You do not need a traditional pilot's license for paragliding. However, obtaining a USHPA certification, such as your Safe Pilot Award, signifies that you have met the necessary training and knowledge requirements. This award ensures that you are equipped to fly responsibly and safely. It's important to prioritize safety by following USHPA guidelines.

Preparing for paragliding involves both physical and mental readiness. Ensure you are in good health, and consider practicing your flight skills regularly. Familiarize yourself with the local weather and terrain where you plan to fly. Completing the USHPA Safe Pilot Award Application can enhance your confidence and understanding of safety protocols, helping you to prepare effectively.

To become a paraglider, start by taking lessons from a certified instructor. Training involves ground handling, launching, flying, and landing techniques. Many schools offer courses that culminate in your USHPA Safe Pilot Award Application, which validates your skills and knowledge. This certification opens doors to safe flying experiences.

United States Hang Gliding Association Most flying sites require a USHPA rating. You can achieve these ratings with our flight school. The USHPA requires a level of maturity commensurate with the Hang 1 and Hang 2 ratings. We strongly recommend pilots be at least 16 years of age and weigh at least 100lbs.

The time required for training varies considerably with the student's innate skills and with the type of training conditions. Typically, though, a student will spend 5 – 10 lessons to obtain each of the first two USHPA pilot ratings (Beginner and Novice) – a process which generally takes from 3 to 6 months.

Being a certified P2 pilot means you will have the knowledge, skills, and judgment to fly without direct instructor supervision. You will acquire knowledge and skills in ground handling, glider management, meteorology, thermal flying, cross-country flying, ridge soaring, flight maneuvers, and risk management.

P2 – NOVICE PARAGLIDING RATING. A Novice paraglider pilot has the knowledge and basic skills necessary to fly and practice without direct instructor supervision but within significant operating limitations. The pilot understands the USHPA paragliding rating systems and recommended operating limitations.

BASE jumping has a risk of death of 1 in every 2,300 jumps, whereas with hang gliding the risk is 1 in 116,000 flights.

There is no weight limit for paragliding tandems, as long as we have enough wind. To date, we have taken passengers as heavy as 350 lbs. Hang gliding tandems work a little differently, so typically passengers are restricted to 175 lbs (80 kgs, 12 stone) or less.