Here it is May 2021, this information and firsthand account in this video is priceless! Thank you for sharing your experience and thoughts on learning the sport of PPG. Undoubtedly the cost of training is one major factor in people getting involved in the PPG world. While it is expensive, it also will help keep you safe and teach you the basics of what is needed to keep you flying.. I truly appreciate you making this video!👍
So marks the beginning of "WOLFGATE". Most people don't get to experience it the way you have, they train one time and that's it. You realize that you're gonna get a lot of pushback from the kool aid drinkers so keep a thick skin. The people who don't get good training never realize what they have missed. I agree completely that every student has different needs and there is no perfect training. My training experience was less than perfect too. I opted for a less expensive school locally because it was in my budget and I could start immediately. I only realized the difference after spending time with other schools and instructors. I applaud you for sharing this experience David. This is the type of information I searched for when I was getting interested in paramotors. This is a GREAT service to the new folks coming into the sport, thanks for sharing it!
@@DellSchanze I never thought he was this bad man, I was better off studying how you fly and train your students then teach myself than go to him. Oh yeah Dell I gotta give you a shout soon about that xs.
@@DellSchanze Yeah Dell,Im self trained Im sure you know that,I own a Dominator,and out of all the skills I learned the ones you taught me are the best with pressure management and glider control...Im sure its not like going to Super training but it was all i could do at the time,thanks for sharing what you do man. Bump bump!!
This should be required viewing for all new people looking to get into this sport. As a newbie myself, I appreciate videos like this and find it extremely valuable. Thanks!
Wonderful video. I looked for information about this specific thing late 2018 early in 2019 and found bits and pieces but nothing so bold as this. $3,500 is a lot of cash to pass over for training when your offered a "free" class as an alternative. I am so thankful I decided to go professional (3,500) instead of amateur (free). My life and the life of those my activities affect are worth more than 3,500 bucks. Dont cheap out on your life! Training for me at Aviator PPG starts December 7th 2019!! WOO HOO!! Thanks for the video David. At the least your saving some people heartache, at most you probably saved a life. I bet that feels great!
Wow Mike I am humbled by your words. THANK YOU. So happy for your to get trained at Aviator. That is awesome. Good luck and feel free to reach out to me if there is anything I can do for you.
For a couple of months I have been watching (many many many) videos of paramotoring and never have I, before now, been able to figure out the question of free vs paid training. All i could do was listen to the bashing of one trainer or another to fill my brain with more questions. That ended the minute your video ended. The truth has finally found my brain. THANK YOU
A HUGE THANK YOU FOR HELPING TO OPEN UP LINES OF COMMUNICATION . WITHOUT THE CUTTING .. THIS SPORT NEEDS MUCH MORE OPEN DIALOG BETWEEN PEOPLE WHO ARENT AT EACH OTHERS THROATS ...
I took Dell Schanze’s training in March last year. I have to say my experience with Dell was much more informative, and was focused mostly on learning the wing. How to handle the wing, and mostly how to feel what the wing is doing, learning not to stall it, so that as you’re flying you know how to react. Essentially teaching muscle memory, so when something weird happens you’re better prepared to react when it truly counts. He spends an hour or two each day as a group going over safety issues, and gotachas that could lead to potential problems. He explains in great detail how the wing functions, what an airfoil is and why it works, and how a soft fabric wing becomes an airfoil. He talks about the engine, but he doesn’t go into great detail about maintenance. I’m personally not really a huge fan of the engine, but I do believe the frame is awesome. The quick release is something I won’t fly without since there’s a fair amount of water where I live. Thinking about the amount of time Dell gives compared to Kurt, well there’s just no comparison. Dell spends all day on site with his students. He stays out as much as 10 hours a day all 10 days, and never takes a break except to go to the bathroom. He is constantly imparting information to his students and is never rude as he continues moving from one student to the other while they’re either kiting or leaning to kite their wing. He supplies all of the equipment, and has a large assortment of wings. Newbies start kiting on 14 meter wings and graduate to larger wings as they progress, and their skills improve. He does his training at a beach were there’s always a 5 to 15 mph wind that is somewhat laminar. Some people argue that it doesn’t really help you with zero wind launches, but to compensate he goes out early some mornings with little to no wind as well. Mostly what he’s teaching people in the first week is to understand the wing, and how it reacts to inputs like brake inputs, or weight shift. How to become comfortable with controlling a 22 meter or larger wing with confidence even in medium to high wind. Understanding how it feels when the wing wants to move one way or another, and how to react. Things I think are less a great about Dell’s training would be his tendency to badmouth others in the sport. I’m never a fan of that sort of behavior, and even less so in a professional setting. Granted some in the sport open themselves up to critical comments through their own actions, and people are going to comment, but I don’t think is has to be done in a demeaning or belittling way. Ground school is pretty much non-existent since Dell just gives everyone a recording of this ground school, and if you’re like me you’ll start falling asleep within 5 or 10 minutes of listening to a recording. He says he does it like that because he doesn’t want to take away from people getting hands on training as much as possible. I get that, but classroom training is invaluable especially when you’re talking about a sport that has the potential of putting yourself, and other aviators at risk when you don’t follow the rules. All in all I thought it was good training, but I’m considering taking another class from someone else to get a different perspective or to establish different skills. Thank you for putting this video out there. It’s a great eye opener for those of us who considered Flight Junkies.
Brad Richmond That was a fantastic review about another instructor who is under fire quite a bit. I really appreciate your honesty and how you review your experience. I hope as people read through all of these comments that they don’t skip yours. I will be talking about this to a lot of people and mentioning it this Sunday night on Our Paramotor Nation. THANK YOU AGAIN!
It’s been interesting to watch the evolution of paramotoring over the last 20 years. In general paramotoring is much easier and safer today, thanks in large part to Jeff Goin author of the Powered Paragliding Bible. Some people need to be more thankful for what Jeff has accomplished. Hopefully paramotoring will continue to become more accessible with self kiting single surface gliders and electric motors with ducted or enclosed propellers. Smooth Skies and then we Fly!
As a newb who has only done some kiting and an introductory course in a sport where the risk is real, insight is so invaluable. I suspected as much about Dell. He obviously has skill and can impart it. He also obviously has an opinions but I find his style of articulating them distasteful. I really appreciate a persons ability to comment without personal attacks. Thank you for yours.
@Fairbanks Air Riders Great point. One of the first things that I did after rejoining FB after about 15 years away from it, was to seek out, friend and then thank Jeff Goin for authoring that book. I read it over several times, went back and carefully studied sections on ground-handling as I waited for training (I also bought a wing and harness ahead of class so I could practice ground-handling over the summer - also highly recommended!) That book is INVALUABLE. Just as useful is the manual that comes with your wing.
Brad Richmond hi mate from down under. Great to hear a honest review on Dell, all I ever hear is people ragging him out. Sounds like he does have some good characteristics in his training. Thanks for the insight into this guys training.
At last... the truth behind the hype. Thank you for helping newbies see through the nonsense and get a true picture of what is involved in becoming a fully rounded pilot rather than an experimenter.
No, the thanks are all down to you. I recently spoke out about the hype and false claims made Flightjunkies and was shot down in flames by his supporters, abused and treated like an idiot, but that seems to be the way adult "debate" is handled online these days and especially in this sport with a clear rift between the supposedly soft, nerdy "study guys" and the macho he-men self-trained crew. Each to his own but I would hope most people would have learned that there's no such thing as a "free" lunch and very rarely any truly "free" training unless amongst friends. You get exactly what you "pay" for and to be sent into the air without full training and practice is, to my mind, akin to potential manslaughter. Thanks again for your eloquent, well tempered and unbiased report. I'm sure it will help many others and possibly save some lives?
As an owner of a USPPA school in the USA, I am always learning about new material, weather, and safety procedures all the time. I think the most important thing we can learn in this sport, is to be able to learn from each other. Valuable tool. Excellent video! Thank you for sharing.
My instructor trained with him 15 years ago and almost lost his hand. He has since got USPPA certified, but he reuses to talk bad about anyone. I think it’s important for people to expose these pariahs in the sport.
Dave, I found your narrative to be genuine, informative, and respectful of all. I really appreciate a persons ability to comment without personal attacks. Thank you for yours. As I continue to get into this sport I expect to eventually be asked to comment on the training at other sites and I think your post is a good model to follow. I suppose I should get then Risk and Reward video since the ground training depended so heavily on it.
Hi Greg, You hit the nail on the had, I trained with Kurt about the same time as you, but did not progress very well due to weather. I am still stuck to me 5 flights but seriously looking to get real training. All your comments are 100% applicable to my training. Love to watch you on your podcast.
Thanks for a great video. I’m an airplane pilot about to get into the sport. You described essentially the difference between learning to fly the aircraft (easy) vs. learning to be a pilot (much more involved). That syllabus matches the FAA’s ACS (Airman Certification Standards), and that’s a good thing.
Finally had a chance to watch this. Very interesting, thank you. I've heard similar testimonials from several other people. Well done not bashing anyone, I couldn't have done that lol. 🤙
First off great job Dave on the video I think it is very important for anyone looking to get into this sport to have a video such as yours available to help them make an informed decision. I also want to thank you for the invitation to share my experiences with your audience. I was also trained by Kurt at flight junkies almost 6 yrs ago now, and it breaks my heart to hear he still conducts his training in the same manner he did 6 years ago :( you said it best in the video, as a new pilot you dont know what you dont know.. and what you dont know can kill you in this sport. Knowing what I know now, I can without a doubt tell you that the me, a rookie pilot of 6 years ago should have never been in the air and flying with the limited knowledge I got from flight junkies, it was dangerous and reckless. I also never got a syllabus, I was never taught weather, kiting, airspace, legalities, safety or maintenance. I never even was shown the video risk and rewards during my initial training, I only watched the video when I went back months later because I felt I needed some more training and seen a couple of his current students watching it, and I asked what is that ?? And he told me I should have watched that video when I was here the first time... like I messed up and it was somehow my fault he didnt show me the video lol :) anyone who has watched my videos will know Kurt absolutely does not like me, simply because I was honest with my opinions in my videos and he is not one to be told he is wrong, I didnt share with youtube many of mine and Kurt's private conversations on the phone but believe me .. he is not the kind and caring person he portrays in his sales pitch...he has a dark side for sure. I have over the years and will continue to talk with anyone who contacts me about my experiences at flight junkies, just message me I'll always answer...7 days a week between 8am and midnight lol ;) I know your video was very unbiased and you didnt want to persuade people one way or another, but I'll say it loud and clear.... please dont train at flight junkies !!! Spend the extra money and get trained properly please... your life is worth more than money please....you dont know what you dont know... but you need to know the things you will learn with proper training. Dave thank you again for creating this platform for people to share their experiences with each othe..see ya in the skies guys..Scary Berry out !!! ;)
Bart Berry, I've watched some of your videos. What I remember is the problem with the fuel leak and the amount of time devoted to repair as opposed to flying. Thanks for the education. I'll leave it at that.☺
Bart, you and Dave Wolf are absolutely correct about training. Hey how about we all meet and you can train me. Kurt and I had a falling out when I wanted to video my training. I still don't have a flight junkies# yet. I'll probably end up self training.
Sounds EXACTLY like the so called training I received at BLACKHAWK PARAMOTORS!!! No syllabus, no trainers around most of the day, no air space knowledge, didn’t even tell me about applying a little bit of brake pressure to help with your launch. CRAZY STUPID!!!
I trained at an Aviator alliance school and am very happy with the thoroughness of the training. At the time, it felt like alot to absorb but in hindsight, I know i am a much safer and more confident pilot. Very good review!
@@DellSchanze OK Mr Schanze, how about you publish your syllabus ? Let us know EXACTLY what SUPER TRAINING is going to deliver ? No, didn't think you would, can't have verifiable information get in the way of good troll rant. Cant let reality get in the way of selling outdated equipment. Meh, the BS is strong with this one.
It's nice to hear a straight forward unbiased classy video on this subject! I have been obsessed, researching this sport, instructors and schools trying to sift thru all of the in's and outs and in one video you have answered a lot of my question and concerns! Thank you so much!!!
Well that was probably the most honest thing I’ve read on UA-cam regarding PPG. Thanks for not bashing Kirt and flight junkies but rather saying actual facts and your impressions. Every fake keyboard warrior out there should take a lesson and stand up for something using their own name like you guys do. Instead of all the name calling and rhetoric. You guys both deserve a lot of credit for this video and the pinned post by Eagles. Very well done. Very cool! 🤘
Thanks for sharing your experiences. First I am 59 years old. I already flew Fixed wing, Hang Glider trikes, PPC, & Hang Gliders before I trained on Paramotors. I trained with Jiri at Paragliding Unlimited in Pierron IL. He trains at My field Gateway Airpark. I watched them fly PPG for several years. I final had to find out what it was all about. Jiri has a through sibyls. His training is complete. He provides everything you need to learn and make solo flights. He does tow training with both foot launch and Trikes/ Quads. It was a great experience. I made my first PPG solo March 23 this year. Did I mention it was a great experience. I have been flying PPG and learning ever since. I have about 60 flights and about 45 hours in as of now . I am looking forward to many more years of flying thanks to Jiri at Paragliding Unlimited. This is the most fun you can have with your clothes on and sometimes off... OK shorts on. I really enjoy your videos. It was great meeting you at Dave Purdin's fun fly.
@@David_Wolfe I watched a lot of flight junkies vlogs and always wonder if he's training be worth it or not. One of my problem with Kurt is that he's always bashing other Ppls equipment. But that what's used car salesman do. With your experience with Flight Junkie it sounds like he'll get you in the air but really don't educate you properly on everything you really need to know. It would be smart to do like what you did and spend the money and get probably trained.
Great video, I've just done my Paramotor training at home in the UK . I did my training at the Parajet factory in Dorset with their recommended instructors and it was superb. It was run over a week to cover the ground handling, air law, weather, motor etc with our first flights scheduled for the last day subject to the weather. Unfortunately on our last day the weather wasn't perfect (these were the only conditions they deemed suitable for our first flights) so we didn't get to fly. We did however arrange another week with the same instructors in Spain to finish off the course and get our first flights in. The qualification was to a set standard called the Club Pilot rating which is a syllabus devised by the sports governing body in the UK the BHPA (British Hang gliding and Paragliding Association) I really don't think the training could have been any better and I certainly would not have felt confident enough to fly with anything less than this. Personally I would rather pay for the training and get a thorough understanding of every aspect of the sport rather than be rushed into the air because the trainer doesn't want to invest their time in you. Thanks! Mark
Thanks for posting this Dave. I believe you have helped allot of future PPG pilots with this post. There is a old saying, "nothing worth value in business is free" or " you get what you pay for. " I've have seen my share of students that have received this free training. In most cases they needed allot of corrective instruction on how to properly foot launch and basic knowledge of safe flying. At one fly-in a few years ago I watched a graduate of the Flight Junkies who attempted over 12 forward launches with no success of getting into the air. He was being laughed at and several other pilots tried to help him. At that point I approached him and his wife and told them that he needed to go get some real training from a qualified trainer. I called Eric Dufour and asked him to work with this individual. What a difference a week of proper training with a qualified instructor makes. This individual is now a very accomplished PPG pilot. Again you get what you pay for!!!! Proper training is worth ever penny. (How much is your life worth?). Here is a link of some of the training you should receive from one of the best if not the best trainer that I know. This video only shows about a quarter of the training Bob received. Thanks again Dave for sharing your post. Welcome to the Brotherhood of PPG
WOW, excellent unbiased video Dave! Free Training, You get what you pay for. I would like to add a few things that happened to me or that I witnessed. People may not know but I was a Flightjunkie too. I encourage all Flightjunkie's too also leave a comment about their experience at Flightjunkie's or any other school or trainer they had. This can only benefit the PPG community. To start with, I will quickly give my background why I got into the sport. It was around June of 2013 and my son Derrick, sent me a link on my cell phone for a video from a guy from Florida state flying a with a motor and paragliding wing. My son said "Dad, we gotta do this." "Its called powered paramotoring." My son and I always did different sports together, Motor-cross, Surfing, Snowboarding/skiing, etc. Anything to have fun we did it together. I told him we should do it soon. We made some loose plans to go see it in person. Unfortunately, my son at age 25 passed away on 9-11-13. He died of a heart attack in his sleep. At that point and for many more years, I didn't feel like doing anything, let alone trying a new sport. Years passed and I watched some more videos online once in a while. That's when I came across the Flightjunkie videos. I was starting to get interested again and I loved the idea about free training. Hell anything free was ok to me because I was working a lot, paying a lot of bills and I didn't have much extra spending money. I decided to call Kurt at Flightjunkie's. He answered the phone and he gave me a good sales pitch. The only thing stopping me was the money. Then Kurt said he does "Layaway". $1000 down and you have a year to pay it off. Well now I was really interested. I saved up and sent my down payment around Feb 2018. Once I did that, I got very serious about saving and finding money to buy my Fresh Breeze Equipment. I will say this: If not for Flightjunkie's free training and law-away plan, I probably would not have got into this sport. Saving $12.5K was not an easy thing to do for me. Fast forward a few months, I took vacation and went to Ohio. When I got there I was excited to get up in the air. By then I had watched hundreds of videos and also watched Kurts instructional videos multiple times each. As Dave stated in his video, we assembled our equipment the first day. It was then that I realized that the 4 bolts needed to mount the comfortable (eyes rolling) "boat seat:" to the Flypod were missing. Kurt told me to go buy some in town at the local hardware store. I couldn't understand why he didn't provide the bolts and why I had to go get them? I got the feeling he would have eventually got around to buying the bolts himself but I also felt that if I waited for him to do it, it would have greatly delayed my first flight. So i went and bought the bolts with money from my own pocket. When you arrive there, all you do is think about your first flight. It's an obsession. You are willing to do anything, once you see your brand new equipment and other people taking their first flights, it's like a drug. You are in a great mood, period. Continued:
13 Eagles PPG Thanks for sharing your perspective as well. This is great information for everyone coming in to our amazing sport! Thank you again for taking the time be as detailed as you were and putting so much thought in to what you wanted to say. It shows how much you care about other people.
