Question 1

What is FAI and how does it relate to paragliding?

Accepted Answer

FAI (Fédération Aéronautique Internationale) is the world governing body for all air sports, founded in Paris in 1905 and headquartered in Lausanne, Switzerland. It unites National Aero Clubs from over 100 countries. Within FAI, the CIVL commission (Commission Internationale de Vol Libre) specifically oversees paragliding and hang gliding — setting training standards, competition rules, and safety protocols worldwide.

Question 2

What is SafePro Para and how many stages does it have?

Accepted Answer

SafePro Para is the official FAI/CIVL training methodology for paragliding. It defines 5 progressive stages: Stage 1 (Beginner — ground handling and first flights), Stage 2 (Novice — high-altitude flights with radio guidance), Stage 3 (Intermediate — independent soaring), Stage 4 (Advanced — thermal flight management), and Stage 5 (Cross-Country — long-distance XC flights). Each stage requires sign-off by a certified instructor on defined theory and practical checklists.

Question 3

What is the IPPI Card and where can I get one?

Accepted Answer

The IPPI Card (International Pilot Proficiency Identification) is an internationally recognized pilot credential introduced in 1992 by CIVL. It records your current SafePro Para stage and is accepted worldwide. You can obtain it through your country's National Aero Club — the organization affiliated with FAI in your nation. The process typically involves verifying your training records and current qualification level.

Question 4

Why do I need an IPPI Card and where is it required?

Accepted Answer

The IPPI Card serves three critical purposes: (1) Flying site access — many European launch sites, especially across the Alps, require a valid IPPI Card before you can fly. (2) Insurance — aviation insurers require a valid IPPI Card and verify you were operating within your certified stage at the time of any incident. (3) Universal recognition — it translates between different national systems (DHV in Germany, USHPA in the USA, FFVL in France), so Stage 4 means the same thing everywhere.

Question 5

What is EN certification for paragliding equipment?

Accepted Answer

EN certification is the European Norm testing system that classifies paragliding wings by safety level: EN-A (safest, for beginners with highest passive safety), EN-B (intermediate pilots), EN-C (experienced pilots, more performance), and EN-D (expert pilots, maximum performance). FAI mandates the use of EN-certified equipment in sanctioned activities. Each wing undergoes rigorous flight testing including collapses, spirals, and stall recovery to receive its rating.

Question 6

How do international standards work in Georgia?

Accepted Answer

In Georgia, paragliding training follows FAI/CIVL SafePro Para standards. The Georgian Aero Club is a FAI member organization authorized to issue IPPI Cards. This means a pilot trained in Georgia meets the same international criteria as one trained in France or Austria. X-Academy delivers training aligned precisely with these standards, ensuring graduates are recognized globally.

Question 7

How long does it take to complete all SafePro Para stages?

Accepted Answer

Duration is individual and depends on weather conditions, flying frequency, and pilot progression. Typical timelines: Stages 1-2 (Beginner-Novice) — 5-10 training days. Stage 3 (Intermediate) — an additional 20-40 independent flights. Stage 4 (Advanced) — at least 1 year of active flying experience. Stage 5 (XC) — 2-3+ years of regular cross-country flying. Important: progression is competency-based, not time-based — you advance when you demonstrate the skills, not after a set period.

Question 8

Does X-Academy training comply with international standards?

Accepted Answer

Yes. X-Academy's training program is fully based on the FAI/CIVL SafePro Para methodology. Our instructors are certified to international standards, training is conducted on EN-certified equipment, and upon successful course completion, pilots can obtain the corresponding IPPI Card through the National Aero Club. Training takes place at Georgia's premier flying locations.

International Paragliding Training Standards

General Principles of International Training Standards

Frequently Asked Questions

International Paragliding Training Standards

General Principles of International Training Standards

Frequently Asked Questions