Learn to fly a paraglider at a BHPA Registered School

learn to Fly a Paraglider

Learning to fly a paraglider can be great fun, and isn‘t as difficult or daunting as you might think.

Professional instruction is readily available from a UK wide network of BHPA registered schools that includes two schools based in SE Wales. These offer a wide range of courses that combine practical instruction on the hill, with an explanation of airlaw, meteorology and the principals of flight.

During training a strong emphasis is always placed on safety, and students are encouraged to progress at their own individual rate.

Initial instruction takes place on gentle slopes at the bottom of the hill, and students only move higher when their instructor is certain that they are ready to progress.

If you‘re still not sure if the sport is for you, most schools offer a one day taster course that usually includes a couple of low level flights at the end of the day. If on the other hand you‘re yearning to stay aloft for hours at a time soaring with the birds on warm currents of rising air, then you‘ll need to attend both an EP and a CP course.

An EP (Elementary Pilot) course will take around 4 days, and will introduce you to some of the basic skills and techniques required to fly a paraglider.

Given the right conditions another 4 - 6 days could see you achieving your CP (Club Pilot) rating. This is the absolute minimum level of skill required before students can leave the school, and start flying within a local recreational club environment.

Club coaches now take over from school instructors, and are able to guide you through the tricky transitional period, and oversee your long term development as a pilot.

After you‘ve been flying for a while, you may decide to take an advanced paragliding course, to improve your flying skills, or to introduce you to alpine flying. Such courses are available at a number of BHPA schools in the UK, or similar reputable schools abroad.

It all sounds too easy doesn‘t it?

In the right conditions, learning to fly a paraglider is actually fairly straightforward. Unfortunately the weather is often less than ideal, and the ensuing delays can be a test of patience and determination. But it really is worth it in the end!

How much will it cost?


You will also need to take out third party insurance cover through membership of the BHPA. The cost of BHPA membership for one day is £10, three months BHPA training membership currently costs £55, and annual membership of the BHPA costs £92 for the first year. Three Month Training and Annual BHPA membership also include a copy of Skywings magazine each month.

Initially the school will provide all the equipment required, but later you will need to purchase your own. New and second hand equipment can often be purchased directly from the school, or privately through advertisements in Skywings magazine, or our online classified advertisements.

A paraglider suitable for a beginner will cost around £1,500 - £2,500 new, or £600 - £1,200 second hand. A new full face helmet will cost around £90 - £150, and a second hand harness anywhere between £125 - £250. A new reserve parachute will set you back a further £350 - £400.

Once you have obtained Club Pilot (CP) rating, joined a recreational club like the SEWHG&PGC, and have logged around 30 - 40 hours you may want to buy a high performance glider. Most schools are also dealers, and should therefore be able to offer advice on the most suitable wing available, and arrange a demo flight before purchase.

What‘s the next step?

The next step is to contact a local BHPA registered paragliding school to discuss the courses they have on offer. If you‘re still unsure about taking up paragliding, you can always arrange to meet the school on the hill. That way you can see the teaching techniques the school uses at first hand, and talk to some of their students.

So come on take that step and contact a BHPA registered paragliding school today!

Please click on the appropriate image for further information about learning to fly a hang glider or paraglider at a BHPA Registered School, or for guidance on the likely cost of instruction and equipment. The training programme you‘ll follow will depend on your chosen wing, and the conditions prevailing on the day. But the goal is ultimately the same - to obtain your Club Pilot rating, and fly solo within the safe and friendly environment of a BHPA recreational club, like the SE Wales Hang Gliding & Paragliding Club.

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