Well first and foremost my condolence go out to you and your family about the son. I cannot even begin to imagine what it would feel like to lose a child. Both of my girls are schoolteachers one teach fifth grade, and the other teach kindergarten and my son is in the Air Force in Langley Virginia I cannot imagine what it would be like to lose a child. So my deepest deepest condolence for you and your family I think that was the hardest thing that I’ve read out of everything that you said publicly.. and good for you for landing back on your feet and pursuing one of the dreams that you and your son set out to do it sound like you guys had a very good relationship. I must say this is very hard for me to see this video because I was a flightjunkie Kool-Aid drinker until I read your testimony. I’m a Christian and what’s even more disturbing to me is that, I’m starting to wonder, when he prayed before the students fly I wonder if that is all for show now. Very disturbing.... for me.. That was one of the things that I liked about Captain Kurt but now I’m starting to wonder if it’s all smoke and mirrors. I am very interested in the sport and I always wonder what it’s like behind the scenes at flightjunkies. I’m with you, he has a very good sales pitch in fact I wouldn’t be surprise if he can sell snow to an Eskimo he has a very good sales pitch. I was a student pilot back in the late 90s I have about 40 hours of flight time on my belt I have cross-country solo, all of my training was in a piper tomahawk however I never did get my pilots certificate for a whole multitude of reasons at the time. Fast forward to now this sport intrigues the devil out of me and training is everything. After Dave went over the syllabus in the video I guess I will spend that $3500 at the school in Florida. Anyway thanks for the insight this was very helpful I know which direction I need to go going forward. The only other thing now I don’t know is what motor will be best to buy because after your video now I am questioning everything flightjunkies has put out there. Again thanks for the inside and my deepest condolence.
Hi son I now feel like I missed growing up with a dad who was as adventurous as you are. And if I hadn’t abused my body with those damn cigarettes for far too many years I would be flying with my number one son, cheers, A dad
The best way I can answer this is-- Call Sothern Skies and get a price on a unit (not the whole set-up) then call Kurt and get a price. I bet it will be the same price. Yes, he gets them for wholesale and that's where he makes $ . Southern Skies and others will still tack on training. I think
He’s selling the Flypod for I think $2300,00 I can tell you, from my review it’s way over priced and little thought of quality and safety were put into it. Might have $150-$200 in material and labor.
You should see captains rap sheet. I assume that is why he misspells his name on person. Super long arrest record, domestic violence, theft, etc. disorder conduct, long long list
My opinion is if you can’t afford quality training, keep saving. It should be budgeted into your aviation dreams. Flying is unforgiving of mistakes and training is key to reducing the mistakes you make. FlyMIPPG is awesome. I trained there too. They genuinely treat you like family.
Very informative well thought out, 'needed' video that will help out newbie pilots forever! Thanks Dave. I expect you will get a lot of blow back from this but I believe from the comments that the majority of people know it was your unbiased opinion and came from your heart. Good job, keep the videos coming!
Great video. I went to FlyMiPPG the training there was amazing. Justin, Mike, and Bob give you all the tools you need to be a safe proficient PPG pilot. I did months of research before deciding to go with them and I’m so glad I did. My first flight after class I was so nervous, but I followed my training and my flight went great. I would recommend them to anyone. My wife is talking about training with them .
IN life beware of people who saythings are FREE cause they are not. Or they are INTELIGENT cause they are not. Or they are the BEST cause they are not. Good, best and intelligent people don't have too
Nice video David - my experience with Kurt & Flight Junkie training was identical I.e. no where close to what I expected. The fact that I was already a licensed private pilot with 200+ hrs of sailplane experience meant that I didn’t really need much of the missing pieces in his syllabus or lack there of. Still I came away with many holes or gaps in my training - but still I did learn how to takeoff & land. Thanks for being kind and complementary on the good aspects of Flight Junkies and at the same honest and accurate about what you don’t get from free training.
I'm a former/lifetime student of FlyMIPPG, and I can tell you my experience was far beyond what I expected. Not only do you get top-notch training, you become part of the family. Some of my favorite memories were watching other people go through the process and fly, not just myself. I've made some lifelong friends, and learned how to fly safely. The most important thing you can do in this sport is always be a student and learn as much as you can. You definitely get what you pay for, and so much more. Thanks for the video. Welcome to the family. Hope to share the sky with you someday.
thank you for your comment. I hope we get to fly together in the future. I did have the opportunity to fly with several Michigan guys this year at the Dave Purdin Fly In.
Hi Dave and these are my comments. I like you have watched countless videos and again like you am drawn in to flight junkies. I was supposed to start training local here in SW Florida but due to rainy season and airport closer from same and now unexpected arm and hand surgeries and upcoming trip my training won't start until mid November at the earliest. The great thing I fortunately have been welcomed by PPG GORILLA and Ground and Sky Pirates and drive 90 minutes each way to help and learn from them. This I believe has been a great learning experience and has answered many question. One thing though I still like the Fesh Breeze equipment but seeing the Moster 185 has me continuously looking at equipment. I really take to heart all your comments and this great video. I also subscribe to paramotor nation and support resurgence ppg which again was lead to by PPG GORILLA. Thanks again for one of the best informative vides.
Dave, hey bud, I met you today (Saturday) at the Live Oak Fl. fly in, you gave me a Paramotor Crazy sticker and told me to watch this video. Excellent video, straight forward, and itlooks like you got more than I did out of your visit to FJ. I want to go see Kyle in the coming months, I beleive he uses a similar syllabus as youdescribed that covers everything. Thanks again, great to meet you.
David, This video will help so many people make the correct decision for their own situation. I know you have helped me move forward with my PPG pursuit in a way that will make me confident in my decision making process. Thanks you, it is greatly appreciated!
Thanks for an honest video. Telling it straight is much more important than being concerned with offending someone. People have become too thin skinned. The bottom line is that we are talking about peoples lives. It is much more important for us to pass on our real experiences rather than sugar coat things or not mention them at all. If we can give a glowing review of a person or place of business, then we have every right to give a scalding review as well...... as long as it is honest and unbiased. Thanks again, your experience is greatly appreciated. Stay safe.
Great job David. This will save a lot of people countless hours and dollars. You did a great job of staying in your lane and being fair. More fair than Kurt deserves considering how he is in his videos. Still, some people will see it as a bargain and that's OK. I saw you having as much fun as anyone else at Bad Apples. Now you know what you didn't know but don't know now what you don't know. We never stop learning.
Kiting and ground handling are a huge part of learning to fly PPG. Thorough training is hands on, 95% of the time you are there. I’ve read enough stories about this guy Kurt at Flight Junkies. No WAY I would go to him. What happened to you is common with him. He flies outdated, heavy gear and tries to upsell everyone who can’t fly it, to a trike. That’s where he makes his money. It’s why the majority of his students end up on trikes.
About 2,000 hours of UA-cam research, hundreds of hours of kiting and hundreds of flights has taught me how important training is. My school will be up and running this year.
Wow ! I was really considering goin over there to FJ. Thank you so much buddy !!! I’m in Southern Utah (Saint George) hope to find a good and affordable school around here. …and I will buy the equipment trough them anyways I guess 🤷♂️ Again thank for a excellent informative video.
Well at least one thumbs down, was surely expected! You Sir David, are a man of intense integrity. The honest and direct personal report of your experiences as a flight junkie will absolutely save some lives. I first witnessed PPG in 1998 during recovery rehabilitation, after a motor vehicle accident had me at a life changing point in my teens. (Left BKA was the outcome of a leisurely ride to work one day) At the time I had wished there was a way I could get more information about what I had witnessed fly by the care center I was living at for the year. Little over 11 months was spent there, before I was able to walk out the front doors. Years went by and "that thing" I witnessed fly by had been forgotten a few times in between. Nearly twenty years after the initial sighting, I too was drawn into the flight junkies youtube videos and the enticement of free and unlimited training in all fifty states. This is something that is hard to pass up, "Is this guy for real?" I asked myself. So I found every video I could on flight junkies, along the way I realized that the bashing and methods shown in the capt's videos was slowly turning me off to the further pursuit of training. Not just from him but almost altogether, as a whole. Something just rubbed me the wrong way with the never ending message I heard over and over in every video! Thankfully I decided to dig deeper into the possibility of respectful and structured training options. I had found there was an almost endless amount of training options available around the country, and it seemed the costs varied enough to fit many budgets. There was something that kept coming to mind, that I was once told "the most important decision you will make about education is where to get it" In the end and after much more research I had decided to take the year and a half wait list for Aviator PPG. A long time to wait, but patience for proper and structured training was something I was willing to do. Only 6 months went by when I was contacted by Aviator and asked if I would take the First course of the new year in. It was on! and in only a third of the time expected to wait. I do have to admit there is one other guy where I live that flies a trike. I knew him, but only as a GA pilot. Never knew he flies ppg. I saw him one day and expressed my excitement for upcoming training. He offered some of his time and a wing to show me some kiting. Obviously I was most grateful to take advantage of that. This proved most beneficial, combined with the PPG bible series training was something more of a review and fine tuning. With a main dish of you dont know what you dont know. Training at Aviator was solidly structured, patient, and all instructors and visiting instructors where extremely calm and thorough from first day to last. We went through the syllabus without haste and if anything was not clearly understood by an individual or as a class, it was reviewed again without any feelings of irritation or intimidation from peers. Never was there any directive of sales or bashing of other products not sold or carried by them. In fact we had been encouraged to try all the gear we could before making a decision to buy any gear at all. Each and every student and instructor felt completely confident in one another by first flights, this makes for a far better experience by all involved, and as a sport in whole. When the PPG community says that this sport is "truly life changing" It absolutely is referred too this way in the most positive way. The Bashers, one uppers, haters, and owl kickers will always be the negative side of PPG. But its this positive message of honesty, integrity, and community that is encouraged here which makes the truly life changing experiences possible for all future students. To that Mr.Wolfe, We tip our hats to you! Thank You! Support Resurgence PPG Support our Troops
Craig Taylor I am overwhelmed. I don’t feel I worthy of all this praise especially coming from a hero of mine. Thank for you kind words but even more so for your story of your background and your experience getting in to PPG. Forever supporting our troops!
Oh Dave, you're way too nice. That kurt pos will get someone hurt bad someday. I know this will help some ppl to stay away. He has such an acidic personality, I don't see how ppl consider him in the first place. Great video... well said.
I am planning to take up the sport and I had decided a while back that I will go to a school and learn as much as I can because when something goes wrong you are your only solution. I have jumped in the military and civilian so I am a bit familiar with parashoots and heights but I would never do this without some good training. The one thing that scares me when watching is the SIV training videos so that is not something I am looking forward to doing but I do recognize that it will have to be done someday. Great video. Keep safe.
Like you, I trained under Capt Kurt. I was sold on his sales pitch, and yes, I did my due diligence. I liked the idea of free training for life! It was much better sounding than all the other sites where training was any where from 1,500 to 4,00. I contacted him, probably a year before purchasing, mostly because I didn't trust anyone with that kind of money, secondly, I wasn't sure I really wanted to put that much money into something that was just for fun. I had learned to fly single engine fixed wing airplanes about twelve years prior and loved it but the cost of renting a plane and fuel cost skyrocketed from 35 dollars soaking wet to 300 and hour! I chose not to fly anymore and had looked in to purchasing a hang glider, and actually did some hang gliding in Chattanooga, Tennessee. I loved hang gliding but alas, I live in North Florida, so I decided that hang-gliding wasn't the best choice for me. I happened upon a group of PPG pilots near Gainesville and was immediately mesmerized, which only stoked my desires to go forward with purchasing a unit. I did some research on line and found a lot of really great things about Flight Junkies and an equal not so good things, but nobody who trained had any feed back that wasn't great, so I chose to go forward. I contacted my banking institution and got a loan for the amount, had a check cut and sent it to Kurt. I was nervous but at least a certified check could be traced. After speaking to Kurt about the bad knee and my age, 53, I decided that a trike was my best fit. So I left it up to him and he ordered me the monster Fresh Breeze and the Xl Wing, I did weigh 240 pounds. I made arrangements to come up to Ohio, since I didn't want to wait until he returned to Daytona. I arrived and he allowed me to stay in his bunk house, which I thought was very nice. I think maybe an air conditioner would have been nice for the day time hours, I almost sweat to death, lol. The nights were very cool and comfortable and I had plenty of covers. I always got up before the sun and I didn't mind taking a shower outside, it helped to wake me up. I would gather my things together and wait for Kurt to come out. The first day he had me in the shed watching a video. He then took me to his living room and we sat and talked, he shared about his life and some intimate details about his conversion to Jesus Christ and though he seemed to be open about his life. We eventually went to the hanging device he had and he fitted me into the trike and where I would hang my wing. I was getting excited but also very nervous. I eventually made it on the field, I had my first launch and I got up and flew around the field and landed, he came running over to interview me after safely arriving on the ground. I was elated, nervous and terrified all at the same time. He put me on video and I of course touted the training and the experience. I flew several times through ought the seven days I was there, but not as much as I wished I could, however the weather did prevent me from flying many times. At the end of the week, I felt comfortable enough to do this on my own when I returned to Florida. I offered to take him and his new wife out for dinner, after all they had been very gracious and kind to me. We did eat out, but Kurt secretly picked up the tab. I enjoyed getting to know Kurt and his lovely wife, I understand they were both recently married, so it was obvious they were in the fantasy stage of any relationship, not a bad thing at all. On my way home, someone broke into my car and stole my wing! I didn't even notice it was gone until I got home and started unpacking. I panicked, hoping I had left it at the training field, but alas I didn't and I did remember packing it in the car. They not only got my wing, they took my personal leather bag with all my camera equipment and medicine in it. So I lost about 4,000 dollars of my stuff and the caveat is that whom ever stole the wing, couldn't even have known what they had and most likely threw it away. I contacted Kurt about replacing my wing and couldn't' get a hold of him. He was training some people out in Utah, so I had the information he gave me on who I could purchase Fresh Breeze equipment from and so I took it upon myself to call and so I ordered a new wing, 2,900 dollars! My wife was ready to divorce me, not really but she wasn't crazy about the expense. I wasn't crazy about the expense either but without a wing, I couldn't fly. It took a while to get over the extra expense but I finally was able to relax and enjoy the flying aspect. Kurt had told me that he could get me a wing at his cost, 2,900 dollars, so I was a little surprised that I could also get it for 2,900. I figured I must have not heard him correctly. Later he called me and asked if I had purchased the wing yet, I said, I couldn't get a hold of you, so I took it upon myself to order it. He responded, I could have saved you 400 dollars! I said, really, you could get it for 2,500? He said, no my price, because I am a dealer is 2,900. I said, well I actually paid 2,900 for the wing. He said, really? I am surprised they gave it to you so cheaply. I didn't belay the point, I thanked him again for his training and promised to keep up, when I got to Florida. He asked if I would let the company know that I wanted him to be credited with the purchase of the wing, he said he got points and that without my approval, he wouldn't get it. I understood this was his living and I didn't mind at all giving him what ever credit for the purchase, so I immediately sent an email and asked them to credit this wing to Kurt, their response was, we already did. I let Kurt know and that was the last time we spoke, that was back in August of 2020. I began my own flying in a field across from my church, it was used for radio controlled aircraft and so they had a nice grass runway for me to use. I had two failed attempts and then got up. I flew low around the field, no more than about 50 feet above the ground, I wanted to get the hang of flying again before attempting to go higher. I eventually had many flights after that one and got up each time. I will say this for Kurt's training, the way he teaches you to lay your wing out has always got me up the first try, after my first two attempts on my own, lol. I have flown out of that airport many times, both in the evening and morning. I am getting better at feeling confident in my abilities. I was invited by some flyers in a neighboring county and flew out of a controlled field there and did great. I have flown several times out of the field I use now and my maximum height to date is 710 feet. I want to keep increasing my altitude until I get to 5,000 feet, that is my limit, for now. Now as for feeling like I didn't have adequate training, I didn't know what I was missing, since I had never had training in the past and didn't have a perspective to reflect on or compare it to. I didn't get a whole lot about weather from Kurt, I also didn't kite my wing, now to give him credit, my XL wing is huge and I have tried to kite it here and its a beast! He might have decided it would be too difficult for me. I felt like he wasn't around as much as I wished he had been and me and other trainers did a lot of waiting on him to come out, time that we felt, in retrospect could have been used to fly. I understand human behavior well and so I picked up on Kurt's persona right away. He is large and in charge at all times. He is a successful man with many toys and a beautiful trophy wife to boot, so I could understand his peacocking around all of men. His wife was bubbly and sweet and honestly, I couldn't have asked for better hosts. Kurt is one of those men who don't sugar coat much and he speaks his mind and this can be seen as offensive to some people, for me, I wasn't offended by Kurt at all, on the contrary, I was allowed to see a side to Kurt that revealed his true nature and though he keeps that hidden form public eye, he is a good and decent man. I left feeling confident in my flying skills and though he may not have done as much as I think he should have, he teaches the bare bones of flying and in my opinion prepares you for your basics in taking off and setting up yoru wing. I agree with you, I need to seek additional information and or training on weather and what conditions are good to fly in. I apologize for the long dissertation, but I had to explain and i am a wordy person. I also wanted to thank you for your video, I have subscribed and will tune in for more videos. I would love to chat with you one day and pick your brain some more, if you would be willing. 865-315-3502
Thank you for taking the time to write all this. This was a great assessment of your experience and I appreciate it. As long as you get to 5000... go another 280 so you can tell everyone you hit the mile mark. I will be in touch. Thanks for watching!
