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 (please scroll down to see a map of our flying/training locations). 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 require different skill sets. In the Licence course supervised by two certified Instructors we are aiming to give you both, 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
$2300 For dates see below. |
Skydiving (or HG) to Paragliding conversion
$1900* (*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 (Airband radio), 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 the 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 normally 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 couple of detailed sessions.
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.
Once you have achieved sufficient control of the glider on flat ground we take you to a training hill where you do your first low flights. That enables you to learn how to take off and land the paraglider confidently.
Most days will see us starting sometime between 8-9am, finishing at 5-6pm, weather dependent of course.
As you're progressing through the course you will be upgrading your ground-handling skills with the reverse launching technique. We continue honing your launching and landing skills on a low hill. Once you have demonstrated a sufficient number of consistently successful take offs and landings we will take you to one of our high hills for your high flights. Last days of the course 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. In preparation for coastal ridge soaring flights we sometimes take you up in a tandem. This depends on your progression, the weather conditions and your individual needs. We are one of the few Paragliding Schools who do this. In the air you will take control of the glider under supervision of the instructor.
Progression:
On day one we normally 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 couple of detailed sessions.
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.
Once you have achieved sufficient control of the glider on flat ground we take you to a training hill where you do your first low flights. That enables you to learn how to take off and land the paraglider confidently.
Most days will see us starting sometime between 8-9am, finishing at 5-6pm, weather dependent of course.
As you're progressing through the course you will be upgrading your ground-handling skills with the reverse launching technique. We continue honing your launching and landing skills on a low hill. Once you have demonstrated a sufficient number of consistently successful take offs and landings we will take you to one of our high hills for your high flights. Last days of the course 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. In preparation for coastal ridge soaring flights we sometimes take you up in a tandem. This depends on your progression, the weather conditions and your individual needs. We are one of the few Paragliding Schools who do this. In the air you will take control of the glider under supervision of the instructor.
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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. We are meeting at training locations. |
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 days are presently conducted via online sessions. That said, we also cover theory 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 a variety of possible emergency situations, the glider's reaction, and the correct pilot input for safe exit. At the end of the course there is an 80 questions theory exam. Students are also required to complete the PG2 Pilot workbook before being signed off.
After passing the course you will need to join SAFA as a full member to attain the SAFA "PG2" ("Supervised novice pilot") rating, which allows you to fly solo (but under supervision) at any PG2 rated site in Australia and/or overseas.
During the duration of the course we have approx. 20 hrs of classroom theory covering all the minimum topics required and more. Theory days are presently conducted via online sessions. That said, we also cover theory 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 a variety of possible emergency situations, the glider's reaction, and the correct pilot input for safe exit. At the end of the course there is an 80 questions theory exam. Students are also required to complete the PG2 Pilot workbook before being signed off.
After passing the course you will need to join SAFA as a full member to attain the SAFA "PG2" ("Supervised novice pilot") rating, which allows you to fly solo (but under supervision) at any PG2 rated site in Australia and/or overseas.
9 day License Course Inclusions :
All flying Equipment (glider, harness, helmet) is included. Transport up the hill at our inland flying sites.
Additional days of group based instruction after the 9 days Licence Course are included and will be scheduled if needed due to bad weather in the duration of the course.
A $400 credit voucher towards buying yourself a set of new equipment (glider, harness, reserve). Second hand equipment is also available*
*subject to availability
Please note:
Participating on the 9 days Paragliding licence course does not mean one will automatically receive a "PG2" licence at the end of the course. To those who are slower at picking up the skills due to potential physical limitations and are not at a license level after the completion of the 9 days course we offer additional training days. We are aiming to have our participants reach a competent and confident skill level before entering the flying community as licenced pilots. Additional tuition days incur a $350 daily tuition fee (outside course dates tuition fee).
All flying Equipment (glider, harness, helmet) is included. Transport up the hill at our inland flying sites.
Additional days of group based instruction after the 9 days Licence Course are included and will be scheduled if needed due to bad weather in the duration of the course.
A $400 credit voucher towards buying yourself a set of new equipment (glider, harness, reserve). Second hand equipment is also available*
*subject to availability
Please note:
Participating on the 9 days Paragliding licence course does not mean one will automatically receive a "PG2" licence at the end of the course. To those who are slower at picking up the skills due to potential physical limitations and are not at a license level after the completion of the 9 days course we offer additional training days. We are aiming to have our participants reach a competent and confident skill level before entering the flying community as licenced pilots. Additional tuition days incur a $350 daily tuition fee (outside course dates tuition fee).
We understand that life sometimes gets in a way. If you haven't flown for a while and feel rusty, free supervised refreshers are offered to our students if you join us during our scheduled courses*. Outside course dates, the Refresher course daily tuition fee is $350.
*subject to availability
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 30 day SAFA Student Training Membership is $25 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.
Call or email to enquire about availability or use the contact form below.
Course Tuition fee: $2300
A deposit of $250 secures a place in the course. Various payment options available*.
*All credit card and/or paypal payments including international bank transfers incur a credit card/bank processing fee.
Licence Course cancellations more than 4 weeks prior are refunded in full*. Cancellations less than 4 weeks and not later than 1 week prior to the course start date are not refunded (unless the course was run as full whereby the place was filled on short notice), they can however be credited towards another course within 12 months. Cancellations 1 week or less prior to the course start date are not refunded.
*Full refund in case of a bank transfer purchase. All credit card and/or paypal purchase cancellations including international bank transfers incur a credit card/bank processing fee.
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 or use the contact form below.
Cost: $1900*
*for 6 days training within a 9 days course environment. If additional days are necessary or if outside 9 days licence course dates the Outside licence course dates tuition fee applies. See below.
- 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 or use the contact form below.
Cost: $1900*
*for 6 days training within a 9 days course environment. If additional days are necessary or if outside 9 days licence course dates the Outside licence course dates tuition fee applies. See below.
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 or use the contact form below.
Cost: $370 per day ($330 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 or use the contact form below.
Cost: $370 per day ($330 on days within the 9 days licence course)*
*subject to availability
COURSE DATES
9 days Full Licence Course Dates:
2023
April 22nd - 30th - limited spots available
---winter break---
October 28th - November 5th - spots available
November 25th - Dec 3rd - spots available
December 23rd - 31st - spots available
2023
April 22nd - 30th - limited spots available
---winter break---
October 28th - November 5th - spots available
November 25th - Dec 3rd - spots available
December 23rd - 31st - spots available
A map of our flying/training locations (weather dependent):
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I will never forget that feeling when my feet left the ground for the first time.
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