How long does it take to learn paragliding?
The short answer is a week, but the time needed to learn paragliding depends on your physical abilities, mental skills, progression, and desired rating. You can earn your initial rating (P1) in as little as 3 days – weather permitting. The higher the rating you achieve the more opportunities and adventures open up to you. Different flight schools may have different training programs, so it’s important to do your research before enrolling in a course. Personal instruction is often the best way to learn, as you can get feedback and tips from an experienced pilot.
There are three main ratings that pilots can achieve: beginner, intermediate, and advanced. The beginner rating is for those who are just starting out, while the intermediate rating is for those who have some experience with paragliders. The advanced rating is for those who are confident in all aspects of paragliding.
What is the gliding and paragliding association in the US?
USHPA is the United States Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association. The association was founded in 1978 as a way to unite paraglider and hang glider pilots across the United States. Today, it’s the largest free flight association in the world, with over 33,000 members.
Paragliding is a self-regulated sport. One of USHPA’s primary functions is to promote safety in the sport and maintain uniform training requirements. To do this, they maintain a rating system for pilots, which helps ensure that everyone is paragliding safely and within their abilities. They also offer safety courses and provide information on how to stay safe while paragliding or hang gliding. Instructors adhere to the USHPA Pilot Proficiency System to provide USHPA certified ratings.
USHPA is a non-profit organization and relies on membership dues and donations to support its operations. If you’re interested in learning more about paragliding or if you’re looking for a way to get involved in the sport, USHPA is a great place to start.
What is the USPHA rating system for pilot skills?
The United States Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association (USHPA) rating system is a way to measure a pilot’s skill level. The ratings range from P1 to P5, with P1 being the most basic and P5 being the most advanced.
To achieve a rating, the instructor’s job is to help the student complete a series of witnessed tasks that test their knowledge and skills. The tasks vary depending on the rating level but can include things like aptitude, competence, and special skills like tow and cliff launches.
The USHPA rating system is used by pilots all over the world as a way to measure their progress and development. It is also recognized by aviation authorities as an indication of a pilot’s skill level. The rating is also recognized outside the US and by foreign pilot sites.
What do I need to get my P1 rating?
To obtain a p1 rating, you must meet certain requirements. The most important of these is that you must be able to demonstrate safe paragliding practices. This includes being able to fly in moderate winds and safely land your paraglider in a variety of conditions.
In addition to demonstrating your skills, you must also pass a written test. The USPHA P1 test covers a wide range of topics, including paraglider safety, meteorology, and first aid. Once you have passed both the practical and written tests, you will be awarded a P1 rating.
If you are interested in paragliding, the USPHA P1 rating is a great way to prove your proficiency and knowledge. Meeting the requirements for a P1 rating can be challenging, but it is well worth the effort. With a P1 rating, you will be able to paraglide with confidence and safety under Instructor supervision.
If you are a successful paragliding student, expect to earn your P1 expect to commit to 5 days (40-hours), depending on your skill level and progression. The teachers adhere to the USHPA instructional guidebook and your first flight will take place on a local training hill. Your training program will include classroom theory, ground handling, and kiting exercises.
USHPA requires the following items to gain your P1 rating:
1. Attends and completes a basic ground school.
2. Layout and preflight of canopy and harness.
3. Demonstrates canopy handling skills sufficient to launch – under control.
4. With each flight, demonstrate method(s) of establishing that pilot is properly connected to the canopy, with cleared lines and risers, just prior to inflation.
5. Launch unassisted showing:
a. Smooth, confident inflation and run.
b. Pendulum control during launch.
c. Directional control.
d. Smooth transition from running to flying, during launch.
6. Airspeed recognition and control,
a. Two flights, predetermined to show:
i. Constant airspeed.
ii. Smooth straight flight towards a pre-selected target.
iii. Safe, smooth landing, on feet, into the wind.
b. Two flights, predetermined to show:
i. Confident, slight variation in airspeed showing awareness of control inputs and pendulum control.
ii. Smoothly increasing airspeed, and smoothly slowing airspeed showing good control.
iii. Safe, smooth landing, on feet, into the wind.
7. Shows the ability to recognize and understand how different wind conditions at this site will affect their flights.
a. Wind direction.
b. Wind velocity.
c. Terrain shape.
d. Obstructions.
