P1 - Student - 5 Flights

If you already know that you want something more than a single flight "teaser", but are uncertain whether or not you will make a full commitment to the sport, consider our Student Diploma (P1) Program comprised of 5 flights during 20 hours (minimum) of intensive training.

The purpose of the Student (P1) Diploma is to provide a thorough introduction to the sport of paragliding through sufficient flights to develop a flying awareness, while under strict supervision.  It also introduces the HPAC (Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association of Canada) and/or USHGA (United States Hang Gliding Association) rating and training development programs.

• 1.0 Discovery Theory: We begin with giving you the basic principles of aerodynamics as applied to paraglider flight and general weather principles.

2.0 Slope Soaring: From classroom theory we move on to Slope Soaring on grassy fields with small, gentle slopes where you begin to apply real skills. You will learn to launch, and steer the glider to a gentle landing.

You will practice:

- laying out the glider and sorting the lines in preparation for take off;

- working with the wind to inflate and bring the paraglider overhead;

We start with launching off small slopes and only skimming a few feet above the ground, to progressively getting higher. You will be changed forever by these first few moments of flight in all their glory.

3.0 Mountain Flights: When we are satisfied with your performance, and you are comfortable with all of the required skills, we take you for your first solo flights off a mountain. Your preflight briefing will go over a detailed flight plan including "mission" objectives. You will be carefully monitored and supervised for the duration of the flight by flight-command instructors via radio. An instructor will help you set up, and launch. In flight you will enjoy a spectacular view and the indescribable ecstasy of true free flight while initiating some in-flight practice maneuvers. You will be guided via radio to the landing field where an instructor will guide you down for a gentle landing. Afterwards, you will be debriefed on the accomplishment of your objectives for the flight.

4.0 In-Flight Exam: The high flights will conclude with a test of your new skills. You will be required to prepare and conduct a proper launch, execute the flight plan, perform precise maneuvers in flight, and land close to target using a standard aircraft approach. The landing instructor will be in standby mode to offer corrective input only if required. The objective is to have you conduct the landing on your own.

5.0 Student Theory: Building on what you have learned from your low and high flights: we will relay a strong foundation of the concepts of aerodynamics, airmanship and weather as applied to paraglider flight.

6.0 Student Exam: A written exam will consolidate the learning process and test your knowledge of student theory. The exam requires an 80% pass mark.

The Student (P1) Diploma program pilots must commit to a full weekend, with long training days from dawn to dusk. In the event of un-flyable weather, we will complete mountain flights on the next flyable weekend.

While free from the ground up in the air, you will experience true free-flight, with no windscreen to separate you from total immersion into the sky.  You will feel the air rushing softly around you.  You will fly in a comfortable padded seat-harness that will immediately allow you to feel secure and supported above the incredible vista below.  You will soar high above the valley with meandering rivers below, while cobalt blue glaciers glisten in the bowls of the majestic mountains that surround you.  At times you will experience the "aha" moment, the feeling of omnipotence, like some sky god from Greek mythology, soaring above the tiny, mere morals below.

This program will confirm whether or not you wish to become a fully certified Novice (P2) Pilot.  Most people who have flown the first five flights can't wait to do the next twenty-five!

Oh, and by the way, you can double your pleasure by doing it while on holiday on one of our 2-Day Exit Holiday Tours!

Student (P1) Diploma: $ 747* ...SIGN UP!

* 20 hour course conducted over two days of a weekend. Includes: discovery-level theory; slope-training; student-level theory; written exam; minimum of five (5) instructor supervised flights; and in-flight exam.  Requires instructor recommendation to HPAC or USHGA and issuance of a Student (P1) Diploma.  Includes use of all required equipment. We ask that you bring your own sturdy, agile footwear with ankle support (ex. hikers) and warm athletic clothing providing full body coverage. Some landing sites require a $5/day fee payable by the student to the land owner.  Full payment of the course and time commitment to specific dates must be received prior to commencement of training, with no refunds for partial course completion. We reserve the right to discontinue training any student not following directions or conducting themselves in a manner that may endanger themselves or others.

Upgrade from Discovery Flight: + $547** ...SIGN UP!

** We will credit $200 from the Discovery Flight against the Student Diploma course if you sign up and pay for the Student Diploma immediately after your first solo and continue with your training, while the knowledge is still fresh.  In this case, you only have to pay an additional $547 to upgrade. Terms in * above apply.

Holiday Value Package: Student (P1) Diploma with 2-day Exit Holiday: $847*** ...SIGN UP!

*** If you conduct your Student Diploma while on a 2-day Exit Tour with us, we will give you a special price of only $847 (value $747 Student + $497 Exit = $1244). Includes Student Diploma, ground transportation and accommodations (but not airfare). Terms in * above apply.

On Completion of the Student (P1) Diploma, people wishing to continue must purchase either a new or used equipment package from us to fly to obtain their Novice Pilot (P2) Rating (30 high flights minimum, including the first 5).