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The BHPA Club Pilot course builds on your Elementary Pilot training and focuses on practical, decision-making, and site assessment skills. Your school will tailor the training to suit local topography and conditions, but a typical syllabus includes:
All training is conducted under the guidance of BHPA-licensed instructors. Once you’ve demonstrated consistent, safe flying and passed the assessments, you’ll be awarded your Club Pilot certificate.
Guides and stories related to this certification.
Become an independent pilot with the BHPA Club Pilot qualification. Learn about the course’s duration, prerequisites, advanced syllabus, popular UK locations for training, assessment criteria, and the freedom this qualification unlocks
Discover paragliding with the BHPA’s Elementary Pilot qualification. Learn about the course duration, prerequisites, detailed syllabus, popular training locations, assessment criteria, and what this exciting qualification enables you to do.
Completing your BHPA Club Pilot certification allows you to fly unsupervised at BHPA-affiliated club sites, provided a club coach is present to offer site guidance. It’s the minimum level required to join a BHPA club and begin developing your flying experience independently. You’ll be able to make basic site and weather assessments, plan safe flights, and manage landings in varied conditions. This level is not suitable for flying in unfamiliar locations or challenging conditions—those require Pilot or Advanced Pilot ratings. However, Club Pilot opens the door to regular, independent flying within your club and is the essential next step in your paragliding journey. Many pilots stay at Club Pilot level while building confidence and airtime before progressing further. Once qualified, you’ll also be eligible to take part in novice-level coaching sessions, club events, and trips.
Most Club Pilot courses take between 5 to 10 days, depending on weather conditions and student progression. Some schools offer intensive formats, while others allow training over weekends. All training is weather-dependent, so flexibility is helpful.
The BHPA Club Pilot rating is awarded through continuous assessment by your instructor during the course. There’s no formal exam, but you’ll need to demonstrate consistent control during take-offs, controlled turns, and landings. You’ll also need to show sound theory knowledge—including flight principles, meteorology, and air law. Expect to complete around 20–25 high flights under supervision, with gradual progression to more complex flying conditions. Your instructor will monitor your development and only sign you off when they’re confident in your competence and safety awareness. All training follows the official BHPA Club Pilot syllabus.
Quick answers about this qualification. For anything else, use live chat or browse bookable activities below.
Find activitiesThe BHPA Club Pilot rating is the second stage of paragliding training under the British Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association (BHPA). Once completed, it allows you to fly unsupervised at BHPA-affiliated clubs, within the limits of your training. You'll have the skills and knowledge to make safe flying decisions and handle a glider competently in a range of conditions.
Yes, the BHPA Elementary Pilot (EP) is a prerequisite for the Club Pilot course. The EP covers essential groundwork, basic glider control and early flights. Once that’s completed, you progress to the Club Pilot stage, where you gain more flight time and learn to fly independently under radio instruction.
Most people complete the Club Pilot course in around 8–12 days, depending on weather conditions and personal progression. Some schools offer intensive courses, while others allow flexible scheduling. Remember, paragliding is weather-dependent—patience is key. You’ll need consistent flying days to build your skills safely and confidently.
The Club Pilot syllabus includes essential theory such as meteorology, flight dynamics, air law, and site assessment. These topics help you understand how to fly safely and make good decisions in changing conditions. Your instructor will teach theory alongside practical flying, and you’ll be expected to apply this knowledge during your flights.
Yes, once you’ve earned your Club Pilot rating, you can fly unsupervised at BHPA-registered sites, within the scope of your training. This typically means flying in moderate conditions at familiar sites. You’ll still be encouraged to fly with others and continue learning, but you won’t need an instructor present every time.
Not necessarily. Many schools provide all necessary gear—glider, harness, helmet, and radio—during training. However, if you're looking to continue flying after qualification, it's a good idea to start thinking about your own kit. Instructors can advise on what suits your ability and budget. Always use certified equipment maintained to BHPA standards.
The BHPA Club Pilot is well respected internationally, especially in countries with a similar club structure. However, some locations may require additional assessments or local briefings. Always check with the local authorities or schools before flying abroad. An IPPI card (International Pilot Proficiency Information) can help bridge gaps between national systems.
Once qualified, you can join a local BHPA-affiliated club and start logging independent flights. Many pilots continue their development through coaching, joining trips, or progressing to the Pilot rating. Adventuro’s expert instructors can help you find next steps—from gear advice to specialist training like thermalling or cross-country flying.
Absolutely! Adventuro works with trusted BHPA schools across the UK. You can browse locations, read reviews, and book directly through our platform. Whether you're looking for a local option or a residential course in a scenic flying area, adventuro makes it easy to find the right fit for your goals and schedule.