Testimonials

I’m a little late with my testimonial, (one year and a half), but from the time I made the decision to get into the sport up to the present, Carlos has been consistent with his training technique and safety. I’ve witnessed this by being around and flying with him and his students for the past year and a half. I’m X military (United States Coast Guard). I’ve been exposed to a lot of different types of training, and training instructors. Carlos and Oscar rank at the top of the list. Their consistency, attitude and professionalism have made them my barometer every time we fly together. Its fun to fly in South Florida and it’s because of people like Carlos and Oscar always enforcing the rules and safety! That makes it possible for flyers to continue to fly freely. I highly recommend Carlos and Oscar for any level of Powered Paragliding instruction. Their friendship is one of a kind and truly appreciated.

Captain Mike Donate. Hollywood, Florida

When I recently moved to Delray Beach, FL I was fascinated by the PPG activity on the beach and before long I met Carlos Segnini. As a commercial pilot and a corporate trainer I subjected Carlos to some pretty heavy scrutiny. Carlos is uniquely able to combine his skill, knowledge, patience, humor, and comradary to provide a top notch PPG training experience. The most valuable part of the training, for me, was the many opportunities to interact with many of Carlos' peers and students of a variety of skill levels. I had no idea it would ultimately require as much training time as an airplane pilot - but it did. My first couple landings resembled a baby bird flying for the first time, but no harm was done. Now we are flying like a bird!!

Jim Vockel. Delray Beach, Florida

Carlos is the guru of PPG in South Florida. I wasn't sure what to expect when I got into this sport, but everyone told me Carlos was the man, and they were right! Throughout all the training he was extremely patient and professional. Safety was (and still is) a priority. I'm sure I didn't set any speed records as far as making my first flight, but Carlos encouraged me every step of the way, correcting my technique as needed. Finally the big day came and I was airborne over the sugarcane fields of Belle Glade. The flight was amazing and the view incredible as I saw a view of the sunset few will ever get to see. This sport does require a commitment of time and money to learn, but the rewards are great and well worth it. Like me you will know that right after your first flight. I would also like to thank Oscar who was there at the beginning of my training and taught me the basics. Thanks to Carlos and Oscar I now have wings!!

Larry Pasko. Davie, Florida

Carlos and Oscar gave me wings. They made learning how to PPG fun, simple, and most importantly safe. They were always available to work around my busy schedule. They did not let me solo until I was 100% confident and ready. My solo was like an out of body experience. I can't believe I did it! Having Carlos calm me down on the radio was crucial to a safe flight. The equipment that they chose for me were and still are perfect for my size and skill level. My advice to all beginners is to focus on becoming a master at kiting on the ground. Flying is easy and fun! Don't be discouraged if during your solo you are so scarred that you forget to have any fun. It get easier and less frightening really quick.

Michael Minars, D.M.D. Hollywood, Florida.

From a Newsletter article written by Rich Stuart (Hayden, Idaho) If you were to ask any pilot what they like most about recreational flying the most likely answers will be “so I can feel like a bird in the sky” and “I like the feeling of freedom.” But, as all pilots can attest, the cost of flying is prohibitively expensive. When I was a CFII (Certified Flight Instructor—Instrument rated) years ago, I’d tell my student pilots that flying is as addictive as heroin, but much more expensive…and no, that’s not the voice of experience talking! click here to read the entire text...

