Jeff Shapiro has been flying hang gliders avidly for the last 16 years. He
learned in Washington State shortly after graduating from high school and has never looked back.  When he and his wife relocated to Missoula, MT in 1997, he fell in love with the flying and pilot community there. This led to his decision to pursue an instructor rating to help increase the pilot population in Missoula.  He achieved his advanced Instructor rating in 2001 and attained his Tandem instructor rating the following year.  Last year he was recommended for his Master rating and now is certified to teach all forms of launching a hang glider (foot launch, aero tow, platform tow, static tow).  He also finds passion in improving more advanced skills, such as cross country racing, by competing internationally against world class competitors.  After his first year of competing in '07, he was ranked 10th in the U.S. and is currently ranked 1st entering the last competitions of his second year, qualifying him to help represent the U.S in the '09 World Championships in Laragna, France.  He has had the opportunity to fly all over the U.S., Canada and other international destinations such as Australia and Europe.  Everything that he has learned competing has been helpful and applicable to graduating safe, well rounded students.  When not flying, teaching or tuning hang gliders, Jeff can be found enjoying time with his wife and beautiful 4 year old daughter.

Other interests:  Jeff has been climbing (rock, ice, mountaineering, etc.) for the last 20 years and although flying has taken over his “play related” life, he still enjoys time in the big mountains.  He is also an avid Falconer and feels privileged to train raptors to hunt with him and his dog, Cedar.  He currently makes his living as a Respiratory Therapist at St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula, MT.