1. What Is the IPPI Card?
The IPPI (International Pilot Proficiency Identification) card is an internationally recognized document developed by FAI/CIVL that certifies a paragliding or hang gliding pilot''s qualification level worldwide. It was introduced in 1992, and since then, associations and pilots throughout the world have benefited from its internationally recognized standards.
The card''s core function is simple: when a pilot travels to another country, the IPPI card — together with their national licence — gives site managers, instructors, and operators a quick and unambiguous understanding of the pilot''s experience level. No lengthy explanations needed — the SafePro Para stage on the card says it all.
Practical Example
Imagine you fly from Georgia to the Alps, to Chamonix. The local inspector sees your IPPI card showing ParaPro 4 — this means you are qualified for independent thermal flying and XC routes. No additional testing required.
2. SafePro Para — The Foundation of IPPI
At the heart of the IPPI card lies the SafePro Para system. This is the CIVL-developed training progression that covers 5+1 stages. Each stage builds on the previous one and requires new knowledge and skills — from easy to difficult, low to high, basic to advanced. The system carefully avoids any gaps in the progression.
ParaProStage NameStatusCore Skills1Ground SkimmingStudentGround handling, low-altitude flight — not higher than you''d care to fall2Altitude GlidingStudentAltitude flights, maneuvering, landing approach3Active FlyingIndependentTurbulence, recovery techniques, descending (Big Ears, B-Stall, Spiral)4SoaringPilotRidge lift, thermal soaring, SIV, intro to XC5Senior / MasterExpertAdvanced XC, competitions, specialized disciplines6Tandem (non-commercial)Tandem PilotTandem wing control, passenger safety
The SafePro Para program is designed as a guide for national federations. Countries with long-standing practices (France, Austria, Germany) have their own training cultures, but SafePro provides an agreed framework of equivalence — which is precisely why the IPPI card exists.
Additional Ratings
Beyond the 5+1 stages, SafePro Para includes additional ratings that can be earned independently:
Accuracy: Precision landing discipline;
Distance: Cross-country flying experience;
Racing: Competition-format flying;
Aerobatics: Acrobatic figure performance.
3. Two Ways to Obtain the IPPI Card
Since October 2015, the IPPI card is available in two formats:
Option 1 — Per IPPI Level
A physical card purchased from your national association. Renewal is needed only when a change in your national licence invalidates the current IPPI card — for example, when you receive a higher national rating that corresponds to a higher SafePro Para stage.
Option 2 — Per Year
An IPPI logo printed directly on your national licence. The association automatically issues it to all licensed pilots for a small annual fee. Since licences are renewed every year, your IPPI level is adjusted accordingly.
Countries that adopted the yearly scheme in 2017: France, Italy, Hungary, Serbia, Chinese Taipei, Romania, Mexico, and Bosnia & Herzegovina.
Which Option to Choose?
If you rarely travel, the per-level card is economical — buy once, valid for years. If you fly abroad frequently or your federation has adopted the yearly scheme, the annual option appears automatically on licence renewal.
4. Where Is the IPPI Card Recognized?
The IPPI card is recognized in over 100 countries where FAI national member federations exist. In practice, you''ll need to present your IPPI card at:
Commercial flying sites: In the Alps, Nepal, Colombia, Turkey — site managers check your IPPI card to verify pilot level;
International competitions: Registration for FAI Category 1 and Category 2 events;
Training programs: Enrolling in SIV courses or Advanced XC training in other countries;
Insurance companies: Some countries require pilot qualification verification for insurance packages.
5. CIVL Proficiency Badges
Beyond the IPPI card, CIVL operates a Proficiency Badge system — achievement standards that measure pilot development with a graduated scale of difficulty, particularly in cross-country flying.
Paragliding XC Badges
BadgeDistanceDurationHeight GainConditionBronze30 km1.5 hours500 mAny oneSilver75 km3 hours1,000 mAll threeGold125 km5 hours2,000 mAll three
Diamond Badges
Three independent achievements, earnable separately:
Diamond Open Course: 200 km open distance;
Diamond Gain of Height: 3,000 m altitude gain;
Diamond Closed Course: 200 km closed circuit (return to start).
CIVL estimates that Bronze is achievable within the first year of active flying, Silver within 1-2 years, Gold within the first 5 years of XC flying, and Diamond by roughly half of all pilots within 10 years.
Accuracy Badges
Bronze: 4 consecutive landings within 1 m of target center;
Silver: 4 consecutive landings, total score 1 m or less;
Gold: 4 consecutive landings within 10 cm of center;
Diamond: 4 consecutive landings, combined total 10 cm or less.
6. The IPPI Card Issuance Process
Obtain a national licence: You need a current national pilot licence or rating card;
SafePro Para assessment: Your national federation evaluates your qualification and maps it to the corresponding SafePro Para stage;
Submit application: Complete the IPPI Card Application Form through your federation;
Card issuance: The federation issues the IPPI card with your SafePro Para stage, or (in the yearly scheme) prints the IPPI logo on your licence;
Use abroad: Fly with both the IPPI card and your national licence.
7. What the IPPI Card Is NOT
Not insurance: The IPPI card provides no insurance coverage whatsoever;
Not a licence replacement: Valid only together with a current national licence or rating card;
Not a flight permit: Final approval for flight activities rests with local site managers or authorities;
Personal responsibility remains: Flight safety is ultimately the pilot''s own responsibility.
Remember
The IPPI card is your international business card for flying skills. It opens doors worldwide, but your safety is in your own hands.