XC Training Zone
Paragliding Mantra, Kamshet
XC Certification Overview
The XC Certification prepares you for real cross-country flying. You will learn to navigate terrain, read weather, use lift lines, plan safe routes, identify landing fields, and make confident decisions during longer flights.
Prerequisites
• APPI 3 Pilot / FAI IPPI 3 equivalent
• APPI Thermalling certification
• Basic SIV strongly recommended
• Must fly own equipment suitable for XC
XC Course – 7-Day Structured Syllabus
| Day | Theory | Practical / Flight Tasks | Focus / Debrief |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 – Foundation & Prep | • XC flying mindset • Weather basics (lapse rate, inversions, thermals) • Equipment: GPS, vario, maps, reserve, hydration | • Ground session: route planning • Safety margins • Short supervised soaring flight | Confidence & preparation for XC. |
| Day 2 – Thermalling Skills | • Thermal triggers, structure & drift • Identifying lift lines | • Guided thermal climbs • Centering & holding thermals | GPS track analysis for efficiency. |
| Day 3 – Navigation & Route Basics | • Terrain reading • Safe route planning • GPS: waypoints & simple XC tasks | • Short XC glide • Pre-selected field landing | Field selection & approach safety. |
| Day 4 – Decision Making & Safety | • Airspace basics • Out-landing rules • Risk evaluation | • Mid-route decision training • 5–10 km guided XC flight | Evening analysis: decisions & mistakes. |
| Day 5 – Independent Attempt | • Transitions & glide efficiency • Altitude management | • Independent 5–10 km XC attempt | GPS log analysis & correction. |
| Day 6 – Advanced Techniques | • Gaggle flying • Start gates • Speed-to-fly | • Group XC flight (5–10 km) | Energy management & efficiency. |
| Day 7 – Final Task & Evaluation | • Task strategy • Independent decision-making | • Full-day XC task (5–10 km, weather permitting) | Final evaluation, improvement plan, certification. |
Who Should Join the XC Course?
Intermediate Pilots Seeking Progression
Ideal for pilots who want to move beyond ridge soaring and enter structured XC development.
XC Distance Aspirants
Perfect for pilots preparing for their first 5–10 km XC or wanting to improve decision-making while flying routes.
Safety-Focused Pilots
Recommended for pilots who wish to improve weather understanding, field selection, risk management, and real-time flight decisions.
After XC, your next step:
Move into Advanced SIV to handle active air confidently.
XC + SIV + APPI 4 + Thermalling form the complete skillset for performance flying.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the APPI XC certification?
APPI XC certification confirms that a pilot can plan and perform autonomous cross country flights with proper route evaluation, lift use, landing field assessment, and risk management.
Who can join the XC course?
Pilots must hold APPI 3 Pilot (or FAI IPPI 3 equivalent) and APPI Thermalling certification. Basic SIV is recommended before attempting longer XC flights.
Do I need my own paragliding gear?
Yes—XC flights require a certified wing, harness, reserve parachute, helmet, radio, vario and GPS for navigation.
How long is the XC program?
This is a 7-day structured XC training program involving theory, flight tasks, guided XC attempts, GPS debriefs, and final evaluation.
Is SIV required for XC?
While not mandatory, SIV is strongly recommended to safely handle active air and unexpected glider behavior during XC flying.