If you are reading this testimonial then you are on your way to enjoying a great sport with the best instructors you could possibly find. My name is Albert Araujo and I have been flying both fix wing and helicopters on and off for over twenty years. I have wanted to buy an airplane for many years but could not justify the expense and the maintenance that comes along with owning an aircraft. When I learned about PPG’s I decided to give it a shot. The thought of such a simple way to fly was almost too good to be true. If I told you I simply jumped into this sport I would not be honest. The thought of hanging on that flexible wing was to say the least not very convincing and somewhat scary. I bothered both Carlos and Oscar for several months and asked question after question. Carlos answered all my questions and took his time to educate me and convince me on the safety, simplicity and pleasures of this sport. I finally decided to take the plunge, ordered my equipment and started to train. From the first day I met Carlos and Oscar I knew I had made the right choice. They were all about safety and proper training, not about giving you a short crash course and sending you off to learn on your own. When we started our training the weather was pretty bad so my training took me much longer than most others. Carlos again took advantage of all this free time to hone in on my kiting skills. When we were ready to fly we learned that my two bad knees were not up to the task of the PPG weight. Carlos was nice enough to take my equipment in on trade and hooked me up with a new Flash Trike and a Fly Product, Power Gold 130 with electric start. I was so happy with my new Trike I could not wait to fly. The day finally came when I was out of excuses and I knew I was going to fly. On my way to the field I was extremely nervous at the thought of my first solo flight. After a detailed briefing from Carlos and Oscar we did a few inflations of the glider on the Trike. Once I had mastered this new technique it was time to go. I pulled up on the A’s, centered the glider and heard Carlos say, “hands up and full power”. In a few yards I was airborne and on my way. I can now honestly say that this was the first solo flight in my aviation career that I was not nervous and 100% confident of my skills. Carlos coached me every step of the way and after going over all the climb, turn and procedures, he cleared me to fly and have fun. I flew for one hour and had the best time I have ever had in an aircraft. The view was spectacular and the freedom was again almost too good to be true. Everything I had anticipated was better than I expected. I have now logged ten hours on my new PPG Trike and spend my days looking up at the sky and the weather. I can’t say enough about both Carlos and Oscar. I thank them from the bottom of my heart for introducing me to PPG’s and giving me the skills to enjoy this great form of flight. I highly recommend South Florida PPG and Carlos & Oscar as instructors. Sorry for the long testimonial but I just can’t stop raving about how great my experience has been with these two guys. Hope you all enjoy the sport as much as I am and choose Carlos as your instructor. Fly Safe and happy landings,

Albert Araujo. Miramar, FL.

My name is Scott Klein. Ever since I first saw a Powered Paraglider years ago, I knew it was something I wanted to do one day. Carlos and Oscar at South Florida Powered Paragliding were instrumental in making that a reality. They love what they do, they do it well and it shows. They are knowledgeable in every aspect of the sport, from equipment to weather conditions to training procedures. No Hot Dogs here. The emphasis is on knowledge and safety. They are extremely patient and make sure each of their students are ready at their own pace. Sometimes I still can’t believe I’m actually flying. Thanks Carlos and Oscar, I can’t thank you enough.

Scott Klein. Jupiter, Florida.

Hi, My name is Ron Majeski, Powered Paragliding is an exciting sport ,next to catamaran sailing. I've always wanted to paraglide, but wasn't sure how to get started, until I met Oscar. He was training a student on the Beach. After talking with Oscar, he introduced me to Carlos. Soon after watching and getting all the info. I was on my way to getting started on getting my own powered paraglider. Carlos and Oscar were very knowledgeable and professional in all of my training sessions. Everything there after is all flying BLISS !!!!!!!!

Ron Majeski. Cooper City, Florida

Carlos and Oscar are the best instructors I have met (I talked and saw many at the last PPG Convention). They are so dedicated to have their students more than "just fine" prepared to take their first flights. Mine took so long and, many times I thought "maybe I should have select a just-do-it instructor" because I was so anxious to take off. But, Carlos and Oscar, since the beginning, agreed with me that I would only fly when I was really prepared. This is amazing because in any other school they would charge me for the (many) extra hours. Making the long history short, today I experienced one of my best experiences having my first flight. Oscar was my "zen master" in the ground (man, he has patience) and Carlos made me feel so comfortable flying that I could fly high and fast (according my son's words). You two rock!

Alex Souza. Coral Springs, Florida

Thanks again for all your help and expertise with my paragliding flying. You are an excellent instructor because you have the ability to explain things in an easy to understand way and really gave me the confidence to fly on my own. It was a blast flying along the surf at Pompano Beach. Keep up the great work!!!!

Dave Simile
Pittsburgh, PA.

