Beginner Lessons | Safe Modular Training

Paragliding Lessons in Cape Town

Phase 1: Beginners Course (R11 500)
Phase 2: Theory and Exam (FREE)
Phase 3: Additional Solo Flights (R240/hr)

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A game-changer in making solo paragliding even more affordable, accessible, and achievable. Our modular approach to training gets you going with lower start-up costs, higher safety margins and enables you to complete the program at a pace that suits you

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Phase 1: Beginners Course (R11,500)

This action-packed course exposes you to the manoeuvres you will need as a solo pilot to qualify for your Basic License. We start with tandem training flights (up to 3 flights). The 1-on-1 in-air training is as safe as it gets. Ground school training includes takeoff simulations with solo equipment and practising turns and landings in our custom-built harness simulator. The final day is reserved for your first SOLO flights (up to 7)!!!!. Using 2-way radios your instructor will talk you through the whole flight from takeoff to touchdown. This course takes 2-3 days and will get you up to 10 flights. The remaining minimum of 25 flights to achieve your Basic License is done in Phase 3.

Phase 2: Theory and Exam (FREE)

After your successful completion of the Beginners Course you qualify to take the full theory lessons as well as complete the open book exam. A pass mark of 85% is required to continue with further training. It is at this stage that we will discuss the various equipment purchase/hire options available. If by this stage you’re still on the fence about continuing then doing the full theory and exam is a really good idea and it’s FREE. Knowledge gives us understanding and moves us away from fear and doubt.

Phase 3: Additional Solo Flights (R240/hr)

To qualify for your Basic License (issued by the South African Civil Aviation Authority), you will need a minimum of 35 flights, a minimum of 4 hours of airtime, and various practical requirements (e.g. descent techniques, flying with other pilots, etc.) on a solo glider. These flights have to be under instructor supervision. Your previous flight numbers in Phase 1 count towards these requirements.

Ria Moothilal

Your Instructor

Ria is a Grade B & C Paragliding Instructor. He has 20 years of experience in air sports including skydiving, base jumping and paragliding. He’s a former data scientist, has a BSc in Engineering, cycled across Africa and founder of Air School Paragliding

Starting with a fear of heights Ria is living proof that anyone can learn how to paraglide. He’s passionate about xc (using a paraglider to fly to different places), hike ‘n fly, and teaching others the accelerated path to becoming a competent paragliding pilot. On his “off” days he can be found hiking and flying off some of the less flown paragliding sites around Table Mountain National Park

Program features

Our program is an industry first for paragliding. Created using the same formula as traditional aviation i.e. dual training (flying with an instructor onboard) before moving to solo flights. By providing full gear hire in phase 1 we give you a fuller experience of what paragliding is at a lower start-up cost. Phase 3 is flexible and based on your availability

Lower Start-up Costs

We provide full gear hire in Phase 1 which will see you do up to 10 flights. Phase 3’s remaining solo flights should preferably be done on your own gear. It doesn’t matter if it’s used or new, we’ll assist with an option that suits your budget. If necessary, we provide gear hire at a very reasonable rate.

Higher Safety Margins

Phase 1 flights start with tandem instructional flights. You will learn first-hand how to control a glider in the air. Flying with an instructor means that we can safely expose you to advanced manoeuvres and fly in conditions that would be too demanding for the solo beginner student. Flying with an instructor means that feedback is immediate and the student’s anxiety is lower than flying solo. This safety net of an instructor on board enables students to take in more.

Progress at Your Pace

Every student is different, some learn quickly, others slowly. Some have lots of free time, other’s have limited free time. Phase 1’s Beginners Course can be done full- or part-time. Phase 3’s flexible training schedule means that you will fly when you’re available and progress at a pace that suits you.

Qualified Instructors

All our instructors have National Flight Instructor ratings issued by the South African Civil Aviation Authority. Furthermore, we’re also active pilots and deeply involved in the paragliding community. You can rest assured that our priorities always include safety and quality instruction.

Full Theory & Exam

Upon completion of the course, we will offer you the theory lessons and the open-book exam free of charge.

