Learn to Fly a Paraglider in Bozeman, Montana
Learn to fly a paraglider
Come fly the Big Skies of Montana with us!
First lessons on low slopes
- Patient, professional USHPA-certified paragliding instructors.
- Small class sizes with personalized, one-on-one attention.
- No previous paragliding experience required.
- Learn at your own pace — we never rush your training.
- All necessary training equipment is provided.
- Convenient training locations near Bozeman, Montana.
- Safety-focused instruction that builds confidence and good flying habits.
- Personalized assistance selecting the right paraglider and equipment when you’re ready to purchase.
- Student discounts available on paragliding equipment.
Choosing the right paragliding instructor is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as a new pilot. A knowledgeable instructor will help you build a strong foundation in safety, sound judgment, and good flying habits. At 406 Paragliding, our goal is to help you develop the skills, confidence, and decision-making abilities needed to progress safely through your training.
Paraglider Pilot Training School.
Introduction & Safety Session (2–3 Hours)
Your paragliding journey begins with an introduction to the sport, the equipment, and the fundamentals of safe flight. This session gives you an opportunity to ask questions, learn what becoming a paraglider pilot involves, and experience controlling a paraglider on the ground. No previous flying experience is necessary.
During this introductory session, you’ll learn:
- Equipment familiarization: An introduction to the paraglider, harness, helmet, and other essential safety equipment.
- Weather and safety: Understanding basic wind and weather conditions, identifying potential hazards, and recognizing when conditions are suitable for training.
- Preflight inspections: Learning how to inspect your equipment, check your harness connections, and prepare for a safe training session.
- Wing setup and care: How to lay out your paraglider, organize and inspect the lines, and properly pack and care for your equipment.
- Hands-on ground handling: With instructor guidance, you’ll practice inflating and controlling a paraglider while remaining safely on the ground. These exercises introduce the fundamental wing-control skills you’ll use throughout your training.
Our goal is to give you a safe, enjoyable introduction to paragliding while helping you decide whether you’d like to continue toward your USHPA pilot certification.
Introduction to Paraglider Training Hill Sessions (1–2 Mornings, 3 Hours per Session)
- Designed for individuals who want to experience paragliding before committing to a full pilot certification program.
- Students must first complete our Introduction & Safety Session.
- Learn the fundamentals of ground handling, wing control, and safe launch preparation.
- When weather conditions and student readiness permit, practice launching from a low training hill, making a short, controlled flight, and landing safely under instructor supervision.
P1 Beginner Training — Learn to Fly a Paraglider (4–5 Morning Sessions)
If you’re ready to learn to fly a paraglider, our USHPA P1 Beginner Training program provides a structured introduction to the skills, knowledge, and safety practices needed to get started.
Our USHPA P1 Beginner Paraglider Pilot Training introduces students to the fundamental skills and knowledge needed to begin their journey toward becoming a certified paraglider pilot. Training focuses on ground handling, wing control, equipment preparation, safe launching and landing techniques, and understanding basic weather and flying conditions. Under instructor supervision, students practice controlled launches from a low training hill, make short flights in suitable conditions, and develop the confidence and judgment necessary for continued training. The P1 rating is an introductory certification and does not qualify pilots to fly independently. It provides the foundation for progressing into our USHPA P2 Novice Pilot Training program.
P2 Novice USHPA Paraglider Pilot Certification
After completing your beginner training, you’ll continue to learn to fly a paraglider with greater independence while developing your judgment, flight planning, and landing skills. Training focuses on improving ground handling and wing control, mastering forward and reverse launches, developing consistent takeoff and landing techniques, evaluating weather and flying conditions, understanding airspace, and recognizing potential hazards. Through supervised flights and personalized instruction, students develop the practical skills, judgment, and experience needed to meet the requirements for their USHPA P2 rating.
Paragliding Ground School
Ground school is an essential part of becoming a safe and knowledgeable paraglider pilot. At 406 Paragliding, students learn the fundamentals of aerodynamics, weather and wind conditions, airspace regulations, equipment inspection and care, flight planning, and emergency procedures. We emphasize risk management, sound decision-making, and recognizing when conditions are appropriate for flying. Ground school combines online learning, in-person instruction, and practical exercises to help students understand not just how to fly, but when and why to make safe flying decisions.
P2 Training Requirements and Schedule
To earn your USHPA P2 Novice rating, you’ll need to complete a minimum of 35 flights, 7 flying days, and 8 hours of ground school, along with the required practical skills, knowledge, and instructor evaluations.
Depending on weather conditions, your progress, and your availability, training may take 15 days or longer. We typically schedule three-hour morning training sessions when conditions are suitable, supplemented by online and in-person ground school.
We teach at your pace, with an emphasis on developing safe, confident, and well-trained pilots.
Throughout your training, you’ll receive a detailed syllabus and pilot training task book outlining the knowledge, skills, and flight experience required for your USHPA P2 rating. Your instructor will track your progress, provide individual feedback, and help you develop the skills and judgment necessary to become a safe, responsible, and increasingly independent paraglider pilot.
Training Schedule: Paragliding lessons are weather-dependent, with most flight training scheduled during the calmer morning hours. Student safety is our highest priority, so lessons may be rescheduled when conditions are unsuitable for flying.
Flying off the P2 Hill
Our Promise
- Personalized Instruction: We tailor training to each student’s abilities, learning style, and progress. We won’t rush your development or encourage you to fly beyond your skill level.
- Small Class Sizes: We keep our classes small to provide personalized attention and as much one-on-one instruction as possible.
- Safety First: We emphasize sound judgment, weather awareness, proper equipment use, and safe flying habits from your very first lesson.
- Professional Training: Our instructors provide patient, hands-on instruction designed to help you develop the knowledge and practical skills needed to progress toward USHPA P1 and P2 certification.
- Honest Equipment Guidance: We’ll help you select appropriate new or used paragliding equipment based on your experience, skill level, and flying goals.