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Paragliding course: why and how to train in flight?

Paragliding courses in France: why and how to learn to fly ?

Do you want to fly, and in particular learn to paraglide, but don't know how? Here you'll find all the information you need to answer any questions you may have about learning to paraglide. And in particular, the different types of paragliding courses you can take to learn to fly.

WHY TAKE A PARAGLIDING COURSE ?

There are many reasons why a person might want to take up paragliding. Often, each new paraglider pilot has his or her own objectives and motivations.

A paragliding course to learn? Is this a good idea?

It's obvious that before you take off for the first time, you'll need to follow an appropriate training program with a qualified instructor. A beginner's course is the ideal way to learn paragliding with confidence. During the course, you'll learn the basics for your first big flights on your own, and discover the pleasure of flying and the joys of free flight. In most cases, the school will provide you with all the necessary equipment (canopies, harness, reserve parachute, etc.).

What's more, some schools also offer introductory days to help you decide whether or not you're interested in this aerial sport. Accompanied by an instructor, you'll alternate between a quick theory lesson and inflation on a training slope. After this day, you can decide whether or not to continue with an introductory course, which will eventually enable you to make your first solo paragliding flight.

Are there paragliding improvement courses available ?

Of course, if your aim is to perfect your flying technique, then you should know that most FFVL-approved paragliding schools offer progression or improvement courses. The aim of these courses is to increase your flight volume and your knowledge of flying sites. You'll improve your take-offs, landings and piloting. In addition, this course will enable you to perfect your theoretical knowledge of aerology, weather conditions, flight mechanics and many other paragliding topics.

And what paragliding courses are best suited to the quest for performance and advanced progression ?

Three categories of courses stand out to meet the needs of performance-oriented pilots.

"Cross” courses are designed for paraglider pilots looking to increase their flying time and improve their performance.

"SIV” (flight incident simulation) courses are designed to put paragliders in uncomfortable situations, enabling them to acquire the reflexes and techniques needed in extreme flight situations.

Finally, the last major category of training course that you'll regularly find at the school is the mental preparation course. The objectives of this type of course are manifold: to break down psychological barriers in order to regain flying sensations, to optimize your mental preparation in order to push back your own barriers, etc...

HOW MUCH DOES A PARAGLIDING COURSE COST ?

At present, prices for classic paragliding courses can vary from € 250 to € 800.

Prices for paragliding courses vary according to different criteria :

Here are a few examples of what you can expect to find in the range of prices for the main paragliding courses offered by most schools :

Paragliding initiation course week

Price : 700€ on average

Paragliding initiation course week end

Price : 310 € on average

Progression course week

Price : 750 € on average

Progression course week end

Price : 350 € on average

SIV course 3 days

Price : 700 € on average

Cross course week

Price : 750 € on average

Cross course week end

Price : 350 € on average

WHICH PARAGLIDING COURSE IS RIGHT FOR ME ?

To find out which paragliding course is right for you, here's some information to help you make your choice:

Paragliding initiation course
It is intended for beginners paraglidersIt enables you to learn to take off, fly and land in calm conditions on a known site.
Paragliding progression course.
This course can be divided into several levels, depending on the school. It is the logical continuation of the introductory course and is designed for pilots wishing to continue learning the basics of paragliding, while at the same time getting to grips with the first thermals.
Advanced courses
This is the logical continuation of the progression courses. This course It enables you to grasp theoretical conceptss such as optimizing thermal operations or positioning and first paragliding movements. During this course, you'll get to fly at a variety of sites and take to the skies in a wide range of conditions.
SIV courses
These courses can be envisaged when pilots when already autonomousand want to start moving around in the air. These courses can be taken in parallel with the advanced course, or following regular practice outside the school.
Cross course
These internships can be carried out while you are operating thermals and that you have your confirmed pilot's license as well as many flight hours.

WHERE TO TAKE A PARAGLIDING COURSE IN FRANCE ?

There are plenty of places to take your paragliding course in France ! Many of France's départements are ideal for paragliding, and have well established paragliding schools. It's just that some areas are better suited to paragliding than others, and are more pleasant to fly over. In fact, the largest number of paragliding schools in France are located in the Rhône Alpes region. The Isère department is particularly well represented. Thanks to the attractiveness of the Coupe Icare and its facilities, the Saint-Hilaire-du-Touvet site is one of the most beautiful flying sites in France, and even in the world, for learning to fly!

WHAT TRAINING COURSE SHOULD I TAKE TO FLY A PARAGLIDER ALONE ?

There's no precise answer to this question, but here's some information to consider so you can assess whether you're ready to fly alone.

Are you able to take off and land safely in calm conditions at a known site ?
Do you feel mentally and psychologically ready to fly alone ?
Are you stressed at the thought of flying alone, and does it scare you ?
And finally, are you up to date with all licensing and insurance requirements ?

These questions are only intended to help you think through your options, and are not intended to be a decision-making checklist. It's simply a question of trying to light as many green lights as possible to put yourself in a position to succeed. Generally speaking, instructors invite you to move towards autonomy after completing an initiation course followed by a progression course. But this is just a guess, and will depend on a number of factors.