USUA Flying Club 1 - PPG Group!

This page exists to answer any questions you might have about powered paragliding in the Washington, DC area. If you have general questions about powered paragliding, we suggest you read up on them by visiting the United States Powered Paragliding Association (USPPA) website. There is a link to their website above.

1) Where do you typically fly from?
2) When and how often do you fly?
3) Where can I learn to fly a powered paraglider?
4) I live in Virginia and own a large piece of property. Can I fly from my backyard?
5) How do I join the USUA Club 1 PPG Group?
6) Why should I join the USUA Club 1 PPG Group?

1) Where do you typically fly from?

Our group typically flies from Warrenton Airpark. Most of us live in Northern Virginia and it takes less than an hour for most of us to get there.

2) When and how often do you fly?

Pretty much everyone in the group works during the week and has a family, so flying is mostly done on the weekends: either Saturday or Sunday morning or evening. Of course this is always weather dependent. Sometimes members will also fly on weeknights in the summer when it’s light out until about 8:30 PM. The pilots with the high flight numbers are usually out there every weekend. The rest of the group can be sporadic. It is common for a pilot to send an email to the rest of the group if he/she plans to fly at a particular time. It’s always more fun to fly with friends than alone.

3) Where can I learn to fly a powered paraglider?

The USUA Club 1 PPG Group does not have an instructor in the group. We do have a few training schools we recommend, since they are where some of us have had good experiences. See the training link above.

4) I live in Virginia and own a large piece of property. Can I fly from my backyard?

Yes you can. But, it is important to pay attention to a few things. (This list is by no means exhaustive!)
a. NOTAMs (Notice to Airmen), TFRs (Temporary Flight Restriction), etc.
b. Make sure your property is not located in the ADIZ (Air Defense Identification Zone). If you fly in the ADIZ, you will be escorted to the ground by some sort of military aircraft and given a serious fine. Stay away from the ADIZ!!!
c. Talk to neighbors first - they can get really aggravated by the noise, especially if they have livestock that is easily disturbed, like cows and horses
d. Make sure there are no power lines or other obstructions in your takeoff path
e. How far are you from a "real" airport? At Warrenton Airpark, we are only 30-40 miles from Dulles International Airport. This means planes are at around 4000 feet in our area while approaching to land at Dulles. We can easily reach that altitude, and that would be disastrous if we had any encounter with a plane landing at Dulles! So, when flying at Warrenton Airpark, we stay below 2000 feet.

5) How do I join the USUA Club 1 PPG Group?

First, you must become a member of USUA Club 1. To do this, click on the link above for the general Club 1 website, and follow the links on how to join (it’s $20/year). Then, send the Club 1 PPG Group website administrator an email (pkarandi@yahoo.com) informing him that you would like to join the PPG Group. There is no additional cost to join the PPG Group. We look forward to welcoming you!

6) Why should I join the USUA Club 1 PPG Group?

Once you are added to the group, you will be able to receive and send emails to the group and participate in group events. You don’t have to be a PPG pilot, or any other kind of pilot to become a member. All you need is an enthusiasm for this wonderful sport!