Paragliding training : Intensive course
The whole path to your pilot's licence without a break: Beginner, Progression and Autonomy one after another, on dedicated intakes or on custom dates on request.
The Beginner, Progression and Autonomy courses one after another, with 3 months of Community Phase included. It has its own published intake dates, like the other courses. You book your place with a €200 deposit and pay the rest by bank transfer or in cash. It can also be done on custom dates on request: get in touch and we will see what works with our schedule and your availability.
- Duration
- 21 days reserved
- Usual length
- 14–18 days
What's included
- Beginner
Your first top-to-bottom flights, guided by radio. You set aside five days and the course usually takes four or five. School gear included.
- Progression
You consolidate the basics and learn the essential piloting techniques. You set aside five days and the course usually takes two or three. Three rates depending on your gear.
- 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.
The programme: Beginner
- 01
Theory at the field
Local weather, basic aerology, wind reading and safety calls. You can go over it in the virtual classroom between sessions.
- 02
Ground handling
Inflation, wing control and the take-off run on the training field, until it comes without thinking.
- 03
First top-to-bottom flights
Flights from the 1st Maria, guided by radio the whole way. At least eight flights to build your independence.
- 04
Landings with judgement
Approach and touchdown in the landing zone, and above all when it's better not to launch.
The programme: Progression
- 01
Consolidation
Refining take-offs and landings until they're reliable on different terrain.
- 02
More flights, more confidence
Top-to-bottom flights to consolidate the basics on every take-off and landing. At least ten flights.
- 03
Active wing control
Fine piloting: coordinated turns, pitch control and managing your speed.
- 04
Sharing the air
Right-of-way rules and flying alongside other pilots.
The programme: Autonomy
- 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
- The three courses of the path one after another
- Its own published intake dates, or custom dates on request
- Ready for the official exam and your 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).