Meet your instructors
Steve Pestana - Lead Foot Launch Instructor
Steve has flown paramotors for more than five years, building his skills through regular flying and advanced training at the Salton Sea. With well over 400 hours of flight time, Steve has the knowledge and experience to teach beginner pilots with a strong emphasis on safety.
Teaching was part of Steve’s life before paramotoring. As president of the Chico State Waterski Team, he taught more than 50 people to jump safely off a ramp. That experience shaped how he teaches today: earn trust, explain unfamiliar skills clearly, and make sure each student understands before moving forward.
At Launch PPG, Steve focuses on helping students develop the skills, judgment, and confidence to fly independently.
Mike Montag - Lead trike Instructor & tandem pilot
Mike brings experience from both general aviation and powered paragliding to Launch PPG. He earned his private pilot certificate and instrument rating, logging more than 300 hours in airplanes before discovering paramotor trikes in 2023. He has since earned his PPG 3 wheel-launch rating and logged more than 250 paramotor flights.
As Launch PPG’s co-owner, Mike developed the school’s ground school curriculum. His teaching covers weather, airspace, equipment, flight planning, and the decisions pilots make before and during a flight. He also holds an Introductory Tandem Instructor Wheel Launch certification.
Mike’s approach is patient and deliberate. He wants students to understand why they are doing something, build sound judgment, and progress without shortcuts.
