Please note that the NZHGPA issues instructor certificates and administers the training standards but does not endorse any particular business listed here.
About learning to fly paragliders
Almost all paraglider pilots learn to fly at a commercial paragliding school. Initial training is carried out on a flat field, then quickly progresses up shallow slopes to high flights. It is not unusual for students to progress to high flights on the first day of training. Training to a stage that allows pilots to fly unsupervised can take from 7 days to a couple of months or more. As well as the practical skills needed to fly the paraglider, schools teach meteorology, flight theory, piloting skills and air law.The NZHGPA has 3 solo pilot ratings:
- PG1 is a student pilot rating that allows student pilots to fly at PG1 and PG2 rated flying sites under the supervision of an instructor.
- PG2 allows pilots to fly at PG1 and PG2 rated sites unsupervised and PG3 rated sites under the supervision of a PG3 rated pilot.
- PG3 is an advanced solo rating required to become an instructor or tandem paraglider pilot.
- be a bona fide member of a hang gliding organisation; and
- hold an appropriate hang glider pilot certificate; and
- comply with the privileges and limitations of their certificate and any applicable ratings; and
- comply with the operational standards and procedures of the hang gliding organisation.
More information about paragliding can be found on Wikipedia.