Known to be one of the top 10 windsurfers in Brazil in the 1980’s, Carlos saw paragliding for the first time in his hometown in Brazil when a group of instructors from Spain were flying there. He knew instantly that this was the sport he dreamed about. One of these instructors was Ramon Morilla from Spain. He recognized Carlos’ passionate interest and invited him to Spain to learn. Carlos learned as much about paragliding as he could from Ramon Morilla and his brothers; these three fellows are all well known in Europe as being some of the best paragliders. Shortly after learning to fly paragliders, Carlos realized that he wanted to be a full time paraglider. He began an apprenticeship program at DRACO S.L. in Spain, considered one of the best paragliding Schools in Europe. Here is where Carlos began learning the art of teaching people how to fly Tandem and became a full time paragliding instructor. Through his commitment to quality instruction Carlos was awarded ABVL’s (Brazilian Paragliding Association) to be one of the best tandem instructors in Brazil.

Currently, Carlos has over 17 years of experience with teaching people how to paraglide and over 60% of his 7000 flights have been instructional tandem flights. He has certified over 200 students in Brazil. We are fortunate now to have Carlos sharing his experience with all those who desire, here in Phoenix, AZ as owner of FLY HIGH Paragliding School. Within the last 5 years over 100 people have learned how to fly under Carlos’ instruction. Others pilots from other schools from all over the nation have sought him out to improve their skills with the various clinics that he offers.

Carlos Madureira
Master, Tandem Advanced Instructor, Special Observer U.S.H.P.A Rated

Ryan started paragliding in 1993, by 1996 he was flying competitions as a professionally sponsored competition pilot, and followed the competition circuit all over the world. Winning and placing in multiple competitions worldwide has given Ryan extensive experience with advanced maneuvers in all weather conditions.

Ryan has flown sites all over Africa, Australia, Asia, Europe, and the United States and Canada! He has over 8000 hours of free flying logged time. Ryan started PPG para motoring in 1996. In August 2009 Ryan joined Benjamin Jordan in Canada where he was doing a WORLD RECORD PPG flight of 6,000 miles across Canada! Sponsored by Nirvana and flying the Instinct & Rodeo which were awesome! And never once had to worry about engine problems!

A USHGA certified Tandem Instructor and USHPA certified Instructor, Ryan is also a commercial airplane pilot and flies sailplanes and BASE jumps for fun. Ryan is our primary instructor.

Ryan is also available for hourly instruction to refine and develop additional skills for PPG or PG pilots who have completed a beginner training course.