Paragliding Lesson Preparations

CHECK IN THE NIGHT BEFORE:

I use a flexible check in system to simplify and add flexibility as well as back ups to the check in process.

Try the following check in methods in order for the best use of the system. Method 2 and 3 are for when I either did not or can not get to a computer to update. Method 1 is the simplest and preferred way, but sometimes I cannot have access to a computer due to a lesson going late or other issues.

CHECK IN STEPS:

Go to my online calendar between 7 and 8 PM, you should have received the password for this. If not, skip to step 2. On the calendar there should be instructions including where to meet and or check in on the following day for your lesson. Sometimes I cannot get to a computer to update the calendar, if the calendar has not been updated, go to step 2. Also, if you cannot get to a calendar, you can use step 2 to receive the venue and instructions.
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.

THINGS TO BRING:

Boots or shoes with ankle support and traction are required! I have some Loaners, but it is preferable that you bring your own for the best fit. I have the following sizes (Ladies 7, Mens 7, 9, 10.5, 12) If you do not have boots, let me know and I can bring the proper pair for you.
Wear layered clothing and wear full pants (no shorts), the coast can be in the high 50s when other parts of the Bay Area are in the 80s.
Fluids to drink and a brown bag lunch are a good idea.
If you have your own bike helmet, please bring it and this will give you a perfect fit and eliminate sizing issues.
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.

THINGS TO DO:

Read over the following two articles Reverse Launch Set Up, Reverse Launch Wing Raising & Learning Winglish prior to the lesson date. On most lessons we will be doing some reverse launches or turn transition launches. Don’t try to memorize this completely, just get familiar with the steps a little. After reading through this once or twice, it will make it a lot easier for you and I to refine this process and spend more time on the actual launches instead of the connection and checks. The Winglish article will help you understand the importance of being relaxed and how much this can make learning happen much quicker.
Normal procedure is to call me at the arranged time. This might be a check in the night before, or the morning of the lesson. At this time, we will set a meeting time and location for the lesson.
Join the Airtime Pilots Group at Yahoo. This is not required for 2 day programs, but this is a primary communication channel that Airtime uses for communication about events, Mtn. Trips and special notices.
For pilots joining the full program, it becomes necessary to Join USHPA. Please fill this form out and make sure to include the waiver on the back. On the front, you should join as a “Pilot Member” and you can pay with CC at the bottom or send in a check. It must be mailed USPS, not faxed etc. as they need the waiver in original form. The dues will be $75 for the year and this includes 12 copies of the monthly magazine. If you are training with a significant other / family member, you can also join as a family membership for the relative .

NOTE: It normally takes about 5 business days for turn-around for a USHPA membership card from the day you send in the application. It is mandatory to hold a Beginner rating for students to fly from the 300 foot hill at Ed Levin park in Milpitas. Once you have the card, the instructor can issue a Beginner rating immediately (when your skills are there), enabling you to fly from this training hill. Message here is “don’t procrastinate”, get your membership in so that we can get you up on this hill as soon as your skills are there.

After you know the site, print out directions and map from my maps page to the training site from Airtime Site Maps.
If possible, prior to your first lessons, come to one of the free groundschools. Yes, they are free, 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 log your flights. I sell physical log books, but even better is a spreadsheet logbook for Excel if you have Excel, you can Logbook and use it to log your flights.