Elementary Pilot (EP) Paragliding Training Course

Begin your paragliding training with our BHPA Elementary Pilot (EP) Course at Mid Wales
Paragliding Centre. To start, we build strong basics with ground school and hands-on ground handling.
After that, you’ll move on to closely supervised solo flights, so you improve launches, turns and
landing accuracy step by step. Finally, you’ll complete the key theory sessions and, as a result,
sit the EP multiple-choice exam with confidence.

Along the way, the course follows a clear, progressive syllabus to support safe decisions.
Because conditions matter, we focus on weather awareness, site choice and good airmanship throughout.
In addition, your instructors give regular feedback, so you know exactly what to work on next.

SAVE £700 On the CP course add our equipment + Training Package

Not ready to commit to a full course yet? Instead, start with a
1 Day Taster or our
2 Day Taster.
Alternatively, browse all options here:
Paragliding Courses.

Paragliding is a form of aviation and involves risk. For that reason, please read our
Information & BHPA membership page before attending.

What to Expect

This EP paragliding training course takes you from the basics to supervised solo flying.
In short, you will build skills in a safe, structured way. In particular, you can expect:

1. Ground school: Equipment basics, site choice, suitable weather and the theory of flight.
2. Ground handling: Wing control skills, including kiting, launch prep and canopy management.
3. Supervised solo flights: Progress from first hops to higher flights and, over time, improve launches, turns and landings.
4. Flight planning: Assess conditions and, as needed, choose safer options and plan landings.
5. Theory and exam: Cover principles of flight, meteorology and airmanship and, then, complete the EP multiple-choice exam.

Now, here is a simple outline of what is covered on the BHPA EP course:

Getting Started (Day 1)

• Welcome and orientation: First, we introduce the course structure and training plan.
• Safety briefing: Next, we cover equipment basics, weather factors and emergency procedures.
• Theory session: Then we review site selection, suitable conditions and the theory of flight.
• Ground handling skills: After that, you practise wing control, kiting and launch preparation with coaching.
• First solo flights: Finally, you complete closely supervised take-offs and landings to apply your ground skills in the air.

Building Confidence (Day 2)

• Solo flight progression: To begin, you consolidate early flights and start introducing turns.
• More ground handling: In addition, you improve consistency, control and launch technique.
• Flight planning: Meanwhile, you cover route/landing options and basic weather assessment.

Improving Skills (Day 3)

• Skills consolidation: First, you refine ground handling and canopy control (as conditions allow).
• Solo flying practice: Next, you progress turns up to 180 degrees and, at the same time, work on defined-area landings and unassisted take-offs.
• Flight evaluation: Finally, you receive personalised feedback so you can improve technique and safety.

Theory and Qualification (Day 4)

• Principles of flight: First, you cover basic aerodynamics and the forces acting on a paraglider.
• Meteorology: Next, you learn how temperature, pressure, wind and clouds affect conditions.
• Airmanship: Then, you review daily checks, pre-flight checks, BHPA rules and good practice.
• EP exam: Finally, you sit the multiple-choice theory exam.

Why Choose Our EP Paragliding Training

• Certified instructors: Experienced BHPA-qualified coaching, so you progress safely and steadily.
• Progressive learning: A structured syllabus that builds skills step by step.
• Hands-on training: Practical coaching throughout; therefore, learning is fast and consistent.
• Safety emphasis: Clear briefings, close supervision and regular feedback, so you can make better decisions.

What’s Included

• Paragliding equipment: Wing, harness, helmet and associated training kit.
• Course materials: Manuals and supporting resources.

BHPA Links (External)

• BHPA Learn to Fly
• BHPA Registered Schools
• BHPA Elementary Pilot Training Guide (PDF)
• BHPA Documents and Syllabi

Next Steps

Afterwards, most pilots progress to the next BHPA rating. For example, you can view our
Club Pilot (CP) Course.
Or, if you prefer, browse the full range of
Paragliding Courses.

If you’d like more detail on the BHPA and how the rating scheme works, then see our
BHPA information page.