FAQ
FAQs
Booking FAQs
FAQs about bookings, payments, refund policy, and cancellations.
Flying FAQs
FAQs about flying, landing, and emergencies.
General FAQs
FAQs about pickup locations, food, and gear.
Bookings
We need to understand the weather, plan the logistics of moving people, and have vehicles in place with drivers.
We need to build out different flight plans based on the number of students and their skill levels.
Bookings are typically confirmed at night. That’s when we are off the mountain and can get access to internet service. If we are on launch, we are typically out-pocket except for radios.
We try to be accommodating as possible. But, stuff happens, like the weather.
If it’s flyable, and you do not show, there is no refund. If you miss the pickup, there is no refund.
If things go sideways with the weather, and we deem it unsafe to fly, we give you credit for a makeup session.
The Waiver document can be found at https://airdamien.com/waiver and a .pdf version can be found at https://airdamien.com/waiver.pdf
Flying
It’s not likely, there are no taxis or Ubers idling around our LZs. You could call one, but by the time you relaunch, you will be in mid-day conditions. You may want to practice kiting in the LZ and wait for the glass off.
We don’t want you flying in mid-day conditions, they can be bumpy. If you are up for too long, we will call you out of the air so you don’t miss your ride.
Walk to the nearest road. Keep in radio contact. When all the other pilots are safely on the ground, we will pick you up in the vehicle.
Don’t go over the backside. The winds rarely are strong enough to send you over the backside. You need to be visible to the instructor at all times. Stay out front of launch. If you go over the backside, the instructor will describe the land marks and the proper fields to land in.
It happens. Don’t panic. Trees are your friend. First, don’t try to get down yourself. We have on-call tree extraction experts. They will arrive with all the gear needed to get you and your wing down. The typical cost is $500-$800, plus tips to the team that shows up.
Your instructor is a trained First Responder. He will assess the situation and call the proper resources. This could range from a ride to the local hospital to a helicopter evacuation.
In Utah use your health insurance card. In Mexico, your insurance will only reimburse you, not the hospital. Bring a credit card with a large line of credit. Bills must be paid in full before you are discharged. The good news is, the price for a hospital visit is shockingly low, and the quality of service will overwhelm you.
This is up to you. Gavin McClurg has written the definitive article on paraglider insurance. You can find it at this link.
It’s not advisable unless you are a seasoned pilot. The local clubs only allow P4s and above to fly mid-day.
An Important Note About Safety
Paragliding is a popular sport, but it can be risky. There are many things that can go wrong, and sometimes people get injured while paragliding.
Despite these dangers, paragliding can be a lot of fun for its adrenaline rush. It's important to take precautions to minimize the risk of injury or death. Make sure you are properly trained and only fly in good weather conditions.
In general, paragliding is considered a safe activity, but there are some risks involved. These include injuries from crashes, getting lost or stranded in remote areas, and exposure to bad weather.
Pilots should always take precautions to minimize these risks, such as checking the forecast before flying, using proper safety gear, and knowing their route well.
With caution and care, paragliding can be an enjoyable and safe experience for everyone involved.
General
In Utah we meet up in the parking lot at the Southside Launch located at 121100 N East, N Frontage Road, Draper, UT 84020
40.457985N,-111.901124W
In Mexico, we meet at Mari’s taco and beer stand at the Valle de Bravo lakefront landing zone: Aterrizaje Parapente Paragliding Landing Marina Nacional 202, Sin Nombre, Valle de Bravo, Méx., (19.183792,-100.127785)
Mari’s is an easy walk from any place in Valle.
In Utah, the bulk of the launches are within an hour of each other.
In Mexico, it typically takes a solid hour. There are no stops for food or to pick up others.
Email Damien at Damien@AirDamien.com. We have spares and rental units for: radios, varios, harnesses, and wings
The local club grooms and improves the launch and landing zone. They also maintain the bathrooms, garbage pickup, and keep orderly flight operations and keep happy with the neighbors.
In Utah, there are bathrooms at both the Southside and North side launches.
In Mexico, there are bathrooms and they are world-class (for 7,600 ft ASL). Also, there is a snack bar.
In Mexico, the Fish Bowl is the flying area in front of launch. It is comprised of: ridges, spines, walls, volcanos, mesas, and The Rock.
In Mexico, the Piano is the piano shaped landing zone directly in front of launch. It is 1.5 miles away from launch, clearly visible, and an easy glide.