Paragliding course : Autonomy
An introduction to thermal and ridge flying, so you can fly on your own with sound judgement. You set aside seven days and the course usually takes five to seven. Own gear required.
- Duration
- 7 days reserved
- Usual length
- 5–7 days
- Minimum flights
- 16
- Prerequisites
- You've completed the Progression course or equivalent.
Objectives
Once you have take-off and landing under control, you start thermal and ridge flying: reading windsocks, finding the first thermal of the day, using the wind on the ridge to stay up, and making decisions before and during flight. At least sixteen flights. It covers level N4 of the Federació Aèria Catalana. Own gear required: we'll advise you on kit for free if you don't have your own yet.
The programme
- 01
Reading the sky
Clouds, windsocks and thermal cycles: learning to see where the rising air is.
- 02
The first thermal
Spotting and centring the first thermal of the day, and staying in it.
- 03
Flight decisions
What you decide before launch and what you decide in the air, on your own judgement.
- 04
Longer flights
Gaining height in low thermals and on the ridge, and staying up for longer. At least sixteen flights.
Skills you will gain
- Interpret daily meteorological conditions and core rising thermals
- Use thermals and the ridge to gain altitude and extend your flights
- Make safety and flight decisions with complete autonomy
- Full preparation for the official exam and pilot's licence
What's in every course
Here's what the price of each course includes, and what it doesn't. No small print, no surprises.
Included in the price
- All theory sessions, held at the field (minimum hours per level).
- All practical flight sessions with instructors qualified as Sports Technicians in Paragliding, a qualification recognised by the FAC.
- The handbook Parapente: Guía para debutantes (Editorial Perfils), for the Beginner course.
- Access to the online classroom with instructional videos for study between sessions.
- Retrieve transport from the landing zone back up to launch for all syllabus flights.
- Accident and public liability insurance throughout the Beginner course (FAC policy).
- Catalan Paragliding School official course certificate.
- FAC membership fee (€19) for the Beginner course. If you take any other courses in the same year, you don't have to pay it again.
- FAC licence administrative processing for federated pilots.
Not included
- Accommodation (ask us for our recommended partner lodgings).
- Meals during training days.
- Personal flight gear (where applicable; we provide free expert guidance).
- Accident and public liability insurance from the Progression course onwards: you take it out yourself.
- FAC membership fee (€19) for Progression, Autonomy and Thermal–Cross if you come from another school or took the Beginner course in a previous year.
- Official FAC exam fees: €120 (€50 theory, €70 practical).
Practical information
- Where
- Courses run in the Avià flying area, in el Berguedà.
- When
- Beginner courses run from February to October, taking advantage of the best weather season. In Catalonia, conditions allow flying practically year-round.
- Timings
- We usually fly in the morning, often early: in summer, some sessions begin at 6:30 AM. Schedules adjust to the day's aerology, so times are confirmed shortly beforehand.
- If the weather won't cooperate
- Paragliding is strictly weather-dependent. If conditions are unsafe, we postpone and offer upcoming dates to reschedule. You will never lose your sessions.
- Recommendations
- Plan your schedule with flexible dates: weather dictates flying and sessions may need to move. Do not buy gear in advance without consulting us; during Progression we help you choose equipment tailored to your level.
- No rush between levels
- There's no deadline to move from one course to the next. If a lot of time passes between blocks, we'll agree a refresher before you carry on, without repeating the level.
Frequently asked questions
Who is it for?
No previous experience or exceptional fitness needed, but you do have to be able to run a few metres. If you have an injury or condition, check with your doctor and write to us before booking. We don't have training or adapted gear for reduced mobility.
What age can I fly at?
From 14 with the express consent of your legal guardians. From 18, whenever you like. The school reserves the right of admission.
Is there a height or weight limit?
Yes. Our gear is certified for specific sizes: height between 140 and 200 cm and weight between 40 and 100 kg. If you fall outside that, ask us before booking.
What do I need?
In the Beginner course, all flight equipment is provided by the school. You only need comfortable sports or hiking footwear with good grip and ankle support, comfortable clothing with long trousers, a seasonal jacket or windbreaker, and sunglasses.
What if I get motion sick?
Thermal turbulence in flight can occasionally cause mild motion sickness (similar to motion sickness in a car or boat). If you are prone to motion sickness, try a tandem flight first to see how you feel.
I'm afraid of heights, can I fly?
Yes. In flight your feet don't touch the ground, and without that reference the fear of heights doesn't appear.
Is transport included?
Students arrange their own transport to the flying site. The course includes all mountain retrieves from the landing zone back to launch during course flights.
Is it a high-risk sport?
Paragliding is an exhilarating aeronautical discipline that demands rigour and respect. While you will thoroughly enjoy every stage, safety is our absolute priority. You must arrive well-rested, focused, and committed to your training. Flying under the influence of alcohol or other substances is strictly prohibited.
Safety and commitment
Paragliding is an aerial sport that demands focus and discipline. We implement all technical and pedagogical measures to ensure you learn under the highest safety standards, yet the mountain environment is inherently dynamic. You must attend well-rested, focused, and fully committed to your training. Flying under the influence of alcohol or other substances is strictly prohibited.
The next step
Thermal–Cross
5 days reservedFrom €695
Five days of guided flying to complete your first cross-country (XC) flights across el Berguedà and the Pyrenees.
See the course