Frequently asked questions
Common questions about learning to paraglide in Cape Town.
The beginner course
Do I need any flying experience to start?
None at all. The beginner course is designed for complete novices. The only prerequisites are a reasonable level of physical fitness and a genuine desire to learn.
How long is the beginner course?
The course runs across three sessions totalling approximately 11.5 hours. Session 1 (~3 hours): 3 tandem training flights at Signal Hill. Session 2 (~2.5 hours): ground school and takeoff simulation on Air School's custom simulator. Session 3 (~6 hours): a full day of first solo flights — up to 7, sometimes more. After the course, Phase 2 (online theory exam) and Phase 3 (licence flights, April–September only) complete the pathway to your SAHPA Basic Licence.
What is included in the R12,500 course fee?
Everything: full paragliding equipment hire (wing, harness, helmet, reserve), 3 tandem training flights, simulator training, up to 7 supervised solo flights (more if conditions allow), site fees, SAHPA membership registration, transport to all flying sites, and theory exam preparation for Phase 2 at no extra cost.
What do I need to bring?
Comfortable clothes suitable for running, solid shoes or boots (no sandals or slip-ons), sun protection, water, and a light snack. All flying equipment is supplied.
What fitness level do I need?
You should be able to run short distances carrying a backpack and handle being outdoors in variable conditions. You do not need to be particularly athletic — students range from teenagers to retirees. Comfort with moderate physical exertion is more important than peak fitness.
Is there an age limit?
Minors (under 18) require written parental or guardian consent. There is no upper age limit — fitness and health matter more than age. If you have any medical conditions that might be relevant, check with Ria before booking.
Will I definitely fly solo during the course?
The course is structured with solo flight as the outcome. Progress depends on the student — if conditions or readiness require additional sessions, those are scheduled without extra charge within the course structure. The goal is always your first safe solo flight, not a fixed number of days.
What happens if the weather is bad on my training day?
Training is always weather-dependent. If conditions are not suitable, the session is rescheduled at no extra cost. Cape Town flies year-round — suitable training days occur even in winter. Ria monitors conditions actively and will contact you if a reschedule is needed.
How do I book?
Contact Ria directly by WhatsApp or through the enquiry form. Scheduling is coordinated around suitable weather conditions and your availability, so it's an active conversation rather than a fixed calendar booking.
Safety
Is paragliding safe?
Paragliding carries real risk — it would be dishonest to say otherwise. What matters is how that risk is managed. Qualified instruction from a SACAA Declared Training Organisation, thorough weather analysis, appropriate progression through licences, and ongoing skills development are how risk is kept at a manageable level. At Air School, safety is built into the curriculum as the foundation, not attached as a disclaimer.
What is a SACAA DTO and why does it matter?
SACAA stands for South African Civil Aviation Authority. A Declared Training Organisation (DTO) is a formal accreditation that requires documented training programmes, qualified instructors, and ongoing compliance with SACAA standards. It means Air School's training meets the highest civilian aviation standard in the country.
What safety equipment is used during training?
All training uses full paragliding equipment: a certified wing, a properly fitted harness with back protector, a helmet rated for paragliding, and a reserve parachute. Equipment is checked before every flight. You will be briefed on the reserve and its deployment before your first flight.
What medical conditions should I disclose?
Epilepsy, serious cardiac conditions, poorly controlled diabetes, and conditions that affect balance or coordination are all worth discussing before booking. This is not an exhaustive list. If you have any condition that could affect your ability to respond quickly or that is affected by exertion, altitude, or heat — mention it. No judgement, just sensible planning.
Licensing and SAHPA
What licence do I get after the beginner course?
The beginner course is the practical foundation for the SAHPA Basic Licence. After completing the practical component and passing the SAHPA theory exam, you receive your Basic Licence. This allows you to fly at any SAHPA-registered site in South Africa under appropriate supervision.
What is SAHPA?
SAHPA is the South African Hang-gliding and Paragliding Association. It is the national body that governs paragliding in South Africa, manages site access, sets licensing standards, and registers pilots. SAHPA membership and a SAHPA licence are required to fly legally at registered sites.
What is the difference between a Basic and Sport Licence?
A Basic Licence is your first formal SAHPA licence — it allows you to fly at registered sites under supervision. A Sport Licence allows fully independent flying at any SAHPA-registered site. The Sport Licence requires additional logged flights, a skills assessment, and a written exam. The Licensed Pilot Programme at Air School is structured to prepare you for this progression.
Can I fly anywhere in the world with a SAHPA licence?
SAHPA is affiliated with the CIVL (Commission Internationale de Vol Libre), which means your SAHPA licence is internationally recognised. Most countries accept it as equivalent to their national licence. You should confirm with the local club or organisation at your destination before flying abroad.
Gear and equipment
Do I need to buy gear before the course?
No. All equipment is included in the course fee. You should not buy a paraglider before completing the beginner course — the right glider for a new pilot depends on your size, skill level, and flying goals, and choosing early often leads to a mismatch. Ria will give you advice on what to buy once you're ready.
What glider should I buy as a beginner?
A certified EN-A glider matched to your weight range is the correct starting point. The specific model matters less than getting the certification level, weight range, and trim speed right. Discuss with Ria after completing the course — she can advise based on your flying style and goals.
Can I use my own gear during training?
If you already own equipment and it is certified and in good condition, this can be discussed. For most beginners this is not applicable — the course is designed around supplied equipment.
After the beginner course
What comes after the beginner course?
After the beginner course, most pilots focus on building flight hours under supervision to meet the requirements for their SAHPA Basic Licence. The Licensed Pilot Programme at Air School then provides structured coaching toward the Sport Licence — covering thermalling, new site assessment, XC foundations, and advanced weather reading.
Can I fly alone after the beginner course?
Not independently. The beginner course leads toward a Basic Licence, which requires supervised flying. Full independence comes with a Sport Licence. During the supervised phase, Ria or another qualified instructor must be present. This is about developing sound judgement, not just logging hours.
How long does it take to get a Sport Licence?
It depends entirely on how often you fly, how quickly your skills develop, and how many suitable flying days Cape Town produces. For an active student flying regularly, a year or more of consistent flying is a realistic estimate. It is not a fixed number of flights — it is a skills standard.
Weather and conditions
When is the best time of year to learn to paraglide in Cape Town?
Cape Town has flyable conditions year-round. Summer (October–March) tends to produce stronger and more consistent winds, which is excellent for soaring but requires careful site selection for beginners. Winter months often produce calmer thermal conditions at inland sites like Sir Lowry's Pass. Training is managed around conditions, not seasons.
How do I learn to read paragliding weather?
Weather education is part of the beginner course curriculum. For pilots who want to go deeper, Ria has produced an online weather forecasting course covering RASP, MeteoBlue, SkySight, lapse rates, thermal prediction, and Cape Town site-specific patterns. It is available for R499 on Payhip.
What is RASP?
RASP (Regional Atmospheric Soaring Prediction) is a numerical weather model specifically designed for soaring sports. It models boundary layer tops, thermal strength, wind at altitude, and other parameters directly relevant to paragliding. Ria uses RASP as the primary forecasting tool and has built an automated forecast algorithm on top of it for Cape Town sites.
Still have a question?
WhatsApp is the fastest way to get an answer. Ria responds to most messages within a few hours.