Non Commercial Tandem
The APPI Non-commercial Tandem (NCTP) rating is the first step towards APPI Professional qualifications. You want to learn a safe way to share your passion of flying, the APPI tandem course is for you! This pro-course is open to mature pilots that have APPI 5 advanced pilot qualification or equivalent. At the end of the course, you will have solid knowledge about tandem operating, procedures, gear and attitude. You will also have a minimum of 10 tandem flights as a pilot under the direct control of an APPI instructor. There are 2 steps for a full non commercial pilot qualification, see description below in training.
Prerequisites
To enroll in a tandem pilot course, a pilot must: Be over 18 years of age, Submit proof of First Aid training (Red Cross or other rescue organization equivalence), Be certified as an APPI 5 Advanced Pilot. If the pilot is not APPI 5 certified, he should be able to prove that he fulfills all APPI 5 advanced pilot requirements ( including: experience in paragliding of more than one year, 200 flights,100 hours on 10 different flying sites, advanced SIV, XC, etc... see details here) and pass a preliminary theory test, No previous tandem experience is required.
Training
Tandem pro-course typically takes place over 12 days. Duration may vary upon decision of the instructor. Mandatory a minimum of 10 tandem flights as a pilot under direct control of the instructor must be performed in the frame of the tandem pro-course, if the weather does not allow it, the pro-course may be extended until the number of flights is completed. The training includes a refresh of advanced theoretical knowledge about flight mechanics and piloting, weather and rules. Full review of specific equipment for tandem operating, gear ageing inspection methods are given, as well as mental state awareness, pilot’s and passenger emotional control. On the field, emphasis is put on safety procedures and specifics of tandem handling.
Qualification
Theoretical exam 50 questions level “APPI tandem” 80% success required. Exam is taken online with the APPI exam tool. Practical exam Maintenance Glider trim control. Procedure Pilot presents his personal written procedure and briefings developed according to APPI standard. Flight Two flights in tandem as pilot. Impeccable briefing and safety procedure (according to the pilot’s written procedure). Time between passenger intake, and ready to take off less than 20mn. Master one takeoff technique (direct or reverse) and able to perform the other one. Glider visual control (look-up), decision, acceleration, trajectory control are safe. One descent technique. Timed maneuvers: figure 8 (inverted 360) 30 sec glider stabilized, spiral 720° 25 sec glider stabilized. Neat U shape approach, min 4 sec straight final, land on foot no fall inside a 40m diameter target. (2 times). One joker flight possible (takeoff or approach not satisfactory, fail on timed maneuvers or accuracy, etc...). If there is whatever issue in the safety procedure of any flight, the exam is immediately failed. If the instructor judges an action is dangerous (on take off, at landing or uncontrolled maneuvers), the exam is immediately failed. Warning: even if the participant validates the safety procedures, maneuvers, target, theory knowledge, it is always possible the pedagogical team’s opinion is that the participant has not yet reached the required level. In that case they will explain their position and propose a clear road-map to reach the desired objective. If the participant disagrees with that decision, he may report to the disciplinary committee that will investigate.
Certification
Non-commercial tandem rating is issued by an APPI professional owner of at least the rating of APPI Master Instructor in progress.
Step 1: At the end of the tandem training course, upon the appreciation of the instructor:
- If skills don’t meet standards: No tandem certification will be issued. The pilot will be advised to improve solo skills or change attitude before re-attending the course.
- If theory is insufficient: A complementary course may be proposed so the student can pass the exam.
- If skills & knowledge are satisfactory: The pilot will be validated as Non Commercial Tandem Pilot (in progress). They must contract non-commercial liability insurance (if available) and may fly without direct supervision, but only with certified pilots as passengers.
Step 2: Once the student has a minimum of 30 tandem flights as pilot (with at least 2 different wings, 3 different sites, and 4 different passengers), they may take the APPI tandem exam with an instructor. Proof must be provided (log, dates, site, passenger contact, photo/video, comments, track optional).
- If exam unsatisfactory: Status remains “in progress”. The student should gain more experience flying with certified pilots as passengers before retaking.
- If exam satisfactory: Status is upgraded to Non-commercial Tandem Pilot (validated), allowing them to fly non-pilots as passengers (non-commercial).
Prerogatives
APPI Non-commercial Tandem Pilot – In Progress
- Allowed to fly without direct instructor supervision, but only with certified pilots as passengers
- Carry certified emergency parachute
- Certified harness and helmets
- Back protection for passenger and pilot
- Tandem gear in good state
- Non-commercial tandem third-party liability insurance mandatory (if available)
- Report accidents in APPI system when involved
- Respect rules and regulations of the countries they are flying in
- Expected to act in an exemplary manner
APPI Non-commercial Tandem Pilot – Validated
- Allowed to fly non-pilots as passengers (non-commercial)
- Carry certified emergency parachute (except for dynamic soaring < 50m AGL and “walk and fly”)
- Certified harness
- Tandem gear in good state
- Non-commercial tandem third-party liability insurance mandatory (if available)
- Report accidents in APPI system when involved
- Respect rules and regulations of the countries they are flying in
- Expected to act in an exemplary manner (value of example)
- Freely welcome visiting APPI pilots
APPI Rules
ACRO in Tandem
- No acro in tandem above ground
- No acro in tandem above water below 200m/surface
- Acro in tandem above water above 200m allowed if:
- Glider is 10G certified
- Equipped with 2 emergency parachutes or one Rogallo type
- Rescue team is ready
- Acro includes wing angles > 90°, stall, spin, SAT, spiral deeper than -8m/s
- In emergency situations, any means to go down is allowed
- Special authorization to fly acro above ground can be given by an SIV instructor or a Master under their responsibility
XC in Tandem
- Allowed with non-commercial or pro qualification
- Requires tandem SIV certification + solo performance certification (Advanced Tandem rating)
APPI Certification
APPI certification awarded to a pilot is internal to the APPI organization and shows no particular right in the country where the activity is done, unless APPI certification is recognized by local authorities. Check with them if such an agreement exists.
FAI Infos
For citizens and residents of countries where free flight authority (NAC) recognizes officially APPI certifications and delegated to APPI the right to issue FAI IPPI level, the FAI stamp with IPPI 6 rating will automatically appear on their APPI licence.
EVOLUTION
The non-commercial tandem pilot may then pass the following certifications: handi, SIV tandem, and get advanced tandem certification (necessary to fly XC in tandem). One year after obtaining the Non Commercial Tandem Pilot certification, and having a minimum of 100 documented tandem flights, the pilot may present the tandem exam in order to get the Pro Tandem pilot certification. He may also register an assistant instructor course if this is his objective.