Since I was very young I wanted to fly. I believe this feeling is shared by many of us. Even though we were born with no wings, there is a kind of knowing the excitement, the thrill that one should feel when flying. For some there are planes, for others there are parachutes and for others like me, paragliding. I don't remember how the idea came to me, but the thing is I found these people and so began my journey. It was not an easy journey; sometimes I kind of hated it. Now, looking at it in retrospective I know that I enjoyed it. I enjoyed EVERYTHING, since the first day. The thing is I am not patient and I wanted to do it right away. I am bossy, I like to do things my style, when I want them, how I want them. And these people were so professional and so punctual regarding the training that they even pay no attention whatsoever to my demands. They just kept on telling me what to do, when to do it and taught me what I needed. So every day that I had to go there I woke up feeling so high because that would be the day- maybe. Flying was all I wanted to do. But it took many hours to learn how to fold the thing, how to lift it, how to hold it in the air. Then came myself handling the motor. And then, of course, waiting in a branch of a tree, counting seconds, waiting so hard. Oh yes, my patient was always tested. But in the meantime I learned to be less bossy, more humble…at least regarding this. I wanted it so much! And then one day I was there and I was ready they told me. So it began. There are no words to explain it. You have to feel it. It is a rush of adrenaline together with the marvelous sensation that you are near heaven, above everything, so big and so little at the same time. Oscar and Carlos trained me to do it properly and safely enough to do it one more time and one more and one more... I think that Master Card commercial has been THE commercial of the century. I like to use that line. "Priceless" …and this has been priceless. And wordless… I flew and there, that day, there was nothing else in the world that matter, nothing better than that.

Juan E Corzo. / Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.

I want to fully recommend Carlos Segnini to anyone with a dream of doing the 'purest' form of flying! I'm brand new, in the sport, and look forward to many hours 'flying with the birds-eye view' that the PPG allows. Carlos is a very thorough and patient instructor. I must have set some kind of record for 'longevity' in the training phase, but Carlos made sure I continued to make progress---safely. I certainly got my $$$ worth 'from him'! He never allowed me to get discouraged, resulting of course, in 'the big day' for a very successful 'solo'. More importantly, he continues to offer help with continued training,- as I learn to fly my new 'gear'. This dedication is important, folks-you need an instructor like Carlos! PS. Carlos's 'assistant', Oscar, is terrific! He has a way of getting you to 'feel' how the paraglider works-an outstanding guy also! This is a winning combination!!

David Barcus. Miami, FL.

Carlos, I want to thank you enthusiastically for the training! Your training was precise and full of great information, all the while, keeping safety a top priority. I'm still amazed at how much time you were willing to devote to me. You were available to answer every question and gave me such detail with each answer. I fly every chance I get and am taking photos of views that can't be imagined from the ground. You obviously love what you do. Thanks for expanding my wonderful world.

Paul McHugh. Jupiter, FL.

My name is Michael Mutz . Powered Paragliding is the most fun and exciting thing anyone will ever do. Carlos does an awesome job explaining all the different aspects of PPG in such a way that you are very well equipped for your first solo flight. With his training I was extremely excited and READY for my first solo. He knows what he is talking about since he has been doing this since 1991. I learned that I need to listen to whatever he says because he knows his stuff. Whenever I would become frustrated he would be quick to help me and could always point out what I was doing wrong, so I could fix it. I am extremely happy with the training and equipment that I recommend it to others anytime that the subject comes up. The training location is also perfect, with great conditions and scenery during the training and flight. I recommend this sport to everyone! If you want to ask me any further questions about the training/equipment/sport/or location just e-mail me at mrmutz@gmail.com

Michael Mutz. Lakeland, FL.

What can I say. Flying has been a dream of mine since superman came out. Carlos showed me that it could be done. He took the time, as much as I personally needed, to get me comfortable with the idea that it is possible for mammals to fly. I have a huge fear of heights, so that says a lot. Carlos has the knowledge, skill, passion, patience, and wisdom, to give anyone the gift of flight! Thanks man!

Wes Coventry. Port Charlotte, FL.

What can you say about a guy who teaches you how to FLY? I’ve been skydiving for a while, free fall is great (nothing compares) but to navigate on a 3 to 1 descent ratio is too damn fast, and waiting for the airplane is so annoying. How to solve these two problems? Talk to Carlos and learn PPG. It just doesn’t matter how you’ve been in the air before, planes, choppers, ultralight etc, PPG is a whole new world. As for what I have to say? A big, huge THANK YOU Carlos!