8. On each flight, demonstrates proper post-landing procedure, to include, but not limited to:
a. Canopy deflation.
b. Canopy immobilization.
c. Checking traffic.
d. Removal of the canopy from the landing area.
e. Disconnection from the canopy.
9. Demonstration of understanding of the importance of proper packing, storage, and care of the canopy.
10. The pilot shall use good judgment and have a level of maturity commensurate with the rating.
11. Must pass the USHPA Beginner Paragliding written exam.
12. Must agree to all the provisions of the USHPA standard waiver and assumption of risk agreement for the Beginner rating and deliver an original signed copy to the USHPA office.
C. Recommended Operating Limitations for Beginner Pilots:
1. Should exceed these limitations only after demonstrating complete mastery of the required Beginner paragliding tasks (above), and only after acquiring a full understanding of the potential problems and dangerous situations which may arise from exceeding these limitations.
2. It is highly recommended that all flights be made under the direct supervision of a USHPA Certified Basic or Advanced Paragliding Instructor.
3. Should fly only in steady winds of 12 MPH. or less. 4. If foot launching, should only foot launch only on slopes of 3:1 – 4:1, where the wind is within 15° of being straight up the slope.
5. Should launch only when there are no obstructions within 60° to either side of the intended flight path, and when pilot may fly straight out from launch to landing with no need to maneuver and no possibility of over-flying the landing area.
6. Should fly appropriate sites for this skill level.
7. Should fly a canopy recommended by the manufacturer as suitable for Beginner or Novice pilots.
What do I need to get my P2 rating?
To obtain a USPHA p2 rating, you must meet certain requirements.
You must also have a minimum of 10 hours of flight time, including 5-hours of air time (35 flights) over 7-days. You must also demonstrate your skills by passing a written test. The test covers topics such as safety, meteorology, airspace, and regulations. Finally, unlike other sports, you must pass a practical exam that includes a demonstration of your ability to launch, fly, and land a paraglider. You must also show good pilot judgment and earn the confidence of your Instructor.
Logged Requirements for novice rating
a. Attends a minimum of 8 hours of ground school theory as outlined in the ICP Manual
i. Weather
ac. Discuss with students the wisdom of calling a local pilot to gain insight into the local conditions.
ii. Launches
aa. Consider altitude humidity and temperature factors (air density).
ab. Consider the slope of the ramp or hill, wind factors, and the need for wire assistance.
ac. Discuss the angle of attack requirements, especially with cliff launches.
iii. Danger Signs
aa. High wind, dust blowing, white caps, swaying trees, smoke laying down, and lenticular clouds.
ab. Rotor possibilities – note overall wind signs (cloud drift, water lines, bird drift, smoke from fires or smokestack smoke direction) with respect to wind indicators at launch.
ac. Varying wind directions and differences at launch and landing.
iv. Landing
aa. Consider air density (as listed above in launches)
ab. Wind direction awareness and how wind affects landing. Wind direction indicators other than the windsock.
ac. Approach.
i. Watch for man-made objects. Lines in the field mean fences, ditches or power lines. Assume all roads have power lines.
ii. Setup procedures for a long straight approach.
iii. Discuss approach options and preferred approaches with locals.
iv. Extra speed for handling gradient and turbulence.
v. Review crosswind landing techniques.
vi. Tree landing techniques.
vii. Avoidance of obvious crop fields.
aa. Show students how to observe weather forecasts relating to the site from news broadcasting, newspapers, and the Internet.
ab. Monitor weather forecast on a weather radio and or smart phones before leaving for flying and on-site prior to flying.
v. Equipment
aa. Food and water.
ab. Instruments – airspeed indicator, etc.
vi. Site Orientation
ab. Discuss general site specifics, departure time, arrival time, and protocol. Also review the dive syndrome (first flight students flying too fast to LZ) and signs of proper airspeed (bar position, airspeed indicator, and bar feel).
b. Must have logged a minimum of 35 flights with a required ability to demonstrate an appropriate landing approach with the canopy lowered to the ground between flights.
c. Must have logged a minimum of 7 flying days.
