Learning to fly!
Learning to fly a powered paraglider (or any aircraft) is not something to be taken lightly.
Although an experienced pilot can make it look deceptively simple, there are nuances that can confound even experienced pilots of other types of aircraft.
For this reason, while training is not legally required, it is a must for safe flying.
Finding a qualified instructor can be problematic. There aren't many instructors,
particularly in this part of the country, and changing weather can play havoc with scheduling.
Your best bet is to remain flexible, or plan a vacation to work with an instructor farther south where the weather is more predictable.
Choosing an instructor
Just as there is no legal requirement to get instruction at all, there are no legally required qualifications to become an instructor.
Anybody can legally call themself an instructor (unless they're offering inflight or "tandem" instruction, in which case at least a BFI (Basic Flight Instructor) rating is required),
but just saying "I'm an instructor" or advertising as such doesn't make it so.
If an instructor doesn't offer credentials (or even if he does!) from a recognized organization such as the
U.S. Powered Paragliding Association (USPPA), U.S. Hang gliding and Paragliding Association (USHPA), U.S. Ultralight Association (USUA), or Aero Sports Connection (ASC),
ask how many students he's trained, and if possible, get referrals from former students.
There are some excellent instructors that for various reasons have no formal certification, but it pays to do your homework first.
Also read what the USPPA has to say about using a certified instructor.
Northeast Skycruisers in Randolph, Vermont (John Kenealy)
Powered Paragliding Sports of Massachusetts ("Wildflyer" Bill Walsh)
Elsewhere in the Northeast:Ohio Powered Paragliding (Bruce Brown)
Dukes of Windsoar (a PPG club in Maryland)
For training in other parts of the U.S., please see the USPPA's School listings, which include both certified and uncertified instructors.