I’m going for training 8/10 at FJ. I did not buy equipment so sent a check. You have given me some hope here. Weather and airspace regs I can learn other places. I need good fundamentals with the equipment, then hopefully find some others locally to be mentors.
Nice honest review. I bet this will make people really think about who trains them how to do a sport that can kill you if not done properly. Great video
This is a topic that comes up all the time. Free -vs -Paid -vs -Self Taught. I can start by saying that I'm a Flight Junkie #486 from 2007. Not many Videos (as today) to see and evaluate for trainers, but I lived in the same town as Kurt and kept seeing him and others flying around, so that's what enticed me into this hobby. I knida don't want to call it a sport because I don't want to compete with others in PPG. Now PG and XC is another story. Ha Back then Kurt trained pretty much foot launch. My training had just a tad bit more than yours but I feel it was along the same lines. He did show me the basics of kiting. Since I lived local I would go home and practice kiting during lunch and after work for almost 3 weeks before my first flight. I would see him on the weekends to show my progress and get pointers. other than that the time spent training was very short. I will also say I am grateful for him "getting me into this hobby" because other than self training I would have never paid for training or traveling a long distance to train. So your original goal to get into the air was the same as mine. We both achieved that as you stated. I always tell people who come up to me all excited after I land somewhere and ask me how to get into this PPG stuff. But I will say out of hundreds of these people I don't know of one who has followed through with it. I tell them-- If your the type of person who wants to sit in a classroom and read from a book and take test then you should go see so and so. But if your a person who learns by watching and with minimal input and also don't mind being yelled at like your in the military. well you should do what I did. It did work for me. Some people are just naturals at this and some have to be told things over and over and practice and practice. I will also say the real training I received was when I hooked-up with some other local guys. After the first 20 flights is when things start to click. They guided me and took me under there watchful eyes to teach me what I did not know. I do think this happens a lot even if you pay for training. Yes training better on weather, sectional's, and other stuff I did not receive. I did that on my own. Good Video of your personal experience. I have seen a ton of guys get into PPG with Kurt and I always hope they get together with a group after they leave there training to further their skillset. I hope I get to fly with everyone who reads this. My two cents
Tim... I'm kinda in the same boat... I'm at my best when observing and watching... I'll fill in the missing information by meeting and hanging out with the ppg community... People like David here and the PPG Gorilla, Pheonix, Todd Falstadd, Carl and the skypirates, and many many more...
Excellent, honest review. Thanks for the video. I had similar questions about where to train before I picked an instructor. I’m sure your video and sincerity will help newcomers to the sport make their decision.
I'm Flight Junkies "drop out" went up years and years ago and had lots of prior experience as an ultralight pilot. Kurt tried to put me in the air, I knew in my heart I wasn't ready, but I went any way...ended up breaking a prop. Went home dejected and finally decided I could learn it myself...and spent the time and effort to get it in the air. These machines look very easy to fly...and they are, but they require skill. Honestly, I think Kurt knows his stuff. If he took the time to train you he could do an excellent job...I just think he tries to rush you in the air. His "training" is no training. A couple of years ago I was flying with a Flight Junkies "graduate" and he didn't even know what the "trimmers" were for! I have to admit he didn't tell me about them either. Let me ask a question of the Flight Junkies students: Did Kurt tell you about the "trimmers" on the wing? By the way "Paramotor Crazy"...great job on the video...I think you've started something
@@David_Wolfe I think if Mr. Fister came on here and defended himself, and promised to change his schooling methods by adding a syllabus, and just take more time with students, and a bit less with trophy wife...his reputation would be much better......he really seems to know his stuff....just doesn't share it !!!....for 2 years now i have been wanting to learn, and he was top of my list.....
My 12-year-old son (Parajet Maverick Atom 80) and I (51-year-old and future Fly Products Vertigo trike flyer) took training at Lone Star Paramotors in Texas this past August 2019. Ron Toran and Randall "Parker" are the two main instructors. Ron is the owner and Parker is a former sky diving instructor. The 10-day training we received was excellent, they followed the syllabus, had several classroom studies and still plenty of ground handling, towing and flying. Also, they are an affiliate of Aviator PPG in case that helps anyone, that was originally why I chose them. We live 12 hours away from LoneStar Paramotors and passed 2 other PPG schools along the trip just to use them. What is more interesting is Ron was also a"Flight Junkie 800 something or another" and may had some similar experiences it sounds like, but what is truly amazing is the fact Ron has been training the trainers for Aviator PPG in Florida. Ron is a retired 2nd-grade teacher and an excellent instructor with the patience of Job. Another instructor is Jeff Fletcher (A retired U-2 Pilot). Jeff was a student of Ron's turned trainer, his stories are worth the price of admission. We trained on the beach in Corpus Cristi for 2 days, trained close to Austin for the remainder at Kitty Hawk field. Overall it was a wonderful experience. {EDIT - I was not once hit up to buy any of the products while we were training, no strong-arm tactics, no pressure, and all gear was provided with the training. We decided to purchase my sons while we were there and I ordered my trike a month or so after, still waiting for it to arrive} --Also thanks for the video, you just gained a new sub...
I learned to fly at the Blackhawk ranch with my believe it or not Flat Top Ninja. I made the mistake of purchasing gear before I completed training. We covered the full syllabus and lots and lots of ground school, endless kiting practice, weather training, airspace, tow line training, set up and pack up, hang point, engine care and maintenance, well before we even took our first flights. Then once we were in the air we did endless touch and goes. I still feel the pain of all that hard work but I am so glad we were pushed as hard as we were for those 9 days. I really gotta thank blackhawk for giving me all the tools I need to finally get my butt in the air. They were completely willing to train me on gear that was not there own and were completely unbiased about it. Training was $2500 at Blackhawk at the time for me.
I don't fly, but watch a lot of paramotoring vicariously...I've seen a lot of UA-cam, and I salute you for listening to more than 5 minutes of that guys obnoxiously loud voice and arrogant manner. You have been commendably polite and measured, but he is clearly not offering what he brags that he is, and he has the temerity to criticise others! He clearly up sells wheels because it's easier to get people in the air, and of course more profit. Again, I commend you for tolerating him. What is it with some people that they have to shout talk all the time? Anyway, I'm off to watch your proper training videos..
1200 people bought into what he was saying. Having said that, he managed to get all those people to buy his equipment. That equals a lot of sales. Period!
Thanks for your sharing, I am 75yrs old flying is my one and only Bucket list.. money is tight, sounds like I should take up a cheaper hobby LIKE KNITTING, wow! I'm to old. Thanks for your honesty. Safe flying my friend. 😁🤙🤙
Im a flight Junkie #764. I was trained by Kurt in 2013..I was happy with my experience. I traveled from Ohio to Kurt's Florida home in February . I had 4 training days as a foot launcher and I was his only student during that time.. All my training was hands with lots of kiting and wing control. I was pretty sore and my arms were black and blue from doing forward launch practice. I've had good and bad landings and takeoffs over the years and the freshbreeze has taken a beating and still runs like a champ...I think because Kurt is pushing everyone to buy the flypod he is skipping alot of the training plus training several students at one time,.I was on a tight budget and I got out of it what I wanted and I'm still enjoying flying at age 54.
When I saw Kurt tell his student not to do anything when he was experiencing an oscillation that did it for me,he really has to change up his training protocol from bottom up,even taking a few tips from ole Dell wouldn't hurt him :)
I just started training. I've paid the $3,000+ to begin. I've been twice, but the weather has canceled a couple weekends. In the meantime, I've learned about "The PPG Bible" and found more affordable instruction options. I wish I'd purchased the PPG Bible & read it before beginning.
I'm a pilot but not just paragliding or Power paragliding pilot, airplanes: Cessna 172, 152, 150, Jabiru, piper...etc and everyone knows that safety is the first for anything so I saw one of the junkee's instructor flying so he didn't have helmet I commented under the video that where is your helmet and what do you wanna teach your students? Whatever you do they learn from you, but unfortunately they don't have anything to teach others and they're totally wrong because there are too many things that students need to learn before fly not send them straight to the sky and also for start ground and theory are very important because students don't have any ideas about it and don't know what to do in any situation or If anything happens. They need to work on it on ground and feel it before anything, you think they don't charge you for learning, they took course cost with the equipment that they sell to you but they say it's free because mentality people like free things, but they don't know only can find a free meals on traps, I have too many things to say about flying or flying with junkees group that they chosen the wrong way to make money and play with people's life, anyway I don't waste your time more than that for the last ting I say If you wanna kill yourself go to junkees, or If you wanna put your money in the rubbish bin give it to them, but If you like this sport and you wanna flying and enjoy your flying and life choose the right club join them, learn from them, make more experience and enjoying of your life. Cheers Eagles ;)
Seriously, I pray that Kurt uses this information to fix his program and the way he teaches. There are many valid comments that until now people have been afraid to say. It’s not about how many students you can pack into a week. It’s about how many go away and really know how to fly safe and not have to learn by mistakes.
I listened to this video and it felt like I was back at Flight Junkies reliving my horrible experience all over again. This is not a coincidence this happens day in day out with the captain. As soon as you send him the money which is to him personally not to Flight junkies a business .THIS is the first red flag. At this point he wants to get you in the air as fast as he can so he can put another notch on his belt and say he trained another person when in reality you only know enough to probably get yourself hurt or killed. It is my Recommendation to skip any free training find a certified instructor and get trained before you buy any equipment from some fool pushing crap.
@@glenpaul3606 You are correct there is no such thing in the eyes of the FAA as a certified instructor but there is come people that have put together programs and education about flying para motets that are considered professionals in the field that sit you down in a class room and teach you the fundamentals , safety and what weather is safe to fly in way before you would ever be put in the hot seat and launched in the air . Most places that train have successfully trained maybe a few hundred to date since they started training people not a few hundred a season because it takes a long time for most people to master this sport on there own with no guidance of another.
@@chuckcome2143 After all I have watched, there is zero doubt in my mind that Dell Shanze Super Training is far and away the very best anywhere. The quality of his students and his own ability is proof.
@@glenpaul3606 That’s great You spent some time watching videos and have formed your own opinion. Let me tell you something Both Dell and captain dip shit are cocky piece of shit, they don’t give a shit about anybody but themselves so if you want to put your life on the line you sign up with whoever you want but when you die your wife or whoever cares about you will probably wish that you went to a qualified instructor that actually taught you something other than just how to get in the air fast. Both of them guys Pat themselves on the back so much that they don’t have time to teach anybody any fundamentals or safety instruction or even anything about the weather because that plays huge role in flying. Hopefully you make a educated decision on whoever you find to train you because it will be your life depending on it.
Great video. You really hit on some honest truths about the sport and the training available. I am so glad I did the research about schools first. The information and wisdom from a professional instructor is so important, I cant imagine attempting to launch without it. Personally I attended FLYPPG and I cant be more satisfied. From the classroom to the field, they made sure everything I needed to know was covered. Best wishes, See you in the sky...
I appreciate your making this video and your honesty. You are very respectful in how you present the information, yet you are truthful. I too was in a rush to get in the air and was mesmerized by Flight Junkies videos, so I contacted Kurt and purchased a Monster Fresh Breeze with a Trike and a 1997 design Power Atlas wing. I ordered my equipment at the end of May 2019 and was told it should arrive in Ohio in 4 to 5 weeks. After the second week in July, I had not heard from Flight Junkies so I called and made arrangements to spent the last full week in July out there for training. I spoke with Kurt the day before I made the 14 hour trip out there and he gave me directions on how to get there. He NEVER mentioned anything about my equipment not being there. I arrived the next day and Kurt was not around,so I called him and he said he would not be available til later in the afternoon. When he finally showed up at the field, all he could say was my equipment hadn’t arrived and I should not have come. I was so infuriated that all I could do was politely ask him to ship the equipment to my home address when it finally arrived, and I left. When the equipment finally arrived at the beginning of September, I used the Flight Junkies videos to assemble it and started kitting on my own. After many videos and reading the PPG Bible by Goins, I took my first “uninstructed “ Flight in April 2020. I’ve had 12 flights since and after a couple of hard landings, I’ve decided that $3,500 is a good price to spend to get REAL TRAINING.
William Wever I am so sorry to hear that this was your experience and really not at all surprised. Where did you end up going for training how many flights have you made since then?
Paramotor Crazy, so far I’ve got 9 flights in. Plan to go to Fly PPG in Illinois next spring for training. Thanks for the time you put into the videos. Keep it flying!
Thanks for sharing that experience Dave. I was designing and building and flying experimental and ultralight aircraft before PPG. I hated all the time it took to trailer and put together what ever I was flying. You had to plan for the whole day just to fly for an hour. Flex wing trikes were the most fun for me, but still a lot of work to store, transport, and put together each time you fly. I too started watching Tucker Gott videos, and I said "that's what I need". I was planning on going to Aviator PPG, but was going to be on a year long waiting list at the time. I got on line and called around and could not believe, that I found someone 20 minutes from my house here in Troy, Illinois. I trained with Jiri Sindler's Paragliding Unlimited at Gateway Air Park in Pierron, Illinois. Price is broken down based on what you want to do. Tandem fight to see if it's something you really want to do, etc... Total is $2500 full course with half up front, and the rest about half way through. He follows a full program like Aviator, so nothing missing when you're done. Also, no crash course time line. You will solo when he and you feel you're ready. Also, does towing before motoring. All his former students that live with in an hour drive still hang out, and fly with him at Gateway and other fields around the area. He is also a dealer for about everything, and pushes nothing. Not a "Commander McBragg". When he flys, he flys a 14m Viper 4. Only one in the US last I heard. If I fly this evening, I may see him there with students. I had nothing but a wonderful experience "Thank God". Most Sincerely, Ron.😎
That is awesome that you had that good of an experience and he definitely sounds like someone I would send someone to based on your recommendation. Hope to fly with you one day!! Thanks for sharing!
