About Joe Cruz:

Joe Cruz, a native of Guam, has dedicated his life to the pursuit of flight and sharing his extensive knowledge with others.  His dream of flight “started at age 5,” from watching air shows at Anderson’s AFB in Guam each year.  The dream only grew stronger over the years and was finally realized in 2001 when he ventured into Powered Paragliding.  “I flew kites and radio controlled airplanes until I came across a pilot flying a hang-glider trike at the field.  I did some research and it was obvious that Powered Paragliding was the safest and most affordable way to get in the sky.”  Joe relocated to California in 1999 to train and took his first Powered Paragliding flight in 2001.  In order to take his skills to the next level, he started Free-Flight training in 2002.  After years of intense training and spending every free moment gaining flight experience, Joe began to take on his own students in 2006.  In addition to instructing flight at the BlackHawk Ranch, he hosts kiting clinics and site introductions in the Vallejo, Benicia, and Vacaville areas.  With a perfect safety record and complete dedication to providing exceptional instruction, Joe has become a wonderful addition to Team BlackHawk.

“The look on a student’s face after their first flight is a constant reminder for me of how important this experience is to others.  It’s rewarding to be a part of something so profound in people’s lives and to know they will never forget this experience.  BlackHawk’s dedication to the sport is aligned with mine and it’s a great fit.”

-Joe Cruz-

Certifications

—P4 Advanced Certification #82178 Through the USHPA

—H2 Certified Pilot Through the USHPA

—BFI (Basic Flight Instructor) Certified Through ASC and the USHPA

Contact Joe Cruz

Phone:  209-786-7899

Email:  Team@BlackHawkParamotor.com

About Fred & Kasia:

Fred Morris, the founder of Uprising Paragliding, started Paragliding in 1999.  At the time, he was the youngest certified Paraglider Pilot in the United States.  Growing up in the mountains of Wyoming, California, and Nevada, Fred acquired a love for the outdoors.  His experience in outdoor sports includes skiing, snowboarding, backpacking, rock climbing, and mountaineering.  After “being bit by the Paragliding bug,” the direction of his life was changed forever and flight became his sole activity.  Fred has traveled the world over the last decade in pursuit of flying adventures and excellent teachers.  This has taken him to many destinations including New Zealand, Vietnam, The Dominican Republic, various parts of Europe, The South Pacific, and countless meccas for Paragliding in the US.  Now residing outside of Reno Nevada, Fred spends his time running both a Free-Flight and Powered Paragliding School.  His extensive experience and mountain sense brings to the table a wealth of Free-Flight knowledge, waiting to be passed down to the next eager student.  Fred’s perfect safety record, easy-to-understand teaching style, and extensive experience make him a wonderful addition to the BlackHawk Team.

Kasia Milewska, a Polish native, started Paragliding in 2002 when her brother convinced her to give it a try.  Little did she know, the sport would eventually become a way of life for her.  Growing up in Europe (well known as the mecca of Paragliding), Kasia was exposed to many different methods of flight, instruction, and a variety of equipment.  After moving to the States, she went on to get her Tandem certification, Basic Flight Instructor certification, and persistently continues to further her Paragliding education.  In addition to holding 2nd place in triathlon events and archery, her determination to be a well-rounded athlete has helped her excel in the Paragliding world.  When Kasia isn’t working on her Masters Degree in Biotechnology, she spends her time traveling and teaching people how to fly.  Both Fred and Kasia bring an amazing atmosphere and knowledge base to the BlackHawk Team.

“If you have ever dreamed of flying like a bird, this is it! The closest thing a human can do in regards to true freedom!  The steps towards freedom are accomplished with each and every flight at the Blackhawk Ranch!”

-Fred Morris-

Certifications

Fred:

—The youngest USHPA certified paraglider pilot in 1999
—Earned P4 advanced rating in 2005
—USHPA rated Tow Tech
—Holds Basic, Advanced, and Tandem Instructor Ratings
—President of Nevada Sport Flyers USHPA recognized club
—Acquired the special skill sign-offs for Foot Launch, Tow Foot Launch, Surface Tow, Tandem Foot Launch, Tandem Surface Tow, Cliff Launch, Flat Slope Launch, High Altitude, Restricted Landing Field, Ridge Soaring, Turbulence, and Cross-Country ratings

Kasia:

—P4 Advanced Rating
—T3 Tandem Instructor Rating
—Acquired the special skill sign-offs for Foot Launch, Tow Foot Launch, Surface Tow, Tandem Foot Launch, Tandem Surface Tow, Cliff Launch, Flat Slope Launch, High Altitude, Restricted Landing Field, Ridge Soaring, Turbulence, and Cross-Country ratings

Contact Fred & Kasia

Fred:  775-750-8655

Kasia:  775-790-5901

Email Fred:  Fred@UprisingParagliding.com

Email Kasia:  Paraglide4Fun@Hotmail.com

Website:  www.UprisingParagliding.com

About Heidi Lee:

Heidi Lee, or “Fly-In Heidi,” brings over 15 years coaching experience to the table.  Her knack for connecting with students and easy-to-understand teaching methods have produced some amazingly skilled pilots over the years.  Heidi has become a well-known and accomplished pilot in the Powered Paragliding Community.  Her undying dedication and love for the sport has motivated many women to venture into the sport.  After gaining skills as a Paramotor pilot, Heidi went on to learn Free-Flight in an effort to expand her knowledge and teaching experience.  One of her most recent students commented:  “There are many great “practitioners” out there, but finding a “true teacher of the way” is far and few between in any sport.  Heidi made me feel comfortable, confident, and I came out of the training with an amazing new friend!”  Heidi spends much of her time traveling the States and challenging herself by flying in a variety of conditions.  She has helped organize some of the largest Powered Paragliding events in the US and manages the office at BlackHawk Paramotors USA.  Her intimate involvement in the industry and extensive product knowledge make her an encyclopedia of Paramotor information.

The team of Instructors at BlackHawk all work together to produce the best student possible.  Heidi takes students through the ropes of ground-handling the glider (or kiting), and the majority of the syllabus.  She has logged hundreds of hours doing so.  Once a student has reached a certain level of skill and ready for such things like the tow machine or their first flight, she teams up with the other Instructors for a “group-effort first flight.”  This kind of personal, one-on-one approach to training, has become a signature characteristic of the BlackHawk training model and a big reason why students chose us over other schools.

“Teaching in any type of capicity has been a part of my nature since I was younger…  There’s something about teaching people to fly that is unexplainable.  I get to be a part of fulfilling people’s dream of flight, and that’s a wonderful feeling.  I couldn’t imagine doing anything else!”

-Heidi Lee-

Contact Heidi Lee

Phone (Call or Text) –  209-418-5990

Email:  Team@BlackHawkParamotor.Com