Training standards

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.

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.

APPI and 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 Clubს — the organization affiliated with FAI in your nation. The process typically involves verifying your training records and current qualification level.

The APPI and IPPI Card serves three critical purposes: (1) Flying site access — many European launch sites, especially across the Alps, require a valid APPI and IPPI Card before you can fly. (2) Insurance — aviation insurers require a valid APPI and 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.

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.

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

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.

Yes. The Xacademy training program is fully based on the FAI/CIVL SafePro Para and APPI methodology. Our instructors are certified according to international standards, and training is conducted using EN-certified equipment. Upon successful completion of the course, pilots can obtain the corresponding IPPI Card or a certificate confirming APPI international standards through national organizations. Training takes place at the best flying locations in Georgia.

APPI (Association of Paragliding Pilots and Instructors) is an international, independent organization that has established the most widespread and recognized educational system for paragliding instruction in the world. Simply put, APPI serves as a sort of "international university" for pilots, ensuring that whether a student is in Switzerland, Georgia, or Brazil, they receive the same standard of quality and educational content.