Melbourne Paragliding is the only Melbourne based Paragliding School (Flight Training Facility). We have perfect conditions for learning how to fly and abundance of student friendly training sites and hill launches facing almost every wind direction. Depending on the weather conditions we can use the W coast, the E coast and inland sites around Melbourne, offering a variety of possibilities for paragliding. Due to this fact we never had to postpone or reschedule a course so far. In Australia most pilots fly both coastal and inland sites. Each type of flying requires different skill sets. In the Licence course supervised by two certified Instructors you will get both. We are using the latest methods enabling a fast progression from the very first step onward.
Our course dates and availability can be found below.
Our course dates and availability can be found below.
9 days licence course
$2100 For dates see below. |
Skydiving (or HG) to Paragliding conversion
$1800* (*for current Skydivers and HG pilots only. Min experience conditions apply as listed below) |
Outside course dates tuition*
$350 per day ( *Also Licence upgrades and Advanced one-on-one courses listed below) |
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Courses for licensed pilots:
PG licence upgrades: PG3, PG4, PG5, Check Flights & Overseas Licence Conversions |
Advanced Courses: Thermalling, XC (Beginner & Advanced), Speedwing, Tandem Pilot |
Other Pilot Endorsements: VHF, Oxygen |
9 Days Full Licence Course
The course is both physically and mentally very intensive. Think of it as a paragliding boot camp. It is incorporating the latest PG techniques, giving you access to the most efficient and quickest way of learning how to Paraglide in the safest way possible. Through daily practice and skill progression you will develop the ability to fly the paraglider in a relaxed and competent manner. The course helps you develop the right muscle memory, enabling active and intelligent control of the paraglider. Our courses are limited to 10 participants per course to give you maximal instructor to student attention. Basic English language skills are required to partake on the course.
Progression:
On day one we meet at 8:30am and cover the introduction to the sport. You will familiarise yourself with the equipment and all parts of the glider and harness in a detailed session.
After the intro session we hit the paddock where you will learn how to kite (ground-handle) the glider safely and efficiently on the ground. For that we use both coastal and inland sites.
In the afternoon we take you to a low hill where you do your first solo flights from a low hill. That enables you to learn how to take off and land the paraglider confidently.
The second day will see you upgrading your ground-handling skills with the reverse launching technique. We continue honing your launching and landing skills on a low hill. In the afternoon, if the weather conditions are suitable, we will take you up in a tandem to prepare you for your first solo high flights. We are one of few Flying Schools who do this. In the air you will take control of the glider under supervision of the instructor. If enough time you will do your first solo flight.
Next days consist of multiple high flights from various sites depending on the weather. We use both coastal and inland sites. At inland sites you learn how to use thermal lift, which is invaluable skill to be able to fly Cross Country (XC) later on. Most pilots in Australia will fly both inland and coastal. Having the skills to do both straight out of the Course is invaluable and will give you great confidence.
Progression:
On day one we meet at 8:30am and cover the introduction to the sport. You will familiarise yourself with the equipment and all parts of the glider and harness in a detailed session.
After the intro session we hit the paddock where you will learn how to kite (ground-handle) the glider safely and efficiently on the ground. For that we use both coastal and inland sites.
In the afternoon we take you to a low hill where you do your first solo flights from a low hill. That enables you to learn how to take off and land the paraglider confidently.
The second day will see you upgrading your ground-handling skills with the reverse launching technique. We continue honing your launching and landing skills on a low hill. In the afternoon, if the weather conditions are suitable, we will take you up in a tandem to prepare you for your first solo high flights. We are one of few Flying Schools who do this. In the air you will take control of the glider under supervision of the instructor. If enough time you will do your first solo flight.
Next days consist of multiple high flights from various sites depending on the weather. We use both coastal and inland sites. At inland sites you learn how to use thermal lift, which is invaluable skill to be able to fly Cross Country (XC) later on. Most pilots in Australia will fly both inland and coastal. Having the skills to do both straight out of the Course is invaluable and will give you great confidence.
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In the duration of the course we do a minimum of 30 flights but aim to do as many as possible (to get your confidence and skill levels way above minimum), starting from easy glides, concentrating on launching and landing, then progressing with ridge soaring and thermaling flights, which can last over an hour.
In the Full Licence Course you will learn basic techniques like "Big Ears", rear riser steering, and the use of the speed system. If conditions allow it you will also be introduced to advanced techniques like top landing and thermaling, naturally under radio guidance of your instructors. Paragliding is a weather dependent sport and our locations are chosen relative to the weather forecast the evening before the training day. |
PG2 requirements as per the SAFA Operational Manual
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Getting ready at Mt. Broughton
Theory:
During the duration of the course we have approx. 20 hrs of classroom theory covering all the minimum topics required and more. Theory is also covered on site in the natural flying environment combining your practical skills with the necessary theoretical understanding of the flying process. A large session is dedicated to emergency situations, the glider's reaction, correct pilot input and safe exit. At the end of the course there is an 80 question theory exam.
After passing the course you will attain a SAFA a "PG2" Rating, which allows you to fly solo at any PG2 rated site anywhere in Australia and Internationally. At higher rated & more difficult sites will need supervision for your own safety. You will leave our Full Licence Course as a confident pilot, not just a novice pilot with licence.
During the duration of the course we have approx. 20 hrs of classroom theory covering all the minimum topics required and more. Theory is also covered on site in the natural flying environment combining your practical skills with the necessary theoretical understanding of the flying process. A large session is dedicated to emergency situations, the glider's reaction, correct pilot input and safe exit. At the end of the course there is an 80 question theory exam.
