Beginner Paragliding Course
Cape Town
From complete novice to first solo flight across three sessions. Tandem training, simulator, then you fly solo — with Ria on the radio.
The session sequence is deliberate
By the time you launch alone on Session 3, you will have already felt the controls from the passenger seat three times, practised every stage of the takeoff on a simulator, and heard exactly how Ria calls the radio on approach. The nerves are normal — the progression is engineered so that solo flight feels like the logical next step, not a leap into the unknown.
Ground handling builds the reflexes. The tandem flights build the feel. The simulator builds the muscle memory for takeoff. By Session 3 you are not starting from zero — you are applying everything you have already practised.
Course structure
Tandem Flight Training
Signal Hill
- 3 tandem training flights with Ria as pilot
- Feel the controls from the passenger seat
- Learn to read takeoff conditions
- Understand launch timing, approach, and landing
- Pre-flight checks explained in the air
Ground School & Simulator
Ground training
- Weather theory — what makes a day flyable
- Reserve parachute briefing
- Takeoff practice on Air School's custom simulator
- Simulate every phase of a solo flight before altitude
- Site assessment and hazard awareness
First Solo Flights
Training site
- Full day at a suitable training site
- Pre-flight checklist — independent
- First solo launch with Ria on radio
- Up to 7 solo flights — more if conditions allow
- Per-flight debrief after each flight
What students say
“Ria's expertise in weather forecasting and safety-first approach completely changed my perspective. I highly recommend AirSchool for anyone looking to learn paragliding!”
Edward Bowora
Beginner course to solo licence graduate
“Cannot recommend AirSchool enough! Ria's knowledgeable, attentive, and had me flying on day 2 — my friends were so impressed!”
Jordan Bohinc
Beginner course
“The last flight over the dunes with a view of the ocean… It was simply amazing! Thanks, Ria!”
Daan Wenger
Beginner course
The pathway to your SAHPA Basic Licence
The beginner course is Phase 1. Phases 2 and 3 follow at your own pace.
Beginner Course — this course
3 sessions. Tandem training, simulator, first solo flights. All gear, transport, SAHPA registration included.
R12,500
Theory & Online Exam
Self-paced online theory course and open-book SAHPA exam. Theory exam preparation is provided at no extra cost as part of Phase 1.
Low cost
Licence Flights
Additional supervised flights to meet SAHPA Basic Licence hour and skill requirements. April–September only. CAA and SAHPA fees (~R2,000) are separate.
~R13,000 + ~R2,000 fees
Total licence pathway: approximately R27,000–R28,000 all-in. Training cost estimator →
What’s included
- 3 tandem training flights (Session 1)
- Ground school and custom simulator training (Session 2)
- Up to 7 supervised solo flights — more if conditions allow (Session 3)
- Full paragliding equipment hire (wing, harness, helmet, reserve)
- Transport to all flying sites
- Site fees at all training locations
- SAHPA membership registration
- Radio communication throughout all flights
- Theory exam preparation for Phase 2 (no extra cost)
Gear costs after Phase 1
Gear hire is included through Phase 1. Used airworthy equipment starts at R20,000–R50,000. New gear is around R80,000. No need to buy before you know you love it. Gear cost guide →
Pricing
All gear, transport, site fees and SAHPA registration included
Where this takes you
A paraglider is an aircraft licence — the most accessible one on earth
Six months from now you could be soaring Signal Hill on a summer afternoon, watching thermals build above the Twelve Apostles. A year in, pilots typically start looking at Porterville mountain flights, the Western Cape’s XC routes, and the competition calendar.
The Basic Licence gets you flying. The Sport Licence gets you flying independently anywhere in South Africa. Beyond that: hike-and-fly expeditions, coastal XC flights, competitions, and destinations that most people only ever see from a plane window.
Your instructor
Ria Moothilal has been in the air since 2004 — accumulating over 1,300 skydives, 200+ BASE jumps, and 2,000+ paragliding flights before founding Air School. With a BSc in Engineering and a background in data science, the approach to instruction is systematic, precise, and built on understanding rather than repetition.
Air School holds a Declared Training Organisation certificate from the SACAA — the highest civilian aviation training accreditation in South Africa. You are not learning to paraglide from a hobby enthusiast. You are being trained by a professional aviation educator with verified credentials.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need any experience to start?
None at all. The beginner course is designed for complete novices. The only requirement is a reasonable level of physical fitness and a willingness to learn.
What happens if the weather is bad on my training day?
We simply reschedule. Sessions are booked around suitable flying conditions — if it's not right on the day, we move it at no extra cost. Cape Town flies year-round and suitable conditions are common even in winter.
Is paragliding safe?
Paragliding has real risks, which is why qualified instruction from a SACAA DTO matters. At Air School, safety is built into the curriculum — not as a disclaimer, but as the foundation. You will understand the risks, how to manage them, and how to make good decisions in the air before you solo.
What fitness level do I need?
You should be able to run short distances, carry a pack, and handle some physical exertion. You do not need to be an athlete. Age is not a barrier — students range from teenagers to retirees.
What do I need to bring?
Comfortable clothes suitable for running, solid shoes or boots (no sandals), sun protection, water, and a light snack. All flying gear is included in the course fee.
Will I definitely fly solo on this course?
Session 3 is a full day dedicated to your first solo flights — up to 7, sometimes more if conditions allow. Progress is student-dependent: if additional preparation is needed before Session 3, that is arranged. The goal is always your first safe solo, not a fixed number of sessions.
What is included in the R12,500 fee?
Everything: full paragliding equipment hire (wing, harness, helmet, reserve), 3 tandem training flights (Session 1), ground school and simulator training (Session 2), up to 7 supervised solo flights (Session 3 — more if conditions allow), site fees, SAHPA membership registration, and transport to all flying sites. Theory exam preparation for Phase 2 is provided at no extra cost.
How much does it cost to get my full SAHPA Basic Licence?
The beginner course (Phase 1) is R12,500. After that, Phase 2 is an online theory course and open-book SAHPA exam — low cost and self-paced. Phase 3 (April–September only) is the additional supervised licence flights; budget around R13,000 for training plus approximately R2,000 for CAA and SAHPA fees. Total licence pathway: roughly R27,000–R28,000 all-in.
What does gear cost once I'm licensed?
Gear hire is included through Phase 1. Once you want your own equipment, used airworthy gear starts around R20,000–R50,000. New gear is around R80,000. There's no rush to buy — you can continue hiring during Phase 3 training. See the gear cost guide linked below.
What licence do I get and what can I do with it?
After completing Phases 1–3 and passing the SAHPA theory exam, you receive a SAHPA Basic Licence. This allows you to fly at any SAHPA-registered site in South Africa under appropriate supervision. The Licensed Pilot Programme then helps you work toward the Sport Licence, which permits fully independent flying at higher-graded sites.
Ready to fly?
Your first solo flight is three sessions away. The beginner course is available year-round — gear, sites, and SAHPA registration all included.
Or call +27 78 095 8136