For many, paragliding represents the ultimate freedom. Flying with the birds, experiencing nature up close, and enjoying an incredible view—it’s no wonder why paragliding has become one of the fastest growing adventure sports in the world. But what’s the payoff for instructors in the paragliding industry? To help answer this question, we’ll take a closer look at the paragliding pay scale and the factors that determine instructor salaries.
Gliding to Financial Freedom
Paragliding is an extreme sport with a steep learning curve. Even basic flight techniques require time and practice to master, and specialized skills such as thermalling and cross-country flying require even more discipline and dedication. Consequently, the vast majority of paragliders will require some form of instruction in order to be safe and successful pilots.
Not only does this generate a steady income for instructors, but it also makes them an indispensable part of the paragliding community. As Miguel Lozano, a veteran paragliding instructor, has said: “Instructors are the most important link in the paragliding chain. Without them, paragliding would be a much less safe and enjoyable sport.”
Evaluating Paragliding Instructor Pay
Because there is no standard pay scale for paragliding instructors, the amount you can earn depends on a variety of factors. Here’s a quick look at some of the most important ones:
Location: Paragliding is a relatively new sport, and its popularity is still concentrated in certain parts of the world. If you’re an instructor based in a popular paragliding destination, such as India or South Africa, you’re likely to have more clients than an instructor in a more remote location.
Experience: An instructor’s level of experience is an important factor in determining their rate of pay. Experienced instructors tend to charge more than novice instructors because they have more to offer their students.
Certifications: Many instructors opt to get certified in order to set themselves apart from the competition. Certification not only shows potential clients that you are qualified, it also signals to them that you are serious about the sport.
Specializations: If you have specialized training, such as in acrobatics or mountain flying, you may be able to charge a higher rate than other instructors.
Soaring Salaries for Instructors
The amount of money instructors make can also vary depending on the type of instruction they offer. For example, if you are running a full-time paragliding school, you will likely earn more than a freelance instructor who only works part-time.
In terms of specifics, the exact rate of pay for paragliding instructors can range from as low as $25 an hour for basic instruction, to as high as $100 an hour for more advanced lessons. On top of that, instructors may be able to make even more money through associated services such as tandem flights and gear rentals.
All in all, paragliding instructors offer an invaluable service to the sport and are able to make a good living in the process. With the right combination of experience and specialization, paragliding instructors can earn an impressive salary and enjoy the freedom that comes with flying.