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352.429.0210
ABOUT US
Navigating Adventure in the Skies
Paradise Airsports is an active grass strip airport and flight park located in Wilotree Park in Groveland, Florida about 40 minutes from Orlando and Walt Disney World. Paradise Airsports offers a unique view of the sky to anyone with a taste for adventure! You are in control of your flight experience and can make it as peaceful and relaxing or as exhilarating and adventurous as you want. It's all up to you!
"...this is a sport in which anyone of any age can participate. This is not an elite sport, and it is a safe sport with an instructor on a tandem flight. I have taken my 3-yr old grandson up on a flight and I have also gone up with a 93 yr old man." ~Eric Williams, Co-Owner of Paradise Airsports, Hang Glider Pilot, Certified Instructor, and former member of the US Coast Guard.
MORE ABOUT US
Our Mission
Our Mission at Paradise Airsports is to create a premier location
to enjoy the sport of free flight along with other outdoor activities.
Our History
Hang Glide Miami creator, hang glider pilot and instructor Eric Williams, along with two close friends who are also glider pilots, David Lopez and Alex Trochez, purchased the property now known as Wilotree Park, back in 2017 from a Groveland family who had owned the property since the 1880's. Originally the airstrip and several hangers were built to serve their crop-dusting business.
Breakfast Fly-In Event at Paradise Airsports
In 2018, Eric, who has been hang gliding for over two decades, had taken over the park formerly known as Quest Air Soaring Center at WiloTree Park. In 2019 Paradise Airsports, the new home of Hang Glide Miami, was born but all the while aerotowing had never stopped. Paradise Airsports is an aerotow flight park located in the beautiful 150 acre Wilotree Park in Groveland, Florida. Wilotree Park is a multi-use adventure and agri-tourism property about 28 miles from Walt Disney World, 40 miles from Orlando International Airport and within day-trip range of many other fun spots in central Florida.
Eric developed some of the property, naming it by using a combination of parts from their last names, which became Wilotree Park. He added an RV and camping site complete with a catch and release fishing lake. He also renovated one of the hangar buildings into an office and Clubhouse with modern guest suites, rooms and social lounge/game room.
David Lopez, Eric Williams and Alex Trochez
The Monarch Tandem Hang Glider
Paradise Airsports is regarded as one of the best known places in Florida to fly. Breezes from the Atlantic and Gulf meeting over the state in combination with staffing top-notch instructors teaching in a safe and controlled environment, makes for epic hang gliding! A lot of “famous” hang gliding pilots, in the world of hang gliding, not only fly at Paradise Airsports regularly, but some reside here at the park for part of the year.
Throughout the year and during hang gliding race-to-goal competitions Paradise Airsports hosts, pilots come here from all over the world to fly their hang gliders. The now symbolic bell still resides outside the Clubhouse at Paradise Airsports. The pilots would ring it when they wanted to fly. It may not be used today but that doesn't stop the continuous flights daily!
Paradise Airsports has several Moyes-Bailey dragonfly light sport aircraft on the premises, with one being owned and operated by its creator and designer Bobby Bailey.
Our professional flight staff work hard in this weather-dependent industry to insure you receive the type of experience you expect and deserve when you sign up for one of our adventures. With this type of attitude, we will get you to your desired altitude! It will be an unforgettable flight experience and an adventure that will have you coming back for more!
Moyes-Bailey Dragonfly light sport aircraft
Paradise Airsports Flight Staff
Come & Fly with us...at one of the Best Flight Parks in Florida!
Trusted by novices and professionals alike, pilots travel from All Over The World to fly here.
Check out our Local Guide to learn more about fun outdoor activities and tasty food in the area.
Check out our News & Events page
for articles and events information.
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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