Paragliding Licence Course

Istra has perfect conditions for learning how to fly. We have abundance of student friendly training sites and hill launches facing almost every wind direction, all within an hours drive. The soft mediterranean climate enables us to fly all year round. 

The Paragliding School Chief Flight Instructor Airie has started paragliding in 1996 and has since accumulated thousands of hours of airtime, making him one of the most experienced paragliding pilots in Croatia.
​The course is incorporating the latest PG techniques, giving the student access to the most efficient and quickest way of learning how to Paraglide in the safest way possible. Through daily practice and progression the Student develops the ability to fly the paraglider without needing to think about what needs to be done. The course helps the participant develop the right muscle memory, enabling active and intelligent handling of the paraglider. It's like martial arts timing - instantaneous, bypassing the mind's need to analyse things, enabling the practitioner to be fully present in that moment of time.

Before the start of the course the Student needs to obtain a LAPL medical certificate.

2025 Date: 31st May - 13th June

Our two weeks Paragliding course Overview and Progression - All aspects of our course are conducted on site !

• Introduction to the Sport : License legals, Rules and regulations, course overview etc.
• Equipment explained : All aspects and parts of the glider and harness are explained in a detailed session.
• Ground Handling : Forward and Reverse Launch, learning to "kite" the glider in varying wind conditions.
• Training Hill Flights : A shallow (low) slope is used to gain confidence at take-off and landings before moving on to the High Flights stage.
• Tandem High Flights : We are one of the few schools that includes Tandem Flights prior to a student's first solo High Flight. This improves confidence and introduces various types of landing approach and some aspects of ridge soaring and thermaling.
• Solo High Flights : From 550m Raspadalica take off or 163m Kastelir take off under full radio control to safely guide you all the way. One of the most rewarding experiences you can have to fly solo for the first time from a high mountain.
• Landing Approaches : Depending on conditions and situation 2 types of landing approaches are used: "standard landing circuit" and "figure 8" (base leg).
• Ridge Soaring : Using the upward wind flow over a hill, ridge or cliff to soar in dynamic lift.
• Thermaling : We are one of the few schools that actively teach you in theory and practice how to fly in thermal lift  (created by columns of hot air rising) within the novice license course. A much needed skill for those interested in XC flying.
• Big Ears : a height loss and stability manoeuvre. An important licence requirement.
• Rear Riser Steering : a method used in case the brake lines are jammed or inoperable due to knots or broken lines.
• Speed System : Understanding how to connect and use the speed system.
• Emergencies : A thorough progression through theoretical understanding of practical applications of emergency situations, explaining glider's behaviour, and the correct pilot input for a safe exit.
• Top Landing : towards the end of the course when you have gained sufficient skills and the conditions are suitable we may guide you to land back on top of the hill on or near the launch area. It is an intermediate level skill.
• Cross Country (XC) Theory : Learning how to use thermal lift allows you to eventually fly XC which is the aim of many that take to the skies in a paraglider. 
• Theory Lessons & Theory exam: Approx. 13hrs of real classroom theory covering all the minimum topics required and a whole lot more that no other schools teach. An 80 question theory exam needs to be passed at the end of the 2nd week. 
• Practical Exam: A practical exam needs to be passed at the end of the 2nd week.

 

• Included Extras - additional important skills noted above (that most other schools don't do) include : top landings (only in suitable conditions), detailed emergency situations theory, basic thermaling and cross country (XC) theory tuition.
• Tuition can be conducted in English, German, Croatian and Slovenian language.​

2025 Date: 31st May - 13th June

Costs:
The price of the course is €2200.

There are 3 additional costs to outside parties: 
1. Medical examination LAPL, needs to be done before the course start, 
2. The practical exam cost is paid on the day of the practical exam to examiners (€35 plus travelling cost of €0.50 per km for them to come out)
3. Licence issuing fee to the CCAA - €35.

I will never forget that feeling when my feet left the ground for the first time.