Testimonials

Adam - Lena, IL
Earning the PPG 2 rating with the instruction of Madcity has been an amazing experience. After meeting Paul for the first time I knew that he was the right instructor. Enthusiastic, patient, and great work ethic are just a few qualities he owns.
Before I started with Madcity I considered saving a few bucks by skipping training, buying equipment, and learning on my own. There is no way I could recommend that to anyone now. Training proved to be more challenging than I anticipated but fun and rewarding everyday. My control and confidence evolved quickly with the help of Paul’s eye for trouble shooting problems. The scope of the program also surprised me. I now think not only like a PPG pilot but a bit like a mechanic, meteorologist, and lawyer all smashed into one.
Gear had always been on my mind. Paul never once pushed me to purchase anything except sunscreen and bug spray. I was able to try several brands and styles of wings and motors all throughout training. When I was ready to purchase my first wing he recommended several options. I am very happy with the wing I chose.
The last flight of training was definitely the best. A no wind, 80 degree, XC flight with Paul and a previous Madcity graduate. After landing I was feeling confident with all the skills I had learned and ready to take to the skies at home. This is really just the start and Paul assured me, as well as past students, his doors are always open. I have had plenty of instruction in all kinds of outdoor sports, but Paul really surpasses everyone else.

Adam on his Cross-Country Graduation Flight

Jeff at home just off shore of Chicago

Jeff before a snowy spring flight

Jeff - Chicago, IL
There are a number of PPG schools within distance of Chicago to choose from, but I knew from the first day that picking Madcity Paragliding was the right choice. The long drive quickly became a non-factor and was well worth the great experience I had. I also learned that there is no such thing as a bad time of the year to take instruction – you can absolutely fly in the winter!

You can really tell that Paul loves his job as an instructor. He’s extremely approachable and the pace of training is very much on your terms. As a student, you get to set your own training schedule, you get to learn at a pace that makes you comfortable, and there is absolutely zero pressure to purchase equipment. In fact, everything you need is covered by the class fee, including equipment use and fuel.

This school’s brand neutrality was something that struck me as unique in the PPG instruction landscape. While training there, I had the opportunity to try out a wide variety of machines, including a Miniplane with a Top 80 or a Moster 185, and also an Air Conception. He has other brands in his hanger too. With so much conflicting information online and so many opinions flying around, there really is no substitute for being able to try everything out for yourself. At 180lbs, it turns out an 80cc engine has no trouble plucking me off the ground and into the sky!

I wound up deciding to buy brand that he did not have in the hanger, but he was still able to set me up with a discount. Where some schools sell a small handful of brands, nothing is out of reach at Madcity Paragliding. And if you’re not sure what to get post-training, Paul is happy to rent his gear until you’re ready to make a decision.

At the end of the day, the most important thing a good instructor will leave you with is the skills and knowledge to fly safely. By the time I graduated, I was completely confident that I had the training I needed to nail my first solo flight. Best of all, I know that I can count on Paul for ongoing support, and I’m looking forward to joining the local community of PPG pilots.

