How This Works: Run into the Sky Nonprofit

Overview

Run into the Sky is a 501(c)(3) charity dedicated to empowering disabled veterans by providing resources, assistance, and support to veterans and individuals in need through paramotor training and adaptive flying equipment.

Training Program

1. Training Season
• Duration: April through September (6 months).
• Focus: Intensive paramotor training tailored to the needs of disabled veterans.
2. Selection Process
• Frequency: One disabled veteran is selected each month.
• Total: Six veterans trained each year.
3. Training Sessions
• Duration: 10 days per session. You can come back as long as you want.  This is forever free training.  Always come back for advanced training. There is no time limit. 
• Content: Comprehensive paramotor training, including:
• Ground Handling:
• Introduction to the paramotor equipment.
• Learning to control the wing on the ground.
• Simulated launch and landing exercises.
• Equipment Maintenance:
• Basic maintenance and troubleshooting of paramotors.
• Understanding the mechanics of the equipment.
• Ensuring safety through regular checks.
• Safety Protocols:
• Detailed safety briefings.
• Emergency procedures and response training.
• Weather condition assessment and decision-making.
• Flying Techniques:
• Powered taxi with a wing.
• Solo flights under supervision.
• Advanced flying maneuvers and techniques.
• Adaptive Techniques:
• Specialized training for adaptive equipment use.
• Techniques tailored to individual physical capabilities.
• Confidence Building:
• Psychological preparation and overcoming fear.
• Encouragement and support from instructors and peers.
• Community Building:
• Group activities and bonding exercises.
• Building a support network among veterans.
4. End-of-Season Equipment Giveaway
• After the training season ends in September, the organization donates training gear to the veterans.
• Note: Availability of gear for all veterans depends on the success of donations and grants.

Support Mechanism

• Donations: The primary source of funding for training programs and equipment.
• Grants: Additional funding to support and expand our training and equipment provision capabilities.

Goals and Vision

• Empowerment: Enable disabled veterans to experience the joy and freedom of paramotoring.
• Community: Build a supportive community of veterans who share a passion for flight.
• Sustainability: Ensure continuous support through robust fundraising and grant acquisition.

By providing specialized training and equipment, Run into the Sky aims to enhance the quality of life for disabled veterans, fostering a sense of achievement and community through the unique experience of paramotoring.

Disabled veterans going through our FREE TRAINING PROGRAM, we will need a copy of your DD-214, a letter from the VA showing your disability rating and that you received an Honorable Discharge and a Video Application Interview.  When approved, your training will be FREE OF CHARGE. 

To help heroes like police, fire and rescue, etc, we do offer a very limited space for ground school. This will be the same week as the disabled veteran.  The tuition is only $100 a month for 12 months. This helps pay our trainers. 

https://runintothesky.betterworld.org/events/non-disabled-veterans 

* Please call Sean at 501-747-3558 to make sure there is a space available. 

To Receive your official PPG Ratings from the USPPA, you must complete training, do the online exams AND be a current member of the USPPA.org JOIN HERE

First, Download the THINGS TO SIGN PDF
Please download this and sign the application and waivers.  Must have these the first day of class.

Second,  View the FREE Student Study Guide and Training PDF

This is the packet you will use for studying our ground school course. Yes, you may download and print for free.

Third, 
Do the video Interview Application.

We need to do a video interview application.   Very easy.

You will sign up for a free ZOOM.us account unless you already have one.

Then sign in to the meeting anytime as you will be the only one in the meeting room and it will automatically start recording.

YOUR VIDEO AND AUDIO MUST BE ON.

Tell us your FIRST and LAST name and your cell number.

Read the question out loud, then answer.

What motivated you to pursue paramotor flying with Run into the Sky?

Can you provide details about your military service and any resulting disabilities?

Are you comfortable with the physical demands of paramotoring, considering your disability?

Do you have a support system in place to assist you during your training and beyond?

What are your long-term goals and aspirations within the paramotoring community?

Have you researched the potential risks and challenges associated with paramotoring, and how do you plan to mitigate them?

What specific adaptive equipment or modifications do you anticipate needing to fully participate in paramotoring?

Are you comfortable with the possibility of public speaking or media appearances to share your story as a Run into the Sky pilot?

Are you willing to mentor and support other disabled veterans who may join Run into the Sky in the future?

How do you plan to maintain your physical and mental well-being throughout your paramotoring journey?

Is there anything else you would like to say or talk about?

When done, END. We will get up with you after we view the video interview application.

The board of directors and other key members of Run Into The Sky will watch your video interview.  THIS VIDEO IS PRIVATE AND WILL NOT BE SHOWN ON ANY SOCIAL MEDIA, it is only for the interview process. 

Finally, Download the class syllabus.  Download and Print
Download your official USPPA Syllabus 

If you are going to WHEEL launch, download the wheel syllabus

Download your official USPPA Wheel Syllabus  Download and Print

To get an idea of where we fly, please watch a Free Airspace Lesson. 

Airspace for Paramotors Study Guide
Click HERE and go to our LEARN AIRSPACE page. www.LearnAirspace.org

When you are ready for the free airspace test, click this link
https://usppa.org/courses/airspace

We will go over your study guide and have either face to face class or zoom classes.  We will do this first before you complete the tests below.

*DO YOUR PPG 1 TEST after we cover the material in class.

Instructor Sean Symons
Instructor email ppggrandpa@gmail.com

PPG 1 
https://usppa.org/ppg-1-test

PPG 2
https://usppa.org/ppg-2-test

PPG1 Wheel 
https://usppa.org/ppg-1-wheel-launch-test

PPG 2 Wheel
https://usppa.org/ppg-2-wheel-launch-test

Thank you for checking our Run Into The Sky