HPAC P1 & P2 Ratings Course

Book your course

HPAC P1: Content

General description

P1 The Beginner Pilot has the basic knowledge and techniques necessary for flying and practices under the direct supervision of an

instructor and within significant operational limitations. The pilot understands the paragliding qualification system

ACVL/HPAC and the recommended operational limitations.

1. Practical skills

a. Ground handling

b. Training flights

c. Flight skills – see "Demonstrated Skills & Recorded Requirements"

2. Theoretical knowledge

a. Basic aerodynamics

b. Basic meteorology

c. Flight techniques

d. Knowledge of aviation regulations

3. Safety and risk management

a. Human factors

i. Concept of the pilot-in-command / transfer of responsibility

b. Environment

c. Equipment

i. Use of the radio

ii. Pre-flight

d. Emergency procedures

e. Incident and accident reporting

i. Definitions

ii. Forms

iii. Responsibilities

iv. ACVL website information

Demonstrated and recorded skills (logbook)

1. Wing and harness setup and pre-flight.

2. Demonstrate sufficient wing control for a controlled takeoff.

3. Demonstrate a method(s) to ensure the correct connection of the pilot to the wing, with lines and elevators free, just before

inflation.

4. Take off unaided by demonstrating

a. Adequate inflation and run.

b. Takeoff control (pitch, roll, yaw, direction).

c. Smooth transition from run to flight.

5. Recognition and control of relative wind (aerodynamic speed).

a. Six predetermined flights to demonstrate:

i. Constant airspeed (aerodynamic).

ii. Smooth direct flight to a predetermined target.

iii. Slight variation in aerodynamic speeds and direction in confidence showing conscious control of the

controls and the pendulum.

iv. Smooth increases and decreases in aerodynamic speed demonstrating good control.

v. Safe and smooth landing on feet and facing into the wind.

6. Demonstrate the ability to recognize and understand how different wind conditions at the flight site will affect flight.

a. Wind direction.

b. Wind speed.

c. Terrain shape (aerology).

d. Obstacles.

7. For each flight, demonstrate a correct post-landing procedure that includes but is not limited to:

a. Deflation, securing, and disconnecting the wing.

b. Landing field procedure.

c. Demonstrate proper folding, storage, and care of the wing.

8. Pass the written Beginner HPAC/ACVL P1 exam.

9. Must accept all waiver provisions, acceptance of risks of HPAC/ACVL and submit the signed original to

the HPAC/ACVL office.

Operational limitations for beginner P1 pilot

Once the P1 Beginner level is reached, all flights and ground handling sessions must be at sites and

within conditions defined by the instructor and using equipment approved by the instructor.

HPAC P2

A Novice paraglider has the basic knowledge and skills necessary to fly and practice without direct supervision

from an instructor. The pilot understands the ACVL/HPAC paraglider qualification system and its recommended operational limitations.

The pilot must have good judgment and maturity proportional to their qualification. Pilots must demonstrate

the Beginner skills and knowledge before obtaining the Novice qualification. All verified flights must be planned by the

pilot and discussed with the Instructor/Apprentice Instructor.

Prerequisites

• P1 Beginner Qualification

Requirements

• Recommendation from an HPAC/ACVL instructor

• Pass the ACVL P2 written exam

• Meet the practical skills requirements (listed below)

• 25 flights

• Have at least one endorsement

o Thermal flight

o Coastal flight / Slope flight

o Towing / winching

o SIV

1. Practical skills

a. Ground control

b. Training flights

c. Flight skills – see "Demonstrated skills & Recorded requirements" listed further on

2. Theoretical knowledge

a. Aerodynamics

i. Airflow

ii. Wing profile / construction of a paraglider

iii. Lift and drag

iv. Stall

v. Performance

vi. Paraglider stability

vii. Wing loading

b. Flight techniques

i. Axes and movements (pitch, roll, yaw)

ii. Takeoff techniques

iii. Speeds (ground, air, wind)

iv. Turns

v. Speed control

vi. Landing approaches

c. Meteorology

i. Wind

ii. Temperature

iii. Clouds

iv. Weather forecasts

v. Air masses and systems

vi. Humidity / density / pressure

vii. Venturi

viii. Turbulence

1. Mechanical

2. Thermal

3. Wake (vortex)

d. Air regulations

i. Transport Canada / HPAC

ii. Flight near clouds

iii. VFR

iv. Airspace classifications (TP6010)

v. Priorities along terrain

vi. In-flight priorities

vii. Radios

3. Safety and risk management

a. Human factors

i. physical

1. hypoxia

2. hypothermia

3. dizziness

ii. psychological factors

1. alcohol

2. medications

3. drugs

4. peer pressure

5. stress

6. ego

b. Environment

i. Turbulence

ii. Weather forecasts

iii. Site analysis

c. Equipment

i. pre-flight

ii. maintenance

iii. equipment selection

d. Emergency procedures

i. Rapid descent techniques

ii. Water landing

iii. Branching

iv. Power lines

v. deployment of the reserve parachute

vi. stall / spin / flight incident recognition and exit

e. Incident and accident reporting

i. Definitions

ii. Forms

iii. Responsibilities

iv. ACVL website information

Demonstrated and recorded skills (logbook)

1. Demonstrate the ability to consistently perform

1. Classic aviation landing approach (U-shaped landing - UPL).

2. S-shaped landing (SPL).

3. 8-shaped landing (8PL).

4. Precise, planned, and controlled landings.

2. Demonstrate the correct wing position on the ground and the pre-flight of the wing, harness, and reserve parachute.

3. Provide a reliable analysis of the general site conditions and oneself, and a flight plan including a flight path, the places

to avoid due to aerology, and the obstacles to keep at a distance.

4. Demonstrate the ability to consistently perform face and back wing inflation with timing and

visual checks of the wing each time.

5. Demonstrate control of the paraglider on the ground in a constant wind (kite)

6. Demonstrate constant and reliable pre-flight checks.

7. Demonstrate consistent and reliable takeoffs in varying wind conditions.

8. Demonstrate how to explain to a ground team the techniques for launch assistance and explain when this assistance is

necessary.

9. Demonstrate flying with smooth aerodynamic speed variation, from minimum sink rate to accelerated speed, while maintaining the

heading.

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

11. Demonstrate one-handed piloting skills, turns in the harness, and rear riser turns.

12. Demonstrate the rapid descent technique with ears.

13. Demonstrate the ability to judge and allow appropriate spacing from a ridge and other aircraft.

14. Demonstrate or explain the appropriate procedures for landing in strong wind and how to avoid being dragged on the ground.

15. Demonstrate or explain how to lengthen or shorten the flight path.

16. Demonstrate the rules of priority in flight.

17. Demonstrate the appropriate use of the accelerator system.

18. Demonstrate the deployment of the reserve attached in the harness in simulation.

Operational limits of the P2 pilot (Novice)

• Should not fly in thermals in conditions that exceed their ability to maintain control.

• Remain at a safe gliding distance from the landing area.

• Avoid advanced maneuvers such as spirals, wingovers, and stalls without guidance from a certified instructor.

• Fly a paraglider recommended by the manufacturer as suitable for beginners or intermediates.

• Avoid flying in wind speeds that exceed 2/3 of the paraglider's stall speed.