Preston - Brookfield, WI
Interested in paramotoring, I checked out a few schools across the state and was told by an instructor I met at the EAA to connect with someone you feel comfortable with in terms of teaching style and personality. I considered going out of state to one of the prominent schools found on YouTube but the cost and accelerated timeframe turned me off to those places. After observing one of Madcity’s student trainings and attending a Madcity Paragliding “Fly-In”, I knew I found my school.
I signed up with Paul Cooley and immediately got to work on the “ground school” items which revolve around the USPPG syllabus. My training protracted a couple months but after 25 individual flights and graduating with a PPG2 rating, I’m now qualified to write a testimonial.
I was first drawn to the sport by watching videos online and thought perhaps I could teach myself to fly in the same manner. Had I done that, I would have spent more money buying the wrong equipment, replacing damaged equipment or potentially accelerating my demise. I quickly learned I was neither a natural paramotor pilot nor is every take-off and landing as graceful as what’s put up on the web. The cost of professional instruction should be considered mandatory if you get into this sport – regardless of who you select for your instructor. I chose to go with Paul who, for me, had the right amount of practical knowledge, spirit and seriousness for an aviation sport.
What I really appreciated was that Paul worked around my already full schedule. Paramotor pilots don’t have the luxury of flying wherever or whenever they want. Paul would select the best venue for training whether at an airfield or a park and at the same time, instilled the same site-selection considerations in me. Had I gone to an out of state 10-day school, I would’ve never received the experience of flying 25 separate flights (that’s 25 take-offs and 25 landings) in our diverse weather.
Paul was able to help me avoid picking up bad habits along the way, answered all of my questions and helped me with gear selection when that time came. It’s been said that your instructor should choose your gear for you. After my first flight, I knew I was going “all-in” on this but remaining calm and researching virtually every motor, glider and respective costs in my spare time, I inquired about gear around my 15th flight.
I asked when it was time to buy or order equipment and Paul smoothly replied: “about a month ago”. In actuality, he let me decide on becoming an equipment customer and didn’t steer me to a particular brand. We discussed the current & available technology, costs and various brands of equipment at length and at the end, I felt I chose the equipment with his expert guidance – which felt great considering the cost of equipment. Paul also passed along some discounts that I as an individual would never have received directly.
Ultimately, I never felt like a head of cattle going through instruction; training was very personal and focused on my particular needs. I also met some students and graduates along the way I hope to fly with in the future. Thanks to Paul and Madcity Paragliding for a great experience! –Preston R.

Preston after yet another successful flight

Dave after his first flight

Dave - Madison, WI
I started training with Paul at MadCity Paragliding in the beginning of February 2019. It started with what was going to be a brief introduction at the airfield in Oregon, Wisconsin. Upon meeting Paul, I knew he was the right instructor for me, and I jumped right into my PPG training that day. Paul’s approach to training was just my style; patient, thorough, and he never made me feel overly outside my comfort zone. After training intermittently two or three times a week for a month, I was ready for my first flight. I set up for a forward launch and I brought the glider over my head. As I ran forward Paul gave me the green light to give my motor gas and before I knew it, I was airborne. The feeling of running on the ground into the sky was exhilarating and I immediately craved more! I continued to work on my skills and over the course of another month I completed 27 flights. The entire time Paul was there in my ear guiding me with maneuvers and helping me before and after each flight.

There are many things that are great about training with Madcity Paragliding, but one thing that made it an easy choice for me was the flexibility. Paul met me in the morning, afternoon, and the weekends. At times, I even met him in between work appointments. Training in the winter had its challenges, but I’m extremely glad that I did. It proved to me that this is indeed a year-round activity and it really helped break up the winter doldrums. Now that it’s spring time in Wisconsin, I can confidently say that I have the necessary training to make good decisions and get the most fun out of what I hope to be a lifelong activity.

Ben - Chicago, IL
Know first and foremost, that this sport is SO much more that you imagine it to be.
Be ready to experience a completely new level of fun when you choose to begin this adventure. Schedule an intro lesson, and get hands-on.
Try on a motor, do a hang check, kite a wing - you will quickly know if paramotoring is for you. (It will be.)
Madcity Paragliding was everything that I was looking for in a training program. Commuting from Chicago, I very much appreciated the flexibility of creating my own training schedule. Some weeks I was able to come for multiple days, while others just a day; the training was consistent and top notch throughout. The comfort of knowing that I did not need to rush training was a selling point all in itself.
The training location is perfect. You basically have your own private airport.
Weather permitting, you’re able to get all your flights in with no other air traffic interrupting you. The sunsets are phenomenal.
If weather is not on your side, there is still a lot to do. The hanger is comfortable and great for ground school. On days when ground school is complete and there is time to kill, you can ride around on ATVs and dirtbikes. There are so many ways you can have fun at Madcity Paragliding.
Paul is an incredible instructor, there is no other way of saying it. He is very knowledgeable yet extremely humble. Paul is patient and has a very relatable way of explaining concepts and giving instructions. From day 1, you feel like you are one of his good friends.
By the time you have your first flight, you confidently feel prepared and ready.
I would 100% recommend training at Madcity Paragliding to anyone interested.
Come and check Madcity Paragliding out; I promise you will not regret it.

