Foot Launch Training Details

Course Price - $3250

Pilots who choose to launch on foot can expect a 7-8 (consecutive) day training process. This includes an extensive ground school, 8-10 hours of ground handling, or glider 'kiting', then finally a series of 15-20 flights with progressively less instructor input. When you leave us, you'll be ready to safely and confidently:

  • Identify suitable flying sites
  • Choose appropriate weather for flying
  • Launch, fly and land unsupervised.

Train on our gear.  For training, we've selected equipment that's excellent for new pilots. You'll use our professionally maintained motors and wings so you can worry less about equipment and more about flying. After your training, you'll be an informed customer, ready to buy that's right for you.

Ready to Fly?

If you're ready to take the first steps towards flight or still have questions, fill out our New Pilot Training Application. We will get back to you to schedule a training date or assist you in any way.

New Pilot Training Application

Our course of instruction meets or exceeds the USPPA PPG1 & PPG2 Foot Launch Program.

USPPA Ratings Program Details

Ground School

  • Aerodynamic Principles and Glider Dynamics

    Understanding how and why a wing flies is as important as knowing how to fly it. Students will learn the fundamentals of aerodynamics and the nuances and considerations of flying the special type of aircraft we fly.

  • Federal Airspace

    Just like on the road, there are rules in the sky. It's important for pilots to know how to safely and accurately navigate the different airspaces over the United States. You'll learn how to read FAA Sectional Charts, identify and avoid dangerous and prohibited areas, and scout out future flying trips away from your home field.

  • Weather

    One of the most critical skills a pilot can develop is an understanding of the weather. Our ability to fly safely depends on our ability to know the best weather conditions from the worst. Students will learn both macro- and micro-weather considerations and how to use all available resources to fly in safe air.

  • FAR Part 103

    As Ultralight Pilots, we're goverend by Federal Aviation Regulation Part 103. All Paramotor pilots should know and understand these regulations in order to confidently fly your aircraft without fear of accidentally violating a law you didn't know existed.

  • Safety

    Being a safe pilot is a mindset. Not only will we give you the skills to fly safely, we'll teach you consistent pre- and post- flight safety checks, and the psychology necessary for a long career as a competent aviator.

Glider Handling Skills

Before a new pilot even attempts to fly, it is necessary to have complete control of the glider on the ground. Foot launching students will learn to inflate and hold their wing overhead (Kiting). Students will successfully execute forward and reverse launches appropriate for different weather conditions.

Successfully kiting the wing is one of the most challenging parts of training, but it's also a lot of fun to learn. Everyone picks it up at a different pace, but usually by the end of day 2, new students are getting the hang of it.

Your First Flights

Prior to solo, students rehearse their first flight in a hang simulator from beginning to end. There won’t be any surprises when you take to the air for the first time and see the world from a whole new vantage. Solo day is the day we’ve been looking forward to. For us as instructors, it’s the most rewarding part of training.

After solo day, pilot confidence will increase rapidly as we continue to refine take-offs and landings. By flights 7 to 10, your instructors will begin stepping out of the process and allowing pilots to progress towards totally independent flight. Between 20 and 25 flights, we usually start thinking about sending you home to finish developing your skills on your own, but we’re always available to talk over weather and flight considerations as needed.

Excellent
Based on 32 reviews
micah lohrum
micah lohrum
2023-07-18
Great guys! Great place to learn to fly!
Michael Vance
Michael Vance
2023-07-18
Went to 3 different classes, learned more at Midwest by a long shot!! Very exciting, and thorough
Tom Cone
Tom Cone
2023-05-05
Dave and Brad lent their expertise to help me with a review of my equipment and techniques
Ian The Real G
Ian The Real G
2023-03-21
I am still flying 5 years later. Every day of class I was learning new critical information for safely piloting a PPG. Bottom line is if you want to fly PPG for a long time and stay alive you need lessons from a teacher with a ton of experience flying and teaching. Matt and Dave are the guys. This is as safe as it gets.
Jason Maurillo
Jason Maurillo
2022-11-04
Training is great and the instructors are amazing at their jobs.
Ryan K.
Ryan K.
2022-11-01
Dave and Brad were amazing instructors! I highly recommend Midwest PPG! This was a great way to learn about the community, proper techniques and how to fly safe!
Dylan Morris
Dylan Morris
2022-09-30
I did my training in early August of 2022. Dave, Brad, and Matt were all phenomenal instructors. The classroom section was great and I feel like I have a great understanding behind the technical side of ppg. The actual flying was also great, they made sure that we understood all the mistakes we were making, and corrected them early. We even had the opportunity to do a cross country at the end of the week. Overall I would recommend MidwestPPG to anyone looking to get into the sport.
John Weed
John Weed
2022-07-19
I trained at Midwest PPG in the Fall of 2021. Dave and Brad were super professional in how they run their training program. They prioritize safety above all else and after very thorough ground instruction, I felt very confident to take my first flights into the sky. Having those guys as calm voices on the radio when you have a million things going thru your head as a new pilot. is incredibly reassuring. They covered all the basics and then some in the their ground school and I can confidently say they are my go-to referral for anyone wanting to get into the sport.

Midwest Powered Paragliding

(317) 296-7888

Office Hours (Offsite):

9 am - 5 pm EST   

Sunday-Monday-Wednesday-Thursday-Saturday

Office Closed : Tuesday and Friday

Training Facility Hours:

Hours at the field vary due to weather and training schedules.  Please call to schedule an appointment prior to coming.

Mailing Address:

7851 Shannon Lakes Way
Indianapolis, IN 46217

Training Facility:

3477 S 200 E
Franklin, IN 46131