8:00 PM the night before a scheduled lesson day. When you call, you will be briefed on the weather for the day and either be given a time and location to meet, or you will be told to call back to confirm weather at a specific time the next day. Enough time will be provided to allow you to get to the lesson from your location.  Note, if you forget to call before 8 PM, I would rather be called at 7 AM the next morning,  than at 9 PM.   I normally am up at 6 or 6:30 AM and am often falling asleep as early as 8:30 or 9 PM.  Better yet, set a reminder for yourself to check in the night before.

WHAT TO BRING:

  • SHOES: Boots or shoes with ankle support and traction are recommended! If you do not have boots, wear the shoes you would go for a hike in ones with some traction and or ankle support
  • If you are a member of USHPA, always have your USHPA card on your person when flying at Ed Levin Park.
  • CLOTHING: Wear layered clothing and wear full pants (no shorts and somthing with some protection – not leggings or spandex (if you have a tumble, you will have better protection with jeans etc.), Also, plan for the temperature of the training location (The Bay Area can vary by 30 degrees between inland and the coast during summer or even winter.   For winter season training, please dress appropriately for the temperature. In the warmer, sumertime season, during launching practice, forward launching can cause chafing or light bruising on the arms if you do not have a full sleeve shirt on.   So, full sleeve shirts are highly recommended.
    • Even when it is hot, it is recommended to wear a long sleeve shirt.   Chafing or bruising of the arms sometimes happens when doing forward launches or torpedo position during a launch.
  • Fluids to drink and a brown bag lunch are a good idea.  Please bring the water to the training hill, hydration while training is important.
  • Cameras can be brought, but keep in mind, I will not have time to take pictures while teaching you. If you are coming with another student, you can take turns with the camera.
  • If you bring a pet, a leash and person to watch are required while you are in the air. Animals are not allowed at some of the training areas, consult with me prior to bringing a pet.
  • On some of the lessons, we can include a tandem flight. It will be helpful if you read the Tandem Preparation Page if we should have a tandem included in the lessons.
  • $s or CCs for ratings and club membership and day use fees.   At Ed Levin Park, there is a day use fee of $6 each time you go into the park.   There is a kiosk at the park entrance, sometimes it is staffed, other times you need to pay via the electronic pay station.   You can also buy a season pass for the Santa Clara Parks that includes Ed Levin (in 2012, the fee is $80 for the year).   If you are going to practice and fly after you earn your P2, the pass makes sense if you will go to the park more than 13 times in the year after buying the season pass.  When you earn your P1 rating, USHPA charges $15 for the rating card, so you can pay this via cash or CC.   If it has been discussed that you might be ready for the 300′ hill, you will need to pay this rating fee on that day (you will need to have a USHPA  card on your

THINGS TO DO:

  • For pilots doing multiple lessons, P2 Basic or Condor programs, it is necessary to (join as a “pilot” member).  USHPA now allows online registration, including signing the required waiver.   After you subscribe to become a member, you will receive a text from USHPA with a QR code.   Prior to your next lesson text this to your instructor and then call.   The instructor will be able to activate your membership.  When you are ready for the 300 foot hill, the instructor will test you and assign a beginner rating (P1).   You will receive an email and will need to pay $15 for the rating.  This must be done to allow you to fly from the 300 foot hill. 
  • Please read the lessons noted for the level of lesson you will be coming to.   For new students, please find the First Lessons, Reading Center.   Going forwards, it will be very beneficial to read as many articles as you progress.
  • For scheduling, Airtime uses a group on the Telegram app.  Please install the correct phone and or desktop version of Telegram on your device/s.   Once this is complete, I can add you to the Airtime Adventures group.  I post lesson planning and venue information on this group  the night prior to your lessons.  This is not required for 2 day programs (Optional, but you can call me for simplicity), but this is a primary communication channel that Airtime uses for communication about clinics, events, Mtn. Trips and special notices.  We also have some other groups that you will join for specialized events or training, but these are not needed in the begining.
  • DIRECTIONS: There is a map and directions page for each training location.   On such, there is a Google Maps link to each site.  Please get this in a GPS enabled phone for the best way to get to the site.   A couple of the training sites will mis-guide  you to incorrect locations in the parks or training sites and there are no issues when you use the GPS direction. 
  • If possible, prior to your first lessons, join one of the free groundschools. Yes, they are free and done via Zoom, and this will help you understand some of the technical parts of flying in a paraglider. This is not mandatory, but it can really help you make the most of your lesson on the hill.
  • If you are going to do a full program, or are just thinking about it, you will need to (link to article about using a log book, specifically a free one provided to any student in a full program) log your flights.  For those that like digital, a spreadsheet Logbook for Excel is available free of charge as well.   Please begin logging your training and first flights as soon as you begin your program.   For the rating program, you will be asked to show your logbook to the any rating official.   With the physical, just show it, with the digital, you can email a copy or print out the last few pages with summaries, just work with the rating official to see what they need.
  • Plan accordingly to be on time for your lessons.   Traffic can be very bad in the mornings.   I often have breakfast for midweek lesson days in Milpitas because driving a little ahead of the commute will save me almost the amount of time breakfast takes.
  • Possible Carpooling to Milpitas??? – If you are coming from any location on the Peninsula (north or nearby to me), or from San Francisco or Marin, I am willing to carpool with you.   The benefit is that carpool lanes become accessible, fuel costs can be shared.   In addition, the day use fee ($6 / day) for Ed Levin park for you is eliminated.    I ask for a student that carpools with me to chip in by buying me breakfast every other lesson or so to help share the fuel and cost burden.