PARAGLIDING QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
or just call 01903 861378

Do I need a licence to fly a paraglider?
If you have the land owners permission and you are not infringing any airspace regulations then you do not require a license. Most Paragliding pilots will join a club this gives them access to flying sites negotiated with land owners. Most clubs and land owners will insist on pilots having at least third party insurance and proof that they are also qualified to fly a Paraglider. The BHPA licence carries a third party insurance and is recognised in most countries

Is paragliding safe?
Like most sports Paragliding carries an element of risk. Modern paragliders are extremely safe when flown in the correct conditions on the right site by a well trained pilot. With proper tuition through an accredited BHPA school, follow the rules and have the right attitude you can cut down much of the the risk.

Who can paraglide?
In our experience most people from 16 upwards can fly a paraglider. Woman and kite flyers tend to find it easier as it's about technique not strength. Once airborne, to fly a paraglider takes very little effort or skill, in fact, in the right conditions a sack of potatoes will fly a paraglider. Like most aviation its the taking off and landing that takes some practice and of course you need the right weather conditions and a good site to fly from. Check our facilities here

When do you start or run Elementary courses?
We teach 7 days a week weather permitting so you can book-in to start your elementary pilot course any time you like. Either let us know the dates you would like when you pay for your course or phone through your required dates later.  We like to have some advance notice, but also understand some students require last minute bookings and these can be made by arrangement, just call us on 01903 861378.

Do I have to book all my lessons in one go?
For the Elementary pilot you can book days in a row, weekends, every alternate Wednesday, once a month, its up to you. Having said that it is better, but not always possible, if your training is as consistent as you can make it. If you are working all week then weekends are fine.

How do I know if training is going ahead?
Once we receive your payment we will send you confirmation along with how we contact you the night before training. The Duty instructor will contact you normally before 7.30pm the night before training either by phone or text.
We normally meet on our site at Steyning at 9.30am with a break for lunch and finish around 4.30pm.
The day may be longer or shorter depending on the conditions.

What happens if training is cancelled?
If training is cancelled and you are not already booked just email some more dates. We do not charge when a day is cancelled and you can re-book. This question is asked a lot!

Can I complete my training quicker and what happens if I take longer?
The average time it takes to complete Elementary pilot is 5 days, if you are prepared and with favorable weather you may complete training quicker. We operate all year but conditions for Elementary pilot are more favorable between April and September. You progress at your own rate and will not be held back as we want you to get your Elementary pilot so you go on and take Club pilot. If you take slightly longer than five days its normally ok as long as you are booking in regularly and as long as you complete in one year.

What should I bring and wear?
We supply all the necessary paragliding equipment but you will require a pair of boots with good ankle support, walking type boots are ok but trainers are not suitable. Ware loose fitting clothes, in layers, and it is better to have your arms and legs covered even in the summer.
Sun cream and plenty of drinking water.
Strictly no alcohol.
We brake for lunch and normally pop to the cafe just 2 minutes away and you are welcome join us or bring your own food for a picnic. Friends are always welcome to watch as it makes a good day out in the country.

What time do we start and finish?
We normally start at 9.30am and finish around 4.30pm although sometimes we may start earlier in the summer to work around the weather. The exact start time will be given by the duty instructor the night before training We try to be as flexible as possible and if you have difficulty with these times just let us know.

Will I require insurance?
Your BHPA membership carries a third party insurance only. Although safety is paramount when teaching paragliding you can never rule out the chance of injury so personal insurance may be worth considering. You can check out Airsports insurance on the BHPA web site or we have links to insurance companies on our site here

Arriving by car or train?
By car is very easy as our main site is 10 minuites from the A27 at Steyning where there is private parking. When you know where the sites are you can go directly there saving time as most of our students are at least 1 hour away.
By train direct from Victoria to Shoreham-by-Sea Station then a short 15 miniute taxi ride to the site. You can normally get a lift back to the station.

I am a complete beginner and slightly anxious.
All our students are complete beginners, most are individuals and most are excited but anxious. We are a well established school operating since 1992, safety is paramount therefore a relaxed atmosphere where you are encouraged to progress at your own rate is essential. During elementary pilot you will be taught in small groups on our, all wind direction, private sites where we have total control. Our job is to make sure you have fun so you hopefully tell your friends as we rely allot on recommendation. Paragliding is a lay back sport and you are never pushed into doing something you do not want to.
You start on flat ground at the bottom of the hill and work up in stages.

What age and how fit?
The lower age limit is 16 to 18 with parents written consent. There is no upper age limit as someone of 60 can be fitter than someone of 30. We do not ask for a doctors certificate but you should be reasonably fit. Although paragliding requires very little effort, during your training you will be required to walk up the hill and run a short distance. Although with experience we normally land on tip toe, during training you may take a hard landing. If you are not sure, or you are taking any form of medication, had recent injuries etc, please consult your doctor. If you would like more advice regarding training please just call us on 01903 861378.

What about club pilot?
You will have time during your Elementary pilot training to talk to instructors, students and other pilots to get an idea of the best Club pilot option for you. Basically there are 2 main options:-
Just pay for your Club pilot training using the school equipment or buy new or used equipment from us taking advantage of free club pilot training. Please contact us for details and availability as terms apply.

Combined Elementary and Club Pilot
Some schools may offer a discount if you pay for you EP and CP in one payment. All our training is discounted and already offer the best value available. You can add both Elementary and Club Pilot together and pay in one lump sum if you wish but most students prefer to spread the cost. See our page on choosing the right school