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.
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
Booking a trial course can also be a good idea when you are not fully convinced that paragliding is something for you.
We make it easy for non-Portuguese speaking students.The English language is used during the courses and final examinations. We make learning to paraglide fun and as safe as possible. Full training usually takes several weeks and includes both, a theoretical exam and a practical test.
You can also reserve your personal classes for any proficiency level. From beginner to advanced Pilot, If you would like to learn to paraglide, come and train at the most popular School of Paragliding in Portugal.
Lessons are given on our training sites right here on the beautiful beaches close to Lisbon.
– Be over 15 years old
– Age less than 65
– Fill out form (Mod 04 FPVL (FPVL trainee license) + Included mandatory insurance = 165€
– Copie de la carte de citoyen ou du passeport.
– 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
Portugal Paragliding School is certified by:
Partilhar nas redes sociais
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.
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:
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:
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 €, + insurance, 120€ + FPVL student license: 45€ and sports medical certificate (Talk with us).
You can start with a “Tandem Flight”
Structure
The level 1 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 will give him the qualification of autonomous pilot in dynamic ascending and 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
Access requirements for the Level 2 Pilot course.
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;
Paying using PayPal
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Payment can also be made via an MB-Way transfer to 917 251 262
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.
For any additional information, you can contact us for this purpose by email or phone +351 917251262