The Basic Paragliding Course: Everything You Need to Know

One of our most popular training selections at Fly Cape Town is the Basic Paragliding Course. In just two weeks, you’ll be transformed from a total beginner to a confident and competent pilot, licensed to fly at your own discretion at any Basic-graded site in South Africa.

Let’s go over some basic info about the license you’ll receive after taking our course, and what it means for your future in paragliding.

Paragliding Training Guide

Paragliding is an incredible adventure sport that has evolved from an experimental activity in the French Alps into the thrilling experience it is today. Whether you’re taking your first flight or aiming to become a qualified pilot, proper paragliding training is essential for both safety and skill development.

A paragliding training course follows structured teaching curricula set by national paragliding organisations such as the BHPA and USHPA. These courses cover everything from understanding how air moves and what happens when you fly to mastering advanced manoeuvres that will keep you safe in a range of conditions. You’ll learn about meteorology, airspace regulations, and flight techniques, ensuring you gain confidence in the air.

During your training, you’ll get hands-on experience with different types of paragliders and harnesses, helmets and reserve parachutes, and other essential gear. Instructors guide you through ground-skimming flights, building up to soaring over stunning mountain peaks. You’ll also explore how paragliding grew from an experimental activity to the globally recognized sport it is today.

License Requirements

Basic Licenses are issued by the South African Hang-Gliding and Paragliding Association (or SAHPA).  The Civil Aviation Act requires all pilots participating in either of these sports to hold a SAHPA license – no other entity is permitted to issue such certifications.

In order to receive your Basic License, you must satisfy the following requirements:

• 35 logged flights, each at least 60 seconds in duration
• One flight that exceeds 20 minutes in duration
• A total of 4 hours (or more) flight time
• Fly from at least two different launch sites
• Experience flight in light thermic conditions
• Pass a practical test of in-flight skills
• Score at least 85% in the written (open-book) exam

Final approval is also at the discretion of your Paragliding instructor.

How Our Course Works

At Fly Cape Town, we’ll take you through a series of theory classes as well as all active flights required (again, a minimum of 35). These are designed to build your practical skills and ready you for the final written exam. Ridge soaring, top landings, and even the basics of thermalling will be introduced. All paragliding equipment is included in the paragliding course cost, from the glider you’ll train on, to your SAHPA manual and logbook. Please do note, though, that SAHPA requires a yearly license fee.

Students who complete the basic paragliding course successfully will not only receive their Basic License, but will also be fully prepared to soar high, far, and (most importantly) safe. With proper training and the right knowledge, you can climb up thousands of feet in the sky and experience the true thrill of paragliding while staying safe. If you’re ready to start your journey, book your paragliding training course today and take the first step toward becoming a qualified pilot and beyond!