Apprentice Instructor Academy

Have you dreamt of soaring through the air? Do you have a passion for learning and helping others learn? Are you a highly active person that enjoys the outdoors?

If so, you may be a great fit for our Apprentice Instructor Academy, where you'll have the opportunity to learn how to fly hang gliders for free! Apprentice Instructors commit to assisting our main instructors at our beach site for a season, or ideally multiple sets of seasons. In exchange, we teach our Apprentices all the skills required to move through their H1 - H2 certifications. Apprentices that stick to the full program can eventually graduate to being full time instructors themselves and get paid to run their own lessons.

If this sounds like an adventure you are interested in, we encourage you to read the outline of the program below along with its perks and benefits.

Please note that while the Apprentice Instructor Academy is an extremely rewarding experience for those looking to stay active, learn new skills, and/or meet new people, it does demand stamina, some physical aptitude, and scheduling commitment. Please only apply if you are capable of repeated slope hill running and are able to dedicate at least one day a week to assisting with our Dockweiler lessons. We encourage you to email us at fly@windsports.com if you have any questions.

Phase 1

Shadow 10 lessons while earning your H-1. Assist instructor during lessons.

Phase 3

Testing Phase to finish the Training Program. Lead 2 lessons without assistance. Possible paid position with Windsports.

Phase 2

Begin teaching part of the lessons as you shadow 10 more lessons. Begin H - 2 novice flight training.

Phase 4

Instruct 1st day lessons to new students as a hired apprentice instructor. Work towards H-3 & basic instructor rating.

Perks & Benefits

All Apprentice Instructors actively participating in the program will receive exclusive access to the following benefits:

Free training at our Dockweiler beach site
Free Rentals of beach gliders and equipment
Eligibility for lesson payments
Massive discount for Advanced High Altitude Tandem Flights (senior apprentices only)
Only pay for transport up the mountain for solo training flights
Priority participation in flight trips
Free glider storage
Discounted gliders and gear

Responsibilities & Expectations

As an Apprentice Instructor, you'll have the opportunity to progress from a Junior Assistant all the way to a Lead Instructor. All apprentices are expected to meet the following requirements:

Be available to assist our main instructors at least once a week Wednesday - Sunday from noon till 5 pm for a full spring, summer, or fall season
Complete all Instructor duties and tasks laid out by the school and the lead instructor
Help maintain the site and the training equipment
Pay for any damage you may cause to school equipment while off the clock
Acquire and keep current a First Aid/CPR certification
Join the USHPA ($199/per year, and a requirement for Windsports insurance)
Adhere to all flight rules and regulations at all flying sites we train, fly and teach at
Communicate well and respectfully to other instructors, students, pilots and passersby at all training and flying sites

Apprentice Program Application

First name

Last name

Phone

Birthday

Month

Day

Year

Why are you interested in joining Windsports' Apprentice Program?

Link to LinkedIn or social media profile (optional)

The following are preliminary requirements for being able to participate in the Apprentice Instructor Program. Please read and check each box to confirm your eligibility.

I can commit to assisting with beach lessons at least one day per week.

I understand this is a highly active role, and I have the physical stamina to run down and walk up a 30-foot sand dune multiple times per day

I understand that as an apprentice instructor, I will be responsible for joining the U.S. Hang Gliding & Paragliding Association and maintaining a current annual membership ($199/year). (This is a requirement of our insurance coverage.)