Prerequisites
• Over 18 years of age
• Valid First Aid training (Red Cross or equivalent)
• APPI 5 Advanced rating, or equivalent experience: >1 year flying, 200 flights, 100 hours on 10+ sites, advanced SIV, XC, etc.
• No previous tandem experience required
Training
The tandem pro-course typically lasts around 12 days (duration may vary by instructor). A minimum of 10 tandem flights as pilot under direct instructor control must be completed; if weather prevents this, the course is extended. Training includes advanced theory: flight mechanics, piloting, weather, rules, equipment inspection, gear ageing, mental state awareness, and pilot+passenger emotional control. On the field, emphasis is on safety procedures and tandem handling specifics.
Qualification
Theory exam: 50-question APPI tandem level online test, 80% success required.
Practical exam: glider trim control, written procedures and briefings per APPI standard, two tandem flights as pilot with impeccable briefings and safety. Time between passenger intake and ready-to-takeoff < 20 minutes, master one takeoff style and be able to perform the other, safe visual glider control, descent technique, timed maneuvers (figure 8, spiral), neat U-shape approach, accurate landing. Safety issues or dangerous actions immediately fail the exam.
Certification
The non-commercial tandem rating is issued by an APPI professional holding at least APPI Master Instructor rating (in progress). At the end of the course, based on the pedagogical team’s judgement, the pilot may be granted NCTP “in progress”, asked to improve certain areas before re-attending, or given a roadmap before re-evaluation.
Prerogatives
NCTP – In Progress: may fly without direct instructor supervision, but only with certified pilots as passengers. Must:
• Use certified tandem gear in good state
• Carry certified emergency parachute
• Have harnesses/helmets with proper protection
• Hold non-commercial tandem third-party liability insurance (if available)
• Report accidents in APPI system
• Respect local rules & regulations
NCTP – Validated: may carry non-pilots as passengers (non-commercial) with similar safety and insurance obligations, exemplary attitude, and welcoming visiting APPI pilots.
APPI Rules & Limits
ACRO in tandem: forbidden above ground and above water below 200 m, except under strict conditions: 10G certified glider, double rescues or Rogallo, rescue team ready. Acro includes high-angle maneuvers, stall, spin, SAT, deep spirals. In emergencies any method to go down is allowed. Special ground acro authorizations can be given by SIV or Master instructors.
XC in tandem: requires non-commercial or pro qualification plus tandem SIV and solo performance certifications (advanced tandem rating).
APPI certifications are internal and confer no legal rights unless recognized by local authorities (NAC). Check local rules.
FAI Infos
For citizens and residents of countries where the free flight authority (NAC) officially recognizes APPI certifications and has delegated to APPI the right to issue FAI IPPI levels, the FAI stamp with IPPI 6 rating will automatically appear on their APPI license.
Evolution
After NCTP validation, pilots may pursue: Handifly/handi, SIV Tandem and advanced tandem certification (required for XC in tandem). One year after obtaining NCTP and with at least 100 documented tandem flights, a pilot may present the tandem exam to get Pro Tandem pilot certification, or register for Assistant Instructor training if teaching is the goal.