National Paragliding Pilot Rating System - INDIA

Document Revision History

Compiled By Date Version Remarks

Rohit Kawaley 29/06/2020 Ver. 01 With Contributions/suggestions from :

Gurpreet Dhindsa, CFI-PG Gurukul, Bir

Eric Menezes, CFI-Wings & Flight, Pune
Tanaji Takve, CFI-Paragliding Mantra
Vijay Soni, CFI-Orangelife, Kamshet
Samson D’Silva, CFI-Space Apple, Mumbai
Sanjay Pendurkar – CFI-Indus Paragliding, Kamshet
Debu Choudhury, Experienced Instructor, Manali
Ajay Kumar, Experienced Instructor, Manali
Raghav Sundar 31/08/2020 Ver.02 Formatted document and added introduction and
other sections
 Introduction

This document describes the Paragliding proficiency or Skill levels of the National Paragliding
Rating System – India. These levels are considered equivalent of major systems around the
world and follows the FAI Safepro Para system.

Levels PAI BHPA USHPA APPI

Level 1 (P2) Student Elementary Novice Explore
Level 2 (P3) Novice Club Pilot Intermediate APPI Pilot
Level 3 (P4) Pilot Pilot Advanced Intermediate Pilot
Level 4 (P5) Advanced Pilot Advanced Master Advanced Pilot
Level 5 Sports Tandem Tandem Tandem Instructor Non-Commercial
Pilot Tandem

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 Paraglider Pilots Levels

1. “Introduction to Paragliding” or Level 0:

The main purpose of this non-certificate course is to bring more people into the
sport by letting them experience the joys of free flying without any major time
or financial commitment. This course can be counted towards the tasks needed
to be completed for the “Student” course. In case there is a gap of more than 4
weeks between this course and the “Student” course, refresher days will be
added by the schools as they seem fit. Training excercises must be maintained in
a Logbook and signed off by an Instructor.

This course introduces students to:

i) Theory Knowledge
● Paraglider as an aircraft, how the glider flies, how it is controlled in the
air, etc.

● Introduction to different parts of the paraglider, weight range, etc.

● Basics of airflow in which a new student can fly safely

ii) Ground handling

● Glider layout on the ground

● Forward Inflation with A risers

● Raising sail and control (including aborting take-off): On flat ground

and on slope

iii) Task List for Introduction level

● Equipment routines: Assembly, unfolding sail on ground, moving it

when needed, daily check, adjustment, disassembly

● Packing and unpacking the glider

● Clearing the lines

● Strapping into harness safety checks

● Preflight check: Connections, conditions, visualizing run or flight, clear

area

● Take-off: Sight forward, acceleration and trajectory control, gradual

loading of glider

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 ● Flight control: Correct airspeed and directional control, smooth
corrections

● Landing: Directly into wind, sight forward, ready to run, using glider as
a brake

● Proper PLF emergency landing

2. Level - STUDENT :

The course at this level is intended to create responsible, well aware and safe
student pilots. Some of the tasks listed in this course can be considered
completed if they were completed in the “Introduction to Paragliding” course
within a 4 week period. Instructors will add refresher days if the gap between
courses is longer than that. The instructor shall be convinced that the student is
able to take care of his own and others safety, while altitude gliding within the
recommendations given.

Training excercises must be maintained in a Logbook and signed off by an

Instructor.

i) Minimum Requirement
● Introduction Course where available but not mandatory

ii) Theory content

● How the wing flies, how controls work, under what conditions the
wing stops to fly, wind over surface, concepts of lee and rotor and
basic concept of high and low pressure and how wind flows.

● Nomenclature of paragliding equipment. Adjusting the harness for

comfort and safety. Introduction to different parts of paraglider,
weight range, etc.

● Active Piloting and safe control range for student level.

● Ridge soaring/ Thermal flying traffic rules.

