Business Details
Hang Gliding and Paragliding Lessons in Utah
Birdman Academy has established itself as Utah's premier destination for hang gliding and paragliding instruction since its founding. Our 7-step training process, developed through decades of combined experience, ensures students progress safely from basic ground handling to sustained soaring flights. Led by USHPA Certified Advanced Instructor Kevin Koonce, our team brings unparalleled expertise honed through thousands of training flights and international competition experience. The unique conditions at Point of the Mountain provide ideal training environments with consistent morning winds that minimize wait times while maximizing learning opportunities. Our comprehensive approach combines ground school instruction on wind dynamics and terrain interaction with progressive flight training that builds confidence through measurable milestones.Students benefit from personalized instruction tailored to individual learning curves, with advancement determined jointly by instructor and student assessments. We maintain strict safety protocols while fostering an environment that celebrates the joy of flight. Our equipment sales program supports students transitioning to independent flying, with discounts available through lesson packages. Recognized by City Weekly as the 'Best way to view the valley,' we continue to refine our methods to deliver exceptional training experiences.
Services
Hang Gliding Lessons
Paragliding Tandems
Flight Training
Equipment Sales
Ground School
Highlights and features
- USHPA Certified instructors with 20+ years of teaching experience
- Proven 7-step training process for safe skill progression
- Equipment discounts available with lesson packages
- Small class sizes for personalized instruction
- Legendary training conditions with consistent morning winds
What people say
Totally awesome
Best guy to go to
Great sense of humor
Safe and motivated
Well worth the travel
Services
Hang Gliding Lessons
Structured hang gliding instruction follows a proven 7-step progression from ground handling to sustained soaring flights. Students learn wind assessment, glider assembly, and flight controls through incremental training at varying altitudes. Our Point of the Mountain location offers ideal training conditions with consistent morning winds that maximize learning efficiency while minimizing wait times.
Paragliding Tandems
Tandem paragliding experiences allow first-time flyers to soar with experienced instructors. Morning flights operate from South Side while evening flights launch from North Side locations. Passengers weighing 100-200 lbs can experience piloting responsibilities under instructor supervision when conditions permit. All tandem flights include complimentary photo documentation with optional video upgrades available.
Flight Certification
Our comprehensive certification program develops pilots from Hang 1 (basic takeoff/landing) through Hang 2 (mountain flying) proficiency. Advanced training includes thermalling techniques, cross-country navigation, and high-altitude operations. Students typically achieve Hang 1 certification in 4-6 lessons with Hang 2 requiring additional 6-12 sessions depending on progress and weather conditions.
Equipment Sales
We offer new and lightly used paragliding and hang gliding equipment from top manufacturers including Wills Wing, Moyes, and Windtech. Available inventory includes gliders, harnesses, parachutes, and flight instruments. Students receive equipment discounts with lesson package purchases, including $150 off hang gliders or $50 off safety gear when purchasing six-lesson packages.
Ground School
Comprehensive ground school instruction covers essential flight principles including wind dynamics, terrain interaction, weather assessment, and preflight inspections. Classroom sessions prepare students for practical application during flight training. Topics include air traffic regulations, glider kiting techniques, and mountain flying considerations that prepare pilots for advanced certification levels.
People
Kevin Koonce
Founder & Chief Instructor
USHPA Certified Advanced Instructor with 20+ years teaching experience. Former Kitty Hawk Kites lead instructor trained 8,000+ students. Developed Birdman Academy's 7-step training methodology. International competition participant with extensive mountain flying expertise. Holds Hang 4 and Paraglider 4 certifications.
Questions
What does hang gliding lesson pricing include?
Single lessons start at $189 and include equipment use, instructor time, and photo documentation. Video upgrades available for $30. Lesson packages offer discounted rates with equipment purchase discounts.
How long does it take to get certified?
Hang 1 certification typically requires 4-6 lessons while Hang 2 certification needs 6-12 additional sessions. Training duration depends on student progress and weather conditions.
Can I rent equipment after certification?
Birdman Academy provides training equipment for free during lessons. We don't offer rental equipment but provide discounts on purchases through our gear sales program.
What are the weight requirements?
Tandem flights accommodate 100-200 lbs passengers. Solo lessons require minimum 100 lbs and maximum 240 lbs for hang gliding, 200 lbs for paragliding.
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