Who Can Qualify?

Students who have qualified for their P2 certification through Red Tail Paragliding are offered free tuition and mentoring in order to obtain their P3 certification.

For students coming from other schools please contact us. If you require training for other skills (i.e. strong wind reverse launches; Restricted Landing Approach (DBF – Downwind, Base Final); Managing Collapses; etc.) we will negotiate costs based on your needs. Most European countries require an FAI IPPI (International Pilot Proficiency) ParaPro level 3 or 4 to fly in their countries*. This is the equivalent to USHPA P3 or P4.

*Visit FlyOrangeBlogspot.com for more information on equivalencies.

***USHPA IPPI Conversion Chart

**Fédération Aéronautique Internationale FAI IPPI page

USHPA – Ratings and skills introduction – Advanced Certifications

Please keep an accurate flight log! This will be used to verify your P3 qualifications. Download a Google Sheets Flight Log with P3 Requirements so you can check off your progress. We also recommend uploading your flight instrument’s IGC files to either an app or an online log book. Some recommended log books are: Paragliding Log Book; Xcontest; Speedmo; Sports Track Live: and many more.

30 hours of airtime (USHPA requires 20 hours, Canada requires 60 hours)
30 flying days
90 flights
At least 3 different flying sites

All skills and knowledge requirements below must either be witnessed by the instructor signing you off, have a video record, or a GPS track. Please provide evidence of your knowledge and understanding and discuss this with your instructor.

Has received training in and/or understands the importance and significance of:

  • Right of way rules. (Take a quiz and test yourself).
  • Polar curve & Speed to Fly
  • Wing Control 
  • Aerodynamics
  • Meteorology
  • Instability & Emergencies and prepared readings
  • FAA Part 103 – Ultralight Vehicles Regulations and aircraft sectional charts (Take a quiz (currently UK CAA & UK sectional charts – updating). Airspace for paraglidersSectional Charts for Ultralights.
  • Canopy owner’s manual.
  • USHPA Accident Report results currently in print.
  • Can give verbal analysis of conditions on the hill (site and weather analysis):
  • demonstrating knowledge of wind shadows, gradients, lift, sink, laminar air, turbulence and rotors, and the effect these items have on an intended flight path and turns.
  • Must give a verbal flight plan for each observed flight.
  • Must show thorough pre-flight of the harness, canopy, and backup reserve parachute.
  • Must give a thorough and memorized preflight checklist (i.e. R1234STARVE)
  • With each flight demonstrates a method of establishing that the pilot is properly connected to the glider, with cleared lines and risers just prior to launch.
  • All inflations/launches should be controlled, confident, and with a smooth transition from running to flying. Flights with slow, unstable inflations/launches will not be considered adequate for witnessed tasks.
  • For witnessed tasks, all landings must be safe, smooth, on the feet, and in control.
  • Demonstrates the ability to differentiate airspeed from ground speed.
  • Demonstrates linked 180° turns along a predetermined ground track showing smooth controlled reversals and proper coordination at various speeds and bank angles.
  • Demonstrates 360° turns in both directions, and at various speeds and bank angles.
  • Demonstrates symmetric and asymmetric tip folds (25% per side, 50% total) or some other method of canopy reduction for increased descent rate.
  • Demonstrates one method to increase forward speed.
  • Demonstrates proper surge control of canopy using properly timed brake application (dolphins).
  • Gives a thorough verbal description of how to maintain directional control during and correct for an 50% asymmetric wing collapse.
  • Explains characteristics of impending stall and impending spin and can demonstrate this when ground handling with recovery.
  • In 8 to 15 m.p.h. winds, demonstrates the ability to maintain airspeed at or near minimum sink during crosswind and upwind legs, without any evidence of stalls.
  • Demonstrates 5 landings within 10′ of a spot after flights requiring turns on approach.
  • Demonstrates proper airspeed control on landing approach when descending through a gradient.
  • Demonstrates proper airspeed for maximum distance flown into a significant headwind.
  • Demonstrates complete understanding of all Paragliding Tow Discussion Topics (for tow rated pilots only).
  • Must pass the USHPA Intermediate Paragliding written exam.
  • Must agree to all the provisions of the USHPA standard waiver and assumption of risk agreement for the Intermediate rating and deliver an original signed copy to the USHPA office.
  • Acknowledges and understands the need to become familiar with site-specific restrictions and launch or landing access limits, consistent with preservation of flying privileges at a site.
  • Maximum base wind of 15 m.p.h.
  • Maximum peak gusts to 18 m.p.h.
  • Maximum gust rate of 5 m.p.h. in 5 seconds.
  • Avoid steep turns close to the ground.
  • Avoid application of either brake beyond 3/4 of the way from full off to stall position.
  • Limit turns to bank angles recommended by the manufacturer, limit speed in turns to 2 times the straight line, brakes off, cruise speed, and smoothly exit any spiral turn thatshows a tendency to steepen or accelerate.
  • Should initiate downwind turns only with 300′ of clearance outward from the hill or ridge in winds above 15 m.p.h., and 200′ of clearance in winds above 10 m.p.h.
  • Should not fly in thermals where peak climb rates exceed 500 fpm or where significant vertical cloud development exists.
  • Upon mastering the above skills, an Intermediate Paragliding Pilot should pursue new maneuvers, sites, and conditions with the guidance of a USHPA Certified Advanced Paragliding Instructor or Observer.
  • 08_P3.Test for studying.

    Special Skills

    The Special Skills contains resources and references to help you learn the skills and knowledge needed to qualify for Special Skills certification. You must be a paying student and logged in to access this resource.

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