How to Become a Paragliding Pilot: A Comprehensive Training and Certification Guide

First, ground work is done in paragliding training. Ground work is one of the most important paragliding trainings, which is done on flat ground before we go up the hill from where we will take off. The more often and consciously ground training is done, the more your piloting skills (your ability to fly) will develop. If you are starting this sport, you will hear the word “piloting” often.

Flight training lasts at least 1 week, depending on the individual's progress. Trainees who pass the theoretical training given by Turkish Aeronautical Association instructors are made to complete 20 low-altitude flights. Those who complete the flights receive the P2 Certificate.

To participate in the P3 Certificate, it is mandatory for a pilot possessing a P2 certificate to have completed 12 hours or 50 sorties of flight. These flights must be recorded with GPS assistance and submitted to the THK.

P3 Training is typically conducted over the sea in Fethiye Ölüdeniz, Turkey. At this stage, the pilot personally simulates adverse (emergency/SIV) situations that could occur during a normal flight, while airborne. With the guidance of a THK instructor over the radio, the parachute lines are intentionally pulled, folded, and reopened. There's no need to be afraid, as it's very easy since it's done in a controlled manner! The training covers front collapses, asymmetric collapses, Wingover, and Spiral maneuvers.

The athlete must have a flight record of 10 hours in 20 sorties to participate in P4 training.

Like P3 Training, P4 Training is also conducted over the sea. The pilot practices emergency scenarios in the air with radio announcements from the instructor. At this level, front closure, asymmetric closure, Full STOL, Dip STOL, Spin, Wingover, and Spiral maneuvers are performed. Pilots who pass the theoretical and practical exams receive the P4 certificate.

P5 training is an advanced and challenging process. It involves pilots making cross-country flights by using thermals, which are updrafts created by rising warm air. To qualify for the certificate, pilots must fly a total of 100 km over 5 flights. A flight is considered valid only if it is at least 15 km long; flights under 15 km do not count towards the distance.

The T1 Certificate is a certification that authorizes non-commercial tandem flights. It is a course offered only by THK every 6 months with a quota of 30 participants. Pilots who pass the written exam are subject to 4 tandem flight exams. During the training, flawless takeoff, landing on target, and in-flight SIV maneuvers are required. Pilots have the right to make only 1 mistake throughout the course; a second mistake is grounds for direct elimination.

A pilot who possesses this document can perform passenger flights, both professionally and commercially. Commercial Tandem Piloting is an official profession. For example, there are approximately 300 licensed paragliding pilots actively working in Fethiye.

The T2 Certificate is only issued by THK courses and is offered every 6 months with a quota of 30 participants. Pilots are required to demonstrate flawless takeoff, landing at the target, and emergency in-flight (SIV) maneuvers. Just like with T1, you are allowed only one mistake; a second mistake results in elimination.