Testimonials
Leah Catullo
I trained with Eric Dufour and only now have I realized what incredible instruction from a legend does for a new pilot. In the first few years after training the solid foundation of fundamental skills that championed an accelerated rate of progression, to becoming an Ozone team pilot. Many schools emulate or directly employ his methods, but he is the source and one of the best paramotor instructors in the world, if not the best. There’s a reason they call him the grandfather of paramotor in the United States, not only was he one of the first to fly paramotor here, he began instructing long before others. He won’t say his methods are the best, just that there is only one correct method of instruction that he himself has honed over the years.
I am truly honored to be one of his former students and can only imagine what his next protégé (Jonathan Carr) will be capable of in years to come as a pilot and instructor.
Leah Catullo
Ozone team pilot
USPPA Competition Committee Chair
CIMA FAI US Delegate
dozndawg@gmail.com
Leah Catullo
I trained with Eric Dufour and only now have I realized what incredible instruction from a legend does for a new pilot. In the first few years after training the solid foundation of fundamental skills that championed an accelerated rate of progression, to becoming an Ozone team pilot. Many schools emulate or directly employ his methods, but he is the source and one of the best paramotor instructors in the world, if not the best. There’s a reason they call him the grandfather of paramotor in the United States, not only was he one of the first to fly paramotor here, he began instructing long before others. He won’t say his methods are the best, just that there is only one correct method of instruction that he himself has honed over the years.
I am truly honored to be one of his former students and can only imagine what his next protégé (Jonathan Carr) will be capable of in years to come as a pilot and instructor.
Leah Catullo
Ozone team pilot
USPPA Competition Committee Chair
CIMA FAI US Delegate
dozndawg@gmail.com
Noah Wolff
Ever since I stumbled across the sport online about 2 years ago, I’ve always wanted and dreamed of becoming a paramotor pilot. The main thing that held me back was the time necessary to get the proper training and secondary to that was the distance to travel to go to the training. After since graduating from university that restriction has let up and I was able to follow through.
After doing research on who/where to go, many places were pointing to a 1 or 2 specific places and, again, after more research I discovered Eric was the one that has been within the sport likely the longest and more importantly, trained the other trainers I was being recommended. It was only icing on top that sealed the deal for me when I discovered he lived in the city I would be moving to.
The training course was everything I imagined and more. Being an engineer, Eric quickly recognized that and did his best to stop the thoughts of over thinking, and it was a quick path to experiencing 28 flights within 10 days, including a few rainy or less-than-perfect weather days. I look forward to spending more time with The Paramotor Academy crew and the Valkaria PPG crew in the very near future.
Noah Wolff
noahw86@gmail.com
Noah Wolff
Ever since I stumbled across the sport online about 2 years ago, I’ve always wanted and dreamed of becoming a paramotor pilot. The main thing that held me back was the time necessary to get the proper training and secondary to that was the distance to travel to go to the training. After since graduating from university that restriction has let up and I was able to follow through.
After doing research on who/where to go, many places were pointing to a 1 or 2 specific places and, again, after more research I discovered Eric was the one that has been within the sport likely the longest and more importantly, trained the other trainers I was being recommended. It was only icing on top that sealed the deal for me when I discovered he lived in the city I would be moving to.
The training course was everything I imagined and more. Being an engineer, Eric quickly recognized that and did his best to stop the thoughts of over thinking, and it was a quick path to experiencing 28 flights within 10 days, including a few rainy or less-than-perfect weather days. I look forward to spending more time with The Paramotor Academy crew and the Valkaria PPG crew in the very near future.
Noah Wolff
noahw86@gmail.com
Juan Almira
I have always dreamed of being able to fly and Eric Dufour made my dream a reality. I researched many training options and choosing to train with Eric was the best decision ever. He shared so much knowledge and was so professional every step of the way. Everywhere I go to fly people really notice my wing control skills and ask where I trained. I recommend Eric to everyone I know who wants to be a great paramotor pilot.
I have lots of videos in youtube if you want to see the product of Eric Training LOL: Click Here
Juan Almira
jcalmira@msn.com
Juan Almira
I have always dreamed of being able to fly and Eric Dufour made my dream a reality. I researched many training options and choosing to train with Eric was the best decision ever. He shared so much knowledge and was so professional every step of the way. Everywhere I go to fly people really notice my wing control skills and ask where I trained. I recommend Eric to everyone I know who wants to be a great paramotor pilot.