I've found that price is not a good indication of quality of training. There are other more important factors to consider. Quality of the instructor and how they approach their teaching, along with how they get along with the pilot, is paramount. There's two people involved in training. The prospective pilot and their attitude, along with the instructor and theirs. Both have to blend well or neither will succeed. I had the PERFECT trainer for my needs, wants and attitude. I got VERY lucky and it didnt cost much.
I can't believe that Captain Kirk just Chuck's people into the air without providing any of the essential information every pilot should know prior to leaving the ground. So apparently he basically prepares people to beat ask smart in operating the equipment yet doesn't provide them with a solid foundation of knowledge that is incredibly important, even more so for a pilot of a lawn mower engine and a giant piece of fabric. I actually gave him a call around the time you guys were training with him and I almost got suckered into his b*******.I hope I was not one of the people that called him and distracted him from half-assed training you guys. LOLI have noticed that every one of his videos could be 90% shorter if he left out his super long winded sales pitch about fresh breeze and free training. 😉😆I think it would be very entertaining to see him and superdell do a video together trying to convince people that their gear and training is the best. Kind of like presidential debate style. I can imagine Captain Kurt calling Dell "super numb nuts!" and Dell saying that Captain Kirk lacks even the most basic skills that all super students have on day one! LMFAO!
I took Dell's training. I'll catalog that later, but most people who train with Dell don't get in the air until they've had at least 7 or 8 days of training, and some never make it in the air by day 10 if Dell doesn't think they're ready. I will say I think the Flattop is superior equipment compared to the Fresh Breeze, but not the best motor out there. The quick release harness alone is an outstanding feature. As far as a debate goes... I think it would turn into a fist fight, because those two already hate each other.
If you've ever seen a video of Capt. Jerk when he launches people, it's kinda scary. I'm not sure if this is any of the reasons he does that...as in pulling the guy along with the A risers to get him launched....but they do tend to crash and burn breaking propellers and cages..$$$$$$..I'm guessing that is a nice "extra" source of revenue for him...he likely pawns it off as "part of learning to fly"....
@@larrykorell750 that is most definitely not part of learning to fly. I taught myself a year ago and I have not broken anyting. I am still using my very first propeller it is the only one I have. LOL.
Good video. I think each student is unique. The more mature you are and the more wisdom you bring to the table the better. I used to fly a single engine DA20 Katana. I had a number of instructors working with me at the flight school because they were essentially on a waiting list to get a chance to be hired by the airlines. So, they would be there temporarily and then they would be gone. My one best instructor was the one that told me something like this: "I'm here to make sure you don't get hurt because of what you don't know. Sure, I can and will teach you to fly, but you're on your own private journey to learn to be a SAFE pilot. I'll be the guide but you must be the one to come up with and ask the questions".
I am a Brit and the rules here are pretty much the same here. I can strap a paramotor to my back and go fly without any training or insurance. But you, with your sincerity, have convinced me to pay the price and learn to fly properly.
Great video...very diplomatic..LOL.. I will say this, I like Kurt..he is a real character..but no everyones 'cup of tea" I am also a flight junkie. I agree 100% with your comments on the training at the FJ school. I expected more...sadly I only managed 2 flights in December 2018 at the Florida local due to high winds. I will say this, I like his videos..I find them very informative and a great resource. Thankfully I am not an 18 year old full of piss and vinegar but a mature 63 year old who had his PPL at age 17..and spent 21 years jumping out of USAF air craft with the 82nd Abn Div as a Parachute Rigger...some sky diving and some hang gliding. So safety / weather were not new topic for me. I bought and read the PPG Bible before going to Fla..I watched all kurts video's multiple times. I opted for the Fly Pod and Simonini 202 with the Air design easy medium wing. I am a very fit 150 lb 63 year old but decided running with a motor on my back was not for me..and that triking would better in the long run as I aged!.. I did my research on Fresh Breeze and liked the German engineering / quality. So here I am 10 months on and not flown yet...I have a field nr me and now the weather has calmed down I will start again. I am looking at doing some formal training in the near future.
Martin Fano sorry it has taken me this long to reply. Based on your aviation background you probably did not need more extensive background that I did so FJs may have been a good fit for you. I am really sorry to hear that you have not flown yet. If you reach out to me on Facebook Messenger and let me know where in the country you live, I can try and put you in touch with some people who fly in your area and possible help you complete your training. Thanks for your comments.
As a retired air traffic controller I´m in shock any school will not teach the basics even . A paramotor is an aircraft just as a Cessna is. Same principles same dangers. Weather, aerodynamics , safety (propellers, the main risk by far ) ... so many things to be aware of.
I, too, attended Flight Junkies school for the same reasons you did and with a similar overall experience. I did not buy Kurt's gear, so my training was $1,000, which I view as reasonable. I took the class in Florida. There were other students when I arrived and Kurt had been working with them for a week, but progress was slow due to terrible weather. Kurt lets you show up anytime, so he has a group of students with varying levels of progress in their training. Kurt has no help, so it's hard for him to keep track of who has done what. In our group there were trike flyers and foot launchers. I assisted in the assembly of 5 or more Fresh Breeze rigs and I have to agree they are good quality units. I thought the trike was a little flimsy, but I never used one so take that for what it's worth. Kurt utilized the Risk & Reward video as part of the ground school. I believe he did utilize a syllabus, but the ground school was lacking compared to additional training I obtained. He did not cover air space regulations at all. He did spend spend a good amount of time talking about wings and flying safety tips. He also utilized some of his own videos. Because I'm a foot launcher and others were as well, Kurt took us to a beautiful park with ample space and worked with us on kiting. His kiting instruction alone was worth the $1k I paid for training. (my opinion) Kurt's style of teaching is a bit like boot camp, but I didn't mind it at all. If he was yelling about something it was because I was doing something that was unsafe or or I was not following the teaching and was instilling in myself bad habits. There were a few times that the group waited outside of Kurt's home in the morning. I agree with David's assessment that Kurt appeared to value his time more than other people's. However, Kurt hauled us around in the Flight Junkies shuttle if we needed anything and he devoted most of the entire day, everyday to his students. A one-man operation is bound to encounter a few interruptions throughout the day due to phone calls and life in general. Kurt is serious about safety and would not permit flying or kiting if he thought the weather was not suitable. He does try to get you in the air as soon as possible so that you can experience a first flight. He has a good communications radio and did an excellent job walking me through my first flight. He was as excited as I was about my first flight and he appeared that way for all of us. Overall, I felt Kurt truly cares about his students and has a great ability to teach. In my view, there is a lack of organization to the process which in inherent in his allowing students to arrive whenever is convenient for the student. I did not get a flyable day until 5 or 6 days in due to the terrible weather. I don't fault Kurt for that. I had to leave before I could get another flight. Kurt told me I was not ready to fly on my own and wanted me to come back so he could work with me more. I never felt that he got his money and was eager to get rid of me. I ended up getting training near my home at Apex PPG because I was not ready to fly after my Florida trip to train with Kurt. If I had more time with Kurt, maybe he could have gotten me to a level of competence to fly solo. I do not remain in contact with Kurt but I will always consider him a friend due to the time spent together and feel absolutely welcome to go back if if ever needed. All said, would I recommend free training for the FJ experience, or would I recommend paying for a more structured environment? I would recommend paying for a more comprehensive course, no question about it. If you like the Fresh Breeze gear and you can get some free training, do it, but don't have unrealistic expectations about the level of training you'll get. I really wish Kurt was part of a more organized program because he is an excellent instructor when it comes to the field work.
Hey Dave I'm Dan I was down at flight junkies with you and your son. I'm the one that custom built my own trike. I watched him experience his first flight!!! Man was he pumped!!! I never did get up in the air and probably never will. So with that being said I have brand new equipment I will sell if you know of anyone interested in getting into this fantastic sport!!!
Dan Schneider I’m really sorry to hear that and hope you do not give up on this amazing sport. I really hope you reconsider as I am sure you know there alternative ways to be trained. However, if you are sure you do want to sell your equipment there is a page on Facebook called Paramotor things for sale. You could try to post your equipment there.
@@brucesweatmaniii6030 Before you start running your mouth/finger tips...here's the facts. The motor is a fresh breeze monster wing is a power atlas and the trike is copied from a trike in the market already.
Very informative . Although David (Paramotor Crazy) had provided me with the link to this video prior to making it"public", I had refrained from comment, to gauge the initial responses. Call me cautious, but seeing other reviews on Flight Junkies "disappear", I wondered what the man who trains people with a gun on his hip might have to say. From my own experience, as I progressed in ground handling and attempting to digest all things PPG that came my way...at the 11th hour prior to actually flying, the Captain contacted me. He pleaded with me not to fly without supervision. Offering immediate supervision for free. I thanked him. It was a valid concern no doubt. At that point however, I knew that I had done way more in terms of preparatory kiting and immersion in the subject material than most of the students attending free training get prior to their first flight. Maybe it was wrong and prideful, but I flew the next day, partly to avoid becoming Flight Junkie 9XX. I have since decided not to attack the Captain. I think his heart is in the right place. His videos are often informative and educational. Although sometimes non-conventional in his style, I really believe he wants the community to be safer, he just doesn't always have the typical tools, nor mainstream appeal, to effect that wish. I wish him the best and hope the best for students that choose his free training along with the gear he sells. Thanks for including me David! I don't think this video is a deal killer for prospective Flight Junkie students, but it certainly is an eye-opener and a gauge for what people should expect...a well rounded COMPREHENSIVE full curriculum training experience.
I try not to mention any names in my videos for the same reasons. But I can say I had the same experience. It’s not really a matter of what is the better choice, it’s a matter of personal option. For me as you know, I’m out of the sport. In hind sight, I’m glad I got free training because ultimately I would have come to the same decision of quitting. And I’ve already lost a lot of money after selling my unit. I would hate to have lost more to training expenses. thankfully these days there’s a lot of training experience that can be learned from the internet, but none compares to information from experts in person. I feel I got the info I needed at flight junkies. But it needs to be treated like a trade school. You get out what you put in. Meaning if you want more, you have to show up and ask for it on your time and accept the chance that the weather and Kurt’s time may not permit. However it’s also a good thing that I stopped because there was so much that I wasn’t trained for that I probably would have gotten hurt or worse eventually. So how much is your life and safety worth? That’s the real question. Free or not, it’s up to you.
Flight Junkies training isn't training. It is sit-in-the seat...pray to the Lord before you go, fasten your seatbelt, and pray to the Lord that if you manage to get into the air you will be able to get back down safely. I wish I had more info before I took the "free" training. His praying over me before I took off into the sky wasn't reassuring as I didn't really know how to fly or land. I was sent off into the air with his prayer and by shear luck managed to land. I would not recommend his training to anyone.
I sure hope I don’t but it may happen. If anything I would hope that he or any instructor understands what someone really expects from train regardless off the cost.
Where ever you go, what ever trainer is the right fit for you I wish you the best of luck and feel free to reach out if there is anything I can do as you embark on the greatest journey!!!
Flying sports are not a thing you can be cheap about. Dont save money on quality gear and training, your life will depend on both. I bought the same reserve parachute the test pilots use when testing new wings to certify them. I think they know what they are talking about.
like most people that get into this sport we all have a wild side. I miss flying, i crashed twice and almost completely gave up on the sport. this summer i put my monster back together with the intention of going back to Ohio for more training, but in the back of my mind I knew I wouldn't of learned anything new. I love life , even though I have a balls out attitude I found out the hard way this sport will chew them up and spit them out if you don't know what you don't know. I KNOW THIS FROM EXPERIENCE. thanks for all your videos. I hope one day we meet so I can shake your hand... i will fly again. I'm paying the $3500 this time and I'll let them know PARAMOTOR CRAZY sent me. Thank you for letting me here out loud what I already knew deep down. I think I just had to hear it this way without the bashing.
Dear David, I have been in the PG and PPG activity since 1996/97 until today. If you really like to fly safe and with good instruction, the most serious and recommended thing is at your own discretion. Tour paramotor schools and see the methods they use. Look for the right one for you. What I see on youtube are old equipment merchants and SUPER-Narcissists. Maybe in the USA there is someone who wants to teach but I can't find him on UA-cam ...
You don't know what you don't know. Many pilots including myself get so eager to get into the sport they will take the first trainer they can find. Knowing what I know now, when asked I tell people the minimums they should look for when looking for a trainer. If you are going to pay over 3k for training I don't think getting at least a dozen flights is unreasonable, neither is tandem or towing. Time on simulators. It's not all kiting. I paid 3k for 7 days of kiting, a day of classroom time which was watching master ppg videos and then 2 flights, I could of self trained that. I ended up going to another trainer who worked with me to knocked out an addition 18 flights plus we covered mistakes I would make in the simulator. The experience made me really upset about my first trainer. In my area there is only one trainer and it really gets me sometimes when I run into his students and see them struggle and find out they only got 2 or 3 flights in training. To see them struggle on shiny brand new equipment …. I would love to see more videos and consensus in the community about minimum standards for trainers. Everyone pushes the 'get training' mantra, but what makes one a trainer? who is keeping the training honest?
I went to PPG school at UA-cam U. It worked well. Only suffered 3 bruised ribs & 2 face plants, one of which was into a red ant nest. I saved $3,500. No doctor. No EMTs. No Emergency Room.
I've watched a few minutes of one of flight junkies video and my bs meter went to the top. I think 3500 is too much also but at least they teach you what you need to know. as with all things buyers beware and always if it sounds too good to be true it probably is. thanks for sharing your experience
Here it is May 2021, this information and firsthand account in this video is priceless!
Thank you for sharing your experience and thoughts on learning the sport of PPG.
Undoubtedly the cost of training is one major factor in people getting involved in the PPG world.
While it is expensive, it also will help keep you safe and teach you the basics of what is needed to keep you flying..
I truly appreciate you making this video!👍
So marks the beginning of "WOLFGATE". Most people don't get to experience it the way you have, they train one time and that's it. You realize that you're gonna get a lot of pushback from the kool aid drinkers so keep a thick skin. The people who don't get good training never realize what they have missed. I agree completely that every student has different needs and there is no perfect training. My training experience was less than perfect too. I opted for a less expensive school locally because it was in my budget and I could start immediately. I only realized the difference after spending time with other schools and instructors.
I applaud you for sharing this experience David. This is the type of information I searched for when I was getting interested in paramotors. This is a GREAT service to the new folks coming into the sport, thanks for sharing it!
@@DellSchanze I never thought he was this bad man, I was better off studying how you fly and train your students then teach myself than go to him.
Oh yeah Dell I gotta give you a shout soon about that xs.
@@DellSchanze Yeah Dell,Im self trained Im sure you know that,I own a Dominator,and out of all the skills I learned the ones you taught me are the best with pressure management and glider control...Im sure its not like going to Super training but it was all i could do at the time,thanks for sharing what you do man.
Bump bump!!
This should be required viewing for all new people looking to get into this sport. As a newbie myself, I appreciate videos like this and find it extremely valuable. Thanks!
Wow! I knew Flight Junkies was bad, but I didn’t know he was THAT bad. I’m so glad I paid for training.
You really do get what you pay for!
that guy comes across as an ASS
Wonderful video. I looked for information about this specific thing late 2018 early in 2019 and found bits and pieces but nothing so bold as this. $3,500 is a lot of cash to pass over for training when your offered a "free" class as an alternative. I am so thankful I decided to go professional (3,500) instead of amateur (free). My life and the life of those my activities affect are worth more than 3,500 bucks. Dont cheap out on your life! Training for me at Aviator PPG starts December 7th 2019!! WOO HOO!! Thanks for the video David. At the least your saving some people heartache, at most you probably saved a life. I bet that feels great!
Wow Mike I am humbled by your words. THANK YOU. So happy for your to get trained at Aviator. That is awesome. Good luck and feel free to reach out to me if there is anything I can do for you.
@@FlyingCondor1 how dose covid stop you from flying? I'm thinking you've got the 6ft thing down
For a couple of months I have been watching (many many many) videos of paramotoring and never have I, before now, been able to figure out the question of free vs paid training. All i could do was listen to the bashing of one trainer or another to fill my brain with more questions. That ended the minute your video ended. The truth has finally found my brain.
THANK YOU
Ditto
If a school or instructor is bad mouthing another school/ instructor or recognized certification program run.
A HUGE THANK YOU FOR HELPING TO OPEN UP LINES OF COMMUNICATION . WITHOUT THE CUTTING .. THIS SPORT NEEDS MUCH MORE OPEN DIALOG BETWEEN PEOPLE WHO ARENT AT EACH OTHERS THROATS ...
