Make your dream of becoming a pilot a reality with our Basic Paragliding Training Course - the most efficient way to earn your international certification!
This comprehensive training program, combined with our advanced online learning platform, will equip you with the essential skills and knowledge for a safe and successful paragliding journey.
Paragliding has evolved drastically in the 20th century, making it an affordable, accessible, and secure way to take to the skies. It's one of the simplest forms of aeronautical sports out there!
With our hands-on practical training program, you will learn to fly solo and ultimately become a competent pilot.
You will learn basic flying techniques and maneuvers, with in-depth online theory classes and assessments to ensure you are ready to fly unsupervised.
Upon completing the course outcomes, you can apply for your South African paragliding license(from SACAA/SAHPA) and fly unsupervised after receiving your license. You can also apply for your international license card to be used anywhere abroad or convert it to a local license.
Location:
Wilderness is a small, scenic coastal town in the Western Cape of South Africa, located along the famous Garden Route. It lies between George (about 15 minutes away by car) and Knysna (about 45 minutes away), and is known for its beautiful beaches, lush forests, and peaceful lagoons.
Easy ways to get to Wilderness:
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By Air:
Fly into George Airport (GRJ), which has regular domestic flights from Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Durban. From the airport, it's a short 20-minute drive to Wilderness.
-
By Car:
If you're driving the Garden Route, Wilderness is conveniently located on the N2 highway, which runs between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth. It's about 4.5 to 5 hours from Cape Town. and can be accessed via the N2 or the famous R62
-
By Bus or Shuttle:
Several long-distance bus companies like Intercape or Baz Bus service the Garden Route, with stops in George or nearby towns. From there, you can take a local shuttle or taxi to Wilderness or give us a call.
Duration:
We believe that a continuous training schedule creates the best environment for learning. That’s why we recommend that students commit to the full training period.
We set aside 14 days for the course; however, if you meet all the practical requirements earlier, you may complete the course sooner.
In the event of unfavorable weather conditions, the initial days will be dedicated to classroom instruction to explain any topics from the online learning platform. If we are unable to complete the practical requirements, you will be credited with training days on any future training dates.
Additional Costs After Practical Completion within the 14 days:
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Day guiding (including equipment rental): R2,500 per day
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Day guiding (with your own equipment): R1,000 per day
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*If you miss flyable days due to personal reasons and the rest of the group completes the course, additional training will be at your cost.
Cost:
Practical Training and Online Theory:
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R24,900 or book and pay before August (R19,900)
- SAHPA student membership R440
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R98000 with the Beginners gear package (free Basic paragliding training included)
Additional Site fees and SAHPA licensing fees upon completion: (not included)
- When used - Sedgefield cloud 9 takeoff (R375) and Map of Africa (R360)
- CAA License fee & SAHPA Membership R1960 (valid for 2 years)
- IPPI 4 international license card (R200) This International license equivalence could be used to fly abroad or convert to a local rating.
Included
- Access to all phases of our Online learning platform (paraglideafrica.moodlecloud.com/)
- Equipment Rental
- Ground school sessions
- Assistance with SAHPA and site registration
- up to 5 Instructional tandem flights
- Theory briefings during practical training
- Free transportation from training landing locations back to takeoff
- 1 social dinner on us
- Assistance with the license application process with SACAA/SAHPA
- In-flight footage from your instructors
- 1 marking attempt for the basic exam (worth R500)
Minimum Practical Requirements to Complete License Requirements
- 35 Instructional solo flights (minimum)
- Minimum 4 hours of accumulated airtime
- 1 x 20min total flight duration
- 2 x 10min thermic flights
- Thermalling with consecutive 360-degree turns
- Flying with other pilots
- Demonstrate unassisted forward launching
- Demonstrate unassisted reverse launching
- Rear riser steering and landing
- Using the speed system in flight
- Using big ears and the speed system
- 3 Landings in a 50m diameter circle
- Demonstrate good ground control
- Demonstrate good landing approach and landing technique
- Demonstrate assessing weather conditions for safe takeoff
- Pass open book SAHPA exam -85% pass rate required
Online Theory modules
- Principles of Flight - Aerodynamics
- Weather - Meteorology
- Flight Management and rules of the air
- Risk management
- Aero Medical
- Legal - Air law
Location:
Wilderness is a small, scenic coastal town in the Western Cape of South Africa, located along the famous Garden Route. It lies between George (about 15 minutes away by car) and Knysna (about 45 minutes away), and is known for its beautiful beaches, lush forests, and peaceful lagoons.
Easy ways to get to Wilderness:
-
By Air:
Fly into George Airport (GRJ), which has regular domestic flights from Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Durban. From the airport, it's a short 20-minute drive to Wilderness.
-
By Car:
If you're driving the Garden Route, Wilderness is conveniently located on the N2 highway, which runs between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth. It's about 4.5 to 5 hours from Cape Town. and can be accessed via the N2 or the famous R62
-
By Bus or Shuttle:
Several long-distance bus companies like Intercape or Baz Bus service the Garden Route, with stops in George or nearby towns. From there, you can take a local shuttle or taxi to Wilderness or give us a call.