I have lots of videos in youtube if you want to see the product of Eric Training LOL: Click Here
Juan Almira
jcalmira@msn.com
Bob Curry
I originally trained with Eric in 2017 after sustaining an injury attempting to self-train. Eric understood my situation and guided me through the learning process with expertise, attention to detail, and enthusiasm.
Three years and nearly 400 flights later, I found myself wanting some additional training to be confident in more challenging conditions. I spent 2 days at Paramotor Academy, getting advanced wheel training. I came away with more skill in launching and ground handling that I could not have achieved on my own. I recommend periodic refresher training for anyone who wants to be a better paramotor pilot. I highly recommend Paramotor Academy for wheeled or foot launch training.
Bob Curry
Pilotbob1954@outlook.com
Bob Curry
I originally trained with Eric in 2017 after sustaining an injury attempting to self-train. Eric understood my situation and guided me through the learning process with expertise, attention to detail, and enthusiasm.
Three years and nearly 400 flights later, I found myself wanting some additional training to be confident in more challenging conditions. I spent 2 days at Paramotor Academy, getting advanced wheel training. I came away with more skill in launching and ground handling that I could not have achieved on my own. I recommend periodic refresher training for anyone who wants to be a better paramotor pilot. I highly recommend Paramotor Academy for wheeled or foot launch training.
Bob Curry
Pilotbob1954@outlook.com
Jesus Diaz
Paramotor Academy’s head instructor Eric Dufour has been flying for almost 30 years. Think about that; in 1990 I had not even seen a paramotor, much less ever thought of flying one. He is the instructor that other instructors (Including very popular ones which you have heard of) go to when they want to learn new skills. That alone should be enough to tell you that if you are looking to go anywhere near Florida, Paramotor Academy is where you should take a very hard look at.
Now let me add to those facts, my own experience. I am 52 and went there with no training at all in paramotoring, I had just seen a few videos and knew it was something I had to do. I was in the air being towed on my second morning and had my 1st flight that evening.
Flying quickly is by no means the most important measure of a good instructor. What I believe is, is when one can get you in the air so quickly but then not let you leave to go out on your own until he is sure that you are ready. That is usually around 25-30 flights and I received significantly more than that as I learned both foot launch and trike.
DO NOT go to an instructor who gives you 10 flights and sends you on your way. Unless you’re a prodigy I do not believe anyone can know what is necessary in order to be safe, with so few flights. And much more importantly, Eric does not believe you can either, which is why he stays with you so long. He has other excellent instructors there as well, most notably for me as I worked with him significantly, is a gentleman by the name of Jonathan Carr. Jonathan is an excellent laid-back yin to Eric’s more serious yang. Do yourself a favor, swing by and at the very least take a tandem flight with them and get a feel for what its like. I literally do not know how you could be disappointed.
Jesus Diaz
reachjesus@gmail.com
Jesus Diaz
Paramotor Academy’s head instructor Eric Dufour has been flying for almost 30 years. Think about that; in 1990 I had not even seen a paramotor, much less ever thought of flying one. He is the instructor that other instructors (Including very popular ones which you have heard of) go to when they want to learn new skills. That alone should be enough to tell you that if you are looking to go anywhere near Florida, Paramotor Academy is where you should take a very hard look at.
Now let me add to those facts, my own experience. I am 52 and went there with no training at all in paramotoring, I had just seen a few videos and knew it was something I had to do. I was in the air being towed on my second morning and had my 1st flight that evening.
Flying quickly is by no means the most important measure of a good instructor. What I believe is, is when one can get you in the air so quickly but then not let you leave to go out on your own until he is sure that you are ready. That is usually around 25-30 flights and I received significantly more than that as I learned both foot launch and trike.
DO NOT go to an instructor who gives you 10 flights and sends you on your way. Unless you’re a prodigy I do not believe anyone can know what is necessary in order to be safe, with so few flights. And much more importantly, Eric does not believe you can either, which is why he stays with you so long. He has other excellent instructors there as well, most notably for me as I worked with him significantly, is a gentleman by the name of Jonathan Carr. Jonathan is an excellent laid-back yin to Eric’s more serious yang. Do yourself a favor, swing by and at the very least take a tandem flight with them and get a feel for what its like. I literally do not know how you could be disappointed.
Jesus Diaz
reachjesus@gmail.com
Frank Bogyos
As an Instructor and Evaluator Pilot for a major airline for over 30 years, I can attest to the quality of training offered by Eric Dufour. His program and methods of instruction mirror that of the airlines, which is evident with his decades of experience. He tailors his teaching to the student, so even a 63 year old like myself can enjoy foot launched flight.
