P2 Novice Pilot Course

Club Pilot Rating • 4 Flying Days • 20 Flights

4 Days Club Rating Ridge Soaring

The P2 Novice Pilot Course develops pilots with the knowledge and basic skills necessary to fly and practice without direct instructor supervision, but within significant operating limitations.

Pilots achieve Club Pilot rating and understand the rating system with recommended operating limitations. Master advanced ground handling, controlled inflations in various conditions, and ridge soaring competence.

Complete 20 flights over 4 flying days with demonstrated ridge soaring competence.

Course Excellence

Advanced training for APPI 1 pilot certification

Club Pilot Rating (P2)

Achieve the rating to fly and practice without direct instructor supervision within operating limitations.

High Flight Volume

Complete a minimum of 20 flights over 4 flying days for comprehensive skill acquisition and experience.

Ridge Soaring Competence

Demonstrate required competence in ridge soaring and the execution of extended (30+ minute) flight operations.

Advanced Ground Skills

Master controlled forward and reverse inflations, kiting, and various wind condition launch techniques.

Achieve Club Pilot Independence

The P2 Novice Pilot Course is designed to develop pilots capable of flying and practicingwithout direct instructor supervision, while maintaining significant operating limitations for safety.

This comprehensive program emphasizes advanced ground handling skills including controlled inflations in various wind conditions, kiting techniques, and multiple launch scenarios from no-wind to high-wind situations.

Flight training focuses on precision control, airspeed management, coordinated turns, and advanced maneuvers including big ears, weight shift techniques, and emergency procedures.

Complete 20 flights over 4 flying days with demonstrated ridge soaring competence to achieve your Club Pilot rating.

Official Certification Requirements

Standards and prerequisites for P2 Novice Pilot certification

Club Pilot Rating Achieved

Attain independent flying status within significant operating limitations, verified by certified instructor.

20 Flights Logged (4 Days)

Minimum 20 flights completed over 4 flying days to ensure comprehensive experience in varied conditions.

Logbook and Tasks Completion

All training and safety tasks (takeoff, flight, and verbal) signed off by the APPI certified instructor.

Ridge Soaring Competence

Proven ability to conduct extended flight operations safely and competently near terrain/ridges.

Core Advanced Skill Modules (P2 Focus)

The essential skills that define a Novice/Club Pilot beyond basic flight control.

Extended Flight & Soaring Mastery

Achieve consistent, long flights (30+ minutes) and demonstrate competence in Ridge Soaring operations, including adherence to Ridge Rules and safety protocols.

Thermal & XC Preparation

Master Thermal Flying—the ability to find, center, and efficiently use rising air for height. Apply these skills toward Cross-Country (XC) distance flying basics.

Advanced Wing Control & Handling

Develop Control/Handling for improved wing sensitivity. Practice Active Flying to constantly stabilize the wing in air and manage turbulence effortlessly.

Precision Flight & Landings

Refine Airspeed & Altitude Control. Execute coordinated Weight Shifts for efficient turning and achieve precise, targeted Landings managing approach speed and descent.

Advanced Theory & Meteorology

Gain Advanced Theory knowledge: a deeper study of meteorology (wind gradient, shear) and glider physics to understand wing behavior in various airmasses.

Advanced Take-Off Training

Master various wind conditions and launch techniques

5 consecutive forward inflations with visual canopy check each time
5 consecutive controlled reverse inflations with proper surge dampening
Controlled kiting of glider overhead for 2 minutes in steady wind
2 clean, smooth reverse inflations prior to launch
2 successful aggressive, confident inflation/launches in 15° cross wind up the hill
2 no-wind (0-8 Kmph) inflations/launches demonstrating technique
Brief and instruct ground crew, explain when assisted launch is necessary
2 high wind (16 to 25 Kmph) inflations/launches in challenging conditions

In-Flight Task Requirements

Advanced flight maneuvers and control techniques

Flight with smooth airspeed variation from slow minimum sink to fast flight
Flight showing comfortable control with minimum sink and smooth heading precision
Flight along planned path with alternating 'S' turns not exceeding 45°
Hands-off flying demonstration showing stability and control
Weight shift turns with coordinated technique
Big ears maneuver execution and recovery
Strong wind landing procedures without being dragged
Flight path lengthening and shortening techniques

Knowledge & Safety Requirements

Verbal demonstrations and emergency procedures

Emergency & Safety Knowledge

Maintain directional control during asymmetric wing fold of 25% wing span
Fly at minimum sink while avoiding inadvertent stall or spin
Increase descent rate and/or forward speed for approach control

Operational Knowledge

Right of way traffic rules and airspace regulations
Reserve deployment procedures while hanging in harness
Proper PLF (Parachute Landing Fall) technique demonstration

Glimpses of the Sky

A peek into the P2 paragliding journey – from training hills to first solo flight

Paragliding glimpse 1
Paragliding glimpse 2
Paragliding glimpse 3
Paragliding glimpse 4

FAQs: P2 Novice Pilot Basics

Essential information about achieving your initial P2 certification.

The P2 rating grants you the certification to fly independently, without direct instructor supervision, within the operating limitations defined by the school and site regulations. It is the international standard for starting your flying career.

The P2 course typically requires a minimum of 20 successful flights, usually spread over 4 or more dedicated flying days, depending on weather and student aptitude.

Yes, all necessary equipment—glider, harness, helmet, radio—is provided for the duration of the course. We highly recommend consulting us before purchasing your own gear.

Ridge Soaring involves flying along a hill or ridge to stay aloft using dynamic lift (wind blowing up the hill). Competence in basic ridge soaring and safety protocols is a mandatory task for P2 certification.

The most crucial concept is Active Flying. This involves constant, proactive communication with the wing using the brakes and weight shift to preemptively manage pitch and roll, preventing collapses before they occur. This is key for flight stability.

We strongly advise against purchasing equipment until you are near certification or are already certified. You need instructor consultation to ensure you purchase a glider and harness suitable for your skill level (EN A or Low B) and weight range.

The next recommended step is the P2 Advanced Skills Course (focused on advanced ground handling, site assessment, and active flying refinement) before pursuing the P3 (Intermediate Pilot) rating.

Ready for Club Pilot Rating?

Advance your paragliding skills with our comprehensive P2 Novice course. Master advanced techniques, complete 20 flights, and achieve independent flying capability within limitations.

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