Renato Costanzo.

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Carlos is very personable and professional. When I was going through my training, he always quickly realized what I was doing incorrectly, explained how and why I could do it better, and then let me learn through experience. When I started to get frustrated, he was very encouraging. I would highly recommend him to anyone who is interested in PPG training.

Ozzie Mutz
Lakeland, Florida.

Carlos, with South Florida PPG, demonstrated a superior knowledge in the sport, not only to his students, but other experienced PPG enthusiasts around the area as well. I was fortunate to have trained under Carlos, as he is thorough with his safety training, and feel I'm just as qualified/knowledgeable as those who've been flying for a much longer time. I would not hesitate recommending Carlos to anyone interested in learning this exciting sport, in a safe manner.

Dan Sheehan.
Miami Beach, Florida

I am an airline pilot that worked with one of the major airlines for 26 years. This was after spending 6 years in the Air Force flying multi-engine aircraft. I finally had time to follow a more simpler mode of flying, PPG. I was fortunate to pick Carlos as my instructor. I knew from the first lesson when Safety was the first factor we discussed and not the thrill and emotion of the sport that I had picked the right instructor. This was later reinforced when I was having trouble with the initial glider inflation. Just by watching me and calling on his years of knowledge, he was able to rectify what to me was a frustrating problem by changing my technique and thus allowing me to progress with the training. I live out of state and therefore time was a factor. Carlos was very considerate of my time restraints. He worked extended hours to get me airborne but never to the point of sacrificing safety. The actual flight itself went as planned and it was very comforting to utilize the radio equipped helmet that allowed instructions from takeoff, during the flight and touchdown. Carlos is a great instructor. I highly recommend him. FLY SAFE.

Tom McKibben. Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina.

Ever since my childhood I have always wondered what flying would be like. I have gone both skydiving, and parasailing, but neither of those adventures, while exciting in their own right, compared to my experience with your powered
paragliders. Your through and patient teaching gave me the total confidence and knowledge I needed to try something new that finally fulfilled my life long dream of flying. I would whole heartedly encourage anyone with a similar dream of flight to call Carlos Segnini and arrange for your own unforgettable flight experience!

Itales Rodrigues
San Jose, California

My name is Steven Stacy; I own my own business and am an officer in the United States Naval Reserve. All my life I’ve wanted to fly and it’s always been just out of reach. The prospect of owning your own aircraft is a dream many share but it’s not something many of us ever achieve. Then I heard about Powered Paragliding. It’s an affordable way to own your own one or two place aircraft and go flying just about anytime and anywhere you like. Carlos patiently took me through ground school and prepared me for my first flight. Now I’ve flown hang gliders, small aircraft, and on one occasion even a helicopter, but none of that prepared me for my first powered paraglider flight. The moment I hit the throttle I was in the air, and seconds later I was staring down at the ocean from over 200 feet! It was like an express elevator straight up; unbelievable. Suddenly the reality of what I was doing hit me like a ton of bricks, I’m hanging from nylon straps with a cloth canopy and a lawnmower engine on my back climbing out of control over the Atlantic Ocean! A moment of panic then a feeling of exhilaration that not even my days of bull riding could match. I got seated and pulled on the controls; the glider responded as if by magic and suddenly I was flying up and down the beach like an old pro. It felt like the hand of God himself had picked me up and set me down on a sofa made of air. After a few minutes Carlos signaled me to land. The landing was not one for the record books but within a 100 feet of my intended target. The experience of flying the powered paraglider marks a milestone in my life and I have Carlos to thank. So if you have ever wanted to enjoy the freedom of pure flight then I’d recommend powered paragliding!

Steven Stacy, Miami Beach, Florida.