Frank Bogyos
f.bogyos8@comcast.net
Frank Bogyos
As an Instructor and Evaluator Pilot for a major airline for over 30 years, I can attest to the quality of training offered by Eric Dufour. His program and methods of instruction mirror that of the airlines, which is evident with his decades of experience. He tailors his teaching to the student, so even a 63 year old like myself can enjoy foot launched flight.
Frank Bogyos
f.bogyos8@comcast.net
John McCurley
My first introduction to paramotors was in 2011 when I saw someone flying (practically hovering) at the beach. I was immediately intrigued. Fast forward to October 2019, after almost a decade of watching online videos and dreaming about it I finally had the time and resources to seek training, so I started researching schools and instructors. I reached out to a few different places but was met with high pressure sales tactics and waiting lists. Then I found out Eric Dufour’s school. Eric and his team (Marco Busse and Jonathan Carr) are extremely competent instructors that always have the safety and best interests of the student in mind. I feel lucky to have had them as my instructors and mentors in this wonderful sport.
John McCurley
4robble2@gmail.com
John McCurley
My first introduction to paramotors was in 2011 when I saw someone flying (practically hovering) at the beach. I was immediately intrigued. Fast forward to October 2019, after almost a decade of watching online videos and dreaming about it I finally had the time and resources to seek training, so I started researching schools and instructors. I reached out to a few different places but was met with high pressure sales tactics and waiting lists. Then I found out Eric Dufour’s school. Eric and his team (Marco Busse and Jonathan Carr) are extremely competent instructors that always have the safety and best interests of the student in mind. I feel lucky to have had them as my instructors and mentors in this wonderful sport.
John McCurley
4robble2@gmail.com
Rick Waibel
I came to the Paramotor Academy to begin my journey into the amazing sport. Eric Dufour is a legend and in my opinion, one of the best instructors in the world. His staff were all trained by him and are all amazing pilots as well. The curriculum was by the book and thoroughly repeated until I was ready to progress. I am very happy with my decision to train with them, it was the best decision I ever made.
I would recommend the Paramotor Academy to anyone aspiring to learn PPG.
Rick Waibel
jumpingblueskies@gmail.com
Rick Waibel
I came to the Paramotor Academy to begin my journey into the amazing sport. Eric Dufour is a legend and in my opinion, one of the best instructors in the world. His staff were all trained by him and are all amazing pilots as well. The curriculum was by the book and thoroughly repeated until I was ready to progress. I am very happy with my decision to train with them, it was the best decision I ever made.
I would recommend the Paramotor Academy to anyone aspiring to learn PPG.
Rick Waibel
jumpingblueskies@gmail.com
Nadine Zenker
I am very grateful to have had the opportunity to learn to fly with Eric Dufour. He is not only an excellent pilot, but he is also able to pass his knowledge to others. He was able to help me overcome my fear and get into the air. He pushed me forward in the right way, not too much at a time, but just perfectly to move along without being overwhelmed. Thus, I could move on step by step. He makes you work hard and gives you a lot of flights, but it’s worth it.
Thanks to Eric, I learned a very efficient and precise technique and precious theoretical skills, which allows me to feel confident and comfortable in the most various conditions and places. I completed my training with 56 flights and now I am an autonomous pilot.
Nadine Zenker
nadine.zenker@gmx.de
Nadine Zenkel
I am very grateful to have had the opportunity to learn to fly with Eric Dufour. He is not only an excellent pilot, but he is also able to pass his knowledge to others. He was able to help me overcome my fear and get into the air. He pushed me forward in the right way, not too much at a time, but just perfectly to move along without being overwhelmed. Thus, I could move on step by step. He makes you work hard and gives you a lot of flights, but it’s worth it.
Thanks to Eric, I learned a very efficient and precise technique and precious theoretical skills, which allows me to feel confident and comfortable in the most various conditions and places. I completed my training with 56 flights and now I am an autonomous pilot.
Nadine Zenkel
Laurentfo@yahoo.fr
Valentin Saccard
When I looked for a school, I went to Eric for his fame and experience, but found a lot more than that. I have rarely been greeted the way he and his team did and I felt like family. I especially want to thank Eric for the incredible work he has accomplished in a week with me (towing, solo flights and on my 2nd day of training, I did 27 paramotor flights to “fly my age”. I tried several different wings, including the Cross from Everest, I did spirals, wings overs, big ears, touch and goes… and completed my training with 70 flights! Even today I have hard time to believe I did all of this in one week!
