Early Years
Paul Hamilton was born in up-state New York, and as a young man he took up the hobbies of skiing, hang gliding, and photography. At the age of 18, he moved to Reno, Nevada to attend the University of Nevada Reno to pursue an engineering degree so he could design and build hang gliders. During his college years Paul taught Hang Gliding with a local ski shop, as well as with the University of Nevada Reno as a credit course in the athletic department.
In 1978 Paul was issued a Patent for a variable camber inflatable wing. He graduated from the University of Nevada Reno with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering specializing in Aeronautics. Paul went on to work as an Engineer in Design, Analysis, and Flight Testing with Lear Fan 2100, developing the business turbo prop jet.
An avid hang glider pilot, Paul began filming his hang gliding flights with a new video camera. Paul would often show his films to friends and family.
Career
Adventure Productions
When he began to receive compliments on his films and invitations to show them at parties, it occurred to him that he could turn this hobby into a business. In 1988, Paul and his wife Loretta founded Adventure Productions and began producing one feature-length sport aviation film per year. Before long they were selling their films through a dealer network and online store AP-Stores.com.
Current Work
Today, along with Adventure Productions, Paul, operates a flight school specializing in weight-shift control trike. He also instructs in an airplane light sport aircraft (LSA). The flight school helps Paul bring the joy and freedom of flight to many, as well as, keeps Paul aware of student pilot needs. This ensures that the DVDs, videos, and books included in the Hamilton Pilot Training System meet those needs. The films and books get positive reviews and have garnered a loyal fan base of both pilots and flight instructors.
Paul is one of the first people to receive Sport Pilot Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) and Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) for Sport Pilots. As a DPE he is designated by the FAA to conduct Practical Tests (checkrides) and issue Sport Pilot and Certified Flight Instructor FAA certificates/licenses.
Flying for over 35 years, Paul holds ratings with the FAA:
Airplane:
- Sport Pilot
- FAA Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) Sport
Weight-Shift Control :
- Private Pilot
- FAA Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) Sport and Private
- FAA Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) for Sport Pilot(SPE), Private Pilot (PE) and Sport Pilot Flight Instructor (SPIE)
Paul is also a Professional Engineer, registered in Nevada and California, and often does consulting work.
Personal Life
Paul is a Master Rated Hang Glider Pilot and Advanced Rated Paraglider Pilot with the USHGA, United States Hang Gliding Association. Paul currently resides with his wife, Loretta, in Reno Nevada.