Join our community

We’ll introduce you to the local flying community and welcome you to become an active part of our vibrant bunch of pilots

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost?

Phase 1 costs R11500 including full gear hire, site fees and SAHPA membership. Phase 2 is FREE including one exam marking (R499 for resubmissions which require remarking). Phase 3 is charged at R240/hr for the instructor’s time. On average you can expect to pay ~R23000 for the total cost of instruction. Check out our cost estimate calculator here

How long does it take?

In total, all 3 phases should take you around 7 training day’s to complete. NB. Training days can be split into sessions of a minimum of 2 hours each, so it depends on your availability.

Am I guaranteed to pass?

No, though we haven’t had anyone fail yet. Put in the effort and you’ll pass. The benefit of our phased approach is that enables you to make a firm decision on whether you’re going to commit to attaining your solo (basic) license after Phase 1 i.e. after having a proper introduction without purchasing any gear

What are the hours?

We operate 7 days a week from 8 am to 6 pm. The minimimum training block is 2 hours.

What if I don't pass?

It would then be safe to assume that paragliding is not for you 🙂

Can I get help to pay?

We’re happy to offer payment plans to assist with splitting up the cost of Phase 1

What happens if I can't make one of the days?

We accept cancellations up to 24 hours in advance. Simply inform of us of your unavailability and we will reschedule to a time that better suits you

What happens if the weather is bad?

If the weather is not conducive for training we will reschedule to another day at no cost to you

Can I cancel and get a refund?

Cancellations and refunds are accepted up to 7 days in advance. If cancelling less than 7 days but more than 24 hours before your booking we will issue a voucher redeemable for a period of one year

What areas do you cover?

The bulk of our training takes place at sites around Cape Town including sites such as Sea Point, Camps Bay, Muizenberg and Blouberg. We might also make use of sites in Paarl, Franschhoek, Langebaan, Sir Lowry’s Pass and Hermanus. Our decisions are based on the weather forecast.

Testimonials

Here’s what our happy pilots had to say about our services:

    
 
 
        
   Johann van Eeden 
 2024-07-03
 
 
  Can highly recommend Ria's licensed pilot program. He covers everything,  weather analysis, site briefing, organizing flying at new sites. Flew my first xc flights under his guidance, from 10km to almost 100km!
  
 
       
   Pascal Joukovsky 
 2024-01-10
 
 
  Top day with our competant and smoking guide/instructor Ria. Beautiful soaring in an unusual site, what else? Pascal🙂
  
 
       
   Sam Le Poole 
 2024-01-10
 
 
  Geweldige ervaring. Professioneel en vriendelijke instructeurs. Prachtig uitzicht over Kaapstad met op de achterkant table mountain en Lions head
  
 
       
   sebolawa flora 
 2023-12-03
 
 
  What an amazing experience this was.
  
 
       
   Manuela Walter 
 2023-09-27
 
 
  Ria did a greart job. Thank you very much for the flight! 😃
  
 
       
   Dimitris Zevgolis 
 2023-05-07
 
 
  Amazing experience, very insightful explanation throughout the flight by the instructor. 100% recommend
  
 
       
   Ophelie Miruho 
 2023-05-02
 
 
  I flew with Ria and the service delivered was 15/10 I strongly recommend him.
  
 
       
   Jordan Bohinc 
 2023-04-28
 
 
  Cannot recommend Air School and Ria enough! Extremely knowledgeable and takes extra care to ensure safety & comfort of his students. He had me flying on day 2 - my friends were so impressed!

Go with Air School and your won't be disappointed!!!
  
 
       
   Dylan Lok 
 2022-11-29
 
 
  This was an incredible experience! Ria is an excellent instructor - super thorough and so patient. I had an epic time and enjoyed every minute.
  
 
       
   0,2 Podcast 
 2022-04-19
 
 
  All around great experience. Would highly recommend for anyone who is visiting Cape Town. Thanks Ria!
  
 
  
  
 
 
   Google rating score: 5.0 of 5, based on 24 reviews