2. Demonstrated Skills and Knowledge
a. Demonstrates layout and preflight of the canopy, harness, and backup reserve parachute.
b. Gives a reliable analysis of general conditions of the site and self, and a flight plan including flight path, areas to avoid in relation to the wind flow, and obstacles to stay clear of.
c. Demonstrates 5 consecutive forward inflations with a visual check of the canopy each time.
d. Demonstrates 5 consecutive controlled reverse inflations with proper surge dampening. e. Demonstrates controlled kiting of a glider overhead for 2 minutes in a steady wind.
f. With each flight, demonstrates a method of establishing that the pilot is properly connected to the glider, with cleared lines and risers just prior to inflation.
g. Demonstrates flight with smooth variation in airspeed, from above minimum sink to fast flight, while maintaining a heading.
h. Demonstrates flight showing the ability to comfortably and precisely slow the glider to minimum sink and smoothly increase to normal airspeed while maintaining a heading. The pilot should not slow the glider to near the stall speed.
i. Demonstrates flight(s) along a planned path alternating ‘S’ turns of at least 90º change in heading. Flight heading need not exceed 45º from straight into the wind. Turns must be smooth with controlled airspeed, ending in safe, standup landings on a heading.
j. Demonstrates 180º turns in both directions, and at various speeds and bank angles.
k. Explains how to safely execute a 360 degree turn, and describes the associated risk factors and decision-making process.
l. Demonstrates hands-off flying, one-handed flying skills, weight-shift turns, and rear-riser turns.
m. Demonstrates symmetric and asymmetric tip folds for increased descent rate. n. Demonstrates the ability to judge and allow for proper clearance from a ridge and other vehicles.
o. Demonstrates 5 landings within 25′ of a target or optional landing task, safe, smooth, on the feet and into the wind. The target must be sufficiently close to launch such that turns are required to set up an approach and avoid over-flying the target. The target should be at least 100′ below the launch point.
p. Explains proper strong wind landing procedures and how to keep from being dragged back.
q. Explains correct canopy maintenance.
r. Explains how to lengthen and shorten the flight path.
s. Explains the right of way traffic rules.
t. Demonstrates the proper use of a speedbar/ accelerating system.
u. Demonstrates reserve deployment while hanging in a harness in simulated turbulence or malfunction conditions.
v. Gives a thorough verbal demonstration of knowledge of how to:
i. Maintain directional control during and correct for an asymmetric wing fold of 25% of the wing span.
ii. Fly at minimum sink while precluding any chance of inadvertent stall or spin, particularly when flying through lift, sink or in conjunction with making turns.
iii. Increase descent rate and/or forward speed.
w. Demonstrates proper and effective PLF technique.
x. Must pass the USHPA Novice Paragliding written exam.
y. Must agree to all the provisions of the USHPA standard waiver and assumption of risk agreement for the Novice rating and deliver an original signed copy to the USHPA office.
z. Acknowledges and understands the need to become familiar with site-specific restrictions and launch or landing access limits, consistent with preservation of flying privileges at a site.
C. Recommended Operating Limitations for Novice Paragliding Pilots
1. Should exceed these limitations only after thoroughly mastering all required tasks, and after acquiring a full understanding of the potential problems and dangers involved in exceeding these limitations.
2. Maximum base wind of 12 MPH
3. Maximum peak gusts to 15 MPH
4. Maximum gust rate of 5 MPH in 5 seconds. 5. Should not fly in thermal lift where peak climb rates exceed 200 fpm.
6. If foot launching, should launch only on slopes steeper than 4:1, where the wind is within 25º of being straight up the slope.
7. If tow launching in winds in excess of 3 mph, should only launch where the wind is within 25º of being straight along the tow line.
8. Visual contact with the landing zone.
9. Avoid application of either brake beyond 2/3 of the way from slack to stall position.
10. Limit turns to 30º of bank, limit speed in turns to 1.5 times the straight line, brakes off, cruise speed, and smoothly exit any spiral turn which shows a tendency to steepen or accelerate.
11. Should fly a canopy recommended by the manufacturer as suitable for Beginner to Intermediate rated pilots.
By obtaining your novice rating will allow you to fly more challenging sites and under different weather conditions. The P2 rating is your license to fly sites under the USHPA insurance umbrella. At the end of your paragliding training, and as a newly qualified pilot, you should be able to understand the basics of human flight, foot launched flying, flying solo, local flying regulations, basic techniques and basic skills.