I took Dell Schanze’s training in March last year. I have to say my experience with Dell was much more informative, and was focused mostly on learning the wing. How to handle the wing, and mostly how to feel what the wing is doing, learning not to stall it, so that as you’re flying you know how to react. Essentially teaching muscle memory, so when something weird happens you’re better prepared to react when it truly counts. He spends an hour or two each day as a group going over safety issues, and gotachas that could lead to potential problems. He explains in great detail how the wing functions, what an airfoil is and why it works, and how a soft fabric wing becomes an airfoil. He talks about the engine, but he doesn’t go into great detail about maintenance. I’m personally not really a huge fan of the engine, but I do believe the frame is awesome. The quick release is something I won’t fly without since there’s a fair amount of water where I live. Thinking about the amount of time Dell gives compared to Kurt, well there’s just no comparison. Dell spends all day on site with his students. He stays out as much as 10 hours a day all 10 days, and never takes a break except to go to the bathroom. He is constantly imparting information to his students and is never rude as he continues moving from one student to the other while they’re either kiting or leaning to kite their wing. He supplies all of the equipment, and has a large assortment of wings. Newbies start kiting on 14 meter wings and graduate to larger wings as they progress, and their skills improve. He does his training at a beach were there’s always a 5 to 15 mph wind that is somewhat laminar. Some people argue that it doesn’t really help you with zero wind launches, but to compensate he goes out early some mornings with little to no wind as well. Mostly what he’s teaching people in the first week is to understand the wing, and how it reacts to inputs like brake inputs, or weight shift. How to become comfortable with controlling a 22 meter or larger wing with confidence even in medium to high wind. Understanding how it feels when the wing wants to move one way or another, and how to react. Things I think are less a great about Dell’s training would be his tendency to badmouth others in the sport. I’m never a fan of that sort of behavior, and even less so in a professional setting. Granted some in the sport open themselves up to critical comments through their own actions, and people are going to comment, but I don’t think is has to be done in a demeaning or belittling way. Ground school is pretty much non-existent since Dell just gives everyone a recording of this ground school, and if you’re like me you’ll start falling asleep within 5 or 10 minutes of listening to a recording. He says he does it like that because he doesn’t want to take away from people getting hands on training as much as possible. I get that, but classroom training is invaluable especially when you’re talking about a sport that has the potential of putting yourself, and other aviators at risk when you don’t follow the rules. All in all I thought it was good training, but I’m considering taking another class from someone else to get a different perspective or to establish different skills. Thank you for putting this video out there. It’s a great eye opener for those of us who considered Flight Junkies.
Brad Richmond That was a fantastic review about another instructor who is under fire quite a bit. I really appreciate your honesty and how you review your experience. I hope as people read through all of these comments that they don’t skip yours. I will be talking about this to a lot of people and mentioning it this Sunday night on Our Paramotor Nation. THANK YOU AGAIN!
It’s been interesting to watch the evolution of paramotoring over the last 20 years. In general paramotoring is much easier and safer today, thanks in large part to Jeff Goin author of the Powered Paragliding Bible. Some people need to be more thankful for what Jeff has accomplished. Hopefully paramotoring will continue to become more accessible with self kiting single surface gliders and electric motors with ducted or enclosed propellers. Smooth Skies and then we Fly!
As a newb who has only done some kiting and an introductory course in a sport where the risk is real, insight is so invaluable.
I suspected as much about Dell. He obviously has skill and can impart it. He also obviously has an opinions but I find his style of articulating them distasteful.
I really appreciate a persons ability to comment without personal attacks. Thank you for yours.
@Fairbanks Air Riders Great point. One of the first things that I did after rejoining FB after about 15 years away from it, was to seek out, friend and then thank Jeff Goin for authoring that book. I read it over several times, went back and carefully studied sections on ground-handling as I waited for training (I also bought a wing and harness ahead of class so I could practice ground-handling over the summer - also highly recommended!) That book is INVALUABLE. Just as useful is the manual that comes with your wing.
Brad Richmond hi mate from down under. Great to hear a honest review on Dell, all I ever hear is people ragging him out. Sounds like he does have some good characteristics in his training. Thanks for the insight into this guys training.
At last... the truth behind the hype. Thank you for helping newbies see through the nonsense and get a true picture of what is involved in becoming a fully rounded pilot rather than an experimenter.
Paul Shotan thanks Paul
No, the thanks are all down to you. I recently spoke out about the hype and false claims made Flightjunkies and was shot down in flames by his supporters, abused and treated like an idiot, but that seems to be the way adult "debate" is handled online these days and especially in this sport with a clear rift between the supposedly soft, nerdy "study guys" and the macho he-men self-trained crew. Each to his own but I would hope most people would have learned that there's no such thing as a "free" lunch and very rarely any truly "free" training unless amongst friends. You get exactly what you "pay" for and to be sent into the air without full training and practice is, to my mind, akin to potential manslaughter.
Thanks again for your eloquent, well tempered and unbiased report. I'm sure it will help many others and possibly save some lives?
As an owner of a USPPA school in the USA, I am always learning about new material, weather, and safety procedures all the time. I think the most important thing we can learn in this sport, is to be able to learn from each other. Valuable tool. Excellent video! Thank you for sharing.
My instructor trained with him 15 years ago and almost lost his hand. He has since got USPPA certified, but he reuses to talk bad about anyone. I think it’s important for people to expose these pariahs in the sport.
Dave, I found your narrative to be genuine, informative, and respectful of all. I really appreciate a persons ability to comment without personal attacks. Thank you for yours.
As I continue to get into this sport I expect to eventually be asked to comment on the training at other sites and I think your post is a good model to follow.
I suppose I should get then Risk and Reward video since the ground training depended so heavily on it.
JimCR120 Thankyou I appreciate it.
Hi Greg, You hit the nail on the had, I trained with Kurt about the same time as you, but did not progress very well due to weather.
I am still stuck to me 5 flights but seriously looking to get real training.
All your comments are 100% applicable to my training. Love to watch you on your podcast.
Would he know if I was playing with myself up there ?
Thanks for a great video. I’m an airplane pilot about to get into the sport. You described essentially the difference between learning to fly the aircraft (easy) vs. learning to be a pilot (much more involved). That syllabus matches the FAA’s ACS (Airman Certification Standards), and that’s a good thing.
Finally had a chance to watch this. Very interesting, thank you. I've heard similar testimonials from several other people. Well done not bashing anyone, I couldn't have done that lol. 🤙
First off great job Dave on the video I think it is very important for anyone looking to get into this sport to have a video such as yours available to help them make an informed decision. I also want to thank you for the invitation to share my experiences with your audience. I was also trained by Kurt at flight junkies almost 6 yrs ago now, and it breaks my heart to hear he still conducts his training in the same manner he did 6 years ago :( you said it best in the video, as a new pilot you dont know what you dont know.. and what you dont know can kill you in this sport. Knowing what I know now, I can without a doubt tell you that the me, a rookie pilot of 6 years ago should have never been in the air and flying with the limited knowledge I got from flight junkies, it was dangerous and reckless. I also never got a syllabus, I was never taught weather, kiting, airspace, legalities, safety or maintenance. I never even was shown the video risk and rewards during my initial training, I only watched the video when I went back months later because I felt I needed some more training and seen a couple of his current students watching it, and I asked what is that ?? And he told me I should have watched that video when I was here the first time... like I messed up and it was somehow my fault he didnt show me the video lol :) anyone who has watched my videos will know Kurt absolutely does not like me, simply because I was honest with my opinions in my videos and he is not one to be told he is wrong, I didnt share with youtube many of mine and Kurt's private conversations on the phone but believe me .. he is not the kind and caring person he portrays in his sales pitch...he has a dark side for sure. I have over the years and will continue to talk with anyone who contacts me about my experiences at flight junkies, just message me I'll always answer...7 days a week between 8am and midnight lol ;) I know your video was very unbiased and you didnt want to persuade people one way or another, but I'll say it loud and clear.... please dont train at flight junkies !!! Spend the extra money and get trained properly please... your life is worth more than money please....you dont know what you dont know... but you need to know the things you will learn with proper training. Dave thank you again for creating this platform for people to share their experiences with each othe..see ya in the skies guys..Scary Berry out !!! ;)
Bart Berry thank you for sharing your experiences and appreciate you taking my call anywhere in the 50 states!
Bart Berry well said mate.
Bart Berry, I've watched some of your videos. What I remember is the problem with the fuel leak and the amount of time devoted to repair as opposed to flying. Thanks for the education. I'll leave it at that.☺
Bart, you and Dave Wolf are absolutely correct about training. Hey how about we all meet and you can train me. Kurt and I had a falling out when I wanted to video my training. I still don't have a flight junkies# yet. I'll probably end up self training.
Sounds EXACTLY like the so called training I received at BLACKHAWK PARAMOTORS!!! No syllabus, no trainers around most of the day, no air space knowledge, didn’t even tell me about applying a little bit of brake pressure to help with your launch. CRAZY STUPID!!!
I trained at an Aviator alliance school and am very happy with the thoroughness of the training. At the time, it felt like alot to absorb but in hindsight, I know i am a much safer and more confident pilot.
Very good review!
MrCrdub I agree in many ways. FlyMiPPG is also an Aviator Alliance school.
@@DellSchanze OK Mr Schanze, how about you publish your syllabus ? Let us know EXACTLY what SUPER TRAINING is going to deliver ? No, didn't think you would, can't have verifiable information get in the way of good troll rant. Cant let reality get in the way of selling outdated equipment. Meh, the BS is strong with this one.
It seems to me that you received virtually no training at Flight Junkies. No wonder the training was free!!
It's nice to hear a straight forward unbiased classy video on this subject! I have been obsessed, researching this sport, instructors and schools trying to sift thru all of the in's and outs and in one video you have answered a lot of my question and concerns! Thank you so much!!!
Thank you and good luck. Feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions. Love every minute of this journey you are about to start!
Thanks for shedding some light on this subject. Thumbs up
True wisdom is knowing what you don't know. --Confucius
Absolutely!
Well that was probably the most honest thing I’ve read on UA-cam regarding PPG. Thanks for not bashing Kirt and flight junkies but rather saying actual facts and your impressions. Every fake keyboard warrior out there should take a lesson and stand up for something using their own name like you guys do. Instead of all the name calling and rhetoric. You guys both deserve a lot of credit for this video and the pinned post by Eagles. Very well done. Very cool! 🤘
Thanks I appreciate that.
Thanks for sharing your experiences. First I am 59 years old. I already flew Fixed wing, Hang Glider trikes, PPC, & Hang Gliders before I trained on Paramotors. I trained with Jiri at Paragliding Unlimited in Pierron IL. He trains at My field Gateway Airpark. I watched them fly PPG for several years. I final had to find out what it was all about. Jiri has a through sibyls. His training is complete. He provides everything you need to learn and make solo flights. He does tow training with both foot launch and Trikes/ Quads. It was a great experience. I made my first PPG solo March 23 this year. Did I mention it was a great experience. I have been flying PPG and learning ever since. I have about 60 flights and about 45 hours in as of now . I am looking forward to many more years of flying thanks to Jiri at Paragliding Unlimited. This is the most fun you can have with your clothes on and sometimes off... OK shorts on. I really enjoy your videos. It was great meeting you at Dave Purdin's fun fly.
It was great meeting you to Kieth. Thanks for sharing your amazing experience with us!!
What would be hilarious is if Captain Kurt had you watch a Dell Schanze training video for Kurt's training.
This is very helpful. You just help me make my decision. I like the idea of having more knowledge.
Scott Ledford glad I could help you with what ever decision you make. Good luck and enjoy every minute of PPG!!!
@@David_Wolfe I watched a lot of flight junkies vlogs and always wonder if he's training be worth it or not. One of my problem with Kurt is that he's always bashing other Ppls equipment. But that what's used car salesman do. With your experience with Flight Junkie it sounds like he'll get you in the air but really don't educate you properly on everything you really need to know. It would be smart to do like what you did and spend the money and get probably trained.
Great video, I've just done my Paramotor training at home in the UK . I did my training at the Parajet factory in Dorset with their recommended instructors and it was superb. It was run over a week to cover the ground handling, air law, weather, motor etc with our first flights scheduled for the last day subject to the weather. Unfortunately on our last day the weather wasn't perfect (these were the only conditions they deemed suitable for our first flights) so we didn't get to fly. We did however arrange another week with the same instructors in Spain to finish off the course and get our first flights in. The qualification was to a set standard called the Club Pilot rating which is a syllabus devised by the sports governing body in the UK the BHPA (British Hang gliding and Paragliding Association) I really don't think the training could have been any better and I certainly would not have felt confident enough to fly with anything less than this. Personally I would rather pay for the training and get a thorough understanding of every aspect of the sport rather than be rushed into the air because the trainer doesn't want to invest their time in you. Thanks! Mark
Thanks for posting this Dave. I believe you have helped allot of future PPG pilots with this post. There is a old saying, "nothing worth value in business is free" or " you get what you pay for. " I've have seen my share of students that have received this free training. In most cases they needed allot of corrective instruction on how to properly foot launch and basic knowledge of safe flying. At one fly-in a few years ago I watched a graduate of the Flight Junkies who attempted over 12 forward launches with no success of getting into the air. He was being laughed at and several other pilots tried to help him. At that point I approached him and his wife and told them that he needed to go get some real training from a qualified trainer. I called Eric Dufour and asked him to work with this individual. What a difference a week of proper training with a qualified instructor makes. This individual is now a very accomplished PPG pilot. Again you get what you pay for!!!! Proper training is worth ever penny. (How much is your life worth?). Here is a link of some of the training you should receive from one of the best if not the best trainer that I know. This video only shows about a quarter of the training Bob received. Thanks again Dave for sharing your post.
Welcome to the Brotherhood of PPG
Tim Gaskins thanks for saving him and pointing him in the right direction.
WOW, excellent unbiased video Dave!
Free Training, You get what you pay for.
I would like to add a few things that happened to me or that I witnessed. People may not know but I was a Flightjunkie too. I encourage all Flightjunkie's too also leave a comment about their experience at Flightjunkie's or any other school or trainer they had. This can only benefit the PPG community.
To start with, I will quickly give my background why I got into the sport. It was around June of 2013 and my son Derrick, sent me a link on my cell phone for a video from a guy from Florida state flying a with a motor and paragliding wing. My son said "Dad, we gotta do this." "Its called powered paramotoring." My son and I always did different sports together, Motor-cross, Surfing, Snowboarding/skiing, etc. Anything to have fun we did it together. I told him we should do it soon. We made some loose plans to go see it in person.
Unfortunately, my son at age 25 passed away on 9-11-13. He died of a heart attack in his sleep. At that point and for many more years, I didn't feel like doing anything, let alone trying a new sport. Years passed and I watched some more videos online once in a while.
That's when I came across the Flightjunkie videos. I was starting to get interested again and I loved the idea about free training. Hell anything free was ok to me because I was working a lot, paying a lot of bills and I didn't have much extra spending money. I decided to call Kurt at Flightjunkie's. He answered the phone and he gave me a good sales pitch. The only thing stopping me was the money. Then Kurt said he does "Layaway". $1000 down and you have a year to pay it off. Well now I was really interested. I saved up and sent my down payment around Feb 2018. Once I did that, I got very serious about saving and finding money to buy my Fresh Breeze Equipment.
I will say this: If not for Flightjunkie's free training and law-away plan, I probably would not have got into this sport. Saving $12.5K was not an easy thing to do for me.
Fast forward a few months, I took vacation and went to Ohio. When I got there I was excited to get up in the air. By then I had watched hundreds of videos and also watched Kurts instructional videos multiple times each. As Dave stated in his video, we assembled our equipment the first day. It was then that I realized that the 4 bolts needed to mount the comfortable (eyes rolling) "boat seat:" to the Flypod were missing. Kurt told me to go buy some in town at the local hardware store. I couldn't understand why he didn't provide the bolts and why I had to go get them? I got the feeling he would have eventually got around to buying the bolts himself but I also felt that if I waited for him to do it, it would have greatly delayed my first flight. So i went and bought the bolts with money from my own pocket.
When you arrive there, all you do is think about your first flight. It's an obsession. You are willing to do anything, once you see your brand new equipment and other people taking their first flights, it's like a drug. You are in a great mood, period.
Continued:
13 Eagles PPG Thanks for sharing your perspective as well. This is great information for everyone coming in to our amazing sport! Thank you again for taking the time be as detailed as you were and putting so much thought in to what you wanted to say. It shows how much you care about other people.
