Advanced SIV Training Above Water

APPI Education System

Advanced SIV

Explore the limits of your glider in a safe, controlled environment and build real confidence for incident management.

Advanced SIV Above Water
Advanced SIV
Advanced SIV certification means that the pilot has acquired high-level piloting techniques and emotional control to safely handle extreme flight situations according to APPI standards. Training is conducted above water with professional rescue support, enabling pilots to push their limits in a controlled environment.

Prerequisites

To enroll in an Advanced SIV course under APPI standards, a pilot must:
  • Hold a valid APPI SIV certification
  • Meet the minimum age requirements according to local regulations (Federation / Civil Aviation / Army, etc.)
  • If under legal age, provide parental or guardian authorization
  • Be comfortable with take-off, landing and basic SIV maneuvers

Advanced SIV Training – 5 Day Syllabus

DayTopicsPractical ManeuversDebrief / Theory
Day 1 – Refresher & Warm-up
  • Safety briefing & rescue review
  • Equipment checks
  • Review of basic SIV skills
  • Warm-up collapses
  • Pitch & roll control
  • Big ears (with/without speedbar)
Theory: energy, aerodynamics, safety
Day 2 – Advanced Collapses & Descent
  • Dynamic energy control
  • Confidence building for advanced maneuvers
  • Deep asymmetric collapses
  • Symmetric collapses with pitch control
  • Big ears + speedbar coordination
Video debrief & analysis
Day 3 – Spirals & Autorotation
  • Spiral dive theory & G-force awareness
  • Autorotation recognition & dynamics
  • Spiral entry, control & exit
  • Autorotation entry & recovery
  • Spiral control refinements
Theory: G-forces, spiral safety, autorotation risks
Day 4 – Full Stall, Spins & Wingovers
  • Stall dynamics
  • Spin mechanics & energy rhythm
  • Full stall entry & smooth exit
  • Tail slide awareness
  • Spin entry & recovery
  • Wingovers (progressive)
Video review, mistakes & corrections
Day 5 – Rescue & Emergency Training
  • Reserve theory & decision-making
  • Emergency preparedness
  • Ground reserve deployment simulation
  • In-flight deployment (optional, site-dependent)
  • Post-deployment procedures
Final debrief & personal progression planning

Training

This course is conducted above water with boat rescue and full safety infrastructure.

The pilot explores the glider’s limits and learns how to avoid, manage and recover from major incidents:
  • Full stall and back-fly
  • 90° and dynamic spins
  • Minimum speed and deep stall control
  • Exiting auto-rotation & spiral dives
  • Advanced 360s and wing overs (optional)
  • Collapses on speed bar & recovery
  • Reserve deployment and post-reserve management
Emotional control and mental strategy for high-stress situations is a core part of the training.

Certification

Certification is issued once the APPI SIV instructor assesses that the pilot:
  • Can perform all required maneuvers in a controlled, repeatable way
  • Demonstrates anticipation and prevention of dangerous configurations
  • Shows calm, structured reactions during incident sequences
  • Follows briefings, safety procedures and radio instructions accurately
The instructor may request additional flights if they feel more consolidation is needed before validation.

APPI Rules

  • The certification is issued by an APPI SIV instructor recognized by the APPI pedagogical committee.
  • Pilots are expected to log all SIV flights and maneuvers in their APPI logbook.
  • Any accident or incident must be reported through the APPI reporting tools.
  • APPI certifications are internal to APPI and grant no automatic legal right in a country unless recognized by local aviation authorities.

Training Moments at Paragliding Mantra

Advanced pilot preparing for launch
High flight over Kamshet valley
Paragliding Mantra training group

Advanced SIV Course – Frequently Asked Questions

These FAQs cover the structure, duration, and learning outcomes of the Advanced SIV course at Paragliding Mantra under APPI standards.

How long does the Advanced SIV course usually take?
Typically, Advanced SIV is delivered over 2–4 flying days, depending on weather windows and pilot progression. If conditions are not suitable or you need extra consolidation, instructors may extend or adjust the program.
Is Advanced SIV only for competition or acro pilots?
No. Advanced SIV is for any experienced pilot who wants to truly understand the behavior of their wing and become safer in turbulence, thermals, and unexpected situations. It benefits XC, hike-and-fly, and recreational pilots as much as budding acro pilots.
Will I be forced to perform every maneuver on the list?
No. Maneuvers are progressive and personalized. The instructor plans a step-by-step program according to your level, mental state, and objectives. You will never be forced into a maneuver you or the instructor are not comfortable with.
Do I need my own wing, or is school equipment available?
Ideally, Advanced SIV is done on your personal glider, so you learn the specific reactions of the wing you actually fly. In special cases, school/reserve equipment may be arranged depending on size and availability—get in touch with us to confirm.
What kind of video debriefing is provided?
Flights are typically filmed from the ground (and sometimes onboard). After each session, you get detailed debriefs analyzing timing, brake input, body pitch, and recovery strategy so you can integrate the learning more deeply.

Safety Framework

All Advanced SIV flights are done above water with:
  • Rescue boat and trained staff
  • Radio guidance from SIV instructor
  • Mandatory life jacket and reserve
  • Clear abort criteria for each maneuver

Evolution & Progression

After Advanced SIV, pilots are better prepared for:
  • Longer and more committed XC flights
  • High-mountain and strong thermal environments
  • Future freestyle / acro training (if desired)
The skills learned here support safer decision-making in all kinds of flying.

Is This Course For You?

Advanced SIV is ideal if:
  • You already completed basic SIV
  • You want to really understand your wing’s limits
  • You plan to fly XC in strong conditions
  • You want more confidence after incidents or collapses

Safety, Requirements & Practical FAQs

Is Advanced SIV dangerous?
Any SIV carries inherent risk, because you are intentionally provoking incidents. However, risk is strongly mitigated by:
  • Experienced APPI SIV instructors
  • Rescue boat and life jackets
  • Altitude margin above water
  • Clear maneuver briefings and radio guidance
What happens if I need to throw my reserve?
Reserve deployment is an accepted outcome in SIV. If the instructor instructs you (or you decide) to throw:
  • You throw, protect yourself and prepare for water landing
  • Rescue boat will quickly reach you
  • The instructor will later debrief what led to the situation and what you learned from it
Do I need insurance to participate?
You must have appropriate flying and medical insurance according to the local legal requirements and APPI recommendations. For specific coverage details (rescue, repatriation, etc.), contact us before booking.
Will Advanced SIV change how I fly day-to-day?
Yes—most pilots report:
  • More relaxed flying in active air
  • Faster, more instinctive reactions when something unusual happens
  • Better decision making about when / where to fly
  • Higher respect for conditions and margins
How do I book the Advanced SIV course at Paragliding Mantra?
Just use the Enquiry form below or contact us through our official WhatsApp / phone number. Share your current level, wing model/size, and preferred dates—our team will guide you through availability, pricing, and preparation.

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