P3 - Intermediate Paraglider Rating
Fly higher, farther, and more efficiently. The P3 rating course has all you need to become a better pilot, and progress towards XC flying.
HPAC P3: Intermediate Paraglider Pilot Rating
Intermediate pilots have the knowledge and skills to fly most sites in mild to moderate soaring conditions, and to judge when the site
and conditions are within the pilot's skill, knowledge, and experience level. The Intermediate pilot understands the HPAC/ACVL
paragliding rating system and recommended operating limitations, and the CARs (Canadian Aviation Regulations) and other flying
rules applicable to his/her flying (ridge rules, thermal right of way, CAR 602.29, airspace regulations, etc.). The pilot shall use good
judgment and have a level of maturity commensurate with the rating.
Prerequisites
• HPAC/ACVL Novice rating (P2).
• Must have attained both the Coastal/Ridge Endorsement and the Thermal Soaring Endorsement.
• Pass the Transport Canada HAGAR exam.
Logged Requirements
• Pass the HPAC P3 Written Exam
• Must have logged a minimum of 30 flying days.
• Must have logged a total of at least 90 flights.
• Must have logged a minimum of 60 hours of logged airtime.
Demonstrated Skills and Knowledge
1. Has received training in and/or understands the importance and significance of:
a. Right of way rules.
b. Transport Canada Regulations and aircraft sectional charts
c. Airspeed control, stalls, spins, and turbulence-induced collapses and recoveries.
d. Canopy owner's manual.
e. HPAC/ACVL Accident Report current results.
f. First aid (highly recommended).
2. Can give verbal analysis of conditions on the hill, demonstrating knowledge of wind shadows, gradients, lift, sink, laminar air,
turbulence and rotors, and the effect these items have on an intended flight path and turns.
3. Must give a verbal flight plan for each observed flight.
4. Must show thorough preflight of the harness, canopy, and backup reserve parachute.
5. With each flight, demonstrates a method of establishing that the pilot is properly connected to the glider, with cleared lines and
risers just prior to launch.
6. All inflations/launches should be aggressive, confident, and with a smooth transition from running to flying. Flights with slow,
unstable inflations/launches will not be considered adequate for witnessed tasks.
7. For witnessed tasks, all landings must be safe, smooth, on the feet, and in control.
8. Demonstrates the ability to differentiate airspeed from ground speed from wind speed.
9. Demonstrates linked 180° turns along a predetermined ground track showing smooth controlled reversals and proper
coordination at various speeds and bank angles.
10. Demonstrates 360° turns in both directions, and at various speeds and bank angles.
11. Demonstrates symmetric and asymmetric tip folds (25% per side, 50% total) or some other method of canopy reduction for
increased descent rate.
12. Demonstrates one method to increase forward speed.
13. Demonstrates proper surge control of canopy using properly timed brake application.
14. Gives a thorough verbal description how to maintain directional control during and correct a 50% asymmetric wing collapse.
15. Gives a thorough explanation of:
a. why flying a paraglider with one or both control toggles significantly extended should be avoided unless flaring for a landing.
b. the signs that the paraglider has entered a stalled configuration (one or both sides).
16. In 5-15 mph (8-24 km/h) winds, demonstrates the ability to maintain airspeed at or near minimum sink during crosswind and
upwind legs, without any evidence of stalls.
17. Demonstrates 5 landings within 10 feet (3 m) of a target after flights requiring turns on approach.
18. Demonstrates proper airspeed control on landing approach when descending through a gradient.
19. Demonstrates proper airspeed for maximum distance flown into a significant headwind.
20. Acknowledges and understands the need to become familiar with site-specific restrictions and launch or landing access limits,
consistent with preservation of flying privileges at a site.
Recommended Operating Limitations for P3 Intermediate Pilots
• Maximum base wind of 16 mph (25 km/h).
• Maximum peak gusts to 19 mph (30 km/h).
• Maximum gust rate of 5 mph (8 km/h) in 5 seconds.
• Avoid steep turns close to the ground.
• Avoid application of either brake beyond 3/4 of the way from full off to stall position.
• Limit turns to bank angles recommended by the manufacturer, limit speed in turns to 2 times the straight line, brakes off,
cruise speed, and smoothly exit any spiral turn that shows a tendency to steepen or accelerate.
• Should initiate downwind turns only with 300 feet (100 m) of clearance outward from the hill or ridge in winds above 15 mph
(24 km/h), and 250 feet (75 m) of clearance in winds above 9 mph (15 km/h).
• Should not fly in thermals where peak climb rates exceed 800 fpm (4 m/s) or where significant vertical cloud development
exists.
• Upon mastering the above skills, an Intermediate Paragliding Pilot should pursue new maneuvers, sites, and conditions with
the guidance of a HPAC/ACVL Certified Advanced Paragliding Instructor or Observer