@@CFP246 If you have 150 trike flights there is no reason you can't foot launch. All you need to do is find a couple competent pilots to Mentor you.
Well first and foremost my condolence go out to you and your family about the son. I cannot even begin to imagine what it would feel like to lose a child. Both of my girls are schoolteachers one teach fifth grade, and the other teach kindergarten and my son is in the Air Force in Langley Virginia I cannot imagine what it would be like to lose a child. So my deepest deepest condolence for you and your family I think that was the hardest thing that I’ve read out of everything that you said publicly.. and good for you for landing back on your feet and pursuing one of the dreams that you and your son set out to do it sound like you guys had a very good relationship.
I must say this is very hard for me to see this video because I was a flightjunkie Kool-Aid drinker until I read your testimony. I’m a Christian and what’s even more disturbing to me is that, I’m starting to wonder, when he prayed before the students fly I wonder if that is all for show now. Very disturbing.... for me..
That was one of the things that I liked about Captain Kurt but now I’m starting to wonder if it’s all smoke and mirrors. I am very interested in the sport and I always wonder what it’s like behind the scenes at flightjunkies. I’m with you, he has a very good sales pitch in fact I wouldn’t be surprise if he can sell snow to an Eskimo he has a very good sales pitch.
I was a student pilot back in the late 90s I have about 40 hours of flight time on my belt I have cross-country solo, all of my training was in a piper tomahawk however I never did get my pilots certificate for a whole multitude of reasons at the time. Fast forward to now this sport intrigues the devil out of me and training is everything. After Dave went over the syllabus in the video I guess I will spend that $3500 at the school in Florida. Anyway thanks for the insight this was very helpful I know which direction I need to go going forward. The only other thing now I don’t know is what motor will be best to buy because after your video now I am questioning everything flightjunkies has put out there. Again thanks for the inside and my deepest condolence.
Hi son I now feel like I missed growing up with a dad who was as adventurous as you are. And if I hadn’t abused my body with those damn cigarettes for far too many years I would be flying with my number one son, cheers,
A dad
bruce sweatman III probably not a good idea to reply to posts when your high? 😂🤣
So glad to hear an unbiased opinion David. Thank you for sharing this with us all. Stay safe and Crazy!
I think this video will save Lives as well as $ , helped me rethink how I want to enjoy the Sky 🌎
Even though captain Kurt says free training, but isn’t he putting the price into the gear you buy? 👍🏻✌️
The best way I can answer this is-- Call Sothern Skies and get a price on a unit (not the whole set-up) then call Kurt and get a price. I bet it will be the same price. Yes, he gets them for wholesale and that's where he makes $ . Southern Skies and others will still tack on training. I think
Look up TANSTAAFL
Tony Marzano that’s exactly right. He appeals to human nature of greed, just like any good con man would.
He’s selling the Flypod for I think $2300,00 I can tell you, from my review it’s way over priced and little thought of quality and safety were put into it. Might have $150-$200 in material and labor.
You should see captains rap sheet. I assume that is why he misspells his name on person. Super long arrest record, domestic violence, theft, etc. disorder conduct, long long list
My opinion is if you can’t afford quality training, keep saving. It should be budgeted into your aviation dreams. Flying is unforgiving of mistakes and training is key to reducing the mistakes you make. FlyMIPPG is awesome. I trained there too. They genuinely treat you like family.
Very well said!
Very informative well thought out, 'needed' video that will help out newbie pilots forever!
Thanks Dave.
I expect you will get a lot of blow back from this but I believe from the comments that the majority of people know it was your unbiased opinion and came from your heart.
Good job, keep the videos coming!
Perfect! Right now I am a wannabee. This was perfect. Thank You!
Great video. I went to FlyMiPPG the training there was amazing. Justin, Mike, and Bob give you all the tools you need to be a safe proficient PPG pilot. I did months of research before deciding to go with them and I’m so glad I did. My first flight after class I was so nervous, but I followed my training and my flight went great. I would recommend them to anyone. My wife is talking about training with them .
John Knecht thank you for your testimony and I have referred many people their way for the same reasons.
IN life beware of people who saythings are FREE cause they are not. Or they are INTELIGENT cause they are not. Or they are the BEST cause they are not.
Good, best and intelligent people don't have too
Nice video David - my experience with Kurt & Flight Junkie training was identical I.e. no where close to what I expected. The fact that I was already a licensed private pilot with 200+ hrs of sailplane experience meant that I didn’t really need much of the missing pieces in his syllabus or lack there of. Still I came away with many holes or gaps in my training - but still I did learn how to takeoff & land. Thanks for being kind and complementary on the good aspects of Flight Junkies and at the same honest and accurate about what you don’t get from free training.
ppgbobfather Thanks Bob. I have heard much the same from many Flight Junkies but as I said in the video I only wanted to speak for myself.
I'm a former/lifetime student of FlyMIPPG, and I can tell you my experience was far beyond what I expected. Not only do you get top-notch training, you become part of the family. Some of my favorite memories were watching other people go through the process and fly, not just myself. I've made some lifelong friends, and learned how to fly safely. The most important thing you can do in this sport is always be a student and learn as much as you can. You definitely get what you pay for, and so much more. Thanks for the video. Welcome to the family. Hope to share the sky with you someday.
thank you for your comment. I hope we get to fly together in the future. I did have the opportunity to fly with several Michigan guys this year at the Dave Purdin Fly In.
I am attending the MI class in July 👍🏻
Hi Dave and these are my comments. I like you have watched countless videos and again like you am drawn in to flight junkies. I was supposed to start training local here in SW Florida but due to rainy season and airport closer from same and now unexpected arm and hand surgeries and upcoming trip my training won't start until mid November at the earliest. The great thing I fortunately have been welcomed by PPG GORILLA and Ground and Sky Pirates and drive 90 minutes each way to help and learn from them. This I believe has been a great learning experience and has answered many question. One thing though I still like the Fesh Breeze equipment but seeing the Moster 185 has me continuously looking at equipment. I really take to heart all your comments and this great video. I also subscribe to paramotor nation and support resurgence ppg which again was lead to by PPG GORILLA. Thanks again for one of the best informative vides.
You are better off having friends mentor and train you than Kurt.
Dave, hey bud, I met you today (Saturday) at the Live Oak Fl. fly in, you gave me a Paramotor Crazy sticker and told me to watch this video. Excellent video, straight forward, and itlooks like you got more than I did out of your visit to FJ. I want to go see Kyle in the coming months, I beleive he uses a similar syllabus as youdescribed that covers everything. Thanks again, great to meet you.
David, This video will help so many people make the correct decision for their own situation. I know you have helped me move forward with my PPG pursuit in a way that will make me confident in my decision making process. Thanks you, it is greatly appreciated!
Kurt L thank you and good luck in the sport!
I taught myself 1993 without issues. Learned to pg off a mountain then added the backpack motor 🙃
Thanks for an honest video. Telling it straight is much more important than being concerned with offending someone. People have become too thin skinned. The bottom line is that we are talking about peoples lives. It is much more important for us to pass on our real experiences rather than sugar coat things or not mention them at all. If we can give a glowing review of a person or place of business, then we have every right to give a scalding review as well...... as long as it is honest and unbiased. Thanks again, your experience is greatly appreciated. Stay safe.
I'm also a flight flunkie that had to pay for some actual training elsewhere!
Great job David. This will save a lot of people countless hours and dollars. You did a great job of staying in your lane and being fair. More fair than Kurt deserves considering how he is in his videos. Still, some people will see it as a bargain and that's OK. I saw you having as much fun as anyone else at Bad Apples. Now you know what you didn't know but don't know now what you don't know. We never stop learning.
VB Willy Never stop learning!!!! Thanks!
Kiting and ground handling are a huge part of learning to fly PPG. Thorough training is hands on, 95% of the time you are there. I’ve read enough stories about this guy Kurt at Flight Junkies. No WAY I would go to him. What happened to you is common with him. He flies outdated, heavy gear and tries to upsell everyone who can’t fly it, to a trike. That’s where he makes his money. It’s why the majority of his students end up on trikes.
About 2,000 hours of UA-cam research, hundreds of hours of kiting and hundreds of flights has taught me how important training is. My school will be up and running this year.
Wow !
I was really considering goin over there to FJ.
Thank you so much buddy !!!
I’m in Southern Utah (Saint George) hope to find a good and affordable school around here.
…and I will buy the equipment trough them anyways I guess 🤷♂️
Again thank for a excellent informative video.
backcountryppg.com/products/training?gclid=CjwKCAjw1ICZBhAzEiwAFfvFhPFFfgNRr9ik9L0JWXPkPWAtWI8QajG9rYKbR-tWvg272ZAHuD5jlRoCkz4QAvD_BwE
Well at least one thumbs down, was surely expected! You Sir David, are a man of intense integrity. The honest and direct personal report of your experiences as a flight junkie will absolutely save some lives. I first witnessed PPG in 1998 during recovery rehabilitation, after a motor vehicle accident had me at a life changing point in my teens. (Left BKA was the outcome of a leisurely ride to work one day)
At the time I had wished there was a way I could get more information about what I had witnessed fly by the care center I was living at for the year. Little over 11 months was spent there, before I was able to walk out the front doors. Years went by and "that thing" I witnessed fly by had been forgotten a few times in between.
Nearly twenty years after the initial sighting, I too was drawn into the flight junkies youtube videos and the enticement of free and unlimited training in all fifty states. This is something that is hard to pass up, "Is this guy for real?" I asked myself. So I found every video I could on flight junkies, along the way I realized that the bashing and methods shown in the capt's videos was slowly turning me off to the further pursuit of training. Not just from him but almost altogether, as a whole. Something just rubbed me the wrong way with the never ending message I heard over and over in every video! Thankfully I decided to dig deeper into the possibility of respectful and structured training options. I had found there was an almost endless amount of training options available around the country, and it seemed the costs varied enough to fit many budgets.
There was something that kept coming to mind, that I was once told "the most important decision you will make about education is where to get it" In the end and after much more research I had decided to take the year and a half wait list for Aviator PPG. A long time to wait, but patience for proper and structured training was something I was willing to do. Only 6 months went by when I was contacted by Aviator and asked if I would take the First course of the new year in. It was on! and in only a third of the time expected to wait.
I do have to admit there is one other guy where I live that flies a trike. I knew him, but only as a GA pilot. Never knew he flies ppg. I saw him one day and expressed my excitement for upcoming training. He offered some of his time and a wing to show me some kiting. Obviously I was most grateful to take advantage of that. This proved most beneficial, combined with the PPG bible series training was something more of a review and fine tuning. With a main dish of you dont know what you dont know.
Training at Aviator was solidly structured, patient, and all instructors and visiting instructors where extremely calm and thorough from first day to last. We went through the syllabus without haste and if anything was not clearly understood by an individual or as a class, it was reviewed again without any feelings of irritation or intimidation from peers. Never was there any directive of sales or bashing of other products not sold or carried by them. In fact we had been encouraged to try all the gear we could before making a decision to buy any gear at all. Each and every student and instructor felt completely confident in one another by first flights, this makes for a far better experience by all involved, and as a sport in whole.
When the PPG community says that this sport is "truly life changing" It absolutely is referred too this way in the most positive way.
The Bashers, one uppers, haters, and owl kickers will always be the negative side of PPG. But its this positive message of honesty, integrity, and community that is encouraged here which makes the truly life changing experiences possible for all future students.
To that Mr.Wolfe, We tip our hats to you! Thank You! Support Resurgence PPG Support our Troops
Craig Taylor I am overwhelmed. I don’t feel I worthy of all this praise especially coming from a hero of mine. Thank for you kind words but even more so for your story of your background and your experience getting in to PPG. Forever supporting our troops!
Oh Dave, you're way too nice. That kurt pos will get someone hurt bad someday. I know this will help some ppl to stay away. He has such an acidic personality, I don't see how ppl consider him in the first place. Great video... well said.
I am planning to take up the sport and I had decided a while back that I will go to a school and learn as much as I can because when something goes wrong you are your only solution. I have jumped in the military and civilian so I am a bit familiar with parashoots and heights but I would never do this without some good training. The one thing that scares me when watching is the SIV training videos so that is not something I am looking forward to doing but I do recognize that it will have to be done someday. Great video. Keep safe.
Like you, I trained under Capt Kurt. I was sold on his sales pitch, and yes, I did my due diligence. I liked the idea of free training for life! It was much better sounding than all the other sites where training was any where from 1,500 to 4,00. I contacted him, probably a year before purchasing, mostly because I didn't trust anyone with that kind of money, secondly, I wasn't sure I really wanted to put that much money into something that was just for fun. I had learned to fly single engine fixed wing airplanes about twelve years prior and loved it but the cost of renting a plane and fuel cost skyrocketed from 35 dollars soaking wet to 300 and hour! I chose not to fly anymore and had looked in to purchasing a hang glider, and actually did some hang gliding in Chattanooga, Tennessee. I loved hang gliding but alas, I live in North Florida, so I decided that hang-gliding wasn't the best choice for me. I happened upon a group of PPG pilots near Gainesville and was immediately mesmerized, which only stoked my desires to go forward with purchasing a unit. I did some research on line and found a lot of really great things about Flight Junkies and an equal not so good things, but nobody who trained had any feed back that wasn't great, so I chose to go forward. I contacted my banking institution and got a loan for the amount, had a check cut and sent it to Kurt. I was nervous but at least a certified check could be traced. After speaking to Kurt about the bad knee and my age, 53, I decided that a trike was my best fit. So I left it up to him and he ordered me the monster Fresh Breeze and the Xl Wing, I did weigh 240 pounds. I made arrangements to come up to Ohio, since I didn't want to wait until he returned to Daytona. I arrived and he allowed me to stay in his bunk house, which I thought was very nice. I think maybe an air conditioner would have been nice for the day time hours, I almost sweat to death, lol. The nights were very cool and comfortable and I had plenty of covers. I always got up before the sun and I didn't mind taking a shower outside, it helped to wake me up. I would gather my things together and wait for Kurt to come out. The first day he had me in the shed watching a video. He then took me to his living room and we sat and talked, he shared about his life and some intimate details about his conversion to Jesus Christ and though he seemed to be open about his life. We eventually went to the hanging device he had and he fitted me into the trike and where I would hang my wing. I was getting excited but also very nervous. I eventually made it on the field, I had my first launch and I got up and flew around the field and landed, he came running over to interview me after safely arriving on the ground. I was elated, nervous and terrified all at the same time. He put me on video and I of course touted the training and the experience. I flew several times through ought the seven days I was there, but not as much as I wished I could, however the weather did prevent me from flying many times. At the end of the week, I felt comfortable enough to do this on my own when I returned to Florida. I offered to take him and his new wife out for dinner, after all they had been very gracious and kind to me. We did eat out, but Kurt secretly picked up the tab. I enjoyed getting to know Kurt and his lovely wife, I understand they were both recently married, so it was obvious they were in the fantasy stage of any relationship, not a bad thing at all. On my way home, someone broke into my car and stole my wing! I didn't even notice it was gone until I got home and started unpacking. I panicked, hoping I had left it at the training field, but alas I didn't and I did remember packing it in the car. They not only got my wing, they took my personal leather bag with all my camera equipment and medicine in it. So I lost about 4,000 dollars of my stuff and the caveat is that whom ever stole the wing, couldn't even have known what they had and most likely threw it away. I contacted Kurt about replacing my wing and couldn't' get a hold of him. He was training some people out in Utah, so I had the information he gave me on who I could purchase Fresh Breeze equipment from and so I took it upon myself to call and so I ordered a new wing, 2,900 dollars! My wife was ready to divorce me, not really but she wasn't crazy about the expense. I wasn't crazy about the expense either but without a wing, I couldn't fly. It took a while to get over the extra expense but I finally was able to relax and enjoy the flying aspect. Kurt had told me that he could get me a wing at his cost, 2,900 dollars, so I was a little surprised that I could also get it for 2,900. I figured I must have not heard him correctly. Later he called me and asked if I had purchased the wing yet, I said, I couldn't get a hold of you, so I took it upon myself to order it. He responded, I could have saved you 400 dollars! I said, really, you could get it for 2,500? He said, no my price, because I am a dealer is 2,900. I said, well I actually paid 2,900 for the wing. He said, really? I am surprised they gave it to you so cheaply. I didn't belay the point, I thanked him again for his training and promised to keep up, when I got to Florida. He asked if I would let the company know that I wanted him to be credited with the purchase of the wing, he said he got points and that without my approval, he wouldn't get it. I understood this was his living and I didn't mind at all giving him what ever credit for the purchase, so I immediately sent an email and asked them to credit this wing to Kurt, their response was, we already did. I let Kurt know and that was the last time we spoke, that was back in August of 2020. I began my own flying in a field across from my church, it was used for radio controlled aircraft and so they had a nice grass runway for me to use. I had two failed attempts and then got up. I flew low around the field, no more than about 50 feet above the ground, I wanted to get the hang of flying again before attempting to go higher. I eventually had many flights after that one and got up each time. I will say this for Kurt's training, the way he teaches you to lay your wing out has always got me up the first try, after my first two attempts on my own, lol. I have flown out of that airport many times, both in the evening and morning. I am getting better at feeling confident in my abilities. I was invited by some flyers in a neighboring county and flew out of a controlled field there and did great. I have flown several times out of the field I use now and my maximum height to date is 710 feet. I want to keep increasing my altitude until I get to 5,000 feet, that is my limit, for now. Now as for feeling like I didn't have adequate training, I didn't know what I was missing, since I had never had training in the past and didn't have a perspective to reflect on or compare it to. I didn't get a whole lot about weather from Kurt, I also didn't kite my wing, now to give him credit, my XL wing is huge and I have tried to kite it here and its a beast! He might have decided it would be too difficult for me. I felt like he wasn't around as much as I wished he had been and me and other trainers did a lot of waiting on him to come out, time that we felt, in retrospect could have been used to fly. I understand human behavior well and so I picked up on Kurt's persona right away. He is large and in charge at all times. He is a successful man with many toys and a beautiful trophy wife to boot, so I could understand his peacocking around all of men. His wife was bubbly and sweet and honestly, I couldn't have asked for better hosts. Kurt is one of those men who don't sugar coat much and he speaks his mind and this can be seen as offensive to some people, for me, I wasn't offended by Kurt at all, on the contrary, I was allowed to see a side to Kurt that revealed his true nature and though he keeps that hidden form public eye, he is a good and decent man. I left feeling confident in my flying skills and though he may not have done as much as I think he should have, he teaches the bare bones of flying and in my opinion prepares you for your basics in taking off and setting up yoru wing. I agree with you, I need to seek additional information and or training on weather and what conditions are good to fly in. I apologize for the long dissertation, but I had to explain and i am a wordy person. I also wanted to thank you for your video, I have subscribed and will tune in for more videos. I would love to chat with you one day and pick your brain some more, if you would be willing. 865-315-3502
Thank you for taking the time to write all this. This was a great assessment of your experience and I appreciate it. As long as you get to 5000... go another 280 so you can tell everyone you hit the mile mark. I will be in touch. Thanks for watching!
