Training Principles — Syllabus

The founding of FAI in 1905, the evolution of international air sport governance, FAI structure, and member countries.

Identify CIVL’s remit and where to find the current Sporting Code, SafePro Para and IPPI information; distinguish the international commission from a national competent authority.

Section 7 of the FAI Sporting Code covering paragliding and hang gliding specific rules, competition categories, and world rankings.

The difference between Category 1 and Category 2 competitions, the World Pilot Ranking System (WPRS), and the GAP scoring formula.

The history behind SafePro, program goals — from easy to difficult, low to high, basic to advanced — designed to eliminate gaps in training progression.

Stage 1 covers low flights near the ground in easy conditions; Stage 2 introduces altitude and space for manoeuvres, without soaring.

Active wing control, preparation for turbulence, and the principles of recovery and controlled descent.

Stage 4 covers ridge and thermal lift; at Stage 5 the pilot masters one or more advanced flying practices.

Specialized ratings: Accuracy, Distance, Racing, and Aerobatics — additional certifications beyond the 5-stage core progression.

Introduced in 1992, the IPPI Card helps compare national pilot ratings internationally. It is valid only with a current national licence or rating card.

The SafePro Para stage shown on an IPPI Card is mapped from the pilot’s national rating. Check issue and renewal rules with the authorized national organization.

The BHPA scheme includes the introductory Elementary Pilot award and three ratings: Club Pilot, Pilot and Advanced Pilot.

Distinguish the scope of German A and B licences and explain why DHV reviews foreign qualifications separately. LTF/EN wing classification is not a pilot licence.

Distinguish structural-strength testing from classification of flight safety characteristics. A test result does not guarantee safety on a particular flight.

Identify preflight checks for the wing, lines, harness and reserve. Technical inspection and maintenance intervals depend on the specific manufacturer documentation.

Flight safety as individual pilot responsibility, the IMSAFE checklist, and selecting the right equipment for a pilot's skill level.

SIV and cross-country training and additional ratings as experience grows; instructor qualification requires separate preparation.

APPI’s five levels — Discover, Explore, Pilot, Progress and Advanced — compared with SafePro Para. An APPI rating does not automatically grant an IPPI Card.

The development of APPI, its pilot, tandem and instructor pathways, and the association’s own certification process.

APPI instructor training and the limits of recognition: check the rules and competent authority’s requirements in each country separately.