Upskill To
Paragliding
Upskill To
Paragliding
Paragliding
SKYDIVER / HANG GLIDER CONVERSION
Skydiver / Hang Glider Conversion
Our Skydiving and Hang Gliding Conversion Course is ideal for current skydiving and hang gliding pilots wanting to use their existing knowledge and experience to convert across to paragliding.
Led by one of Australia’s most highly regarded instructors, our course is one of the most intensive and comprehensive courses currently offered.
Please note: All our courses are run from our school in Laurieton, NSW.
Course Overview
This conversion course runs in conjunction with our Learn to Paraglide Course. We are mindful of the experience of skydivers and hang gliding pilots and tailor the course to suit different skill levels. Skydivers and hang gliding pilots also have the option to complete the course in less than the 9 days allocated, as long as the licence requirements have been met.
STEP 1
The Basics
SIMULATOR: This is where you'll get a first feel of what it's like being in the harness.
GROUND HANDLING: Learn fundamental 'kiting' skills and how to respond to your glider.
TANDEM FLIGHTS: Used to give you supervised, hands-on experience of flight control.
LAUNCH & LANDING PRACTICE: Learn forward and reverse launch techniques plus assessment of site ground conditions and safe landing options.
STEP 2
The Practice
LOW COASTAL FLIGHTS: Your first solo flights will be from one of our low coastal headlands. These headlands offer easy beach landing. Coastal sites are great for gaining ridge soaring experience and confidence.
HIGH FLIGHTS: Nothing beats your first solo high flight. Taken from either North Brother or Middle Brother Mountain, the thrill will stay with you forever!
WINCH TOWING: Used on the beach to get you flying in nil wind.
STEP 3
The Theory
When the conditions aren't right for flying, we use this 'down time' for theory classes.
The SAFA Training Syllabus is thorough, and so are our theory classes. Topics include: airspace rules and regulations, drag and thrust, torque effects, principals of flight, meteorology, emergency procedures and navigation.
Assessment of theory is via multiple choice exams.
What You'll Learn
Pre-flight checks * Flight preparation * Airspace regulations * Flying with other aircraft * Inflation/Taxi/Launch sequence * Launch and landing techniques * Launch and landing in various wind strength and conditions * Landing accuracy * Cross wind and downwind landings * Flight Path * Flight Skills * Turns * Weather assessment * ... and more!
Prerequisites:
- Hang glider pilots: A current licence plus 50+ flying hours logged
- Skydivers: A current D licence plus 200+ jumps
Requirements for Licence Issue
TO SUCCESSFULLY ACHIEVE THE SAFA PARAGLIDING ENDORSEMENT FOR HANG GLIDING OR SKYDIVING CONVERSION, YOU WILL NEED TO ACHIEVE THE FOLLOWING:
- Minimum of 4 flying days
- Minimum of 30 flights (launch & landing) from at least 3 different flying sites
- 3 soaring flights of at least 15 minutes duration OR 10 flights of at least 5 minutes duration
- 1 high flight of above 500ft
- Successful and competent demonstration of all required skills and techniques in light and moderate conditions, as set out in the SAFA training manual
- Successfully pass theory exam
On-site accommodation
Stay With Us
When you’ve finished up a great day of flying, comfort and ease is key. We offer self-contained private or shared units on-site for our students.