How has your equipment been since since you started?
I’m going for training 8/10 at FJ. I did not buy equipment so sent a check. You have given me some hope here. Weather and airspace regs I can learn other places. I need good fundamentals with the equipment, then hopefully find some others locally to be mentors.
Nice honest review. I bet this will make people really think about who trains them how to do a sport that can kill you if not done properly. Great video
Mike S thank you.
This is a topic that comes up all the time. Free -vs -Paid -vs -Self Taught.
I can start by saying that I'm a Flight Junkie #486 from 2007. Not many Videos (as today) to see and evaluate for trainers, but I lived in the same town as Kurt and kept seeing him and others flying around, so that's what enticed me into this hobby. I knida don't want to call it a sport because I don't want to compete with others in PPG. Now PG and XC is another story. Ha
Back then Kurt trained pretty much foot launch. My training had just a tad bit more than yours but I feel it was along the same lines. He did show me the basics of kiting. Since I lived local I would go home and practice kiting during lunch and after work for almost 3 weeks before my first flight. I would see him on the weekends to show my progress and get pointers. other than that the time spent training was very short.
I will also say I am grateful for him "getting me into this hobby" because other than self training I would have never paid for training or traveling a long distance to train. So your original goal to get into the air was the same as mine. We both achieved that as you stated.
I always tell people who come up to me all excited after I land somewhere and ask me how to get into this PPG stuff. But I will say out of hundreds of these people I don't know of one who has followed through with it. I tell them-- If your the type of person who wants to sit in a classroom and read from a book and take test then you should go see so and so. But if your a person who learns by watching and with minimal input and also don't mind being yelled at like your in the military. well you should do what I did. It did work for me. Some people are just naturals at this and some have to be told things over and over and practice and practice.
I will also say the real training I received was when I hooked-up with some other local guys. After the first 20 flights is when things start to click. They guided me and took me under there watchful eyes to teach me what I did not know. I do think this happens a lot even if you pay for training.
Yes training better on weather, sectional's, and other stuff I did not receive. I did that on my own.
Good Video of your personal experience.
I have seen a ton of guys get into PPG with Kurt and I always hope they get together with a group after they leave there training to further their skillset. I hope I get to fly with everyone who reads this. My two cents
Tim Garvey Thank Tim for sharing your experience as well. I know there are a lot of us who look up to you.... you are tall but not for that reason.
Tim... I'm kinda in the same boat... I'm at my best when observing and watching... I'll fill in the missing information by meeting and hanging out with the ppg community... People like David here and the PPG Gorilla, Pheonix, Todd Falstadd, Carl and the skypirates, and many many more...
Excellent, honest review. Thanks for the video. I had similar questions about where to train before I picked an instructor. I’m sure your video and sincerity will help newcomers to the sport make their decision.
Wednesday Karting & Flying Club Thank you I appreciate your feedback.
Great video and awesome info to consider ! Thanks for sharing Brother!
Captain Rick my pleasure.
I'm Flight Junkies "drop out" went up years and years ago and had lots of prior experience as an ultralight pilot. Kurt tried to put me in the air, I knew in my heart I wasn't ready, but I went any way...ended up breaking a prop. Went home dejected and finally decided I could learn it myself...and spent the time and effort to get it in the air. These machines look very easy to fly...and they are, but they require skill. Honestly, I think Kurt knows his stuff. If he took the time to train you he could do an excellent job...I just think he tries to rush you in the air. His "training" is no training. A couple of years ago I was flying with a Flight Junkies "graduate" and he didn't even know what the "trimmers" were for! I have to admit he didn't tell me about them either. Let me ask a question of the Flight Junkies students: Did Kurt tell you about the "trimmers" on the wing? By the way "Paramotor Crazy"...great job on the video...I think you've started something
Stone859 thank you for sharing your story. I can not remember if he told me about the trimmers or not.
@@David_Wolfe I think if Mr. Fister came on here and defended himself, and promised to change his schooling methods by adding a syllabus, and just take more time with students, and a bit less with trophy wife...his reputation would be much better......he really seems to know his stuff....just doesn't share it !!!....for 2 years now i have been wanting to learn, and he was top of my list.....
Sounds like they instruct you just enough to let you get seriously hurt or killed. 🙄 Hard pass!
My 12-year-old son (Parajet Maverick Atom 80) and I (51-year-old and future Fly Products Vertigo trike flyer) took training at Lone Star Paramotors in Texas this past August 2019. Ron Toran and Randall "Parker" are the two main instructors. Ron is the owner and Parker is a former sky diving instructor. The 10-day training we received was excellent, they followed the syllabus, had several classroom studies and still plenty of ground handling, towing and flying. Also, they are an affiliate of Aviator PPG in case that helps anyone, that was originally why I chose them. We live 12 hours away from LoneStar Paramotors and passed 2 other PPG schools along the trip just to use them. What is more interesting is Ron was also a"Flight Junkie 800 something or another" and may had some similar experiences it sounds like, but what is truly amazing is the fact Ron has been training the trainers for Aviator PPG in Florida. Ron is a retired 2nd-grade teacher and an excellent instructor with the patience of Job. Another instructor is Jeff Fletcher (A retired U-2 Pilot). Jeff was a student of Ron's turned trainer, his stories are worth the price of admission. We trained on the beach in Corpus Cristi for 2 days, trained close to Austin for the remainder at Kitty Hawk field. Overall it was a wonderful experience. {EDIT - I was not once hit up to buy any of the products while we were training, no strong-arm tactics, no pressure, and all gear was provided with the training. We decided to purchase my sons while we were there and I ordered my trike a month or so after, still waiting for it to arrive} --Also thanks for the video, you just gained a new sub...
Thank you for subscribing. I just met Ron last week at the Suwannee fly in.. He is a class act through and through!!
I learned to fly at the Blackhawk ranch with my believe it or not Flat Top Ninja. I made the mistake of purchasing gear before I completed training. We covered the full syllabus and lots and lots of ground school, endless kiting practice, weather training, airspace, tow line training, set up and pack up, hang point, engine care and maintenance, well before we even took our first flights. Then once we were in the air we did endless touch and goes. I still feel the pain of all that hard work but I am so glad we were pushed as hard as we were for those 9 days. I really gotta thank blackhawk for giving me all the tools I need to finally get my butt in the air. They were completely willing to train me on gear that was not there own and were completely unbiased about it.
Training was $2500 at Blackhawk at the time for me.
I trained with Kurt over 15 years ago. Your training, with Kurt, was ten times BETTER than I got.
Very much appreciate this video, thank you!
I don't fly, but watch a lot of paramotoring vicariously...I've seen a lot of UA-cam, and I salute you for listening to more than 5 minutes of that guys obnoxiously loud voice and arrogant manner.
You have been commendably polite and measured, but he is clearly not offering what he brags that he is, and he has the temerity to criticise others!
He clearly up sells wheels because it's easier to get people in the air, and of course more profit.
Again, I commend you for tolerating him. What is it with some people that they have to shout talk all the time?
Anyway, I'm off to watch your proper training videos..
Thank you for sharing! You are definitely doing the PPG community and those looking to join it, a great service with this video.
1200 people bought into what he was saying. Having said that, he managed to get all those people to buy his equipment. That equals a lot of sales. Period!
Pretty much my experience too.
Woolly Bugger thanks for sharing that.
Thank you for this information!!
Trained with FlyMIPPG. They are great. Nothing but good things to say.
Thanks for your sharing, I am 75yrs old flying is my one and only Bucket list.. money is tight, sounds like I should take up a cheaper hobby LIKE KNITTING, wow! I'm to old. Thanks for your honesty. Safe flying my friend. 😁🤙🤙
Jack Sword Please don’t give up on the dream. This is no more expensive then getting a motorcycle
I really enjoyed this video thank you for the information
Im a flight Junkie #764. I was trained by Kurt in 2013..I was happy with my experience. I traveled from Ohio to Kurt's Florida home in February . I had 4 training days as a foot launcher and I was his only student during that time.. All my training was hands with lots of kiting and wing control. I was pretty sore and my arms were black and blue from doing forward launch practice. I've had good and bad landings and takeoffs over the years and the freshbreeze has taken a beating and still runs like a champ...I think because Kurt is pushing everyone to buy the flypod he is skipping alot of the training plus training several students at one time,.I was on a tight budget and I got out of it what I wanted and I'm still enjoying flying at age 54.
When I saw Kurt tell his student not to do anything when he was experiencing an oscillation that did it for me,he really has to change up his training protocol from bottom up,even taking a few tips from ole Dell wouldn't hurt him :)
I just started training. I've paid the $3,000+ to begin. I've been twice, but the weather has canceled a couple weekends. In the meantime, I've learned about "The PPG Bible" and found more affordable instruction options. I wish I'd purchased the PPG Bible & read it before beginning.
I'm a pilot but not just paragliding or Power paragliding pilot, airplanes: Cessna 172, 152, 150, Jabiru, piper...etc and everyone knows that safety is the first for anything so I saw one of the junkee's instructor flying so he didn't have helmet I commented under the video that where is your helmet and what do you wanna teach your students? Whatever you do they learn from you, but unfortunately they don't have anything to teach others and they're totally wrong because there are too many things that students need to learn before fly not send them straight to the sky and also for start ground and theory are very important because students don't have any ideas about it and don't know what to do in any situation or If anything happens. They need to work on it on ground and feel it before anything, you think they don't charge you for learning, they took course cost with the equipment that they sell to you but they say it's free because mentality people like free things, but they don't know only can find a free meals on traps, I have too many things to say about flying or flying with junkees group that they chosen the wrong way to make money and play with people's life, anyway I don't waste your time more than that for the last ting I say If you wanna kill yourself go to junkees, or If you wanna put your money in the rubbish bin give it to them, but If you like this sport and you wanna flying and enjoy your flying and life choose the right club join them, learn from them, make more experience and enjoying of your life. Cheers Eagles ;)
People. There is a “Thumbs Down”!!! Who could not like this video?
Seriously, I pray that Kurt uses this information to fix his program and the way he teaches. There are many valid comments that until now people have been afraid to say. It’s not about how many students you can pack into a week. It’s about how many go away and really know how to fly safe and not have to learn by mistakes.
The thumbs down was from Kurt. Does he say "free" training to eliminate any responsibility from any accidents that may happen
Coincidental benefit? Actually it’s brilliant marketing. However, not yelling at students and not following a syllabus are areas to work on!
Fairbanks Air Riders agree
@@marktype1with2offering free training doesnt release him from responsability.
I listened to this video and it felt like I was back at Flight Junkies reliving my horrible experience all over again. This is not a coincidence this happens day in day out with the captain. As soon as you send him the money which is to him personally not to Flight junkies a business .THIS is the first red flag. At this point he wants to get you in the air as fast as he can so he can put another notch on his belt and say he trained another person when in reality you only know enough to probably get yourself hurt or killed. It is my Recommendation to skip any free training find a certified instructor and get trained before you buy any equipment from some fool pushing crap.
Thanks for the heads up.
This is an unregulated sport. There is no such thing as a certified instructor...
@@glenpaul3606 You are correct there is no such thing in the eyes of the FAA as a certified instructor but there is come people that have put together programs and education about flying para motets that are considered professionals in the field that sit you down in a class room and teach you the fundamentals , safety and what weather is safe to fly in way before you would ever be put in the hot seat and launched in the air . Most places that train have successfully trained maybe a few hundred to date since they started training people not a few hundred a season because it takes a long time for most people to master this sport on there own with no guidance of another.
@@chuckcome2143 After all I have watched, there is zero doubt in my mind that Dell Shanze Super Training is far and away the very best anywhere. The quality of his students and his own ability is proof.
@@glenpaul3606 That’s great You spent some time watching videos and have formed your own opinion. Let me tell you something Both Dell and captain dip shit are cocky piece of shit, they don’t give a shit about anybody but themselves so if you want to put your life on the line you sign up with whoever you want but when you die your wife or whoever cares about you will probably wish that you went to a qualified instructor that actually taught you something other than just how to get in the air fast. Both of them guys Pat themselves on the back so much that they don’t have time to teach anybody any fundamentals or safety instruction or even anything about the weather because that plays huge role in flying. Hopefully you make a educated decision on whoever you find to train you because it will be your life depending on it.
Great video. You really hit on some honest truths about the sport and the training available. I am so glad I did the research about schools first. The information and wisdom from a professional instructor is so important, I cant imagine attempting to launch without it. Personally I attended FLYPPG and I cant be more satisfied. From the classroom to the field, they made sure everything I needed to know was covered. Best wishes, See you in the sky...
I appreciate your making this video and your honesty. You are very respectful in how you present the information, yet you are truthful. I too was in a rush to get in the air and was mesmerized by Flight Junkies videos, so I contacted Kurt and purchased a Monster Fresh Breeze with a Trike and a 1997 design Power Atlas wing. I ordered my equipment at the end of May 2019 and was told it should arrive in Ohio in 4 to 5 weeks. After the second week in July, I had not heard from Flight Junkies so I called and made arrangements to spent the last full week in July out there for training. I spoke with Kurt the day before I made the 14 hour trip out there and he gave me directions on how to get there. He NEVER mentioned anything about my equipment not being there. I arrived the next day and Kurt was not around,so I called him and he said he would not be available til later in the afternoon. When he finally showed up at the field, all he could say was my equipment hadn’t arrived and I should not have come. I was so infuriated that all I could do was politely ask him to ship the equipment to my home address when it finally arrived, and I left. When the equipment finally arrived at the beginning of September, I used the Flight Junkies videos to assemble it and started kitting on my own. After many videos and reading the PPG Bible by Goins, I took my first “uninstructed “ Flight in April 2020. I’ve had 12 flights since and after a couple of hard landings, I’ve decided that $3,500 is a good price to spend to get REAL TRAINING.
William Wever I am so sorry to hear that this was your experience and really not at all surprised. Where did you end up going for training how many flights have you made since then?
