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Paragliding - Flight School

See how easy is to start learning paragliding

Anyone can enroll in a pilot paragliding course

At our school, we make learning to paraglide fun and as safe as possible. It’s easy to get started on a paragliding pilot course. If you would like to learn how to paraglide, come and train at the most popular Paragliding School in Portugal. Practical classes are held at our flight locations, here along the beaches not far from Lisbon.

Paragliding is not something you just can learn by yourself. Good training is essential. 

You can start by taking a tandem flight with one of our instructors. One of the best ways to get your first approach to this amazing activity is by booking a trial course can also be a good idea when you are not fully convinced that paragliding is something for you.

INSTRUCTION TEAM

Fernando Brito

Pilot - Instructor

Miguel Freitas

Pilot - Instructor

Portugal Paragliding is a school certified by;

What trainings and courses you can find in our school

  • Discovery

  • This is a 3 day Paragliding first contact Training Course.

  • Basic Paragliding

  • This is a Basic 5 to 7 days Introductory Training Course.

  • Autonomous Pilot

  • This is a Autonomous IPPI (FAI) Level 3 Paragliding Training.

    2 and a half to 3 months approx.

  • Progression and Thermal

  • This is s a Progression Pilot Training Course dedicated to pilots who want to develop they specific skills or to progress all the way till IPPI Level 5 and can be as well very adjusted to the pilot needs.

    20 days longer approx.

This is a 3 day Paragliding first contact Training Course.

This is a Basic 5 to 7 days Introductory Training Course.

This is a Autonomous IPPI (FAI) Level 3 Paragliding Training.

2 and a half to 3 months approx.

This is s a Progression Pilot Training Course dedicated to pilots who want to develop they specific skills or to progress all the way till IPPI Level 5 and can be as well very adjusted to the pilot needs.

20 days longer approx.

Low Air Time Pilot Coaching

You can have all of the logistics included and get the best use of your free days from a trip or holidays. 
We learn best by practice. Our aim will be to give you the opportunity to fly as much and as safely as possible.

International Pilot Licence Equivalences

Are you feeling challenged enough? Come and join us in this exhilarating activity.
Get your FAI – IPPI recognised license.
You already have your pilot’s license recognized internationally, but would you like to renew it with an Equivalent Portuguese License

Tandem Pilot Licence

For those who like to fly, but would like to be able share with friends and family one of the life’s most exciting experience flying with a tandem paraglider.

Portugal Paragliding is a school certified by;

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FAQs

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.

After taking the course, consult with him to find out what equipment you should buy.
 

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” 

Here we can help you progress on your flying skills and techniques

We make it easy for students who don’t speak Portuguese. The English language is used during courses and final exams. We make paragliding learning fun and as safe as possible. We offer a training course where you can go at your own pace and learn at your own time.

Our school is active all year round. With quite good average weather conditions.
The full training usually takes several weeks and includes a theory exam and a practical test.
You can also book your private lessons for any proficiency level. From beginner to advanced pilot, If you would like to learn to paraglide, come train at the most popular Paragliding School in Portugal.

Classes are given at our training sites here on the beautiful beaches near Lisbon.

Obs: In order to be able to fly a paraglider legally and safely, in accordance with Portuguese legislation, it is necessary to obtain a flight license from an accredited school.

Brief description of the paragliding course

The level 1 Portuguese course comprises 3 stages: Initiation, Consolidation and Autonomy.

At the end of the 3rd stage, the student takes the theoretical exam under the responsibility of the FPVL, which gives the qualification of autonomous pilot in dynamic ascending (level 3 of the FAI-IPPI International license).

The instructional program has a total minimum workload of 37 hours for Free Flying, being per subject:

a) Air Law and ATC Procedures — 10 hours;

b) General Aircraft Knowledge — 4 hours;

c) Human Behaviour and Limitations — 3 hours;

d) Meteorology — 8 hours;

e) Operating Procedures — 6 hours;

f) Flight Principles — 6 hours

To formalize your registration you will have to fulfil the following requirements:

– Be over 15 years old

– Age less than 65

– Fill out form (Mod 04 FPVL (FPVL trainee license) + Included mandatory insurance = 165€

– Copy of citizen’s card or passport.

– Medical certificate; (Download the form here).

– If you are over 15 and under 18 years old, you also need to present a term of legal responsibility authorisation form. ( Mod. 05 FPVL)

Registration and completion of all documentation must be submitted before the course start date.

Talk with us, we can help you complete those steps easily.

For any other questions that you consider pertinent, please use our contact form

Theoretical Instruction Syllabus

Theoretical instruction extends to classes taught in the field, in the early stages of the course, seeking to develop its application in the practice of sport.