But the most important thing for me as a beginner, is that when I went back home, I knew deep down that I could fly in complete autonomy and above all, I have absolutely no fear of doing so, on the contrary, every day I want to be up there!!
Here are my thoughts about HIS WAY to teach:The first thing I remember is his human side with the students. He does NOT see us a number among others, or as a salary. His school is not a factory and believe me, it’s something that makes all the difference. He teaches in accordance to each one, to their behaviors, their physical shape, learning facility, etc. For example, I arrived 1 ½ day later than expected, but I completed my training with almost 30 more flights than another students because you saw that I could do it and you knew how to find the words to motivate me. He always used situations that related to my project to make things more concrete.
And the extra thing is that he gets to feel how we feel and knows if we are able to go further, but before each flight gives us the choice to continue or to stop and never force us under the pretext that he is the instructor. If one day the student feels tired, he sends him/her to rest, and this behavior is among the reasons we are having complete confidence in him.
On my first day of training, he took me on a tandem flight and on the way down, asked me if I still wanted to learn. When I answered “yes”, he told me: “The only thing you have to do is to do exactly what I’m going to tell you to do and in a week you will be a good pilot”. Promise kept.
Another very important thing that he does is the famous briefing/debriefing, which consists of asking all possible and imaginable questions. But once out, it’s over and we do not think any more and we do what you tell us to do. We concentrate and focus. It is a very simple and extremely effective technique that leaves no room for improvisation and anything big.
All his explanations regarding security, laws, flight, or anything else, are either coming with sketches or images with references that speak to us and help us to better understand. We are never left with a question unanswered, or a misunderstanding. Thanks to all this in a week, at no time did I felt in danger or even insecure. At no time did I feel him overwhelmed as was training two other pilots and two instructors and when a student sees this confident and knowledgeable instructor, there is nothing like this to become a good student and pilot.
He can tell his students ten times, a hundred times, when they do something wrong, without ever getting upset. But also, he always tells them when they do something right and this is very important for the student’s confidence.
After my training was completed, he told me before I left: “My voice will stay in your head for each step that will be repeated”. It’s so true, yet another proof that everything I have learned with him is acquired.
Thank you Eric for this week that I will never forget!
Valentin Saccard
association.onlyone@gmail.com
Valentin Saccard
When I looked for a school, I went to Eric for his fame and experience, but found a lot more than that. I have rarely been greeted the way he and his team did and I felt like family. I especially want to thank Eric for the incredible work he has accomplished in a week with me (towing, solo flights and on my 2nd day of training, I did 27 paramotor flights to “fly my age”. I tried several different wings, including the Cross from Everest, I did spirals, wings overs, big ears, touch and goes… and completed my training with 70 flights! Even today I have hard time to believe I did all of this in one week!
But the most important thing for me as a beginner, is that when I went back home, I knew deep down that I could fly in complete autonomy and above all, I have absolutely no fear of doing so, on the contrary, every day I want to be up there!!
Here are my thoughts about HIS WAY to teach:The first thing I remember is his human side with the students. He does NOT see us a number among others, or as a salary. His school is not a factory and believe me, it’s something that makes all the difference. He teaches in accordance to each one, to their behaviors, their physical shape, learning facility, etc. For example, I arrived 1 ½ day later than expected, but I completed my training with almost 30 more flights than another students because you saw that I could do it and you knew how to find the words to motivate me. He always used situations that related to my project to make things more concrete.
And the extra thing is that he gets to feel how we feel and knows if we are able to go further, but before each flight gives us the choice to continue or to stop and never force us under the pretext that he is the instructor. If one day the student feels tired, he sends him/her to rest, and this behavior is among the reasons we are having complete confidence in him.
On my first day of training, he took me on a tandem flight and on the way down, asked me if I still wanted to learn. When I answered “yes”, he told me: “The only thing you have to do is to do exactly what I’m going to tell you to do and in a week you will be a good pilot”. Promise kept.
Another very important thing that he does is the famous briefing/debriefing, which consists of asking all possible and imaginable questions. But once out, it’s over and we do not think any more and we do what you tell us to do. We concentrate and focus. It is a very simple and extremely effective technique that leaves no room for improvisation and anything big.