What do I need to get my P3 rating?
Gaining your P3 is all about increasing your time in the air. This can take 1-2 years depending on the number of flyable days in the area you live. To earn your P3, USHPA requires more advanced training. By now in your progression, you should have taken and SIV course, flown multiple wings in multiple wind conditions. To obtain your P3 rating, you must pass a written test as well as a practical test witnessed by the instructor at your paragliding school. The practical test will assess your skills in launching, flying, and landing your paraglider. If you are successful, you will receive a P3 or Intermediate Rating from the USHPA.
Intermediate Rating –
Required Witnessed Tasks
1. Logged Requirements
a. Must have logged a minimum of 30 flying days.
b. Must have logged a total of at least 90 flights.
c. Must have logged a minimum of 20 hours of solo airtime.
2. Demonstrated Skills and Knowledge a. Has received training in and/or understands the importance and significance of:
i. Right of way rules.
ii. FAA Regulations and aircraft sectional charts
iii. Airspeed control, stalls, spins, and turbulence-induced collapses and recoveries.
iv. Canopy owner’s manual.
v. USHPA Accident Report results currently in print.
3. Can give a verbal analysis of conditions on the hill, demonstrating knowledge of wind shadows, gradients, lift, sink, laminar air, turbulence, and rotors, and the effect these items have on an intended flight path and turns.
4. Must give a verbal flight plan for each observed flight.
5. Must show thorough preflight of the harness, canopy, and backup reserve parachute.
6. With each flight, demonstrates a method of establishing that the pilot is properly connected to the glider, with cleared lines and risers just prior to launch.
7. All inflations/launches should be controlled, confident, and with a smooth transition from running to flying. Flights with slow, unstable inflations/launches will not be considered adequate for witnessed tasks.
8. For witnessed tasks, all landings must be safe, smooth, on the feet, and in control.
9. Demonstrates the ability to differentiate airspeed from ground speed.
10. Demonstrates linked 180° turns along a predetermined ground track showing smooth controlled reversals and proper coordination at various speeds and bank angles.
11. Demonstrates 360° turns in both directions, and at various speeds and bank angles.
12. Demonstrates symmetric and asymmetric tip folds (25% per side, 50% total) or some other method of canopy reduction for increased descent rate.
13. Demonstrates one method to increase forward speed.
14. Demonstrates proper surge control of canopy using properly timed brake application.
15. Gives a thorough verbal description of how to maintain directional control during and correct for a 50% asymmetric wing collapse.
16. Gives a thorough explanation of:
a. Why flying a paraglider with one or both control toggles significantly extended should be avoided unless flaring for a landing.
b. The signs that the paraglider has entered a stalled configuration (one or both sides).
17. In 8 to 15 mph winds, demonstrates the ability to maintain airspeed at or near minimum sink during crosswind and upwind legs, without any evidence of stalls.
18. Demonstrates 5 landings within 10′ of a target or optional landing task after flights requiring turns on approach.
19. Demonstrates proper airspeed control on landing approach when descending through a gradient.
20. Demonstrates proper airspeed for maximum distance flown into a significant headwind.
21. Must pass the USHPA Intermediate Paragliding written exam.
22. Must agree to all the provisions of the USHPA standard waiver and assumption of risk agreement for the Intermediate rating and deliver an original signed copy to the USHPA office.
23. Acknowledges and understands the need to become familiar with site-specific restrictions and launch or landing access limits, consistent with preservation of flying privileges at a site.
C. Recommended Operating Limitations for Intermediate Paraglider Pilots
1. Maximum base wind of 15 m.p.h.
2. Maximum peak gusts to 18 m.p.h.
3. Maximum gust rate of 5 mph in 5 seconds.
4. Avoid steep turns close to the ground.
5. Avoid application of either brake beyond 3/4 of the way from full off to stall position.
6. Limit turns to bank angles recommended by the manufacturer, limit speed in turns to 2 times the straight line, brakes off, cruise speed, and smoothly exit any spiral turn that shows a tendency to steepen or accelerate.
7. Should initiate downwind turns only with 300′ of clearance outward from the hill or ridge in winds above 15 mph, and 200′ of clearance in winds above 10 mph.
