Paragliding is the most approachable discipline of Free Flight which is to fly using only the convective power of the earth. Its the most approachable because we can carry our wing, harness and all other equipment in a backpack which allows us immense freedom on where and when we fly.

You are already in the right place. Fill out the form and we will get in touch. Even if you end up training somewhere else or at another time I am more than happy to answer your questions and chat about flying.

The basic training includes your P2 certification which is a comprehensive foundation upon which to build the rest of your ratings (p3/p4) and your flying career. A P2 rating allows you to fly a paraglider by yourself and fly many sites across the USA and world.

‍The initial P2 training costs $2200 and consists of a minimum of 40 coached flights and at least 5 hours of ground school. In reality it will be much more than this. Once you are certified the ability to come train with us doesn’t stop (we encourage you to stay involved and keep showing up) but you are also allowed and encouraged to fly on your own.

The basic equipment (wing, harness, reserve parachute, helmet and radio) costs between $5000 (for used gear) and$8500 (for new gear). This equipment when properly cared for will last for years/100’s of flight hours after your initial investment.

Aviation is usually measured in per hour cost. By this metric we divide our equipment cost by how long it will last us and usually paragliding averages $10-$15 per flight hour.

We understand that paragliding is seasonal and that you may have a budget. We will do our best to work with you on financing some of the gear if you are unable to pay for everything up front.

This depends on a variety of factors most important of which is how much time and energy you have to dedicate to your training.

‍Every student moves at a different pace and since its our responsibility is to license you as a competent pilot (P2) we’re not in a rush.

That said, it usually takes about 2 weeks of concerted effort (most days) or 6-8 weekends if you cant train during week days.

We are committed to being available when you are ready to train and will do our best to work around your schedule.

We sell all major brands and want to be involved with helping you get your equipment used or new. Since we are the ones teaching you to fly we can help you figure out sizing, rating, and the equipment you really need better than anyone else. You support us with your initial gear purchase and we support you with continuing education throughout your piloting career.

If you would like to train on gear you already purchased yourself we will inspect the gear to make sure its safe and appropriate for you as a pilot and then charge $3500 for the training program and certification.

Your instructor, Galen Kirkpatrick, is passionate about all aspects of free flying especially the sacred act of sharing it with others.  She began flying 10 years ago and has been teaching for 9 of those years.   

She has taught basic instruction, led international guided flying trips, done performance/competitive coaching, and taught SIV maneuvers and safety courses.    

In her personal flying career  she has focused on racing and flying internationally (13 countries).  She has won 4 women’s national championship medals, 1  overall US national championship and set the (now broken) North American FAI triangle record (272 kilometers) from Mt Baldy in Sun Valley Idaho.   

Paragliding has changed Galen's life completely and everyone she knows who has flown would say the same thing.

She believes there is a great deal of magic in the quiet experience of the sky and she would love to help you access that magic yourself.

Missoula is a Paragliding treasure with a great community of pilots and a mountain in town thats flyable for beginners some 270 days of the year.

It’s a privilege to learn to flying where you live and spend most of your time because the site and weather specific instruction serves you beyond your initial training. We encourage you to get and stay in touch with the thriving local community as you progress.

Once you pass your beginner phase as a pilot the cross country flying in Missoula is also spectacular with many 100 km+ flights from town in different directions.

We have the advantage in paragliding to get far away from the ground (exploring the skies, hello) which other adventure sports don’t have. We consider paragliding to be similar or safer than mountain or road biking, river kayaking and maybe even driving on the freeway.

Safety and risk management is the main philosophy of our P2 instruction program. We want you to fly and to do so safely for a long time.

This means understanding what all the risks are, how we operate under pressure and how to make consistently make safe choices.

‍ The bottom line is that you decide how much risk you take on everyday (in life and in flying) and we teach you to systematically mitigate those risks in the air.