Ben after his first paramotor flight

Jake during his first flight after graduation

Jake - Stevens Point, WI / UW Madison
Learning to fly with Paul at Madcity Paragliding has been an incredible experience. From the first day, his enthusiasm for the sport was evident and his focus on safety put me at ease. The PPG community that surrounds the Madison area and Madcity Paragliding contains some of the nicest people I’ve ever met. Friends that I will for sure fly with in the future, Paul included.
The training was systematic and comfortably progressive. The locations provide plenty of space to hone your ground handling skills, and you’ll even get experience gliding down the sledding hills to practice your flare when landing, all of which will give you confidence for your first solo.
Paul’s ability to teach, his selfless commitment to his students, and his personality in general make him an excellent instructor, friend and flying buddy.

Matt - Middleton, WI
Paul is an inspirational member of the PPG community in Wisconsin, it will be clear from the first time you meet him that he is doing this because he loves it. His passion will quickly rub off on you and before you know it you will be flying every chance you get!

Learning to fly with Paul was a great experience even during the cold months of the year. His scheduling flexibility was key in my choice of instructor, he was very generous in finding times to teach on the weekend and after work. Paul puts in a lot of effort investing in his students ground handling skills, as well as understanding of risk and safety. Because of this I can fly with comfort and confidence, allowing me to enjoy the experience to its fullest.

Matt practicing his skills hanging in the simulator

Bernard flying cross country with me on his graduation flight

Bernard - Dyersville, IA
I am extremely happy that I chose to receive paramotoring instruction from Paul Cooley of Madcity Paragliding. Paul's instruction has not only been thorough, with an emphasis on safety, but was also a lot of fun! As Paul said when I decided to sign up: "We're going to have a blast!" Boy was he right!

When I began searching for PPG training, it was important to me that the instructor be certified by the USPPA and be able to take me through to the PPG2 rating. These criteria alone eliminated most all of the flight training available within driving distance of where I live.

Another advantage of Madcity Paragliding is that Paul has equipment available for students to use until they make the decision to purchase their own. Paul has also been a huge help in choosing my own equipment, and even spent a Sunday afternoon helping me to assemble and break in my paramotor.

Thanks to Paul and Madcity Paragliding, my forty year dream of being a pilot has finally come true.

Chase - Stoddard, WI
The entire process of becoming a paramotor pilot has been priceless. It's something you can look back on and just smile about. Paul Cooley has a great coaching ability and I think he has done an excellent job of explaining the sport while also helping me improve my skills out in the field. Paul knows of several places to meet and he has been very good about communication throughout year. Just about every weekend I would get a text from him as long as the weather permitted. My favorite flight with Paul was on the 4th of July 2017.
I was shocked by the amazing the view that went on for miles and how comfortable it was sitting in the seat. Being on the radio with Paul made me feel that I was not alone either. After countless 2.5hr drives to Madison I can definitely say it has been the best experience of my life and it's great to meet others along the way too!

Chase perfecting his spot landings

Paul trying on motors for the first time

Paul - Sun Prairie, WI

Paul Cooley's enthusiasm for outdoor activities is abundantly clear from the first time you meet him.

As an instructor he is thorough and motivating. He is a calm voice on the radio for your first flights. I am a private pilot with instrument rating and an Airframe and Powerplant mechanic so I have worked with a lot instructors. He ranks among the best.

Paul is a great ambassador to the sport of Powered Paragliding

Alex - New Glaris, WI

Paul provided a great learning environment and plenty of opportunities to practice skills with his expert supervision! It seemed like every day good enough to fly or kite I would receive a text or email to come out and continue training. Paul continually seemed dedicated to his students success and safety.
Even having completed training I look forward to any opportunities available to continue flying with Paul and his students!

Alex after his first paramotor flight

Alex after his graduation flight

Alex - Middleton, WI

Paul is an excellent instructor who loves what he does. I would recommend Madcity Paragliding to anyone looking to begin PPG training.