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iii) Ground handling
● Glider layout on the ground with respect to the wind

● Forward Inflation with A risers

● Demonstrating good understanding of controlling the inflation and

keeping the glider above head depending on site and wind conditions

iv) Task List

● Planning: Insight, evaluations and decisions, flight plan, axis, drift,
height, landmarks

● Pre-flight check

● Mental state and stress level awareness, techniques to lower stress

● Take-off: Canopy raising and control, stop-line/decision, acceleration,

liftoff, clearing terrain, transition to sitting position

● Shallow turns: Visual check, gentle to medium bank, drift correction

● Approach: Setting relative to terrain and wind, types of approach,

hands up, straight final, overcoming gradient with speed

● Landing: Aiming towards a preset area, hands up and braking

● After landing: Checking traffic, leaving landing for next pilots

● Daily inspection, preparation, and pre-flight checks (unassisted)

● Pilot should have done minimum 6 flights and at least two flights
without instructor inputs

3. Level - Novice :

The course at this level is intended to create independent soaring pilots. Pilots
having completed NOVICE Level level can fly independently. The Instructor shall
be convinced that the student can take care of his own and others’ safety within
applicable rules and regulations, recommendations and code of good practice,
while operating alone. It is recommended that they fly a minimum of 10 hours in
the company of experienced pilots.

Active flying is maintaining the normal flying mode in turbulent air. It includes
keeping the angle of attack within the limits, managing pitch and roll
movements, preventing and recovering from collapses, tucks and stalls, and
quick descent techniques.

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 Training excercises must be maintained in a Logbook and signed off by an
Instructor.

i) Minimum Requirement
● STUDENT Level Rating

● 6 Flights (with 2 flights without instructor inputs)

ii) Theory Content

● Flight theory: angle of attack, stall, drag and their relationship to
speed, polar curve and speed to fly. Air interaction with wing during
deflations and instabilities like stall and spin.

● Take-off: Stop-line awareness and decision before accelerating for

take-off

● Pitch and roll control: Simulation and dampening swings (stabilizing

the glider), speed bar

● Big ears: Collapsing wingtips, holding them, recovering them; big ears
and weight shift turns; big ears plus speed system; other descending
techniques

● Asymmetric collapse: Like a one side big ear or slightly bigger if

possible – inducing, holding, recovery

● Big ears, effect on angle of attack explained .

● Speed bar use and effect on angle of attack and stability.

● Meteorology theory: deeper discussion into lee side and turbulence

around thermals, cloud types, fronts and associated weather. Also
clarify that clouds can be pure convection clouds too not just from
fronts. Lapse rate and energy in over-developing clouds. Inversion
explained in terms of lapse rate.

● Airspace rules, Ridge soaring/ Thermal flying traffic rules.

iii) Task List

● Demonstrate soaring with outside weight shift with drift control

● Speed control: Minimum sink speed, best glide angle including with
lift/sink or wind.

● Turns: Ordinary speed and at minimum sink, coordinated, no sign of

stall

● Introduction to controlled 360 with bank angle control

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 ● Use of speed bar with big ears

● Roll and pitch, induced and corrected. 360 turns, short of spiral dive

● In mountains where over-development is common. B line stall.

● In dynamic conditions if available top and slope landing.

● Precision approach and landing: Safe and inside an area decided by

the instructor, figure 8 and standard aircraft patterns

4. Level - Pilot:

Soaring involves using updraughts to extend the flight duration, be it flying on a

ridge facing wind or in thermals. At least 25 successful flights from 3 different
sites with 15 flying hours, including thermal soaring. At this stage, the pilot
should be able to take care of his own and others' safety while flying during
displays, demonstrations, and local/friendly competitions.

A student can do this one at time and can get endorsement for each and
complete PILOT Level when the pilot has both endorsements. Also need to
understand air space distribution, air laws and air maps to qualify, as the next
level is XC and this knowledge is required for the next step. PILOT Level exam
will be evaluated by an authorized person from outside the school that student
belongs to and pilots can self study and apply for the exam too however their
Logbook will need to be countersigned by a pilot of higher rating.

i) Minimum Requirement
● NOVICE Level

● 50 hours of flying (10 hours in thermic conditions)

ii) Task List

● Take-off in strong wind, reverse position.

