Landing the Easy Flyer in California. Photo by David Aldrich

In September 2019, USHPA secured a $120,000 U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Adaptive Sports grant. The funding will provide introductory tandem flights and training for military members who qualify for disability benefits, both active duty and veterans.

Hang gliding and paragliding training will be provided for free to qualified participants up to the H2/P2 (novice) level. This level of proficiency allows pilots to fly on their own at H2/P2-rated sites as they work toward more advanced ratings.

USHPA is thrilled to give veterans increased opportunities to experience free flight and become part of our pilot community. The current grant covers training through September 2020.

Learn to Fly!

Do you qualify for funding and have an interest in learning to fly? We can't wait to work with you!

Get started by filling out our online form or by contacting one of the following schools included in the current grant:

Hang gliding:

Paragliding:

They will send you a form to complete, and discuss any physical or mental disabilities that may affect your flight training. Once you’re ready to get started, they will provide all equipment for use during training. We can’t wait to see you in the air!

We also hope to expand the program to more schools in coming years to work with as many disabled veterans as possible.

Why Free Flight?

Joe Stone launching in Idaho. Photo by Zac Bunzey

Hang gliding and paragliding let you get as close to flying like a bird as possible. Both sports are a great fit for military members, and offer unlimited opportunities for adventure:

Travel and fly around the world

Develop a close camaraderie with a diverse community of people that love to fly

Compete in local, national, and world events

Challenge personal, national, and world records

Fly cross-country and see how far you can go

Read more about hang gliding and paragliding for the military.

Questions?

If you have any questions, please contact USHPA's membership coordinator, Galen, at info@ushpa.aero.