On this page
APPI (Association of Paragliding Pilots and Instructors) operates its own education and qualification system. Its pilot and instructor ratings are distinct from FAI/CIVL SafePro Para stages and the IPPI card.
What an APPI rating represents
An APPI rating follows an assessment. According to APPI, an instructor evaluates theoretical knowledge and practical skills; reading an online article or passing this course quiz does not award an APPI rating. Check the current rating and its conditions through APPI’s official records.
APPI, IPPI and local rules
An APPI credential is not automatically an IPPI card or permission to fly in any country. APPI may issue FAI IPPI levels only where it has the relevant authorization. Before flying, check local law, site rules, national documents and insurance requirements separately.
From learning to practice
- Identify the system and issuer behind your qualification.
- Verify that your documents are current and cover the activity you plan.
- At a new site, assess the rules, weather, airspace and your own readiness.
This article is a theoretical overview. It does not replace supervised training, instructor assessment or local authorization.
Five APPI levels and the other systems
APPI describes five pilot levels: Discover, Explore, Pilot, Progress and Advanced. These belong to its own training and assessment system. SafePro Para has five stages too, but it is a separate FAI/CIVL recommended framework; IPPI is a way to communicate a national rating internationally. Similar numbers or names do not establish an automatic equivalence. An APPI level requires the assessment set by APPI. The validity of an IPPI card, recognition of a qualification and permission to fly under local law must each be checked separately.
Pilot, tandem and instructor pathways
APPI’s ordinary pilot levels, tandem qualifications and instructor training are distinct pathways. A higher personal flying level does not by itself authorize carrying a passenger or teaching others. APPI describes separate training, evaluation and privileges for instructors, with further requirements for specialist roles. Read the current APPI documents for the particular pathway and check the law of the country where teaching or tandem activity would take place. Reading this article or passing this course’s quiz awards none of these ratings; practical assessment and an authorized issuer remain necessary.
Recognition and local permission
APPI’s own rules state that its certification is internal to the APPI system and does not itself confer a right to fly in a country unless the competent local authority recognizes it. This matters especially for travel, tandem operations and instruction. Before acting, verify the rating’s current status, any required national licence or IPPI card, site access, airspace, insurance and rules for professional activity. Recognition depends on the country and the activity; there is no universal approval that can be inferred from the APPI logo or a course certificate.