A few great things about Madcity Paragliding versus others I've reached out to:

1. Flexibility. Paul does this full time, and especially during the late Winter "low season" (when I got my training) this is an awesome benefit. Speaking of which: Doing training in Winter is totally doable and fun! No mosquitoes and learning to kite builds a sweat that winter temperatures helps make enjoyable.
2. Gear neutral. Buy gear after the training (when you have a better perspective) -- rental gear is included in training costs! Don't feel pressured to buy a particular brand to get a "training discount". This is the way it should be! And if you're not ready to buy gear after training, you can rent gear for a very reasonable fee.
3. Have you read his blog (on the website)? It's addicting. Lots of good reads for inspiration!

What are you waiting for?

Mark - Lake Geneva, WI
After completing all of my requirements for PPG2, I can say that Paul gave me everything I needed to be a safe and independent pilot. When I first met Paul he answered all the questions I had about this amazing sport. All the gear necessary was provided, and he was able to work with my busy schedule. It only took a brief introduction and I was hooked. The classes were very easy to follow and training was engaging. Looking back the experience was just awesome, from ground handling to the first flight, I would do it again to get the first taste of those moments. If you have been thinking of flying, Paul can make it happen.

Mark after his first flight

Scott after his first paramotor flight

Scott at his day job, I think the paramotor smile is a bit bigger!

Scott - Elgin, IL
Over my past 7 years as a professional aviator -- first as a flight instructor and most recently as an airline pilot, I've come to appreciate the importance of quality flight instruction. Since training with Paul at Madcity Paragliding and earning my PPG1 and PPG2 ratings with him through the USPPA, I can confidently say that his training has laid the foundation to make me a safe and competent powered paraglider pilot. Now I can enjoy the awesome freedom that my lawn chair in the sky provides -- it is truly the ultimate exploration tool. Everything is fascinating and beautiful from this new and different perspective.

My first encounter with powered paragliding was through YouTube. I saw the incredible freedom and precision that could be realized with a powered paraglider and knew that this was the kind of flying I'd been dreaming of my entire life. Searching through the USPPA database of instructors, I got in contact with a few instructors in my area. One instructor was a purely paragliding instructor who wanted me to earn paragliding ratings before transitioning to adding the motor. Fine, but not the route I wanted to go. Another instructor basically wasn't going to start working with me until I had gear purchased and ready to go. To me, this was like if my first flight instructor wanted me to buy an airplane before I even sat in a cockpit for the first time. Thanks but no thanks. Discouraged, I widened the net of instructors to the next state over. That's when I found Paul. In his first message, I could tell that he had a genuine passion for powered paragliding and his excitement for the sport was contagious. My first time out was during an open house in early March. I got the opportunity to kite a paraglider and try on a motor to get a feel for what I would be getting myself into. At one point, I was clipped into the wing, trying my best to keep it under control when Paul asked if he could give me a little push. With that push, my running feet lost contact with the ground and I was flying like a bird. My feet might've been only an inch or two off the ground, but my head was in the clouds. I was hooked on powered paragliding.

From that first lesson, Paul helped me get the basics of ground handling down. From a distance, everything about powered paragliding seemed simple. It was only when I got up close with a paraglider and tried kiting it that I appreciated the nuances and challenges of the sport. Paul helped make this process simple and rewarding. He then helped me pick out a wing, understanding that I wanted something that would be safe to learn on but that I wouldn't grow out of quickly. I spent hours practicing on my own after the basic kiting instruction and when I came back the next week he saw that I was ready to move on. We added the throttle simulator, which is essentially a bicycle handle and brake. My first thought was that this was silly and unnecessary -- until the first time I tried kiting my wing with it in my hand and I felt like I was starting all over again! Each time we tried something new in the paramotor simulator, I found it surprising how seemingly simple tasks were in fact much more complicated and difficult than first glance would make you think. Every time I had one of these realizations, I was reminded of how glad I was to have Paul's instruction.

Over the course of training, we spent lots of time ground handling the wing, working in the simulator, going through the knowledge areas of the USPPA PPG1 and PPG2 syllabi, selecting and building my own paramotor, and finally getting some air time off of a local sledding hill to get a feel for what paramotor flight would be like. On the day of my first flight, I remember feeling excited and exactly ready. Not rushed; not held back. Exactly ready. Also terrified. But the first flight was incredible, with my shouts and yells of joy audible from the ground even over the sound of my motor. With each subsequent flight, I got less afraid, more competent, and more independent. The goal of landing safely on my feet soon added the criteria that I be able to land within a painted circle on the grass. Each flight had a new and different goal and each lesson was awesome, rewarding, and fun.

