Flight Instruction

Training is based on the approved certification program for the United States Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association (USHPA) but extends well beyond the USHPA minimums. Lessons emphasize fun, safety, judgment, and skills development through hands-on training, theory, and discussion.

In 4 or 5 session, students develop the skills necessary to launch, land and fly at training hills under the instructors supervision . After earning a beginner rating (P1) most students will continue training and works towards a Novice rating (P2). The Novice rating prepares you to safely take to the skies on your own, but with some recommended limitations.

Midnight Sun Paragliding encourages students to pursue advanced training opportunities throughout their flying careers to enhance your safety and enjoyment. We work with some of the country's most renowned pilots and instructors such as Chris Santacroce and Jeff Farrell of Superfly Inc. Together we supply only the best flying gear and assessories as well as share new teaching techniques to enhance your skills. Since 1998 Super Fly has been the largest importer and distributor of paragliders and paragliding equipment in North America. They travel the world to identify the best brands and models for the US Paragliding population and work closely with the manufacturers that they represent in order to develop products for the US market. 

Expect training to begin on flat ground where we will concentrate on ground handling your wing, which is absolutely key to a successful flight career. Students will then progress to shallow sloped hills for your first flight. Upon mastering ground handling and simple flights, we will move up to larger mountain flights and work on your P2 skills.
Since training sessions are usually one-on-one and very seldom more than two at a time, instruction can be easily paced to the students progress. Each session will include some theory, weather discussion, skills development and demonstration and review. All in the name of having fun!

Instruction Above and Beyond

Midnight Sun Paragliding highly encourages students to purchase their own paragliding equipment early in the training program. This not only provides you with the best in paraglider technology and safety, but allows you to become familiar with your own gear, it's performance and comfort. Once you have completed all the required skills for your rating and we are 100% confident with your abilities, you are free to fly within your own abilities. Midnight Sun Paragliding will forever remain available to you to help you further your skills or advanced ratings , answer your questions and provide any needed advice or assistance with new gear.

After gaining the launching, landing, and basic flight skills, some of your training will occur over water near Wasilla. Relax in your harness while the powerboat-mounted, state-of-the-art winch system (see link to Towmeup.com) tows you to a modest height over the water. Release from the line and listen on the radio while the instructor teaches valuable techniques for managing your wing safely under varied conditions.

Towing over the water is considered the safest and most effective way to learn flight skills, but due to the equipment investment most schools cannot offer over-the-water training as part of initial instruction (subsequent training is usually offered in specialty courses for $600 for three days). Midnight Sun Paragliding is one of very few schools in the world to offer this valuable training.

Winter Flying and Training

Winter flying in Alaska can be spectacular and if you can ski, you can ski-launch for a new dimension to adventure! Alyeska Ski resort welcomes USHGA pilots who have met some minimum requirements. Ride the tram or chairlift to the top and fly back down over the cheering skiers and boarders all winter and during special events.

Snow cover, extra clothing, and down-mountain trending winds in the fall and winter complicate the learning process, however, therefore Paragliding instruction is limited to the spring and summer.

Phil Smith

Our Instructors

Phil Smith and Jake Schlapfer learned to fly here in Alaska and together have more than 20 years of paragliding experience here and all over the world to share. Having flown with pilots and instructors from around the world in hundreds of locations has taught us that local, Alaskan instruction has a lot of advantages to elsewhere: the unique geographical and weather qualities in Alaska require a familiarity with the local conditions. New pilots from the lower 48 often seek additional instruction once reaching Alaska just to learn to manage tundra, mountain flying, thermal activity and local weather patterns. Life-long Alaskans Jake and Phil have the background to provide these gems of insight for safe and fun flying in the Great Land.

When to Begin

Since qualified instructors are few and lessons are quite personal, we can teach only a few students per year. Sign up early (preferably during the month of March) for the summer sessions. A 50% deposit for the beginner course will secure your spot with Midnight Sun Paragliding. Contact Jake Schlapfer at jschlapfer@yahoo.com to meet, answer questions, and get you signed up early for next season’s sessions. Click here for more details about what to expect from your flight instruction.

Student Testimonials

When I began I had the usual enthusiasm and excitement with some trepidation. Phil’s presentation provided me with the knowledge to make sound decisions about the weather, site conditions and my ability to operate my wing safely each time I launch.
We have all heard of school’s that promise quality training, but deliver the minimum. I rate Phil’s training as exceptional, his technique and demeanor instill confidence in your ability, compelling you forward to your dream and freedom to Fly. I was hooked after the first Tandem flight. I am progressing well; I have achieved skills and abilities above and beyond the minimums required to receive my P2 rating. Even after acquiring my P2, if Phil is on site he continues to provide instruction, helping me through these high wind launches. Thanks Phil!

- Steve C
Other Ratings:
Commercial instrument rating
Private pilot
Sea Plane rating
Complex (retractable gear, constant speed prop)

During (over the water towing instruction) I’d done my first big ears, frontal folds, riser twists, asymmetric frontal folds steering with weight shift, several B-line stalls, some wing-overs, and I’d tried the speed bar in different situations to see how it worked. Knowing that the glider…will continue to support you, even in extremis is like having a confidence supply in your harness along with your reserve chute. That confidence comes from having good instruction (in this case, from Phil) and repetition of maneuvers and procedures.

- Courtland W.