Elementary Pilot Theory

This course introduces the fundamental theoretical knowledge required for safe and enjoyable paragliding as an Elementary Pilot. We will cover four key areas:

1. Airlaw: The Rules of the Sky

• Understanding that paragliding in the UK is governed by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
• Awareness that the Air Navigation Order (ANO) contains the rules and regulations that all pilots, including paraglider pilots, must follow.
• Understanding what can legally be dropped from an aircraft
• The laws and rules of towing paragliders.
• Introduction to basic rules of the air to prevent collisions.

2. Airmanship: Pilot Responsibility and Safe Practices

• Developing a responsible and safety-conscious attitude towards flying.
• Understanding the importance of pre-flight checks of equipment and the flying site.
• Mandatory Safety Requirements
• Introduction to emergency procedures and how to react to common in-flight issues.
• Banned Practices
• The BHPA Pilot Rating Scheme

3. Meteorology: Understanding the Weather

• Basic understanding of wind direction and speed, and their impact on paragliding, including wind gradient.
• How different hill shapes affect your flight
• Introduction to thermal development
• Understanding the difference between Windspeed, Airspeed & Groundspeed
• Basic knowledge about lee side turbulence
• Learning how to obtain basic weather forecasts and interpret them for paragliding.

4. Principles of Flight: How a Paraglider Flies

• Basic understanding of lift, drag, weight, and thrust (in the context of a paraglider).
• Introduction to the aerofoil shape of the paraglider wing and how it generates lift.
• Introduction to the concept of stall and how to avoid it.

This theoretical foundation is crucial for your progression as a paragliding pilot. It will complement your practical training and help you make safe and informed decisions in the air. Remember that continuous learning is essential throughout your paragliding journey.

This course will be followed up in your training with the exam in your Student Training Record Book (held by the school).