● Manoeuvring in lift band: Figure 8 pattern, drift and gradient

corrections, no sign of stall, manoeuvring according to terrain and
traffic, keeping a good lookout

● Ridge soaring: Best lift zone, best speed along the ridge, managing
priorities, maintaining easy reach of landing options .

● 360° turns: From minimum sink to steep bank, correcting drift

● Thermal soaring: Finding and following thermal cores, choosing exit

direction

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 ● Landing in wind: Positioning according to wind strength, traffic
control, ground handling.

5. Advanced Pilot level :

Pilots should successfully complete an SIV course prior to starting this course. At
this level, pilots should exhibit the ability to remain calm and give the right
inputs (note to instructors: if the pilot is nervous and not in control of their wing,
the level cannot be considered completed). Additionally, pilots need to have
completed a 100km XC flight in mountainous terrains or a 50km XC flight in
flatland. XC Distances may be re-quantified according to the standard of
difficulty at each site. Pilots should exhibit a clear understanding of the
aerodynamics of the wing in all conditions. They should also have a clear
understanding of when conditions are getting unsuitable to fly safely.

i) Minimum Requirement
● PILOT Level

● 100 flying hours

● SIV course

● Minimum qualifying distance in a slngle XC flight (60km in Bir, 35

Panchgani, 25 Vagamon)

ii) Task List

● Choosing the best launch with regard to the weather analysis

● Taking off with less than ideal conditions, managing traffic

● Ease to turn both directions in a thermal, alone or in traffic

● Sustaining flight in very weak conditions while maintaining a good

safety margin (close to terrain, with limited landing fields, in glider
traffic, etc.)

● Thermalling in strong wind while maintaining safety with drift and

elusive lift

● Using the MacCready theory, choosing thermal exit time and speed to
fly

● Thermalling in gaggles: This practice should be acquired gradually,

with first one, then more pilots at the learner’s level

● Managing:

Ø Accelerated asymmetric collapse

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 Ø Amplified pitch with dampening, with front collapse, amplified
roll
Ø Autorotation, stall

● Choosing the best landing field while in flight and setting up a

precision approach for a short field with possible barriers

● Landing with other gliders at the same time

6. Sports Tandem Level :

This rating shows that the Pilot has mastered the specific skills needed to fly a
tandem Paraglider. Pilot must have completed his “PILOT Level” certification
successfully and should complete the SIV course in next 6 months or 50 tandem
flights. Pilot should attend a “Tandem Clinic” to learn about legal obligations,
soft skills, safety focus, etc.

i) Minimum Requirement
● PILOT Level

● Pilot should have flown in 5 different sites with at least 100 hours and
100 flights after completing his NOVICE level.

● Pilot should have completed a first aid training course from a reputed
organization.

● Tandem Clinic organized by PAI

ii) Task List

● Pilot should display thoroughness in securing themselves and the
passenger to the tandem glider. Pilot should demonstrate rigorous
and verbal safety check before actual takeoff.

● Pilot should ensure securing helmets for both the passenger and self
and reserve installation during every flight.

● Pilot should demonstrate the ability to brief the passenger regarding

the flying conditions, and explain the flight plan to them. Pilots must
also practice and demonstrate the appropriate soft skills needed to
put anxious passengers at ease.

● Pilot should demonstrate controlled inflation and takeoff in different

wind conditions.

● Pilot should demonstrate the ability to be alert regarding the

passenger's mental state. Soft skills must also be practiced to relax

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 anxious passengers mid-flight and make small talk to improve the
flying experience.

● Pilot should be able to adapt his landing style to different wind

conditions keeping the safety of the passenger in mind.

● Pilot should understand different glider trim settings and the right
settings for suitable conditions.

● Pilot should have good knowledge regarding this glider trim check and
recognize when it needs periodic health checks.

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 Standard Operating Procedure for Rating of Pilots
1. TRAINEE PILOT SCENARIO

1.1 Trainee joins a school for the Student Level and starts training. The
schools complete all the pre-training formalities which will now also
include application of AS membership of PAI (Full Annual membership
optional).

