Become a Sky Parade Pilot

Join the signature spectacle of Aire Craft — costumed paragliders launching from Tiger Mountain and flying into downtown Issaquah.

Apply to Participate — Deadline July 3

The Sky Parade is a highly visible, low-altitude demonstration flight into a confined landing area in front of thousands of spectators. It is the defining moment of the festival — and one of the most technically demanding flying environments you'll encounter.

Participation is limited to experienced pilots who are comfortable with precision approaches, restricted landing zones, and flying in costume. If that's you, we'd love to have you in the parade.

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Minimum Requirements

All pilots must meet the following before submitting an application.

    • Hold a current USHPA P4 (Advanced) rating or higher

    • Be a current USHPA member in good standing

    • Minimum 150 total paragliding flights

    • Minimum 25 flights from Poo Poo Point

    • Minimum 10 landings in technical or restricted LZs

    • Flown Poo Poo Point → Issaquah Middle School LZ successfully at least 3 times

    • Precision approaches and tight landing patterns

    • Downwind/base/final adjustments in limited space

    • Confident go/no-go decisions if the field becomes unsafe

    • Ability to divert to an alternate landing area if needed

    • Prior experience flying in costume

    • Demo flights, spot landing competitions, or public events

    • Familiarity with Issaquah Middle School LZ and surrounding wind patterns

    • Attend the required pilot safety briefing prior to the event

    • Follow all instructions from the launch director, LZ coordinator, and safety director

    • Fly only with an approved costume that has been tested in practice

    • Submit application and costume concept for review at least 2 weeks before the festival

Costume Guidelines

All costumes must be approved by the event safety team. The guiding rule: if there is any doubt a costume could interfere with safe flight operations, it will not be approved.

    • Superhero shirts or themed jerseys

    • Animal ears or lightweight hats attached to helmet

    • Themed jumpsuits or onesies

    • Close-fitting character costumes

    • Small lightweight accessories secured to harness or clothing

    • Large drag-producing surfaces or giant wings

    • Inflatables larger than ~12 inches thick

    • Non-tethered hard props, staffs, swords, or rigid extensions

    • Anything attached to the canopy, lines, risers, or reserve

    • Full face masks reducing visibility or breathing

    • Pyrotechnics, smoke, confetti, or glitter

    • Anything covering the reserve handle or leg straps

  • Every costume must allow full unrestricted access to the reserve handle, harness buckles, speed bar, and brake toggles. Full head movement and 360° visibility required. Costumes must be tested during at least one practice flight. Final approval is at the sole discretion of the event safety director, who may revoke approval at launch.

Ready to Fly?

Apply by July 3, 2026

Submission of an application does not guarantee participation. All applicants will be reviewed by the organizers and safety team.

Apply to Participate

Questions? Austin@airecraftfest.com