HPAC P1 & P2 Ratings Course

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HPAC P1: Beginner Pilot Rating
A P1 Student pilot has the knowledge and basic skills necessary to fly and practice under direct instructor supervision and within
significant operating limitations. The pilot understands the HPAC/ACVL paragliding rating systems and recommended operating
limitations.

1. Practical Skills
a. Ground Handling
b. Training Flights
c. Flying Skills - see “Demonstrated Skills & Logged Requirements”

2. Theoretical Knowledge
a. Basic Aerodynamics
b. Basic Meteorology
c. Techniques of Flight
d. Awareness of Air Regulations

3. Safety & Risk Management
a. Human Factors
i. concept of pilot-in-command / transfer of responsibility
b. Environment
c. Equipment
i. radio use
ii. pre-flight
d. Emergency Procedures
e. Accident Reports / Accident Reporting
i. Definitions
ii. Forms
iii. Responsibilities
iv. HPAC website reports info

Demonstrated Skills & Logged Requirements
1. Layout and preflight of paraglider and harness.
2. Demonstrates paraglider handling skills sufficient for controlled launch
3. Demonstrate method(s) of establishing that pilot is properly connected to the glider, with cleared lines and risers, just prior to
inflation.

4. Launch unassisted showing:
a. Proper inflation and run.
b. Control during launch (pitch, roll, yaw, direction).
c. Smooth transition from running to flying.

5. Airspeed Recognition and control,
a. Six flights, predetermined to show airspeed recognition and control:
i. Constant airspeed.
ii. Smooth straight flight towards a pre-selected target.
iii. Confident, slight variation in airspeed and direction showing awareness of control inputs and pendulum control.
iv. Smoothly increasing airspeed, and smoothly slowing airspeed showing good control.
v. Safe, smooth landing, on feet, into wind.

6. Shows the ability to recognize and understand how different wind conditions at a site will affect their flights.
a. Wind direction.
b. Wind velocity.
c. Terrain shape.
d. Obstructions.

7. On each flight, demonstrates proper post-landing procedure, to include, but not limited to:
a. Paraglider deflation, immobilization & disconnection
b. Landing Zone (LZ) protocol.
c. Demonstrate proper packing, storage, and care of the paraglider.

8. Must pass the HPAC/ACVL P1 Student Paragliding written exam.

9. Must agree to all the provisions of the HPAC/ACVL standard waiver and assumption of risk agreement for the P1 Student rating
and deliver an original signed copy to the HPAC/ACVL office.

Operating Limitations P1 Student Pilots:
Once the P1 Student rating is attained, all flights and ground handling sessions must be at sites and within conditions defined by the
instructor using instructor-approved equipment.



HPAC P2 - Paragliding Pilot Novice Rating
Novice rated pilots have the knowledge and basic skills necessary to fly and practice without direct instructor
supervision. The pilot understands the HPAC/ACVL rating system and recommended operating limitations.
Pilots must demonstrate Student level skills and knowledge before obtaining the Novice rating. All witnessed flights must
be pre-planned by the pilot and discussed with the Instructor/Apprentice Instructor

Prerequisites
• P1 Student Rating.

Requirements
• HPAC/ACVL Instructor Recommendation.
• Pass HPAC P2 Written Exam
• Meet Practical Skill Requirements (listed below)
• 25 flights
• Must have at least one Endorsement/Sign-off(s).
o thermal
o coastal soaring
o towing
o SIV

1. Practical Skills
a. Ground Handling
b. Training Flights
c. Flying Skills - refer to Demonstrated Skills & Logged Requirements listed below

2. Theoretical Knowledge
a. Aerodynamics
i. air flow
ii. profile design / glider construction
iii. lift and drag
iv. stall
v. performance
vi. glider stability
vii. wing loading

b. Techniques of Flight
i. axis of movement (pitch, roll, yaw)
ii. launch techniques
iii. speeds (ground, air, wind)
iv. turns
v. speed control
vi. landing approaches

c. Meteorology
i. wind
ii. temperature
iii. clouds
iv. weather forecasting
v. air mass & systems
vi. humidity / density / pressure
vii. venturi
viii. turbulence
1. mechanical
2. thermic
3. wake

d. Air Regulations
i. Transport Canada / HPAC
ii. cloud flying
iii. VFR
iv. airspace classifications (TP6010)
v. rules of the ridge
vi. right of way
vii. radios

3. Safety & Risk Management
a. Human Factors
i. Physical
1. hypoxia
2. hypothermia
3. vertigo
ii. Psychological factors
1. alcohol
2. medication
3. drugs
4. peer pressure
5. stress
6. ego

b. Environment
i. turbulence
ii. weather forecasting
iii. site analysis

c. Equipment
i. pre-flight
ii. maintenance
iii. gear selection

d. Emergency Procedures
i. rapid descent techniques
ii. water landing
iii. tree landing
iv. powerline
v. reserve deployment
vi. stall/spin/incident avoidance and recovery

e. Accident reports / Accident reporting
i. Definitions
ii. Forms
iii. Responsibilities
iv. HPAC website reports info

Demonstrated Skills & Logged Requirements
1. Demonstrates consistent ability to achieve
a. Aircraft landing approaches.
b. S-turn
c. figure eight landing approaches
d. accurate, planned & controlled landings

2. Demonstrates layout and pre-flight of the canopy, harness, and backup reserve parachute.

3. Gives a reliable analysis of general conditions of the site and self, and a flight plan including flight path, areas to avoid in relation
to the wind flow, and obstacles to stay clear of.

4. Demonstrates consistent ability to achieve consecutive forward and reverse inflations with a visual check and surge dampening
of the canopy each time.

5. Demonstrates controlled kiting

6. Demonstrates consistent and reliable pre-flight checks

7. Demonstrates consistent and reliable launching in various wind conditions

8. Demonstrates how to brief and instruct a ground crew in assisted launch techniques and explain when an assisted launch is
necessary.

9. Demonstrates flight with smooth variation in airspeed, from minimum sink to fast flight, while maintaining a heading.

10. Demonstrates controlled turns in both directions, and at various speeds and bank angles.

11. Demonstrates one handed flying skills, weight-shift turns, and rear-riser turns.

12. Demonstrates big-ear technique for increased descent rate.

13. Demonstrates the ability to judge and allow for proper clearance from a ridge and other aircrafts

14. Demonstrates or explains proper strong wind landing procedures and how to keep from being dragged back.

15. Demonstrates or explains how to lengthen and shorten the flight path.

16. Demonstrates right-of-way traffic rules.

17. Demonstrates the proper use of a speedbar/accelerating system.

18. Demonstrates reserve deployment while hanging in a harness in a simulated environment

Recommended Operating Limitations for P2 Novice Pilots
• Should not fly in thermal lift exceeding your ability to maintain control
• Keep landing zone within a safe glide
• Avoid advanced maneuvers such as spirals, wing-overs, stalls without guidance of a certified instructor
• Fly a glider recommended by the manufacturer as suitable for beginner or Intermediate pilots.

• Avoid flying in wind speed that exceeds ⅔ of your glider’s trim speed