Paragliding is the most accessible, cheapest and freest form of flying ever invented by man. All you have to do is pack a “backpack” in the trunk of your car or on your back, go up a hill and take off. To make this experience safe and legal, there is a clear path to it through certified training. Here you will learn how to turn your dream of flying into reality in the easiest way possible.
Step 1: Decision, or first touch with the sky
At the beginning, you have several options for where to take your steps.
- Tandem flight: The easiest way. You entrust yourself to the hands of an experienced tandem pilot. You just ride, enjoy and soak up the atmosphere. Benefits: you will test whether being in the air "does you good" or whether you are inherently more down to earth. Disadvantages: once you know that being in the air is not good for you, it is another financial investment (which you can enjoy anyway).
- Introduction course: Usually 1-3 days on the training field. You will learn the basics of controlling the wing on the ground and try your first small jumps a few meters above the ground. Advantages: you will try out your initial reactions on the ground with a glider overhead, you will get to know the school you "want to entrust yourself to" and find out whether its human approach is close to you; you will know what to expect during the training (there is time for questions during the introductory course). Disadvantages: if you have already decided to go for training, it is another financial investment (the foundation from the introductory course will not be lost on the basic course, but it is not necessary either).
- Basic course: You will immediately find a paragliding school and immerse yourself in real-life training. Advantages: no upfront financial investment. Disadvantages: you may find that air is not for you (a tandem flight before the course would solve this).
What do we recommend? The decision is entirely up to you, our long-term experience is that a paragliding course is a great experience in itself, even for those who would later decide not to pursue paragliding intensively. You will experience a physically very intense time with people with the same intention, in the air and with the need to overcome your comfort zone. For most of those who have completed the training, it has become an unforgettable experience.
2nd Step: Basic Course (Obtaining a PK Pilot License)
Have you made a final decision? Now you are waiting to obtain your pilot's license PK. In the Czech Republic not allowed learn to fly alone. You must undergo training in a certified Pilot training center under the supervision of LAA ČR instructors. Where can you find such a center? Right on the page STŘEDISKA PILOTNÍHO VÝCVIKU and in the future we are preparing a very detailed list of schools for you with a small insight into their activities.
What awaits you in the course?
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Theory: Meteorology, aerodynamics, regulations, parachute construction and first aid.
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Ground preparation: Training of launches and parachute control in the meadow.
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Flying: Gradual increase in flight altitude, practice of maneuvers, landing and finally high-altitude flights with elevation (often in the mountains or on a winch).
The course ends with a theoretical test and a practical traffic inspector exam. After successful completion, you will receive Category A pilot license. Then your school instructor will give you a completed pilot personal sheet and instructions on how to proceed. However, we have also prepared these instructions for you here, on the page KROK ZA KROKEM KE ČLENSTVÍ.
Medical fitness and prerequisites
Paragliding does not require the fitness of an Olympic athlete, but a certain physical and mental endurance is necessary.
Age: Training can be started from the age of 15 (with the consent of both parents), there is no upper age limit
Health: Before a license is issued (often before the course), it is necessary to undergo an examination by a general practitioner.
Equipment: When and what to buy?
Golden rule: Don't buy equipment before the course! Schools will lend you all the equipment. During the course you will try different types of seats and wings and the instructors will advise you on what is suitable for a beginner.
Basic pilot equipment: Paragliding wing (parachute), seat with spine protector, reserve parachute, certified helmet and walkie-talkie
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is paragliding safe? Flying brings risks, but they can be minimized with quality training, discipline and respect for the weather. LAA ČR ensures a high standard of teaching and technical equipment checks, which makes Czech paragliding one of the safest in the world.
How long does the course last? The intensive basic course usually lasts 7-9 days, depending on the weather.
Where can I fly? With a PL-A license you can fly at official launch sites in the Czech Republic and abroad (with an international IPPI card, which has various levels and for flying in the Alps it is often necessary to achieve a higher level of piloting, or with a PL-A license flying with an instructor). Flying "anywhere" is not possible due to airspace and landowners. You will learn everything on the course.
Which school to choose? You can find a kindred spirit in every school. If you choose a school closer to home, you will have easier contact with your instructor in the future and a slightly higher probability that there will also be pilots from your region at the school, with whom you will probably continue to interact. However, none of this is 100% certain - pilots from all over the Czech Republic may come to your course. You can read information by filtering the tag "which school to choose" on PG social networks (however, you may get a commercial answer or personal experience of pilots, which may not be identical to the experience of another pilot).
Alone or in pairs? A completely individual decision. However, if your goal is to fly in pairs and you already have a partner, definitely go through the training together. You will support each other!