US HPA PILOT
educational series. … Having flown with many of them personally, they exhibit this same positiveness and sense of community wherever they go.”
Instructor of the Year Awards Many of us can remember the best teachers we’ve studied under, and how they not only made us confident we can and will succeed but also inspired us to do better. Surely, any of us who have tried to teach someone to ground handle realize that becoming a great teacher is a lifelong pursuit. The Instructor of the Year Award recognizes the role our truly great USHPA-certified instructors play in keeping new and experienced pilots safe in their progression while contributing to the growth of free flight. This year, we wholeheartedly recognize the contributions of Emily “Milly” Wallace and Andrew “Andy” Beem.
PG Instructor of the Year: Emily “Milly” Wallace Milly Wallace brings a rare combination of traits to her role as an instructor. All of her (many) letters of nomination comment on her kindness, patience, and knowledge, as well as her ability to recognize each student's unique learning style and tailor her instruction while staying both calm and “infectiously upbeat.” Her focus is always on providing a safe progression to her students. According to one nomination, “[Milly] has told me that she wants her students to love paragliding and that pilots who put themselves in dangerous situations by flying beyond their skill set become fearful of paragliding, which negatively affects their enjoyment and love of the sport.” Wallace’s influence as a leader and role model reaches far beyond her local community at Torrey Pines, especially for a small but growing subset—women pilots. Five years ago, Wallace created the Paragliding Pixies Gathering, the first U.S.-based women’s free flight gathering. She also spreads her passion for the sport through her YouTube Channel, Instagram,
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