I recently finished the PPG2 syllabus and have been set free to start exploring and learning on my own. I feel confident in my ability not just to launch and safely fly, but also to make the determination of whether or not it is safe to fly in the first place. I look forward to expanding my wings as I gain experience and look forward to returning to fly with Paul soon to keep learning from his wealth of knowledge and experience.

Josh - New Glaris, WI
A little bit about myself, after High School I joined the U.S. Army. I always wanted to be a fighter pilot, but due to my eyesight I didn’t qualify. I decided to become a Paratrooper instead and was stationed with the 82nd Airborne Division out of Fort Bragg, NC. While stationed in the military I was able to get my A-license in skydiving. I really enjoyed freefall, but the real love for me was the time under canopy.
After having kids, I decided to give up skydiving. About 8 years ago a stumbled across a video of someone flying a motorized paraglider and it looked like the coolest thing I had ever seen. I started looking into the cost of training and the overall safety of the sport. As time passed, I would forget about it and then I would watch more videos and it kept pulling me in. Finally, after 8 years of dragging my feet I decided to take the leap towards flight. I looked up a few schools and they were mostly 10-day blocks of time that would require me to take time off from work and then I wouldn’t be guaranteed flyable weather. A few months ago, I was on Facebook and received a message from one of the Instructors Mariyan and he asked me why I would travel when there is a school right next to me. He then directed me to Paul Cooley with Mad City Paragliding.
I arranged a time to meet with Paul Cooley out at the Syvrud hangar for a free orientation and immediately knew this was the right place for me. He explained how they do lessons, hooked me into a glider to let me get a feel for kiting and I tried on three different size motors to feel the difference in power with each. After Paul spent a good hour with me I decided to sign up. Over the next few weeks I would spend a lot of time studying the PPG bible and learning how to properly kite a paraglider. Eventually the conditions were perfect for me to make my first “sled run” down Elver park sledding hill in Madison. This is the last step before launching with a motor. He gradually brought me further and further up the hill until I was comfortable flying off the top. Being weightless under the paraglider once it plucks you off the ground is an amazing feeling, I couldn’t wait to get my first powered flight in.
I showed up out at the hangar on a particularly windy day excited for my first flight. Conditions were too windy, but Paul and I worked on some book work for my PPG 1 test hoping for conditions to improve and our patience paid off. I looked over the motor and laid out the glider, conditions were perfect. I pulled the glider overhead, turned around, added throttle and ran about 20 steps added some brake and my feet were off the ground. I was flying, I made 3 laps around the runway under Paul’s direction I turned in to make a landing flared and walked a few steps, turned around and dropped the glider softly on the ground behind me. My first flight was the most amazing feeling, over the next few months I would make 25 flights and earn my ppg2 rating. Each flight I was given one or two new skills to work on, so I wouldn’t be overwhelmed with too much information. Having an instructor talking you through each flight is a huge advantage. I could not imagine just buying gear and trying to figure it out on your own.
What I liked most about Mad City Paragliding, was the flexible scheduling and unlimited lessons. Paul goes out of his way to make it convenient for students to find adequate time and decent weather to make training safe and fun. There is never any rush for anyone to try and progress faster than what they are comfortable with. The blog and calendar on the website keep everyone informed with what’s going on. I also like how all the past and present students gather together and hangout like a big family. You will find that you meet some of the coolest and nicest people in this sport. I would encourage anyone who has ever dreamed of flying to come check it out. The orientation is free, so you really have nothing to lose.

Josh before one of his 100+ flights

Joe after his graduation flight

Joe - Deerfield, WI
There are a lot of great testimonials here and after a read through them all – I have to agree that as a recent graduate of Paul’s, they are all true! That said, the biggest sell for me working with Paul and Madcity Paragliding all came down to flexibility. I have dreamed about flying for years but created plenty of reasons in my mind why it wasn’t the right time. Sound familiar? Here were all of my reasons and how Paul met them head on and put me at ease with finally making the right choice about getting trained!!

