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352.429.0210
Get Your (AT) Aerotow Rating
We are a United States Hang Gliding Association (USHPA) certified school and have instructed numerous pilots in getting their (AT) Aerotow Rating. Our tandem aerotow training combined with Central Florida's weather conditions and breezes from the Atlantic and Gulf meeting over the state allows you to reach your goals rather quickly without sacrificing safety. Your safety is our #1 priority.
What is Aerowtowing?
Aerotowing is a method of launching where the glider is towed to altitude by a tow plane, in our case, a Dragonfly or Trike. Training involved to get your AT is done with our tandem hang glider, The Monarch. The setup is different than during a Discovery Tandem flight for non-pilots. You, as the hang gliding pilot, are now on the bottom with one of our certified hang gliding instructors being on top. Being on top allows the instructor to teach you the safe and proper aerotowing technique while you get to be in control of the glider.
Why get your (AT) Aerotow Rating?
In order to compete in hang gliding competitions, you must have your Aerotow Rating and be proficient in Aerotowing in all conditions.
Aerotow Training
1 Tandem Flight with Certified Instructor
is $120 per Lesson
Many variables effect an individual and the number of lessons it takes to get the Aerotow Rating...what takes one person 4 lessons to be signed off with the Aerotow rating may take another person 10 lessons. Therefore, we cannot promise you an overall price to get your Aerotow Rating.
Ground School for Additional $40 per hour
Ready for Your Solo Aerotow?
When you are ready for your solo aerotow, you will rent one of our hang gliders. The hang glider, unlike the Tandem hang glider, will be supported by a cart for initial take off roll and released once airborne.
After your solo flight, upon landing, we will use one of our ATVs to bring you a cart and fetch you and your hang glider. This allows you to land anywhere in the flight park giving you total freedom and piece of mind over where you land at Paradise Airsports. What could be easier than that?
PARADISE AIRSPORTS
Educational Events and Competitions
Our Flight Park hosts educational mentored events, like the Green Swamp Sport Klassic (GSSK), to help you prepare for flying in a competitive environment and foster cross-country (XC) skills. We also host the Wilotree Park and Paradise Airsports Nationals competitions. These are flatland aerotow competitions and part of the U.S. National Hang Gliding Championship Series. The competition is for Open, Sport, Swift, and Rigid wing classes. The competitions are typically in April or May with the GSSK being prior, usually in March or April.
As mentioned above, in order to compete in competitions, you need to have your aerotow rating and be proficient in aerotowing in all conditions.
FAQS
What are the office hours for Paradise Airsports?
We are open Thursday - Monday from 9 am to 5 pm. We are closed on Tuesday & Wednesday. Other hours are available by appointment only.
Is a deposit required to book a flight with Paradise Airsports?
Every flight booked will be charged a $50 booking fee. You will receive an invoice to pay via text or email and may use a credit card to pay the booking fee. Failure to pay the booking fee will forfeit your booked flight time. After 25 minutes, the invoice is no longer valid. The $50 per flight booking fee will be taken off the final sales total at checkout for your scheduled flight. You can choose to use the booking fee towards the final flight total, tipping the pilots and ground crew, towards a t-shirt, upgrading your flight, or a video. Failure to show up on time for the flight time will forfeit your booking fee (no refunds).
Are gift certificates available to purchase?
Yes. We do offer gift certificates. Email or call us to purchase one today!
Can I just stop by Paradise Airsports to watch or find out more about the flights?
If you choose to stop by, we recommend you call #352-429-0210 to check availability, flight times and see spectating hours for flying. All on-property guests (flying or spectating) may be asked to sign a park waiver. You may be asked to leave the premises if you fail to sign a waiver. Everyone on the park property mush check-in at office and call #352-429-0210 if no one is in the office at that time.
What happens if the weather is bad for my scheduled flight time?
We are a weather and wind dependent technical sport and even what seems like a beautiful, sunny day can be unsafe for hang gliding. Please call ahead of your reserved flight time to verify optimum flying conditions for a fun and safe flight. When you take a flight with one of our certified instructors or pilots, you can rest assured that your safety is our #1 priority.
Is there a weight limit for tandem flights?
We cannot fly tandem flights with anyone weighing over 250 lbs due to safety reasons. We will weigh you in the office for the exact weight before the flight.
Can I take a video of my tandem flight?
Personal cameras, phones and video cameras are NOT PERMITTED on any flight, but we offer an IN-FLIGHT VIDEO PACKAGE using our GoPro for only $39. You are purchasing the microSD/SD card from our GoPro which captured your flight so you can share your experience with family and friends...documented bragging rights! When you call to reserve your flight, just ask our staff to add-on this awesome package.
What are the safety precautions for Tandem Hang Gliding flights?
Tandem hang gliding flights are safe due to the following safety protocols:
1. Professional Instruction: Tandem hang gliding flights are conducted under the supervision of experienced and certified instructors who have undergone extensive training in safety procedures and flying techniques. These instructors ensure that all safety protocols are followed and provide guidance to passengers throughout the flight.
2. Dual Control Systems: Tandem hang gliders are equipped with dual control systems, allowing both the pilot and the passenger to have control over the glider. This redundancy ensures that there is always a backup in case one control system fails or if the pilot needs to take over control from the passenger.
3. Safety Equipment: Passengers are provided with safety equipment such as helmets and harnesses, which are designed to protect them. Additionally, tandem hang gliders are equipped with reserve parachutes that can be deployed in case of an emergency.
4. Weather Conditions: Tandem hang gliding flights are typically conducted in favorable weather conditions, with clear skies, light winds, and stable atmospheric conditions. Pilots are trained to assess weather forecasts and make informed decisions about whether it is safe to fly.
5. Pre-flight Briefings: Before each tandem flight, instructors provide passengers with thorough pre-flight briefings, covering topics such as safety procedures, flying techniques, and what to expect during the flight. This helps passengers feel more confident and prepared for their experience in the air.
6. Regular Maintenance: Tandem hang gliders undergo regular maintenance and inspections to ensure that they are in optimal condition for flight. This includes checking for any signs of wear and tear, as well as ensuring that all components are functioning properly.
At Paradise Airsports, safety is our #1 priority. Our certified instructors follow all of the safety protocols to ensure a safe and fun flight.
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