All his explanations regarding security, laws, flight, or anything else, are either coming with sketches or images with references that speak to us and help us to better understand. We are never left with a question unanswered, or a misunderstanding. Thanks to all this in a week, at no time did I felt in danger or even insecure. At no time did I feel him overwhelmed as was training two other pilots and two instructors and when a student sees this confident and knowledgeable instructor, there is nothing like this to become a good student and pilot.
He can tell his students ten times, a hundred times, when they do something wrong, without ever getting upset. But also, he always tells them when they do something right and this is very important for the student’s confidence.
After my training was completed, he told me before I left: “My voice will stay in your head for each step that will be repeated”. It’s so true, yet another proof that everything I have learned with him is acquired.
Thank you Eric for this week that I will never forget!
Valentin Saccard
association.onlyone@gmail.com
Frank LoDolce
If you are lucky enough to have the opportunity to train with Eric Dufour, don’t pass it up!
At age 50, I finally decided to stop making excuses and learn how to fly. I was already aware of paramotoring and had decided about a year earlier that this how I wanted to get into the sky.
While do general research on paramotoring Eric Dufour’s name kept showing up. When I found out that he had a school, my decision on where to train was done.
The training was all that I was looking for and more. You might hear that Eric is “tough”. Yes, maybe, but training is one of the most dangerous parts of paramotoring. Eric’s serious, structured teaching method is exactly how I believe paramotor training should be. The biggest evidence to me of how solid his training methods are is that they were able to win over my wife’s confidence.
On many occasions my wife would stop over and observe the classes and field training. She later told me that after watching how Eric trained and his skills as a teacher and pilot that never felt that I was being put into danger. Her confidence in Eric’s training is even more important to me today. As I continue to enjoy this amazing sport, 3 years later, her support and confidence in my flying skills allows me to enjoy the pleasure of flying, knowing that she is not overly worrying about my abilities and safety.
Training with Eric was serious hard work, with a lot of fun tossed in at the right times. Knowing that I have been trained by the best continues to give me the confidence in my skills, allowing me to fully enjoy this amazing sport.
I will always be grateful to Eric for what he has brought in my life, in a way that cannot be fully described until you experience it for yourself.
Frank LoDolce
lodolceinc@optonline.net
Frank LoDolce
If you are lucky enough to have the opportunity to train with Eric Dufour, don’t pass it up!
At age 50, I finally decided to stop making excuses and learn how to fly. I was already aware of paramotoring and had decided about a year earlier that this how I wanted to get into the sky.
While do general research on paramotoring Eric Dufour’s name kept showing up. When I found out that he had a school, my decision on where to train was done.
The training was all that I was looking for and more. You might hear that Eric is “tough”. Yes, maybe, but training is one of the most dangerous parts of paramotoring. Eric’s serious, structured teaching method is exactly how I believe paramotor training should be. The biggest evidence to me of how solid his training methods are is that they were able to win over my wife’s confidence.
On many occasions my wife would stop over and observe the classes and field training. She later told me that after watching how Eric trained and his skills as a teacher and pilot that never felt that I was being put into danger. Her confidence in Eric’s training is even more important to me today. As I continue to enjoy this amazing sport, 3 years later, her support and confidence in my flying skills allows me to enjoy the pleasure of flying, knowing that she is not overly worrying about my abilities and safety.
Training with Eric was serious hard work, with a lot of fun tossed in at the right times. Knowing that I have been trained by the best continues to give me the confidence in my skills, allowing me to fully enjoy this amazing sport.
I will always be grateful to Eric for what he has brought in my life, in a way that cannot be fully described until you experience it for yourself.
Frank LoDolce
lodolceinc@optonline.net
Dan Feldman
Prior to finding the Paramotor Academy, I had received training from two different instructors. With the first instructor I took one flight and was not sure I was going to survive. I did 5 flights with the second instructor and on the 6th take off I rolled the paramotor over causing $2,400 in damages. Frustrated with the quality of training for the $2,750 I paid, I was still on a mission to seek quality training.
As aspiring flyers, we are all seeking out an instructor that will give us the training and confidence to fly on our own, with no instructor on a radio helping us along the way. I found that training with Eric Dufour and his staff at Paramotor Academy was a fantastic experience. I left there with 30 flights and with this training, I felt really prepared for my own flights at home. I thought “Wow”! I finally found a top quality instructor!
Dufour’s teaching style of direct but calm and never losing his cool is something I admire. He always keep the focus on the training at hand.
You are wonderful people and it was a pleasure for my wife and I to get to know you on a professional and personal lever and we are both looking forward to see you again.
Dan Feldman
diamonddoordan@gmail.com