APPI Handi-friend accessible paragliding course background
APPI Education System • Handi-friend Course

APPI Handi-friend

Learn to safely assist disabled pilots and tandem passengers with empathy, professionalism, and clear safety procedures — making paragliding more inclusive and accessible.

Inclusive Paragliding SupportWheelchair & Assisted Take-offsSafety & Disability Awareness
Talk to our Team✈️
Home/APPI Certification Courses/Handi-friend
◀ Prev Skill: Advanced SIVNext Skill: APPI 5 Advanced ▶
Accessible paragliding Handi-friend support

Inclusive Flying Support

Assisting disabled pilots & tandem passengers safely

Handi-friend Rating
The owner of the Handi-friend rating has successfully attended a course where they are trained to properly take care of disabled pilots or passengers. The training covers a broad spectrum of disabilities and flying modes, including assisting paraplegic pilots with their wheelchair during take-off, and supporting Handifly tandem pilots with their specific passengers. Certification is issued by an APPI Handifly Instructor.

Prerequisites

  • Authorization of a parent/guardian if the participant is a minor.
  • Genuine taste for sharing, empathy, and willingness to support disabled individuals.
  • Medical authorization to practice sport (physical commitment to push a wheelchair, assist transfers, etc.).
  • Open to flying and non-flying public; no specific pilot certification is required to enter the course.

Training, Qualification & Prerogatives

Training

The training includes basic theoretical knowledge about the different forms of disabilities:

  • Motor disabilities
  • Visual disabilities
  • Hearing impairments
  • Mental & psychic disabilities
  • Multiple or invisible disabilities

You’ll also work on emotional state awareness and control, to welcome and support the targeted public with serenity.

In practice, you are trained for: reception and communication, relationships with accompanying persons and structures (hospitals, nurses, associations, families), safe transfers, preventing bedsores, and post-flight care. Special emphasis is placed on safety procedures when assisting Handi pilots and Handi tandem pilots, including wheelchair and wing pre-flight checks and correct gesture/postures to protect yourself physically. A wheelchair tandem flight may be offered if you wish.

Qualification

To validate the Handi-friend qualification, participants must successfully complete a dedicated course of at least 2 days, including:
  • Participation in theory classes about disability awareness and safety.
  • Practical assistance exercises around take-off, landing, and post-flight.
  • Demonstration of safe behavior, clear communication, and respectful handling of disabled pilots and passengers.
Final validation is done by an APPI Handifly Instructor.

Prerogatives

Once certified, a Handi-friend may:
  • Help disabled solo pilots to prepare and take off.
  • Assist Handi tandem pilots during operations, from wheelchair handling to post-flight care.
  • Contribute to creating a safer, more inclusive environment around the take-off and landing areas.

APPI Rules, Context & Evolution

APPI Rules

Handi-friend is an internal APPI certification. It:
  • Does not automatically grant legal or professional rights in a country unless APPI is recognized by local authorities.
  • Requires respect of local regulations, site rules and safety procedures at all times.
  • Encourages exemplary behavior and a strong ethic towards disabled pilots and passengers.

Ethics & Environment

As a Handi-friend, you are part of a wider ecosystem of:
  • Families, medical staff and specialized associations.
  • Handi pilots, tandem pilots and schools.
  • Local authorities and site managers.
Good communication, patience, and respect are essential to ensure that every assisted flight is safe, dignified, and enjoyable.

Evolution

The Handi-friend rating is an excellent foundation if you wish to:
  • Continue into Handifly tandem or further APPI professional paths.
  • Work more closely with inclusive and adaptive sports programs.
  • Support events and schools that focus on accessible paragliding worldwide.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Handi-friend Course

Here are some common questions about the APPI Handi-friend training at Paragliding Mantra. Contact us if you need more details about dates, pricing or custom programs for your group.

What is the APPI Handi-friend course?❯
The APPI Handi-friend course trains you to assist disabled pilots and tandem passengers in paragliding, covering different kinds of disabilities, safe handling, communication, and ground support before and after flight.
Do I need to be a paragliding pilot to join the Handi-friend course?❯
No, the course is open to both flying and non-flying participants. You mainly learn how to assist and support disabled pilots and passengers on the ground and during operations.
Who can enroll in the APPI Handi-friend course?❯
Anyone with empathy, willingness to help, and a medical authorization to practice sport involving physical effort, such as pushing a wheelchair. Minors must have authorization from a parent or guardian.
How long is the APPI Handi-friend training?❯
The APPI Handi-friend qualification requires attending a dedicated course of at least 2 days, including theory and practical sessions focused on safety, disability awareness, and assistance techniques.
Will I get a certification after completing the Handi-friend course?❯
Yes. After successfully completing the course and evaluations, you receive the APPI Handi-friend rating issued by an APPI Handifly instructor, validating your ability to safely assist disabled pilots and passengers.

Make flying more inclusive

Ready to become an APPI Handi-friend and support disabled pilots and passengers?

Join our next Handi-friend training batch at Paragliding Mantra Kamshet and help open the sky to more people.

Enquire about Schedule ▶

Enquire Now