Paragliding - Flight School

Yes, if you have never flown paragliding and want to try it, you can do a  Tandem Flight Baptism (wing for two people) with pilot accredited for the purpose.

Information: The normal procedure to start paragliding is:

1. You must first look for a school accredited by the Portuguese Free Flight Federation (FPVL).
2. Enroll in a course – Formalize all necessary documentation with the school and FPVL.
3. Only after everything is properly handled does the instructor begin the practical part.

Note: In all practical training, the instructor must be present.

Do not purchase any paragliding material, let alone use it, without first consulting with an accredited instructor.

To be able to attend a paragliding course, the minimum age must be at least 16 years of age and under 65. If you are a minor, you must present a parental authorization.

To start this sport, like almost all other federated sports, you need a favorable medical-sports certificate, which certifies the physical and mental fitness for the practice of paragliding.

 Access requirements: In order to enroll in an initial pilot course, you must, as a candidate, cumulatively meet the following conditions:

• Be at least 16 years old;
• Be the holder of a medical-sports evaluation document with a favorable medical decision, valid in accordance with the legislation in force, which certifies your physical and mental aptitude for the practice of Paragliding;
• Present a parental authorization, if you are a minor ”  (RIT, 2020, p. 13).

1 Photocopy of ID or Citizen Card.

2 Photos (passport type)

1 “Sports Medical Examination” form

Medical certificate of physical strength for the practice of paragliding. (we provide the form here)

Practitioner form:(form_mod04vl_2014 FPVL), requesting the issuance of the Learning License .

1 If you are a minor, a statement (form_mod05_2021) authorization of the guardian.

If you are interested in taking the paragliding course: (Sign up here )

It is always difficult to predict the exact duration of the course, because it depends on several factors such as the weather or the availability of the trainee. Training usually takes place every day of the week.

As there can only be practical activity if there are (meteorological) security conditions to do so, Portugal Paragliding is developing a project where it dedicates that time to classroom and online theoretical classes (Blended learning) during the week.

Note: there should only be practical training when the weather, physical and psychological conditions are suitable for the practice of paragliding safely, as well as the equipment and registration with the Portuguese Federation of Free Flight (FPVL).

The course is divided into two components Practical and Theoretical. During the practical classes, the student approaches the equipment and concepts of free flight in paragliding. Begins the practical component with the control of the wing and inflated on the ground. After mastering the technique of inflating, it will make its first flights, always of low altitude and short duration, from a dune or cliff to the landing zone. With the deepening of skills, you will reach the last phase of permanence in soaring flight. At the same time, you will receive the theoretical training component, which will be deepened in classroom classes. (see details on course structure)

The training usually takes place on the coast at the beaches of Bicas, Meco and Lagoa de Albufeira in Sesimbra and at Fonte da Telha in Almada. Other areas of school and advanced training depending on wind conditions are also Praia de Santa Cruz, Santa Rita, Lagoa de Sizandro. Further south on the beaches of Aberta Nova and Pinheirinho. Also inland (final stage and level 2), Castelo de Vide, in Serra da Estrela: Vale de Amoreira, Linhares da Beira Although it can also take place in other places such as: Serra do Larouco – Montalegre and many more flight locations.

You do not have to purchase any equipment for the course, the school provides the necessary equipment for training.

Purchasing the equipment if you understand it makes sense especially during the second half of the training, when you can start making your first flights and adapt to your new paragliding wing and / or harness.

For the sake of comfort and safety, we recommend the use of mountain boots (or similar), warm clothing that allows freedom of movement, sunglasses, sunscreen, gloves and water.

Note: Never buy paragliding material without consulting with certified / experienced and trusted people.

New paragliders can cost from 1700 to 4000 €, the harness between 350 to 1700 €, helmet from 50 to 300 €, reserve parachute from 350 to 900 €.

The equipment used can cost from 750 €, depending on the age and quality of the product.

It is important to always ensure that the equipment is appropriate for your pilot flight level. In general terms, equipment for beginners is always cheaper than high performance or competition equipment.

Most schools provide quality equipment that has undergone certification tests or periodic inspections prior to commercialization.

The instructor is the person who will be able to better analyse your abilities.

Note: You should never buy paragliding material without consulting with certified / experienced and trusted people.

If you are interested in taking the paragliding course: 

You can contact or speak to your future training team through any of our contacts and social networks. Just do it here 

The value of the paragliding course level 1 autonomous pilot), is 900 €. Also needed   a mandatory insurance, 155€ + FPVL student license: 50€ and sports medical certificate (Talk with us).      

You can start with a “Tandem Flight”