After passing the course you will attain a SAFA a "PG2" Rating, which allows you to fly solo at any PG2 rated site anywhere in Australia and Internationally. At higher rated & more difficult sites will need supervision for your own safety. You will leave our Full Licence Course as a confident pilot, not just a novice pilot with licence.
9 day License Course Inclusions :
All flying Equipment (glider, harness, helmet) is included.
Additional days of group based instruction after the 9 days Licence Course are included and will be scheduled if needed due to bad weather.
For those who are slow at picking up the skills due to various physical limitations and are not at a license level after the completion of the 9 days course there is a charge of $350/day for additional instruction (Private course tuition fee).
A $400 credit voucher towards buying yourself a set of new equipment (glider, harness, reserve). Second hand equipment is also available*.
*subject to availability.
All flying Equipment (glider, harness, helmet) is included.
Additional days of group based instruction after the 9 days Licence Course are included and will be scheduled if needed due to bad weather.
For those who are slow at picking up the skills due to various physical limitations and are not at a license level after the completion of the 9 days course there is a charge of $350/day for additional instruction (Private course tuition fee).
A $400 credit voucher towards buying yourself a set of new equipment (glider, harness, reserve). Second hand equipment is also available*.
*subject to availability.
If you haven't flown for a while and feel rusty, free supervised refreshers are offered to our students. For all others, the Refresher course daily tuition fee is $270.
Many schools do not keep supporting a pilot's progression after they have finished the course and got their PG2 pilot certificate. With Melbourne Paragliding however, you will continue being supported when going out flying solo after the course. When you have gathered enough flying skills and experience as a PG2 pilot (with a signed supervised pilot logbook), PG3, PG4, and PG5 endorsements (check flight and exam) are included in your initial course cost.
You will need to join the SAFA before undertaking flight training. The SAFA Student Training Membership is $44 (for 14 days of training over a period of 12 months) and can only be done online via the SAFA's web site. After the completion of the course a full SAFA membership is necessary in order to get your PG2 licence. The full annual 12 months membership is around $350 (pro rata) plus a state levy of $22 - $62 depending on the state you reside in.
The SAFA Student Membership is not included in the course tuition fee.
Course Tuition fee: $2100
A deposit of $250 secures a place in the course.
Cancellations more than 4 weeks prior are refunded in full. Cancellations less than 4 weeks prior to the course start date are not refunded (unless the course was run as full whereby the place was filled on short notice), if cancelled more than 2 weeks prior to the course start they can however be credited towards another course within 12 months. Cancellations less than 2 weeks prior to the course start are non refundable and are non transferable.
Skydiving & HG conversion Course
For Hang gliding pilots and Skydivers wanting to use their current piloting knowledge and experience to convert across to a paragliding certificate. Only possible with a current SAFA or APF qualification:
- HG intermediate licence + 50 hrs of HG airtime or
- APF C licence + 200 Skydiving jumps.
Duration of the course is min 6 days. If additional days are needed to reach the licence requirements a daily tuition fee applies. Licence requirements are the same as the 9 days licence course but we are utilising your existing aeronautical experience and knowledge for faster progression into paragliding.
Call or email to enquire about availability.
Cost: $1800*
*for 6 days training within a 9 days course environment. If additional days are necessary or if outside 9 days licence course dates the Private licence course daily fee applies.
- HG intermediate licence + 50 hrs of HG airtime or
- APF C licence + 200 Skydiving jumps.
Duration of the course is min 6 days. If additional days are needed to reach the licence requirements a daily tuition fee applies. Licence requirements are the same as the 9 days licence course but we are utilising your existing aeronautical experience and knowledge for faster progression into paragliding.
Call or email to enquire about availability.
Cost: $1800*
*for 6 days training within a 9 days course environment. If additional days are necessary or if outside 9 days licence course dates the Private licence course daily fee applies.
Outside Course Dates Tuition
For all who can't afford to commit to the 9 days course at Melbourne Paragliding we are able to tailor your course days according to your needs (and our availability). Everything else applies exactly as in the 9 days Full Licence Course.
The only requirement is that you commit to the first 4 days in one block. We need those 4 days in a row to help you build a solid enough foundation of muscle memory. The remainder of the course can be done with gaps between sessions. The shorter the gaps the better.
Call or email to enquire about availability.
Cost: $350 per day ($320 on days within the 9 days licence course)*
*subject to availability
The only requirement is that you commit to the first 4 days in one block. We need those 4 days in a row to help you build a solid enough foundation of muscle memory. The remainder of the course can be done with gaps between sessions. The shorter the gaps the better.
Call or email to enquire about availability.
Cost: $350 per day ($320 on days within the 9 days licence course)*
*subject to availability
COURSE DATES
9 days Full Licence Course Dates:
2021
November 6th - 14th BOOKED OUT (email to get on the waiting list)
November 20th - 28th 1 last spot available
December 26th - January 3rd BOOKED OUT (email to get on the waiting list)
2022
January 22nd - 30th - spots available
February 19th - 27th - spots available
March 19th - 27th - spots available
April 23rd - May 1st - spots available
May 28th - June 5th - spots available
---winter break---
2021
November 6th - 14th BOOKED OUT (email to get on the waiting list)
November 20th - 28th 1 last spot available
December 26th - January 3rd BOOKED OUT (email to get on the waiting list)
2022
January 22nd - 30th - spots available
February 19th - 27th - spots available
March 19th - 27th - spots available
April 23rd - May 1st - spots available
May 28th - June 5th - spots available
---winter break---
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I will never forget that feeling when my feet left the ground for the first time.
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