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EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE YOU FLY

Student FAQs

Answers to the most common questions from new students about lessons, gear, scheduling, costs, and what to expect from training.

Scheduling

Cost & Gear

Progression

Safety & Fitness

GETTING STARTED
Scheduling & Classes

Do I need to schedule a lesson in advance?

We train every day that the weather is good for flying — but you must join the school before attending your first session. Please call ahead if you're planning to visit so Jordan can confirm conditions.

Class Schedule

Days

Time

Mondays

Weather

Thursday - Sunday

3 hours before sunset

Online classes only

Conditions permitting

The best part of the day for students is late afternoon through sunset — perfect for most work schedules.

Can I just show up and start lessons?

We train every day that the weather is good for flying — but you must join the school before attending your first session. Please call ahead if you're planning to visit so Jordan can confirm conditions.

We do not accept walk-ins. All students must enroll, sign waivers, and complete online training content before their first visit.

Each coaching session requires completion of the relevant online training material for that level. This ensures every student arrives prepared and your time at the field is used as effectively as possible.

What time do classes start?

Lessons run during the last 3 hours of the day until sunset, every day the wind is good for flying — including weekends, because good flying weather is the priority. Classes are not held on Mondays.

As a student you'll learn how to assess conditions yourself, so you'll eventually be able to plan your own visits with confidence.

COST & TUITION
Pricing and Payment

Can I pay tuition as I go?

Yes — you don't need to pay up front. Students can pay $225 per session as they attend, and every payment goes toward your total unlimited lessons tuition.

Best value — save $200

$2,500

Pay full tuition upfront

Flexible

$225

Per session · $2,700 total

Both options include unlimited P1–P4 lessons, online classes, and weekly live Zoom sessions.

How much does flight gear cost?

Budget for gear in addition to tuition. Here's a typical breakdown for a new student kit:

Canopy

$3,200–$4,200

Wing only

Harness

$780–$1,100

Includes reserve container

Reserve

$750–$850

Safety parachute

Total new kit: approximately $4,800–$5,500. As a FlyWithJordan student you get these at a significant discount through the school.

Do not buy gear before training without an evaluation from a flight instructor. The wrong gear can be dangerous for a new pilot.

Does the school sell flight gear?

Yes — and at a significant student discount. The school stocks only premium brands at prices that compete with budget alternatives. Shop around and you'll see the difference. Students in training save hundreds of dollars by purchasing through the school.

Browse the gear shop →

Does the school provide gear to get started?

Yes — the school provides equipment through your first series of training hill flights. We only train new students on new equipment to ensure predictable, safe performance.

Students are encouraged to order their personal gear early in training so they can transition into the flying phase without delays. Make sure gear purchase is in your budget to avoid gaps between training sessions.

TRAINING & PROGRESSION
How Long Does It Take?

How long does training take?

Most students are flying from the training hill after just 1–2 days of instruction. From there, progression depends on your availability and how quickly you demonstrate each skill to a safe standard.

Rating

Flights Required

Average Timeline

P1 — Beginner

P2 — Novice

P3 — Intermediate

P4 — Advanced

Paramotor

~3 days

~ 3 weeks

~ 4 months

~ 2 years

~ 1 week

10 flights

35 flights

90 flights

250 flights

20-25 flights

You'll never be rushed, kicked out of the nest, or left guessing what comes next. Every student progresses at their own pace.

How long does a canopy last?

A well-maintained paraglider lasts up to 1,500 hours. The main enemies are sun exposure, salt air, and physical damage. After this point the fabric becomes porous and the lines stretch, which degrades performance and passive safety.

Tip: Sell your glider before it gets too old so you can put most of the value toward your next upgrade as your skills improve.

ADDING A MOTOR
Paramotor Instruction

Does the school provide paramotor instruction?

Absolutely — and it's the natural next step once you know the canopy. All students begin with basic canopy training at Andy Jackson Airpark since our training hills give you the best foundation for powered flight.

Once you've demonstrated proficiency in canopy handling, launching, and landing, we move into the Paramotor Transition Syllabus. The motor phase is conducted in Winchester, California.


Learn more about paramotor training →

SAFETY & ELIGIBLITY
Fitness & Requirements

How fit do I need to be?

Paragliding pilots come from all ages and backgrounds — there's no weight or age limit. You do need to be physically able to carry equipment, run for launch and landing, and have decent vision.

Some medical conditions may affect participation. If you have any concerns, speak with Jordan before enrolling.

Not sure if you meet the requirements? Talk to a flight instructor before signing up — it's always the right first step.

WHY FLYWITHJORDAN
What Makes This School Different

What's included in the unlimited lessons tuition?

Your $2,700 tuition (or $2,500 if paid upfront) covers everything:

  • All flight instruction P1 through P4

  • Gear for kiting and flying through your first 15 flights

  • USHPA Pilot Rating Exams P1–P4

  • Access to all online classes and the video archive

  • Weekly live Monday night Zoom sessions

  • Field trips to multiple flying sites across SoCal

Our flying site at Andy Jackson Airpark is the largest and most consistent in North America — over 300 flyable days per year, multiple launches, and students regularly get 1–3 altitude flights per visit.

READY TO LEAVE THE GROUND?
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