I was referred to Carlos Segnini several months ago for powered paragliding instruction. He helped me assemble my equipment, check it thoroughly for safety, and properly break it in. He then patiently taught me the proper techniques as a prerequisite to flying. As the old adage goes “time is money” often affords one little training, Carlos refused to allow me to fly and continued to patiently work with me until we both felt I was ready. Although that took longer than I expected, Carlos felt that my safety was more important than just putting me up in the air so that he could move on to the next student! When the time was right, I felt confident and truly safe, knowing that I was qualified and properly trained. My first solo flight ended with a “picture perfect” landing after following Carlos’s detailed instruction and mimicking what I had watched him perform over and over again. I would highly recommend Carlos as an instructor to anyone interested in learning from a thorough, comprehensive, safe, patient, talented, informative and kind person.

David Eiglarsh. Weston, Florida

My name is Chuck Massee. I live 20 miles east of Daytona Beach, FL. I started skydiving in 1978 and continued jumping until Jan. 2005. Back and neck problems have pretty much ended skydiving. I have had an eye on PPG for 8 years and at 54 I decided it was time to return to the sky. I was introduced to Carlos and was very impressed that he was a free flight paraglider pilot before he put a motor on his back. After training with Carlos I wouldn’t hesitate to send my friends to him for their training. Yes, every body needs training. No mater what background you come from talk to Carlos first. Carlos has the use of several training sites to deal with the different seasonal wind conditions, and you can’t beat south FL weather. I am now flying up on a fabric wing after all those years of flying down wishing it would have lasted longer. Now it does. I’m glad I met Carlos and I’m very happy to be in the air again. Thanks Carlos.

C.R. Massee. Daytona Beach, FL

Mike Brown, President PowerParagators.

I completely endorse Carlos as a top ranked instructor and PPG pilot. He has a long history in the sport of PPG/PG flying and cut his teeth soaring over the cliffs of Venezuela. Time and time again I have seen Carlos train and graduate skilful, safe students from every walk of life from seasoned airline pilots to first time flyers. All students he graduates has the appropriate experience level, confidence, wing handling skills, proper judgment and flying knowledge to be safe smart pilots. Carlos has mastered the instructor/student relationship and maintains a professional regard for students. Combining his training expertise and Number 1 reliable brand name flying equipment, expect only the best on solo day. As the President of the Powerparagators, I totally endorse Carlos as a first choice for instruction and equipment.

I am so glad I was recommended to South Florida PPG by Southern Skies in North Carolina. I wanted to learn as much as I could and Carlos was great! Even though I didn't live in the area Carlos worked with me around my schedule and now I can fly with confidence. When I need help or parts South Florida PPG has been there for me. I would recommend that if you are looking to fly and you want an instructor with experience go to South Florida PPG.

Scott Schriver,
St. Petersburg FL

My name is Antonio and I'm 55 years old. I live in Tenerife, Spain where I’ve been flying paragliders for over 4 years. In March of 2004 I went to Pensacola, FL to visit my good friend Alberto with whom I spent a couple of weeks of vacation. My friend told me he had met a Paramotor instructor at the beach who could teach me to fly paramotors in a few days. The first thing I thought was that maybe this instructor lacked experience. I have to recognize I was very wrong. The first few words I exchanged with Carlos I knew he was extremely responsible and his priority was safety. And after 3 days of following his theory and practical teachings I found myself enjoying the new and beautiful sensation of flying a paramotor. Carlos, thanks for contributing to a very unforgettable vacation.

Antonio Monagas. Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain

David G. after completing his first solo flight.

"I have dreamed of paragliding for many years. It wasn't until by "chance" that I met Carlos Segnini and he helped me with making my dreams come true."

David Gardner.
Mobile, Alabama

Everyone has their own level of apprehension for flying ppg. You had the perfect mix of confidence and personality to get me over my hump. For that I am grateful. Of course a few more engine off approaches with you there would go along way to get me over the whole "landing" thing.

Jay Sonnenklar,

Fort Lauderdale, FL.

I have been looking for an affordable “independent” way to get up in the air for quite a while and all the research pointed to PPG. When the time came to pick an instructor all of the arrows pointed to Carlos. Since day one, Carlos gave me the confidence I needed to get up in the air. Apart from his infinite patience, Carlos’ systematic, detailed instruction and syllabus is fundamental to complete a safe and fun flight. I am very happy I picked Carlos as an instructor not only for the theoretical and practical lessons I received from him through out the first flights, but also because of his full, unconditional, support after getting certified.