Subjects in focus 

* Paragliding Free-Flight Technical-Sports Regulation
* General / Nomenclature / The flight
* Aerodynamics / Flight technique / Safety
* Meteorology / Aerology
* Aeronautical legislation / Rules / Regulations

Learning License:

The School of Free Flight must request the Portuguese Federation of Free Flight (FPVL) to issue the apprenticeship license for the student and the respective Sports Insurance (optional if there is an insurance coverage identical or higher than those established by law). An individual who intends to take a paragliding course, can only become a member if he attends a school affiliated to the FPVL and successfully completes the course.

INSTRUCTION TEAM

Fernando Brito

Pilot - Instructor

Miguel Freitas

Pilot - Instructor

Portugal Paragliding is a school certified by;

Access requirements for the Level 2 Pilot course. ( Up to IPPI Level 5 )

To access advanced training with a view to obtaining a license with qualification for the traveling flight, thermal ascendancy in the case of free flight, (N2), the pilot without qualification for the traveling flight, (N1), must demonstrate, through of his logbook records, have completed a minimum of 20 hours of local flight, in orographic ascendancy in the case of free flight, as pilot-in-command in the relevant aircraft class.

Development stages in Free Flight modalities

Flight instruction program for Level 2 – Up to IPPI Level 5.

The flight instruction program for pilots undergoing advanced training will take place in aircraft of the respective class and will include 3 flights en route, the minimum distance of which must be 15 km per flight, making a minimum of 50 km in all 3 flights. For free flight, there is a minimum of 5 hours of local flight with thermal ascending.

Theoretical instruction program.

The instruction program must have a minimum total workload of 18 hours, with, for free flying, per discipline:
a) Air Law and ATC Procedures — 2 hours;
b) Aircraft General Knowledge — 2 hours;
c) Human Behavior and Limitations — 1 hour;
d) Meteorology — 6 hours;
e) Operating Procedures — 4 hours;
f) Flight Principles — 3 hours;

SAFEPRO PARA and the IPPI CARD Scheme

The CIVL International Pilot Proficiency Information (IPPI Card) reflects the pilot’s proficiency and provides a standard reference by which all national rating programs may be compared. The IPPI Card is based on safety and training standards defined in the SafePro program.
For the pilot who flies outside of his known or local area, it is an easy method of providing proof of flying experience and proficiency.

When a pilot travels abroad, the IPPI Card  will identify the pilot skills.

The IPPI Card is valid only together with a current national licence or rating card.

The learning progression consists of five stages, from basic to advanced. It also divides the participants into students, they must fly under the supervision of instructors, and autonomous pilots who can fly unsupervised.

  • IPPI 1. Student. Ground Skimming
  • IPPI 2. Student. Altitude Gliding (altitude and space to do manoeuvres, no soaring)
  • IPPI 3. Pilot. Active Flying (preparing for turbulence, recovery and descending techniques…)
  • IPPI 4. Pilot. Soaring (flying in both ridge and thermal lift)
  • IPPI 5. Senior pilot (mastering one or more advanced practices)

Here you can compare the equivalent ratings between FAI IPPI, APPI and BHPA:

FAI. InternationalAPPI. International with exceptionsBHPA. For UK citizens
IPPI 1 Ground SkimmingAPPI 1 DiscoverStudent
IPPI 2 Altitude GlidingAPPI 2 ExplorerElementary Pilot
IPPI 3 Active FlyingAPPI 3 PilotBHPA Club Pilot
IPPI 4 SoaringAPPI 4 Intermediate PilotBHPA Pilot
IPPI 5 Senior pilotAPPI 5 Advanced PilotBHPA Advanced Pilot

Portugal Paragliding School is certified by:

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After confirming your payment, we will proceed with the processing and sending of your voucher. We will send your voucher by e-mail in digital format that you can print or forward to the final recipient. 

The voucher will be valid for one year and one day after the billing date.

Thank you for purchasing of the Paragliding Flight Gift Voucher.

For any additional information, you can contact us for this purpose by email or phone +351 917251262

Choose the Voucher Option and Pay with PayPal or MB Way

Paying using PayPal 

Choose the option and pay

You will be directed to a safe environment.

Payment can also be made via an MB-Way transfer to 917 251 262

Select the amount to pay

How will I receive the voucher? 

After confirming your payment, we will proceed with the processing and sending of your voucher. We will send your voucher by e-mail in digital format that you can print or forward to the final recipient. 

The voucher will be valid for one year and one day after the billing date.

Thank you for purchasing of the Paragliding Flight Gift Voucher.

For any additional information, you can contact us for this purpose by email or phone +351 917251262