Meet the team
Carolina PPG is run by two pilots who fell in love with this sport – and love sharing it with new pilots.
USPPA PPG 1–3 · Wheel launch · Tandem certifiedAllen Surratt
- US Navy veteran – USS Enterprise, Norfolk VA
- BSc Business, East Carolina University
- Married to Amanda – two boys, Beckham & Reed, and Rocket the dog
Pilot school
I started training for my private pilot’s license in 1998. I completed ground school and numerous hours, but ultimately decided the ongoing expense was too high and I needed to find a cheaper hobby.
Life happened… marriage, mortgage, children (you know the story), and I put aviation on hold.
The discovery
Fast forward twenty years… I am driving my son to early morning football practice, and I often noticed an individual flying over nearby fields. Like others before me, I jumped on the World Wide Web and found the World of Powered Paragliding (PPG). I located a nearby school in Fayetteville, NC, and wish I had discovered the sport years ago.
I am so blessed and hope to help others who are interested in PPG, for it has “flown” to the forefront of my passions.
Paramotoring since July 30, 2018Darren Locklear
- Originally from Scotland County, NC
- Day job: medical service / sales
- Family man – wife, 4 kids, 3 grandchildren, 2 dogs, a lizard and a rabbit
My dream
Family man with a wonderful wife and four children, I bring a zest for life that often makes me the most adventurous “kid” in the house. Known in the neighborhood for my high-energy pursuits, I’ve always been an adrenaline junkie – from skateboarding and dirt bike racing to riding motorcycles. My passion for excitement has led to a few broken bones along the way, including a memorable attempt to fly off the roof with a trash bag as a parachute.
As a child, I dreamt of flying and would eagerly try to return to those dreams each night. This lifelong fascination with flight took a new turn when a neighbor introduced me to Tucker Gott’s paramotor adventures on YouTube. Instantly captivated, I knew I had to experience the thrill of paramotoring myself. This passion for powered paragliding has become a significant part of my life, fulfilling my childhood dream of soaring through the skies.
My goal
My goal is to grow Carolina PPG and share this amazing sport, because I have seen and experienced how life-changing it is. When students complete their first flights, I’m just as excited as they are. I am absolutely one million percent in love with this sport… I can’t imagine my life without it.
Come fly with us.
Call or text Allen and Darren to talk about training or an Introductory Flight.