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Learning to paraglide with Fly Cape Town Paragliding is easy, safe and lots of fun!
The minimum age requirement to start a paragliding training course with us is 16 but you can only get your license when you are 17 years old. Anyone can learn to fly; we have given paragliding lessons to people from the ages of 16 to 65 years old.
You will be taught in a safe environment under the supervision of expert instructors who will be in constant radio contact with you via a two-way radio.
You will attend in-depth theory classes teaching you everything you need to know to become a safe paragliding pilot. Our training courses are structured around the learning capabilities of each individual student.
The courses can be done in consecutive days or stretched over a period of a few months.
You will spend your first day getting familiarized with the paragliding equipment. We will practice ground handling techniques on a field and once you are competent with inflating the paraglider and keeping it above your head we will move to a small training hill. On the training hill, you will do your first ground skimming paragliding flights. Once you are familiar with taking off and landing we will proceed to your first altitude flight. After completion of the Introduction to Paragliding course, you may choose to continue with your Basic Paragliding license course.
We will teach you how to become a safe, competent basic license paragliding pilot. You will do a minimum of 35 flights which includes ridge soaring and thermalling. The course also includes a series of theory classes and you will have to complete a written examination paper before you are licensed.
You will be flying on a tandem paraglider with one of our highly experienced instructors. The instructor will simulate all the manoeuvres as required in your Sports License rating with you in the air. You are welcome to try inducing the manoeuvres from the front in the passenger seat. Your instructor will explain to you in detail how the paraglider will react in each individual manoeuvre.
The Safety in Paragliding Flight Simulation course consists of all manoeuvres as required in your Sports license rating. We will conduct SIV training over a lake or a dam. Here you will be winched up with a boat and will induce all the maneuvers yourself under the safe instruction of a qualified SIV instructor via a two-way radio.
The Sports Paragliding license course will take you to the next level of your paragliding flying. You will attend in-depth theory classes on meteorology, weather, safe decision making and assessment of flying conditions at paragliding sites. We will cover all of the safety manoeuvres and a series of theory classes. You will have to complete a written examination paper before achieving your Sports rating.
Here we will hone your skills. We will focus on Thermalling techniques, decision-making in the air, choosing the right lines and getting you further in your XC paragliding flights. You can choose to either fly with the instructor on a tandem paraglider or fly solo under close observation of an instructor flying a solo paraglider as well with you in the air.
In the introduction to Aerobatic manoeuvres, you will fly with an instructor on the tandem paraglider. The instructor will teach you the basis of all aerobatic manoeuvres, namely Wing Overs. You can choose to also do Spiral dives and the SAT. After the instructor has taken you through all the steps of the manoeuvres you would like to learn, you can take the controls from the front seat. The instructor will talk you through every single step, entering the manoeuvre, and controlling and exiting the manoeuvre.
Take the first step in establishing your paragliding training course
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Yes, paragliding training in South Africa is conducted under strict safety regulations. Training schools are registered with the South African Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association (SAHPA) and adhere to standards set by the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA). Instructors are experienced, and equipment is regularly inspected to ensure paragliding safety.
Individuals over the age of 16 can begin paragliding training. A basic level of physical fitness is beneficial, as launching and landing require some physical effort. However, the sport emphasises technique over strength, making it accessible to many.
The duration varies depending on the training program and individual progress. Typically, a basic pilot course can take between 7 to 14 days, during which students complete a minimum of 35 solo flights under instructor supervision. Advanced courses may extend up to four weeks.
Training costs can vary between schools and course levels. It’s advisable to contact specific schools for detailed pricing and available packages.
Most training schools provide equipment for students during the course. However, investing in personal paragliding equipment is recommended for those serious about pursuing the sport, as it allows for familiarity and comfort with one’s gear.
26 Virginia Avenue, Vredehoek
Cape Town,
Western Province
8001
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