Paragliding Training

All air sports are weather dependant which means that paragliding and paramotoring can only take place in suitable conditions.  Rain and wind are the deciding factors in whether we have a nice day soaring on our local hill or cruising along a coastal sand dune with our friends.    Wind speeds of around 12-16 MPH are normally great for soaring any less can make soaring difficult, any more can make forward movement slow and laboured.  Strong sunshine in spring or on cold days can also create turbulence so we will spend some time learning about the weather and what makes for great flying conditions and what should be avoided.

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In order to fly solo in a BHPA club you must attain the Club Pilot Novice Rating (CP).  Before you get to this point you must complete the initial training phase called Elementary Pilot (EP).  EP training is the building blocks of paragliding and paramotoring.  This is a process of learning about the equipment and how to ensure the glider and other equipment are safe to fly.  You will learn the important skills of preparation and how to make simple site and weather assessments.  Students learn to launch, fly short flights and land safely.  The list in the syllabus may look like a lot to learn but many of the basic skills can be achieved in one day.  The more challenging tasks are the actual flights, but again these can be achieved in two to three days, weather permitting.  Students have to complete several ground training exercises, pass a very simple multiple choice assessments and complete a minimum twelve low flights and five short soaring flights to achieve this rating.  We will make sure you have the knowledge required  to take these steps in your stride.  The BHPA syllabus can be viewed HERE