Hi Peter. Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We take all reviews seriously and would like to address the points you've raised.
Foundation Skills and Safety
We fundamentally disagree with your bicycle-to-car analogy. In paramotoring, mastering wing control through paragliding is essential before adding engine power. This isn't comparable to learning unrelated skills, but rather like learning to walk before you run. A pilot who cannot properly handle a wing without power will be significantly more dangerous with an engine strapped to their back. This progression ensures you develop the critical skills needed to handle emergency situations, weather changes, and wing collapses safely.
Training Standards
The syllabus we follow is the BHPA (British Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association) standard, which is internationally recognised and designed to produce well-rounded, competent pilots. This structured approach has been developed over decades and prioritises safety alongside skill development. We believe in thorough training rather than shortcuts, as aviation skills require proper foundation building.
Individual Assessment
Our instructors make professional judgments about when students are ready to progress to powered flight. This assessment considers not only technical ability but also attitude towards instruction, safety awareness, and decision-making skills. We have a responsibility to ensure that anyone we recommend for engine training demonstrates the maturity and respect for the sport that paramotoring demands.
Safety Standards
You are correct that we do not recommend engine training for every student. This decision is never taken lightly and is based on safety considerations for the individual, other airspace users, and our professional liability. Aviation training requires this level of responsibility.
Weather Considerations
We consistently advised booking training from April onward due to more favourable weather conditions. Winter weather last year was particularly tough. Despite these recommendations, you chose to continue booking winter sessions, which naturally limited optimal training opportunities.
We remain committed to maintaining high safety standards in our training programs and producing competent, responsible pilots.