Desert Wind Paragliding - Phoenix, Arizona

Adriana Ramìrez

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Todd Statt

I have always dreamed of flying since I was a child. It wasn't until I talked to Chandler at Desert Wings Paragliding that I started to realize that dream.

I started out at knowing nothing about flying.
From the first phone call until now, Chandler has been a patient and thorough coach. I started at the end of October 2023 and was able to train and practice with him at my pace and availability. When weather was good for towing, we flew and got lots of flights from the road to well over 2000' above the ground. The flight time alone, allowed me to practice different skills and progress quickly towards my P2 -which allows me to fly at different sites...safely.

To instantly feel camaraderie with fellow new pilots, and have a community of experienced pilots to cheer you on and give gentle coaching has been a great thing for me. If you go to learn with Desert Wind Paragliding you will have a community of pilots to fly and learn with.

The first times I visited different sites as a freshly minted P2, the more experienced pilots complemented me on my technique and capability. It wasn't what they expected (or had experienced) from a new P2 pilot. I took that as a compliment towards my training with Desert Wind Paragliding.

I can't recommend them enough.

Kolton Copple

Chandler is a great paragliding instructor and guide. I didn’t learn to fly with chandler but have received multiple additional ratings and taken guided trips put on by desert wind. Chandler has a great approach to teaching and flying. On our trip to Colombia chandler provided in air coaching enabling me with the information and skills necessary to grow as a pilot.

Towing during the winter is also a blast.

Pat Jameson

Chandler Papas at Desert Wind Paragliding is a consummate professional and extremely talented Paraglider pilot and instructor. I started training with him in 2021, receiving my novice and then intermediate level certifications under his instruction. Chandler has a high emphasis on safety and risk management, along with all of the piloting skills, weather and aviation knowledge required to become a competent pilot. He’s tireless in working with his students getting ready for their first flights, whether from towing or foot launch, and guiding them up through the certification levels, including planning and traveling with them to different launch sites to increase their knowledge and skill levels as they progress. His passion for paragliding is infectious, his skill is superior, his demeanor, while instructing is positive, and his passion is infectious. He also is a guru on all things paragliding equipment. He will advise and get you dialed in on a great rig (wing, harness, accessories, flight instruments etc. that you will learn on and grow into, increasing your confidence and flying ability, and saving you money over other avenues and vendors. Beyond instruction I’ve traveled with Chandler to multiple destinations as I improved in skill and confidence. Trips to Point of Mountain, Utah or several sites within Arizona are convenient and easy, and allow you to progress during different flying locations/seasons in the year.

I’ve done an international trip with him to Brazil, which was simply epic. Focused and dedicated instruction and mentoring in an awesome flying location cannot be over emphasized. I am more than doubled my time in the air in that one trip, and definitely “leveled up“ on so many levels. My first real Thermaling, my first cross country, my first cliff launch, highest altitude, longest flight, number of flights in a day, first coastal flying; you name it I achieved or exceeded my previous Personal Bests.

Paragliding is not for everyone, but if you’re interested in exploring it, and then pursuing it in a safe, fulfilling, and professional environment, where you will acquire the knowledge and skills, and the confidence to fly safely in many different exhilarating locations and environments, Chandler is your man!

Jeremy Grogan

Great individualized instruction in one of the tougher places to learn to fly. If you learn to fly here in the desert, all the other climates are significantly easier to fly in. I was able to fly in Utah, California, Washington, and Hawaii right after learning to fly here. Awesome sport, great people, and the only form of flight you can fit into a backpack and take anything the world and fly!!!!!

SonikNik

After completing training through Desert Wind Paragliding, I am now a confident and capable pilot!

When it comes to learning how to become a paraglider pilot, settling for less just isn’t an option -and- finding the right certified instructor can be tricky too. Thankfully, Arizona is home the best paragliding training via Desert Wind Paragliding with Chandler Papas!

The training offered at Desert Wind Paragliding will guide you through the process of becoming a well-rounded pilot with internationally recognized pilot certifications too. Desert Wind Paragliding also has a professional tow-rig capable of taking you well over 3,000ft AGL where you’ll unpin and soar with the birds! Additionally, you’ll learn how how to foot-launch from various sites throughout Arizona.

Whether you’re looking for a casual hike and fly once a month - or - if you want to take things to the max and become the ultimate cross country paragliding champion, then Chandler is your guy! He knows how to core a thermal and his XC skills are bar-none too!

Once you are soaring high up above, you’ll have wished you started years ago!

If you’ve made it this far… You and I both know: YOU ARE READY to become a pilot!

Contact Desert Wind Paragliding and get started today!!!

Happy flying!

Edited: typos.

Josiah Dryer

Chandler knows how to fly and get his students up in the sky! He will work with you and teach you the everything you need to know to be able to walk up to launch prepared assess the conditions and step into a fascinating new world. Here you will learn all the valuable lessons of equipment care how it works and how to succeed.

Ben Parker (adventureclincher)

Chandler is a great instructor and pilot. We recently flew a competition together in Texas and had a ball. His positive attitude and many many years of experience will keep you safe and allow you to relax while you learn. A+