Flight School

Join us at Airborne Adventure, Southern Illinois’ premier paramotor flight school located at scenic Percival Springs Airport, take your first steps toward an exhilarating journey in the world of paramotoring. Our unique facility combines top-notch flight training with a relaxing campground, making it the perfect destination for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike. Whether you’re a first-time flyer or looking to refine your skills, our comprehensive courses cover everything from the basics of paramotor operation to advanced flying techniques. Our instructors are passionate about flying and committed to providing personalized training, where you’ll gain the confidence and skills needed to navigate the skies with ease. Discover the thrill of flight and make your dreams of soaring through the skies become a reality! Explore, learn, and elevate your adventures with us!

OUR LOCATION

Welcome to AAOI, located at a private airport just south of Effingham, IL. Known as the "Crossroads of America," Effingham is a charming city with a rich history and plenty to explore. Whether you're here for a quick stop or a longer stay, you’ll find a variety of activities, from local dining and shopping, to the iconic Cross at the Crossroads, one of the tallest crosses in the world. The Trek trail

Our private airport is great for both pilots and aircraft. With well-maintained grass runways, you’ll experience smooth and safe takeoffs and landings. We also have a pilot’s lounge and classroom that are equipped with heating and air conditioning, ensuring comfort no matter the season. Our multiple hangars offer secure storage for your aircraft, while our classroom provides a comfortable space for indoor instruction. and we proudly sell AMSOIL to keep your engines running smoothly.

our courses

🪂 9-DAY IMMERSIVE COURSE 🪂

Master the Skies with Our 9‑Day Immersive Paramotor Course

At Airborne Adventure of Illinois, based at Percival Springs Airport (Watson, Illinois), our full 9‑Day course is a deep dive into becoming a confident, independent pilot.

Here’s what it covers:

Complete ground school covering equipment overview, weather patterns, FAA Part‑103 rules, flight theory, safety, and decision-making
Equipment orientation: how to assemble, inspect, maintain your paramotor and wing
Ground handling drills including forward/reverse launches in varying wind conditions, kite control, and motor‑off simulations
Simulator to get comfortable with launch techniques and wing feel before taking to the air
First powered flights, progressing to multiple supervised solos with touch‑and‑go’s to develop takeoff, throttle control, turning, navigation, landing, and emergency responses
Advanced modules: weight‑shift control, engine warming & preflight checks, collapse/stall recognition, and maintenance basics
Logbook, printed syllabus & support materials for continued learning beyond the course

Many of our students solo by Day 5–7 and fully complete by Day  9, weather permitting — mirroring industry-leading success rates.

🪂 LOCAL TRAINING 🪂

Perfect for locals balancing everyday life and unpredictable weather:

Spread the same syllabus over multiple weekends, allowing you to build skills gradually
Ground handling, simulator and flight modules broken into manageable sessions — ideal if taking 1–2 days at a time

🪂 1-DAY DISCOVERY COURSE 🪂

If you’re still exploring the idea of paramotoring, the Paramotor Discovery Course is the perfect introduction.

This one-day experience is designed to give you a real feel for the sport before committing to full training.

💲 Tuition: $500

Learn the fundamentals of paramotoring and safety
Practice wing handling (kiting)
Try on motors and equipment
Ask questions and explore next steps
Wind and Weather permitting: take a tandem paramotor flight with an instructor
- (this is not guaranteed with the course)
Schedule permitting: Meet other local paramotor pilots
- (this is not guaranteed with the course)

💡 Special Offer:
If you enroll in a full course the same day (the 9-day or local course), your $500 is credited toward your training

🪂 EDUCATIONAL TANDEM DISCOVERY FLIGHTS 🪂

Not sure you're ready for training? Take an educational tandem paramotor flight to help you decide.

Tandem Discovery Flights allow you to fly with an instructor — no prior experience required.

Flights are scheduled based on wind and weather conditions and pilot availability

👉 The best way to catch a flight opportunity is to follow our Facebook page, where we post announcements when conditions are right.

Why Train With Us?

Whether you choose immersive or flexible training, you'll receive:

Experienced instruction using state-of-the-art gear
Small class sizes (max 4:1 student-to-instructor ratio)
Structured curriculum modeled after top schools
Emphasis on safety, confidence, and skill mastery — not just "get you airborne"

🎁 GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE 🎁

Looking for a unique gift? Gift Certificates are available for both training and flight experiences — perfect for anyone who’s ever dreamed of flying.

📍 Location: Percival Springs Airport & Campground, Watson, IL
📞 Contact: call/text 217-240-8494 (Please leave a message or text for a faster response)