Paramotor Crazy, so far I’ve got 9 flights in. Plan to go to Fly PPG in Illinois next spring for training.
Thanks for the time you put into the videos. Keep it flying!
Thanks for sharing that experience Dave.
I was designing and building and flying experimental and ultralight aircraft before PPG. I hated all the time it took to trailer and put together what ever I was flying. You had to plan for the whole day just to fly for an hour. Flex wing trikes were the most fun for me, but still a lot of work to store, transport, and put together each time you fly.
I too started watching Tucker Gott videos, and I said "that's what I need".
I was planning on going to Aviator PPG, but was going to be on a year long waiting list at the time. I got on line and called around and could not believe, that I found someone 20 minutes from my house here in Troy, Illinois.
I trained with Jiri Sindler's Paragliding Unlimited at Gateway Air Park in Pierron, Illinois.
Price is broken down based on what you want to do.
Tandem fight to see if it's something you really want to do, etc...
Total is $2500 full course with half up front, and the rest about half way through.
He follows a full program like Aviator, so nothing missing when you're done.
Also, no crash course time line.
You will solo when he and you feel you're ready. Also, does towing before motoring. All his former students that live with in an hour drive still hang out, and fly with him at Gateway and other fields around the area.
He is also a dealer for about everything, and pushes nothing. Not a "Commander McBragg".
When he flys, he flys a 14m Viper 4. Only one in the US last I heard.
If I fly this evening, I may see him there with students.
I had nothing but a wonderful experience "Thank God".
Most Sincerely,
Ron.😎
That is awesome that you had that good of an experience and he definitely sounds like someone I would send someone to based on your recommendation. Hope to fly with you one day!! Thanks for sharing!
I've found that price is not a good indication of quality of training. There are other more important factors to consider. Quality of the instructor and how they approach their teaching, along with how they get along with the pilot, is paramount. There's two people involved in training. The prospective pilot and their attitude, along with the instructor and theirs. Both have to blend well or neither will succeed. I had the PERFECT trainer for my needs, wants and attitude. I got VERY lucky and it didnt cost much.
I can't believe that Captain Kirk just Chuck's people into the air without providing any of the essential information every pilot should know prior to leaving the ground. So apparently he basically prepares people to beat ask smart in operating the equipment yet doesn't provide them with a solid foundation of knowledge that is incredibly important, even more so for a pilot of a lawn mower engine and a giant piece of fabric. I actually gave him a call around the time you guys were training with him and I almost got suckered into his b*******.I hope I was not one of the people that called him and distracted him from half-assed training you guys. LOLI have noticed that every one of his videos could be 90% shorter if he left out his super long winded sales pitch about fresh breeze and free training. 😉😆I think it would be very entertaining to see him and superdell do a video together trying to convince people that their gear and training is the best. Kind of like presidential debate style. I can imagine Captain Kurt calling Dell "super numb nuts!" and Dell saying that Captain Kirk lacks even the most basic skills that all super students have on day one! LMFAO!
I would pay good money to see a debate between dell, fister and tucker
I took Dell's training. I'll catalog that later, but most people who train with Dell don't get in the air until they've had at least 7 or 8 days of training, and some never make it in the air by day 10 if Dell doesn't think they're ready. I will say I think the Flattop is superior equipment compared to the Fresh Breeze, but not the best motor out there. The quick release harness alone is an outstanding feature. As far as a debate goes... I think it would turn into a fist fight, because those two already hate each other.
If you've ever seen a video of Capt. Jerk when he launches people, it's kinda scary. I'm not sure if this is any of the reasons he does that...as in pulling the guy along with the A risers to get him launched....but they do tend to crash and burn breaking propellers and cages..$$$$$$..I'm guessing that is a nice "extra" source of revenue for him...he likely pawns it off as "part of learning to fly"....
@@larrykorell750 that is most definitely not part of learning to fly. I taught myself a year ago and I have not broken anyting. I am still using my very first propeller it is the only one I have. LOL.
@@CrowWV the flat top is all right.little bit of an outdated design if you ask me. But it does not have anything on the frames I design and build.
Good video. I think each student is unique. The more mature you are and the more wisdom you bring to the table the better. I used to fly a single engine DA20 Katana. I had a number of instructors working with me at the flight school because they were essentially on a waiting list to get a chance to be hired by the airlines. So, they would be there temporarily and then they would be gone. My one best instructor was the one that told me something like this: "I'm here to make sure you don't get hurt because of what you don't know. Sure, I can and will teach you to fly, but you're on your own private journey to learn to be a SAFE pilot. I'll be the guide but you must be the one to come up with and ask the questions".
I am a Brit and the rules here are pretty much the same here. I can strap a paramotor to my back and go fly without any training or insurance. But you, with your sincerity, have convinced me to pay the price and learn to fly properly.
Great video...very diplomatic..LOL.. I will say this, I like Kurt..he is a real character..but no everyones 'cup of tea" I am also a flight junkie. I agree 100% with your comments on the training at the FJ school. I expected more...sadly I only managed 2 flights in December 2018 at the Florida local due to high winds. I will say this, I like his videos..I find them very informative and a great resource. Thankfully I am not an 18 year old full of piss and vinegar but a mature 63 year old who had his PPL at age 17..and spent 21 years jumping out of USAF air craft with the 82nd Abn Div as a Parachute Rigger...some sky diving and some hang gliding. So safety / weather were not new topic for me. I bought and read the PPG Bible before going to Fla..I watched all kurts video's multiple times. I opted for the Fly Pod and Simonini 202 with the Air design easy medium wing. I am a very fit 150 lb 63 year old but decided running with a motor on my back was not for me..and that triking would better in the long run as I aged!.. I did my research on Fresh Breeze and liked the German engineering / quality. So here I am 10 months on and not flown yet...I have a field nr me and now the weather has calmed down I will start again. I am looking at doing some formal training in the near future.
Martin Fano sorry it has taken me this long to reply. Based on your aviation background you probably did not need more extensive background that I did so FJs may have been a good fit for you. I am really sorry to hear that you have not flown yet. If you reach out to me on Facebook Messenger and let me know where in the country you live, I can try and put you in touch with some people who fly in your area and possible help you complete your training. Thanks for your comments.
As a retired air traffic controller I´m in shock any school will not teach the basics even . A paramotor is an aircraft just as a Cessna is. Same principles same dangers. Weather, aerodynamics , safety (propellers, the main risk by far ) ... so many things to be aware of.
I, too, attended Flight Junkies school for the same reasons you did and with a similar overall experience. I did not buy Kurt's gear, so my training was $1,000, which I view as reasonable. I took the class in Florida. There were other students when I arrived and Kurt had been working with them for a week, but progress was slow due to terrible weather. Kurt lets you show up anytime, so he has a group of students with varying levels of progress in their training. Kurt has no help, so it's hard for him to keep track of who has done what. In our group there were trike flyers and foot launchers. I assisted in the assembly of 5 or more Fresh Breeze rigs and I have to agree they are good quality units. I thought the trike was a little flimsy, but I never used one so take that for what it's worth. Kurt utilized the Risk & Reward video as part of the ground school. I believe he did utilize a syllabus, but the ground school was lacking compared to additional training I obtained. He did not cover air space regulations at all. He did spend spend a good amount of time talking about wings and flying safety tips. He also utilized some of his own videos. Because I'm a foot launcher and others were as well, Kurt took us to a beautiful park with ample space and worked with us on kiting. His kiting instruction alone was worth the $1k I paid for training. (my opinion) Kurt's style of teaching is a bit like boot camp, but I didn't mind it at all. If he was yelling about something it was because I was doing something that was unsafe or or I was not following the teaching and was instilling in myself bad habits. There were a few times that the group waited outside of Kurt's home in the morning. I agree with David's assessment that Kurt appeared to value his time more than other people's. However, Kurt hauled us around in the Flight Junkies shuttle if we needed anything and he devoted most of the entire day, everyday to his students. A one-man operation is bound to encounter a few interruptions throughout the day due to phone calls and life in general. Kurt is serious about safety and would not permit flying or kiting if he thought the weather was not suitable. He does try to get you in the air as soon as possible so that you can experience a first flight. He has a good communications radio and did an excellent job walking me through my first flight. He was as excited as I was about my first flight and he appeared that way for all of us. Overall, I felt Kurt truly cares about his students and has a great ability to teach. In my view, there is a lack of organization to the process which in inherent in his allowing students to arrive whenever is convenient for the student. I did not get a flyable day until 5 or 6 days in due to the terrible weather. I don't fault Kurt for that. I had to leave before I could get another flight. Kurt told me I was not ready to fly on my own and wanted me to come back so he could work with me more. I never felt that he got his money and was eager to get rid of me. I ended up getting training near my home at Apex PPG because I was not ready to fly after my Florida trip to train with Kurt. If I had more time with Kurt, maybe he could have gotten me to a level of competence to fly solo. I do not remain in contact with Kurt but I will always consider him a friend due to the time spent together and feel absolutely welcome to go back if if ever needed. All said, would I recommend free training for the FJ experience, or would I recommend paying for a more structured environment? I would recommend paying for a more comprehensive course, no question about it. If you like the Fresh Breeze gear and you can get some free training, do it, but don't have unrealistic expectations about the level of training you'll get. I really wish Kurt was part of a more organized program because he is an excellent instructor when it comes to the field work.
Hey Dave I'm Dan I was down at flight junkies with you and your son. I'm the one that custom built my own trike. I watched him experience his first flight!!! Man was he pumped!!! I never did get up in the air and probably never will. So with that being said I have brand new equipment I will sell if you know of anyone interested in getting into this fantastic sport!!!
Dan Schneider I’m really sorry to hear that and hope you do not give up on this amazing sport. I really hope you reconsider as I am sure you know there alternative ways to be trained. However, if you are sure you do want to sell your equipment there is a page on Facebook called Paramotor things for sale. You could try to post your equipment there.
@@brucesweatmaniii6030 Before you start running your mouth/finger tips...here's the facts. The motor is a fresh breeze monster wing is a power atlas and the trike is copied from a trike in the market already.
@@danschneider1759 You do know it's Dale you are talking with. He doesn't have the guts to use his own name when commenting.
Very informative . Although David (Paramotor Crazy) had provided me with the link to this video prior to making it"public", I had refrained from comment, to gauge the initial responses. Call me cautious, but seeing other reviews on Flight Junkies "disappear", I wondered what the man who trains people with a gun on his hip might have to say. From my own experience, as I progressed in ground handling and attempting to digest all things PPG that came my way...at the 11th hour prior to actually flying, the Captain contacted me. He pleaded with me not to fly without supervision. Offering immediate supervision for free. I thanked him. It was a valid concern no doubt. At that point however, I knew that I had done way more in terms of preparatory kiting and immersion in the subject material than most of the students attending free training get prior to their first flight. Maybe it was wrong and prideful, but I flew the next day, partly to avoid becoming Flight Junkie 9XX. I have since decided not to attack the Captain. I think his heart is in the right place. His videos are often informative and educational. Although sometimes non-conventional in his style, I really believe he wants the community to be safer, he just doesn't always have the typical tools, nor mainstream appeal, to effect that wish. I wish him the best and hope the best for students that choose his free training along with the gear he sells. Thanks for including me David! I don't think this video is a deal killer for prospective Flight Junkie students, but it certainly is an eye-opener and a gauge for what people should expect...a well rounded COMPREHENSIVE full curriculum training experience.
Good reply!
Great info. Thank you.
I try not to mention any names in my videos for the same reasons. But I can say I had the same experience. It’s not really a matter of what is the better choice, it’s a matter of personal option. For me as you know, I’m out of the sport. In hind sight, I’m glad I got free training because ultimately I would have come to the same decision of quitting. And I’ve already lost a lot of money after selling my unit. I would hate to have lost more to training expenses.
thankfully these days there’s a lot of training experience that can be learned from the internet, but none compares to information from experts in person. I feel I got the info I needed at flight junkies. But it needs to be treated like a trade school. You get out what you put in. Meaning if you want more, you have to show up and ask for it on your time and accept the chance that the weather and Kurt’s time may not permit.
However it’s also a good thing that I stopped because there was so much that I wasn’t trained for that I probably would have gotten hurt or worse eventually. So how much is your life and safety worth? That’s the real question. Free or not, it’s up to you.
I was really bummed when I saw your video and saw that you decided to get out. I would have loved to flown with you.
Paramotor Crazy yeah same here. I feel bad about that part of it.
Flight Junkies training isn't training. It is sit-in-the seat...pray to the Lord before you go, fasten your seatbelt, and pray to the Lord that if you manage to get into the air you will be able to get back down safely. I wish I had more info before I took the "free" training. His praying over me before I took off into the sky wasn't reassuring as I didn't really know how to fly or land. I was sent off into the air with his prayer and by shear luck managed to land.
I would not recommend his training to anyone.
Ricky G I appreciate you sharing your experience which sounds all you familiar.
@@David_Wolfe Don't be surprised if you start getting long winded, angry rebuttals from Kurt.
I sure hope I don’t but it may happen. If anything I would hope that he or any instructor understands what someone really expects from train regardless off the cost.
You needed more training to get your fear of flying under control.
Dave your video was very helpful I was a flight junkie Kool-Aid drinker until I heard your testimony I will be rethinking everything now thanks.
Where ever you go, what ever trainer is the right fit for you I wish you the best of luck and feel free to reach out if there is anything I can do as you embark on the greatest journey!!!
Flying sports are not a thing you can be cheap about.
Dont save money on quality gear and training, your life will depend on both. I bought the same reserve parachute the test pilots use when testing new wings to certify them. I think they know what they are talking about.
like most people that get into this sport we all have a wild side. I miss flying, i crashed twice and almost completely gave up on the sport. this summer i put my monster back together with the intention of going back to Ohio for more training, but in the back of my mind I knew I wouldn't of learned anything new. I love life , even though I have a balls out attitude I found out the hard way this sport will chew them up and spit them out if you don't know what you don't know. I KNOW THIS FROM EXPERIENCE. thanks for all your videos. I hope one day we meet so I can shake your hand... i will fly again. I'm paying the $3500 this time and I'll let them know PARAMOTOR CRAZY sent me. Thank you for letting me here out loud what I already knew deep down. I think I just had to hear it this way without the bashing.
I definitely hope to fly with you. Thank you for your words and I believe someone will be very impacted by your message.
👍🏻 thanks David. I enjoyed hearing about your personal experience with it.
what a gorgeous person you are. Striking eyes, and personality to match.
Thank You.
F Hayes thanks for watching.
Dear David, I have been in the PG and PPG activity since 1996/97 until today. If you really like to fly safe and with good instruction, the most serious and recommended thing is at your own discretion.
Tour paramotor schools and see the methods they use. Look for the right one for you. What I see on youtube are old equipment merchants and SUPER-Narcissists. Maybe in the USA there is someone who wants to teach but I can't find him on UA-cam ...
i'm from the uk .I had very good training £1,300 you could train 7 day a week lots of syllabus to. so lucky to have him
You don't know what you don't know. Many pilots including myself get so eager to get into the sport they will take the first trainer they can find.
Knowing what I know now, when asked I tell people the minimums they should look for when looking for a trainer. If you are going to pay over 3k for training I don't think getting at least a dozen flights is unreasonable, neither is tandem or towing. Time on simulators. It's not all kiting. I paid 3k for 7 days of kiting, a day of classroom time which was watching master ppg videos and then 2 flights, I could of self trained that. I ended up going to another trainer who worked with me to knocked out an addition 18 flights plus we covered mistakes I would make in the simulator. The experience made me really upset about my first trainer.
In my area there is only one trainer and it really gets me sometimes when I run into his students and see them struggle and find out they only got 2 or 3 flights in training. To see them struggle on shiny brand new equipment ….
I would love to see more videos and consensus in the community about minimum standards for trainers. Everyone pushes the 'get training' mantra, but what makes one a trainer? who is keeping the training honest?
Joe N. Great points. Thanks for sharing your experiences.
I went to PPG school at UA-cam U. It worked well. Only suffered 3 bruised ribs & 2 face plants, one of which was into a red ant nest. I saved $3,500. No doctor. No EMTs. No Emergency Room.
The $2000 it cost me to train was well worth it to me, but I fly with a guy that’s self trained and he seems happy and a natural.
I've watched a few minutes of one of flight junkies video and my bs meter went to the top. I think 3500 is too much also but at least they teach you what you need to know. as with all things buyers beware and always if it sounds too good to be true it probably is. thanks for sharing your experience