1. Scheduling time – I have too many commitments to my family to carve out big blocks of time for training. It felt selfish to me. Well, Paul made it easy by breaking it down into 2-3 hour chunks on days that worked for my schedule. Even last minute requests, day of. Super flexible with what days and time (weather permitting) which made it easy to get away when my schedule allowed with minimal home disruption.
2. Length of training – I was worried I had to get trained within a set window of time once I started. Well, Paul has some students that go all in for a week to get training, and others that are more casual that chip away at it over a year. I chose to schedule about a session every week or two and completed the PP2 cert over a few months. Again, super flexible and was based on my comfort level and ability.
3. Training Cost – Do I need to have all of the cash up front? Paul worked with me to pay what I could, when I could do it during the training. Nothing formal, very laid back without pressure. Costs paid for training cover gear as well which also kept things simple and clean.
4. Gear Rental Post Training – this was HUGE for me. I initially thought I would need money for both training AND my own gear before I talked to Paul. I didn’t have funds to buy my own gear during training, and honestly don’t want to jump into a big cost without more experience with different wing and engine types. Paul rents gear to his former students by the hour so I can now get more experience testing out all of Madcity’s wings/engine types with what feels the best for me and the type of flying I want to do. The other bonus with renting from Paul, is that I still have regular access to an expert and a second set of eyes when I am flying to reinforce the training and ask questions as I gain experience. In the meantime, I’m saving up money as I can and won’t suffer from a lack of being able to fly in the meantime!

Thanks Paul for making this lifelong dream come true for me! Looking forward to many more years flying with you and the others I met in this tight-knit community.