8. Should not fly in thermals where peak climb rates exceed 500 fpm or where significant vertical cloud development exists.
9. Upon mastering the above skills, an Intermediate Paragliding Pilot should pursue new maneuvers, sites, and conditions with the guidance of a USHPA Certified Advanced Paragliding Instructor or Observer.
Upon completion of your paragliding course a would be pilot should be able to fly solo, gain altitude, fly safely, soar in ridge lift, alone or under radio supervision.
What do I need to get my P4 rating?
Paragliding is an incredible sport. One day you can be ridge soaring, the next thermalling to cloud base. Most pilots gain paragliding instruction at the Advanced Rating level over years and many hours of airtime. Advanced pilots obtain certain USHPA certified ratings throughout flying for pure enjoyment. Others move up in their rating by attending a well respected school. Holding a P3 rating teaches you at least the basics. It may be your first flights from big mountain. Holding a P4 rating means your have begun the mastery of the sport.
Advanced Rating – Required Witnessed Tasks
1. Logged Requirements
a. 250 flights.
b. Must have made 5 flights at each of 5 different sites in Intermediate level conditions, of which 3 were inland.
c. Must have logged a minimum of 80 flying days.
d. Must have at least three 1-hour flights in thermal lift without sustaining ridge lift. Flights must originate from at least 2 different sites in Intermediate level conditions.
e. Must have at least one 1-hour flight in ridge lift without sustaining thermal lift.
f. Must have logged a minimum of 75 hours total airtime, with no more than 25 of these hours to be tandem. Of these 75 hours, 25 must be in thermal lift, with no more than 10 of these 25 hours to be tandem flights.
g. Must have flown a minimum of 5 different canopies.
2. Demonstrated Skills and Knowledge
a. Demonstrates preflight of the harness, canopy, and backup reserve parachute.
b. Can give a verbal analysis of conditions.
c. Can develop then follow a flight plan.
d. With each flight, demonstrates a method of establishing that the pilot is properly connected to the glider, with cleared lines and risers just prior to launch.
e. All inflations/launches should be controlled, confident, and with a smooth transition from running to flying. Flights with slow, unstable inflations/launches will not be considered adequate as witnessed tasks.
f. All landings must be safe, smooth, on the feet and in control.
g. Demonstrate ability to allow clearance when doing 360° turns by demonstrating figure eights:
i. In a wind sufficient to cause drift, two points will be selected on a line perpendicular to the wind.
ii. The pilot will fly along a line parallel to that joining the pylons, slightly downwind of the pylons, toward a point midway between them. During the crosswind leg, the pilot will establish the degree of wind drift. At the midpoint between the pylons, the pilot will make a smooth, deliberate upwind turn and enter a figure eight course consisting of smooth turns of constant ground track radius around the pylons (centered on the pylons) with straight segments at the midpoint between the pylons.
iii. The pilot must complete two consecutive figure eights in which the airspeed, bank angle, and turn rate are altered smoothly around the course such that the proper ground track is held and the drift is compensated for, without overcompensation or hesitation.
h. Demonstrate three consecutive landings within 10′ of a target or optional landing task after a flight which requires turns on approach. In smooth conditions, the spot location should be changed by the Observer, for each of the three flights. Flights should be a minimum of one minute and 200′ AGL.
i. Demonstrate smooth coordinated 360° turns in both directions, with reversal at various speeds and bank angles appropriate to the rating level.
j. Demonstrates significant asymmetric wing collapses (50% of the wing span) with directional control.
k. Must pass the USHPA Advanced Paragliding written exam.
l. Must convince the Instructor or Observer that he can check in and fly Advanced rated sites without endangering spectators, other pilots, or jeopardizing the site.
m. Must agree to all the provisions of the USHPA standard waiver and assumption of risk agreement for the Advanced rating and deliver an original signed copy to the USHPA office.
C. Recommended Operating Limitations for Advanced Paraglider Pilots
1. Should not fly within 30′ of another glider in smooth air, or within 100′ of another glider in moderately turbulent air.
About the author.
Damien Mitchell is a USHPA Advanced Instructor, and APPi Trained Instructor. He has over 10,000 flights and has been instructing paragliders for 15-years. He has been flying for almost 25-years. He is originally from Utah.