Learning to paraglide in the UK: how to get started

Paragliding is about as close as most of us will get to flying like a bird: no engine, just a fabric wing, a harness and the air moving over the hills. But hang gliders and paragliders are fully fledged aircraft, and the British Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association (BHPA) says carefully structured professional training is essential if serious accidents are to be avoided. Here's how to start the right way.

Start with a BHPA registered school

In the UK, the BHPA oversees pilot and instructor training standards for hang gliding and paragliding, and supports a network of registered schools and recreational clubs. The BHPA says initial training must be undertaken at a BHPA registered school.

The standard you're expected to reach is the same at every school. What varies is the training programme and method, which depend on the type of wing, the launch method and the weather on the day.

The BHPA website has a "Find a School" search by postcode.

Try it first

If you're not sure paragliding is for you, you don't have to commit to a full course straight away. The BHPA says most schools offer a one-day taster course. You'll apply online for BHPA One Day Introductory Membership when you arrive, and it's only valid on the day it's issued, so don't apply the night before.

How training works

Training is progressive, and each stage builds on the one before.

Ground handling. First you'll learn to control the wing on the ground. The BHPA notes this "isn't as easy as it looks".

First flights. Next you'll learn to take off and land correctly. Your first flights will be in a straight line, only a few feet above the ground.

Higher flights and turns. Once you can safely and confidently get into the air and down again, your instructor will move you to take-off points higher up the hill. The extra height lets you learn to turn.

Theory. You'll also cover a limited amount of flying theory, usually fitted in around the practical flying, and complete a simple exam paper.

The training milestones

The BHPA's Pilot Rating Scheme has one progress award and then three ratings:

• Elementary Pilot (EP). Your school awards this during training to mark the end of the introductory stage and show you're ready for further school training. The BHPA says a few days of practice should see you well on your way to completing the EP tasks.
• Club Pilot (Novice) (CP). This marks the end of formal instruction and qualifies you to leave the school and fly within BHPA member clubs. You're still a relative novice at this point.
• Pilot and Advanced Pilot are the ratings that follow.

You can also learn in an airfield environment, using a winch to tow you into the air. The BHPA says this training takes less time, and you can convert to hill flying later if you choose. Ask schools which method they use and what it means for where you'll be able to fly afterwards.

Weather, time and patience

UK weather can ground training. The BHPA notes you won't train in pouring rain, and low cloud over the hills can have the same effect. Courses can end up spread over several days or weekends, so be flexible about dates.

Ask schools how they handle unflyable days, how long students typically take to complete each stage, and whether the price covers training to a milestone or a fixed number of days.

Age and fitness

By law, you must be at least 14 before you can attempt solo flight, and BHPA schools often set their own higher minimum, often around 16. There's no real upper age limit as long as you're reasonably fit. The BHPA says you should be fit and active, with good co-ordination, and there's plenty of walking involved. No medical examination is required, but see the health advice in the safety box above.

Insurance and membership

The BHPA says students under instruction at a registered school carry £5 million third-party insurance, included in BHPA membership (as of September 2026). If you want personal or travel insurance, get it from an independent insurance broker.

Kit and clothing

Don't rush to buy a wing. The BHPA encourages trainees to get in touch with their local club early, partly so they can get advice on the right gear to buy. Ask your school what equipment it provides during training.

For training days, the BHPA recommends:

• light, warm layers under a windproof, plus a waterproof jacket;
• warm gloves in cooler weather;
• flexible hill-walking boots without lacing hooks (hooks can snag lines), or trainers with ankle support in summer;
• your own food and drink, as training sites are often far from cafés and toilets.

Choosing a school

When comparing schools, ask:

• where they train, and whether they teach on a hill or with a winch tow;
• how many students each instructor looks after;
• what the course price includes, and what happens if the weather is poor;
• whether they have links with local clubs for when you qualify.

After Club Pilot

Getting your Club Pilot rating isn't the end of learning. You'll join a BHPA recreational club, where club coaches take over signing off your tasks and help you work towards your Pilot rating. The BHPA says you should hold the Pilot rating before flying cross-country.

Ready to take off?

Start by finding a BHPA registered school on the BHPA website. Our club map currently shows BHPA recreational clubs rather than schools, so use it to find your local club once your training is under way. If you would like help finding a coach, ESP can match you. The fee is £29.99. Nothing is charged when you send the form. The coach's own fees are separate. We refund the fee if we cannot provide a coach, or if your health means you cannot train. If the student is under 18, we need a guardian's consent, we contact that guardian, and the guardian travels with them.