Cheers!
Joe

Ben Milwaukee, WI
I’ve spent most of my life in or around aviation in one form or another. My deep-rooted passion has always been the slower side of the sport like paragliders, paramotors and small ultralights. As a youngster in the 90’s I watched in amazement when the DK Whisper folks would pull out their rigs at sunset and put on their demo at Airventure in Oshkosh. In pure amazement I watched them literally run into the air on their paramotors. As they came in for super slow low passes down the center of the runway, I couldn’t help but lose myself to the pure passion I clearly had for this type of flying.
Fast forward a decade or so and it’s just me and my Dad in his 172 flying every weekend and logging hour after hour. We were in the air and making trips all over the country, but it just was not there for me. I felt like we were sitting in a bus and just waiting for the next way point. After acquiring a helicopter, things got a bit more interesting but still, just another big heavy machine with me and Dad cruising around. Don’t get me wrong, tree patterns and slow flybys sure were great. But not enough to shake me of the dream I witnessed when those guys were running into the air.
So, I finally bought a setup. I had no money but the urge to paramotor was just too much and I had to try it somehow. I picked up a used wing and DK Whisper. I spent the summer kiting and finally was ready to try and fly this thing. Several weeks of failed attempts had me discouraged because I just couldn’t get the wing to come up and stay up long enough to get off the ground. So I did what anyone else would have done, wait for a windy mid-day and “give-er”!!! That’s exactly what I did, the gust pulled me off the ground so hard I felt G’s going up! Barely over the trees I could hear the wing getting tossed around as I’m being twisted back and forth in the harness in some seriously rough gusty air. I couldn’t wait to get back on the ground and sell this thing. Which is exactly what I did.
Many years had passed and now it was summer 2017. I have a beautiful wife and two amazing children living in a nice little house. All our dreams have come to fruition, except one….. It took several years but the urge and passion were evident again. So I bought another used setup, this time a pretty nice unit and wing. I ran the motor, kited the wing but was soon facing the reality that I’m still freaked out. Another setup sold, only this time it never flew. Airventure 2019 and the paradigm aerobatic team was there. Hooked again!!!! Only this time I’m buying the best. Bought a likenew never used Ozone Roadster 3 and brand new Blackhawk Titan 210. It was the beez kneez for a setup!! Quickly got my kiting skills up, hang tested the unit in the garage, broke the motor in and practiced my keesteroff in the park with no motor launches. I could pull up the wing and run the whole field with the motor on my back just not running. Felt like I had excellent control and was ready to “give-er”. There I stood at our local airport, clipped in, motor running, family watching. With A’s in hand I ran up the motor and was ready to surge into the launch. But I just couldn’t do it. I looked at my wife and thought, “I need to be with an instructor”. Home we went….
I searched and searched for a local instructor. Found a few that were willing to see what I had going on and maybe work with me. Winter passed and I never connected with any of them. One random night on google brought me to the Madcity Paragliding website. I saw they were about an hour away in Madison but I called anyways. Paul was a delight compared to the others. No BS, no selling, not concerned with my brands of equipment. He just wanted me to stop out when he was with some other students to see what he was all about and what I had to offer with my self taught mastery of kiting. We connected in Oconomowoc at the beginning of summer 2020. He approved my setup and was confident in my kiting skills. The next time we would see each other was at Elver park for some hill flying. He had me sign the usual paperwork and I for the first time in my life flew my paraglider, not with fear but with unreal serenity for I have finally achieved the most amazing physical endeavor possible, I ran into the air!!! Paul, you couldn’t see from the top of the hill, but I had tears brother, the embracing hug from my kids in that moment sent me to a new level of life. I owe that to you Paul, THANK YOU BROTHER.
After ground school at his hanger we spent the summer meeting wherever and whenever worked for both of us working on my PPG2 rating. First attempts at powered flight were long in the making as believe it or not, I was still freaked out. I finally asked Paul what I could do. He guided me with good reads and helped get through the fear. Naturally the first attempts at flight resulted in two butt drags from sitting to early without enough power. I quickly sold that unit and Paul ordered up a new ParajetMaverick. In the meantime I had a glorious first flight, again with the family there to embrace me in my moment of amazing success. Every flight after was with my family in audience and recorded by my wife. All my flights have been recorded by my queen and all are posted on youtube(PPG GUY). I’ve not only achieved a lifelong goal of safe flight but have an entire record of it to look back at and enjoy as I continue to progress in this astonishing sport.
It was only thanks to Paul that this dream has come true along with receiving my PPG2 rating. The best part is that it all came true at my pace and my comfort with perfect guidance form Paul. Never did I feel any pressure to do something I wasn’t comfortable with. Even in a group setting, you feel like it’s just you and Paul. There’s never any push one way or another, not ever. He gives you the facts and provides his experienced examples in anything you ask him or are thinking about.
If you have ever thought about running into the air, you won’t find a better person than Paul to guide, mentor and help you through the process of achieving flight in this amazing sport.
Ben Galka

Ben on final approach to our private field in Sauk City

Mark - Fitchburg, WI.
Trapped with the Covid I was looking for another outdoor activity. I’ve enjoyed flying but I lost my medical so airplanes were out (besides, it’s a pretty expensive sport). Still wanting to get into the air without a medical certificate I found that ultralights flown under FAR 103 would work for me. I looked into fixed wing ultralights but then I’d need a trailer to put it into, and then a truck to pull it - too expensive. Then I saw paramotors. With a rack on the back, my Prius was all I needed to transport it. I looked around at schools. Paul came highly rated so I took an intro lesson from him. Paul seemed competent and has current equipment so I signed up for PPG1/PPG2 which allows me to fly by myself. The rating is not required to fly but In looking back, I can’t imagine how I could have gotten to my current level of competence safely.

Paul is a very patient instructor. At 65, I’ve lost most of the immortality of youth. I was cautious and it slowed my progress. Paul was excellent in metering the training and checking in on how I was doing. There were times that my brain was fatigued and we called it a day. My 39th flight was my graduation flight.

Paul has been very generous with equipment. While I was still working on ground handling the wing, he let me borrow a wing and harness. I would go to a nearby park and practice with it. Other than breaking a prop (pilot error), there are no other costs. Now that I’ve graduated, Paul has invited me to come to the airport and use the equipment (when he doesn’t need it for another student). I will take him up on that until my own equipment comes in.

What our studentsare saying about us...

What our students
are saying about us...