APPI Handi-friend Course | Accessible Paragliding Training in Kamshet

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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 at Paragliding Mantra in Kamshet.

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 at Paragliding Mantra in Kamshet.

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 before joining us at Paragliding Mantra in Kamshet.

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 at Paragliding Mantra in Kamshet.

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 at Paragliding Mantra in Kamshet.

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 ▶

APPI Handi-friend