P2 Requirements

Once you learn basic theory components, get ready to train! To train for your first solo flight, we will teach you starting at the ground, literally. We will teach you how to ground handle your wing, which is also known as “kiting”. This is essential for training; therefore, you will need to kite your wing a lot! Kiting acts a simulation to teach you how your wing will act in the air. It’s important to practice kiting your wing as much as possible.

Do you have a good basis of theory and kiting skills? If not, keep training hard! This is the foundation for flying.

Once we see that you have a great foundation, we will walk you through flying your paragliding in a simulator! This allows you to adjust your harness to a comfortable position and getting a feeling for how you will sit in the air.

We will keep you safe and will let you know when we believe you are ready to take to the sky! Whether you decide to join our crew at STL Paragliding or pursue other routes, here is a list of action items you will learn on the way to becoming a USHPA rated P2 pilot.

Explanations:

1. Analysis of conditions of site, self, and flight plan including obstacles/areas to avoid.
2. Strong wind landing technique to avoid being dragged.
3. Canopy maintenance.
4. How to lengthen and shorten flight path.
5. Right of way traffic rules.
6. Control of glider during 25% asymmetric deflation.
7. Minimum sink while avoiding any chance of stall or spin.
8. Increase descent rate and/or forward speed.

Demonstrations:

1. Layout and preflight of canopy, harness, and reserve.
2. Site analysis, flight plan, flight path.
3. 5 forward inflations.
4. 5 reverse inflations.
5. Controlled kiting of glider for 2 minutes in steady wind.
6. Preflight method for connection, cleared lines and risers prior to inflation.
7. Smooth flight control – variation in airspeed maintaining a heading.
8. Turns of at least 90° not exceeding 45° from straight into the wind.
9. 180° turns in both directions.
10. Hands off flying.
11. One handed flying.
12. Weight-shift turns.
13. Rear riser turns.
14. Symmetric and asymmetric tip folds for increased sink rate (Big-Ears).
15. Judge and allow for proper clearance from a ridge and other aircraft.
16. 5 spot landings within 25’ of target, smoothly, safely, and into the wind.
17. Reserve deployment in simulator.
18. Accelerator/Speedbar system.
19. PLF technique.
20. 35 flights.
21. 7 flying days.