BHPA Advanced Pilot: the top paragliding rating
The exact BHPA Advanced Pilot requirements for paraglider pilots: 100 hours, cross-country flights, SIV and more.
In this guide
- What it is: The BHPA's top rating, for the above-average pilot who is a total master of their wing.
- What you need first: The Pilot rating.
- What you'll learn: Wider conditions, more wings, more environments and advanced glider control.
- Cost: £20 for the rating (BHPA fees, 1 April 2026). Your SIV course is priced separately by whoever runs it.
- What's next: Pilot track: the FAI Eagle badges, which the BHPA points to beyond AP. Teaching track: Instructor, which needs the Pilot rating.
Think 100km thermal flights, four different wings and an SIV course.
All pilots must
- Gain broad experience in a wide range of conditions.
- Log experience on a range of models (at least four for paragliding).
- Log 100 hours.
- Complete a cross-country flight of at least 100km using thermal lift.
- Pass the BHPA Advanced Pilot theory exam (same syllabus as the Pilot exam).
- Gain experience in another environment, such as tow, hill, aerotow or power.
- Attend a BHPA Club Coach course.
- Show good airmanship and the right attitude.
Paraglider pilots also must
- Complete an Advanced Glider Control (SIV) course: asymmetric collapses (including accelerated), spin, spiral dives, stall and pitch.
- Fly a defined cross-country of at least 40km, out and return or triangle, using thermal lift.
- Land accurately and consistently: 3 landings within 10m.
The BHPA also expects PG candidates to handle crosswind launches of up to 45° in light winds, strong-wind launches (the cobra), the speed system, rear-riser steering and turbulence, plus lots of mountain and dynamic soaring.
The BHPA says AP is equivalent to stage 5 of the FAI Para Pro and Safe Pro (IPPI) schemes. There's no AP rating for powered flight, acro, parascending or speed flying.
Source: Advanced Pilot Tasks, Pilot Rating Scheme, BHPA Fees and Technical Manual (Amendment 24), BHPA, checked October 2026.
Governing body: British Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association (BHPA). It sets the UK safety standards and training awards for paragliding, so it's the official place to find out more.
Typical prices, checked October 2026. The club or coach sets and bills the price.
The club map lists some of the UK clubs for this sport. It is a starting point, so check with the club before you travel. To have a coach found for you, use the enquiry form.
