Certification P3
Fly further, higher, with more efficiency. The P3 certification course includes everything you need to progress.
Certification P3
General description
The Intermediate P3 pilot has the knowledge and skills to fly in most sites under mild or moderate soaring conditions and to assess whether these parameters are suitable for their skills and experience. They understand the
ACVL/HPAC qualification system and the recommended limits of use, as well as the Canadian Aviation Regulations (CAR) and other rules applicable to piloting (rules regarding terrain, thermal priority, CAR 602.29, airspace rules, etc.). They must demonstrate discernment, and their level of maturity must correspond to their qualification.
the ACVL/HPAC qualification system and the recommended limits of use, as well as the Canadian Aviation Regulations
(CARs) and other rules applicable to piloting (rules regarding terrain, thermal priority, CAR 602.29, airspace rules
etc.). He must demonstrate discernment, and his level of maturity must correspond to his qualification.
Prerequisites
• ACVL/HPAC P2 Novice Qualification
• Obtaining the Coastal/Slope Flight and Thermal Flight endorsements
• Passing the Transport Canada HAGAR exam
Requirements recorded in the logbook
• Passing the ACVL P3 written exam
• Minimum of 30 days of flight
• Minimum of 90 flights
• Minimum of 60 hours of flight
Demonstrated skills and knowledge
1. Training and understanding of the importance and meaning of the following elements:
a. Priority rules
b. Transport Canada regulations and aeronautical charts
c. Control of airspeed, stall, spin, turbulence-induced closure, and recovery
d. Wing owner's manual
e. Latest results from the ACL/HPAC accident reports
f. First aid (highly recommended)
2. Verbal analysis of conditions on the hill and proof of this knowledge: shadows and gradients (of wind), lift,
sink, laminar flow, turbulence and rotors, and the effects of these elements on the intended trajectory and turns.
3. Oral flight plan for each flight subject to observation.
4. Thorough pre-flight check of the harness, wing, and reserve parachute.
5. During each flight, demonstration of a method to determine that the pilot is properly attached to the wing, lines and
elevators clear, before proceeding with takeoff.
6. Inflation/takeoffs performed with energy and confidence, and smooth transition from ground run to flight. Flights where the
inflation/takeoff is slow or unstable will not be deemed adequate for observation.
7. Subject to observation, landings must be performed safely, smoothly, controlled, and on the feet.
8. Ability to differentiate between airspeed, ground speed, and wind speed.
9. 180° turns along a predefined ground track, demonstrating smooth and controlled turns and good
coordination at varying speeds and angles of bank.
10. 360° turns in both directions, at varying speeds and angles of inclination.
11. Symmetrical (frontal) and asymmetrical closures (25% on each side, for a total of 50%) or any other method of reducing
the wing increasing the rate of descent.
12. Demonstration of a method to increase forward speed.
13. Control of the wing's descent by applying the brakes at the right moment.
14. Detailed verbal description of how to maintain and correct direction during a 50% asymmetrical closure.
15. In-depth explanation of these elements:
a. the reasons why one should avoid pulling too hard on one or both brake handles while flying, except at the moment
of rounding for landing;
b. the signs indicating that a pilot has entered a stall (on one or both sides).
16. When subjected to winds of 8 to 24 km/h, the ability to maintain aerodynamic speed at the minimal rate of descent or at
proximity during crosswind and headwind stages, without signs of stalling.
17. Five landings within 3 m of the target after flights where the approach requires turns.
18. Mastery of aerodynamic speed on approach when descending in a gradient.
19. Appropriate aerodynamic speed over a long distance while facing a strong headwind.
20. Understanding and acceptance of the need to familiarize oneself with the site-specific prohibitions and the limits
of access for takeoff and landing, in order to preserve the flight privileges of the sites.
Recommended usage limits for Intermediate P3 pilots
• Maximum base wind of 25 km/h.
• Maximum gusts of 30 km/h.
• Maximum gust rate of 8 km/h every 5 seconds.
• Avoid tight turns near the ground.
• Avoid applying brakes more than 3/4 of the way between the resting position and stall.
• Limit turns to the angles of inclination recommended by the manufacturer, limit the turning speed to twice that in a
straight line, without applying brakes, at cruising speed, and exit any spiral that results in an
increase in speed or inclination gently.
• Initiate downwind turns only when there is a clearance of 100 m from the hill or terrain
when winds exceed 24 km/h, and 75 m when winds exceed 15 km/h.
• Avoid flying in thermals that have a maximum climb rate greater than 4 m/s, or that are near a
vertical cloud development.
• After mastering the aforementioned skills, the Intermediate paraglider pilot should experiment with other
maneuvers, sites, and conditions under the supervision of an observer or an accredited Advanced paraglider instructor from
the ACP/HPAC.
The HPAC P3 rating prepares pilots for cross-country flying and active air conditions. Summit Paragliding's P3 training covers thermalling, site assessment, weather reading, and advanced canopy control — taught by certified instructors.