The BHPA Pilot Handbook: The Complete Guide to Paraglider and Hang Glider Training and Advancement

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The speed flying syllabus and its associated rating is for speed flying hill descents - it does not involve ridge soaring. These training flights on gentle slopes allow student pilots to practise launches and landing approaches and the fundamental skill of wing control on the ground and in the air. The BHPA Club system in the UK is important, as it is these local clubs which negotiate with local landowners to open flying sites. Most schools offer training in a wide range of flying disciplines, so it's important to understand the differences between the disciplines before choosing a school. Some clubs associate with each other to widen the sites available to the clubs and their associate members.

Additionally, other badges can be earned, which include: the Club Coach badge (gained by going on a weekend training course to learn how to 'coach' and advise those new pilots just out of school); the Senior Club Coach badge (usually a very experienced club pilot who can oversee certain types of post-school coaching); the Tandem badge (awarded after a short training course to learn how to fly a tandem—pilot and passenger—paraglider).In the course of one training day you'll have periods of intense activity - and sometimes you'll sit and wish! A UK wide network of BHPA recreational clubs look after flying sites in their area, and offer guidance and assistance to qualified pilots at a local level. And take along a waterproof jacket that you can slip on over everything; you won't train when it's pouring with rain but sometimes low cloud over the hills can have the same effect. The approximate location of all BHPA recreational clubs operating in the UK is shown on the map below. Speed flying wings are significantly smaller than paragliders, with a higher wing loading that enables them to travel at high speed.

Please contact the British Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association (BHPA) if you have any questions about paragliding, hang gliding, training, insurance, incidents, international ratings and safety issues in the United Kingdom. The club pilot will have to show, within a club hill environment, that they have gained a certain level of skill and ability, and can pass examinations regarding aviation law among other subjects.After a few minutes spent inspecting your equipment you put on your helmet and harness, look around, allow the wind to raise the canopy of your glider and launch off into space. A few days of practice should see you well on your way to completing the tasks for your Elementary Pilot award.

BHPA recreational clubs also provide the supportive flying and social environment that is so important for newly qualified pilots when they leave the familiar school environment for the first time. As you near the end of your initial training with one of our registered schools, it's important to start looking for suitable recreational club to join. This will allow you to start flying with your local recreational club, and progress towards more and more rewarding flying as your experience grows. The Paragliding Forum can also be a useful source of advice and information for anyone interested in learning to fly a paraglider.As Flying Member above, except Family Flying Members do not receive their own copy of Skywings magazine, and must live at the same address as the Flying Member in their family.

You can also download a list of printed BHPA 'versioned' training documents, available from the BHPA office to schools, clubs and registered licensed members. Once this is mastered your instructor will turn to the power unit, and you will learn how to assemble and disassemble it (this is for easy transport, not a major stripdown! Learning to read an Aeronautical Chart and how to navigate is not difficult – your Instructor will guide you through this. The BHPA is recognised [1] by the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale, the Royal Aero Club, [2] and the Civil Aviation Authority.If you're looking for someone to teach you to fly, or would like a trial (air experience) flight, please visit our Registered Schools page. There is no real upper age limit provided you are reasonably fit, but by law you must be at least 14 years old before you can attempt solo flight. Layers of light but warm shirts/sweaters mixed with a windproof on top are much better than just one or two thick heavy garments. If you want to enjoy the challenges that only being truly at one with the elements can provide, book a training course today!