1.2 The membership card gets prepared online in which rating will be added
after the successful completion of the level and the soft copy of the card
will be emailed to the student.

2. QUICK VIEW OF THE PROCESS:

2.1 STUDENT Level / NOVICE Level:

2.1.1 Fill in PAI AS membership form (and other requirements/documents)

2.1.2 Level Task Sheet (LTS) to be filled up as per the Task completion

2.1.3 LTS to be handed over to the student on completion of NOVICE Level

2.1.4 School to fill up and retain Training Completion Record (TCR) for their
records (refer all related documents for details)

2.1.5 School to conduct the Theory test for the level

2.1.6 School to issue Rating and inform PAI to be added to the membership
card.

2.2 PILOT Level:

2.2.1 Fill in PAI Annual membership form if not already members (and other
requirements/documents)

2.2.2 Verification/Declaration of Currently held pilot level skills if not from

same school

2.2.3 LTS to be filled as per task completion

2.2.4 LTS to be handed over to the student.

2.2.5 School to fill up and retain TCR.

2.2.6 School to conduct the Theory test (online or offline if online not possible)
for the concerned level

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2.2.7 School to recommend the Rating and inform PAI for it to be added to the
membership card.

2.2.8 The Schools’s recommendation is countersigned by a second CFI after

verification

2.3 Advanced Pilot Level

2.3.1 Fill in PAI Annual membership form (and other requirements/documents)

if not already a member

2.3.2 Verification/Declaration of Currently held pilot level skills if not from

same school

2.3.3 LTS to be filled as per task completion

2.3.4 LTS to be handed over to the student upon completion of course

2.3.5 School to fill up and retain TCR.

2.3.6 Student to take Online (offline if not possible) Theory test for the
concerned level

2.3.7 School to recommend the Rating and inform PAI for it to be added to the
membership card.

2.3.8 The Schools’s recommendation is countersigned by a second CFI after

verification

2.4 Sports Tandem Level

2.4.1 Fill in PAI Annual membership form (and other requirements/documents)

if not already a member

2.4.2 Verification/Declaration of Currently held pilot level skills if not from

same school. Advanced Pilot Level is a must for applying for Sports
Tandem Level.

2.4.3 LTS to be filled as per task completion

2.4.4 LTS to be handed over to the student upon completion of course

2.4.5 School to fill up and retain TCR.

2.4.6 Student to take Online (offline if not possible) Theory test for the
concerned level

2.4.7 School to recommend the Rating and inform PAI for it to be added to the
membership card.

2.4.8 The Schools’s recommendation is countersigned by a second CFI after

verification

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3. GENERAL INFORMATION

3.1 All PAI cards will also display the Pilot’s current Rated level.

3.2 The application can be filled up online on the PAI website

3.3 Membership cards will only be issued by PAI (softcopy emailed directly to
the student).

3.4 Ratings are awarded by the CFI of the concerned schools up to NOVICE
Level and 2 CFI signatures are required for higher levels

3.5 The LTS shall be retained by the trainee pilot. This will serve as a
universal record and proof of the student's training for any other
school/association and applying for higher Rating

3.6 Schools to maintain and submit a copy of a training record for each
student, which can be linked to membership number.

3.7 The training record will include copies of Logbook, task sheet for the
level, training completion record for each student duly signed by CFI

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 Rating Fees and charges

Fee Structure for Rating Cards

1st
Rating card Assessment Reassessment
Level fee fee** Renewal Fee fee** Membership Req
L1 - STUDENT 200 200 PAI AS*
L2 - NOVICE 200 500 PAI Annual
L3 - Pilot 500 500 PAI Annual
L4 - Advance Pilot 500 500 PAI Annual
L5 - Sports Tandem 1000 1000 PAI Annual

*PAI AS membership will be issued only by schools to students at

Rs 100

** Assessment fee to be charged by the school conducting practical / task assesment and may include number
of days required to complete and corresponding charges.

PAI rating fee to be paid to PAI for all levels under all below scenarios.

As for the Assessment fee :

Scenario 1. All levels - students doing courses at schools - no assessment fee as they are
paying for the course which includes assessment. If students return after a gap for
reassessment then the schools charge a fee.

