USHPA’s Adaptive Sports Grant application to the VA was not selected for funding for the grant period from 10/1/2021 – 9/30/2022. We do plan on applying for future iterations of the grant and will update this page as things change.
Landing the Easy Flyer in California. Photo by David AldrichIn September 2019, USHPA secured a $120,000 U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Adaptive Sports grant. The grant was renewed for a second year with increased funding ($145,000) to expand the program. Funding provides introductory tandem flights and training for military members who qualify for disability benefits, both active duty and veterans.
The grant offers hang gliding and paragliding training for free for qualified participants up to the H2/P2 (novice) level. This level of proficiency allows pilots to fly on their own at H2/P2-rated sites as they work toward more advanced ratings.
USHPA is thrilled to give veterans increased opportunities to experience free flight and become part of our pilot community. The 2021 grant covers training from October 1, 2020 until September 30, 2021.
Learn to Fly!
Do you qualify for funding and have an interest in learning to fly? We can't wait to work with you!
Please consider what type of free flight might be available in your local area before choosing a school/wing type. You can get an idea for what kind of options there are nearby from our map of instructors or from our map of chapters. If you are unsure you can always reach out to [email protected] for more help!
Get started by filling out our online form or by contacting one of the following schools included in the current grant:
Hang gliding:
Paragliding:
They will send you a form to complete, and discuss any physical or mental disabilities that may affect your flight training. Once you’re ready to get started, they will provide all equipment for use during training. We can’t wait to see you in the air!
We also hope to expand the program to more schools in coming years to work with as many disabled veterans as possible.
Why Free Flight?
Joe Stone launching in Idaho. Photo by Zac BunzeyHang gliding and paragliding let you get as close to flying like a bird as possible. Both sports are a great fit for military members, and offer unlimited opportunities for adventure:
- Travel and fly around the world
- Develop a close camaraderie with a diverse community of people that love to fly
- Compete in local, national, and world events
- Challenge personal, national, and world records
- Fly cross-country and see how far you can go
Read more about hang gliding and paragliding for the military.
Questions?
If you have any questions or if you're a PASA-certified school interested in participating in the grant program, please contact USHPA's membership coordinator, Galen, at [email protected].