Sergio Gonzalez

Fort Lauderdale, FL.

The training I received from Carlos was top notch. He ensured I felt safe at all times throughout my training. Carlos is one of the best PPG pilots and instructors out there and even after your first flight Carlos will always be there to continue to give further assistance and training. I always felt welcome around the more experienced pilots that Carlos had trained and even learned some tips and tricks from them.

Evan Goodell

San Francisco, CA.

I trained with Carlos Segnini from Fly 2 Now due to my desire to learn to fly. I had been driving home on I-75 one day when I noticed someone flying overhead. I couldn't resist my curiosity so I followed the pilot to Vista View Park where I saw other pilots being trained. That trainer was Carlos. After speaking with Carlos, I decided to commence training with him. It seemed to me that he would be the person who could help me achieve my dream of being able to see the world from a bird's eye view. I began training immediately and as often as I could fit it into my work schedule. Carlos was professional in all respects and made me feel confident in his guidance. He was especially helpful while I was trying to determine which equipment would be most appropriate for me. Without him I would have been completely lost! My first flight was on September 30, 2009, and although this testimonial is rather late in coming, I have continued to realize the value of the training I received from Carlos. In comparing my life before and after I took up flying, I realize the incredibly positive impact flying has made on my lifestyle. I have had such great experiences on my PPG trips to places such as Monument Valley Utah, Puerto Rico, Panama City Beach Florida, and numerous scenic locations across Florida. On these enjoyable and fulfilling PPG trips, I have met the interesting people who also have a love for flying. My many new friends make up a community of PPG enthusiasts who are always willing to help their fellow pilots. Our flying trips are also not just for pilots, they are great for the family. We usually camp out and the kids have a blast as well! The pictures and videos I have taken while on these trips are priceless. Not only do I have beautiful pictures, but I also appear in the book Valley of the Rocks by Ron Nolan. I treasure the photo where I am pictured with my trainer Carlos Segnini. Thank you Carlos!

Jose Diaz, Hialeah, FL.

In November of 2010 I made the decision to start flying. I always dreamed of doing it, even when flying in a commercial jetliner I enjoyed being on the window seat imagining I was the one flying it. Then I met a PPG instructor named Carlos Segnini who I now consider a friend. His patient, dedication and professionalism, allowed me to discover this form of flying and thus realizing my long dream of getting my feet off the ground. As a student I experienced moments of frustration mainly because I felt that I didn’t have enough control of the practical aspects of what we were learning. Carlos helped me believe in myself, which gave me the confidence I needed to accomplish my first flight. To any new pilots I will encourage them to never loose respect for the sport, and to learn to be patient. I recommend Carlos as an instructor and will guarantee you that you will feel safe and confidant in yourself, and you will also gain a new friend. Thank you Carlos! Blue Skies!

Armando J. Petitjean ( AJ ).

Hollywood, FL.

My name is Bobby G. I’m 62 years old and have been in the service industry all my life. I know people, and I know people with compassion, understanding, and a special ability to communicate. Carlos is that person. He has taken me through my training from day #1. He has always been right and very patient. When I fly now, it is with great confidence that I will be ready for any problem or situation I come across. Thank you Carlos for being the special person you are and the instructor that I can always learn from.

Bobby G. Boca Raton, FL.

After seeing two Powered Paraglider pilots flying around I-75, I got instantaneously hooked. With some background in paragliding and skydiving, I realized that it was what I was looking for since I moved to Florida. I found out Fly2Now on internet. I called Carlos Segnini and everything began to move forward immediately. Listening theory, kiting the paraglider at the beach, simulating flights and many take off and landing practices took me into my first solo flight. It was great. I felt totally confident about what Carlos had taught me. Carlos' method is easy to understand and he is very patient, so he won't push you into any undesirable situation. Carlos gave me the foundations that I needed in order to fly safety and consciously everywhere I go. Powered Paragliding is simply amazing! Thank you Carlos for sharing your knowledge every time I have a question....

Armando A. Petitjean

Miramar, FL