Scenario 2 : students coming from other schools or informal training etc schools charge a
fee for 1st assessment and reassessment.

Scenario 3 :

Schools to maintain and submit a copy of a training record for each student which can be
linked to membership number. The training record can include copies of Logbook, task
sheet for the level, training completion record for each student duly signed by CFI.

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 List of PAI Affiliated Schools
Name of School Location CFI
Paragliding Mantra Kamshet, Maharashtra Tanaji Takve
Indus Paragliding Kamshet, Maharashtra Sanjay Pendurkar
PG Gurukul Bir, Himachal Pradesh Gurpreet Dhindsa
Wings and Flight Pune, Maharashtra Eric Menezes
Space Apple Virar, Maharashtra Samson D’silva
Orangelife Kamshet, Maharashtra Vijay Soni
Big Air Paragliding Manali, Himachal Pradesh Ajay Kumar Sharma

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 Experienced Pilots Rating Scheme
This is a one time scheme to offer a fast track pilot rating for Basic and Advanced Pilot Levels

Pilots who have been flying since a few years after completing their training and who have
demonstrable specific skill sets required of the Basic or Advanced Pilots levels may apply for
a Rating commensurate to their experience and training.

NOVICE Level (old P3)

Minimum Age 18
Minimum hours 15 (Log required)
Minimum Number of flights : 30 (Log required)
A short theory exam of 5-10 questions
Equivalence : None of the above details are required If the applicant holds a P3 Rating of
BHPA, FFVL, SHA, USHPA etc, PAI rating will be issued against the currently held rating.
Acceptability of the rating will be subject to Technical Committee’s approval.

PILOT Level (Old P4)

Minimum Age : 18 Years

Minimum hours 60 (Log required)
Minimum Number of flights : 60 (Log required)
A short theory exam of 5-10 questions
Equivalence : None of the above details are required If the applicant holds a P4 Rating of
BHPA, FFVL, SHA, USHPA etc, PAI rating will be issued against the currently held rating.
Acceptability of the rating will be subject to Technical Committee’s approval.

Advanced Pilot Level (Old P5)

SIV (Proof of successful completion required)

SIV done in India with Gurpreet Dhindsa, Debu Chowdhury and Tanaji Takve will be
accepted any other will need to be verified for validity. SIV done with well known
International instructors like Jocky Sanderson will be accepted any other instructor will need
to be verified for validity
Minimum hours 200 (Log required)
Minimum Number of flights : 120 (Log required)
Thermalling or XC courses attended if any
3-5 XC flights from 3 different sites.
Qualifying XC distances : Bir – 50 km, Panchgani - 30km, Vagamon – 20 km (xc flights done
at other sites will be evaluated on a case to case basis.
A short theory exam of 5-10 questions
Equivalence : None of the above details are required If the applicant holds a P5 Rating of
BHPA, FFVL, SHA, USHPA etc, PAI rating will be issued against the currently held rating.
Acceptability of the rating will be subject to Technical Committee’s approval.

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Procedure :

Pilots apply directly to PAI using the digital form

Submit proof of flying hours should be signed or vouched for by one of our CFIs
Submit digital track for XC flights
Submit a certificate or an email confirmation from SIV Instructor
Two CFI signoff for the skill level for P5 and above

Will need to clear a short Theory test online or Offline in the presence of a CFI. This can be
waived if a theory exam of the same level has been cleared by the applicant not more than
24 months

Equivalence : If a pilot holding any other well known Rating wants to get the PAI rating,
then an equivalent PAI rating will be issued just on the basis of the proof of Rating
submitted provided the rating held is valid at the time of application.

Levels PAI BHPA USHPA APPI

Level 1 Student – P2 Elementary Novice Explore
Level 2 Novice – P3 Club Intermediate APPI Pilot
Level 3 Pilot – P4 Pilot Advanced Intermediate Pilot
Level 4 Advance Pilot – P5 Advanced Master Advanced Pilot
Sports Tandem Pilot Tandem Tandem Instructor Non-Commercial
Tandem

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