Wheel launch training includes the same core curriculum as foot launch. The major difference is how glider ground handling is taught. While we encourage all pilots to learn how to kite their glider on foot, our wheel launch training course is very sensitive to students with difficulty spending long periods of time on their feet. Aspiring pilots with knee or back problems, or other physical limitations, will find our wheel launch program both a comfortable and enjoyable path to flight.

Pilots who choose to launch on trike or quad can expect to spend 7-8 days (consecutive) in the training process. This includes an extensive ground school, 3-6 hours of tow & powered '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 and weather, and launch, fly and land unsupervised.

Beginner wheel launch pilots have a narrower weather window in which to fly. Specifically, lighter winds are required at first. However, wheel launch pilots leave us with the same experience and confidence as our foot launch pilots.

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

USPPA Ratings Program Details

Before a new pilot even attempts to fly, its necessary to have complete control of the glider on the ground. Wheel launching students will learn to inflate and hold their wing overhead during taxi and how to successfully transition from taxi to flight.

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.

Wheel launch training consists of the same core subject matter as foot launch. The main difference is in ground handling the glider. While wheel launch students are encouraged to learn ground handling to the degree of a foot launch pilot, wheel launch training is more sensitive to issues that might prevent a student from spending hours on their feet, like knee and back injuries.

Prior to solo, students rehearse their first flight, from beginning to end on the ground. 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, and 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 12 and 15 flights, we’ll 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.