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T1 - Tandem Recreational Pilot Course

This course is designed for experienced pilots who wish to perform non-commercial flights (such as flying with friends or family members). Prerequisites: A minimum of a P4 (Advanced) level license and flight hours (typically 100-200 hours). Training Focus: Specifics of tandem paragliding equipment. Passenger communication and pre-flight briefing. Launch and landing techniques under dual-load (increased weight) conditions. Restriction: The pilot is not authorized to accept monetary compensation for flights.

15 hours6 modulesCertificate

What You'll Learn

  • Tandem aerodynamics and wing management
  • Passenger briefing and communication
  • Tandem launch and landing techniques
  • Emergency procedures with passenger
  • Thermal flying with tandem
  • Site assessment for tandem operations

Requirements

Prerequisites

  • P3+ certificate
  • Minimum 200 flights and 100+ hours
  • First Aid certificate

Equipment

  • Certified tandem paraglider (EN/LTF)
  • Tandem harness, passenger harness, radio

Physical requirements

  • Strong physical fitness (carrying extra weight)

Description

The T1 Tandem Recreational Pilot course trains experienced solo pilots to safely carry passengers on tandem paragliding flights. This comprehensive program covers tandem-specific aerodynamics, passenger management, dual-pilot weight and balance, tandem launch and landing techniques, and emergency procedures with a passenger. The curriculum includes tandem wing selection and rigging, pre-flight passenger briefing protocols, in-flight communication, thermal flying with passengers, and site assessment for tandem operations. Pilots practice progressive tandem flights — from solo tandem practice to flights with increasing passenger interaction complexity. Graduates receive APPI international standard T1 level certification, qualifying them for recreational (non-commercial) tandem flights with friends and family members.

Course Curriculum

6 modules 25 lessons Estimated lesson time: 16 h 30 min

T1 Course General OverviewFree30 min
T1 Training Structure30 min
Tandem Pilot Requirements30 min

+1 module

View Full Syllabus

Theory Materials

7
01

General Training Structure of the T1 (Tandem Pilot Level 1) Course

The T1 (Tandem Pilot Level 1) course is a critical transition stage where a pilot evolves from an individual athlete or hobbyist into a professional with high legal and ethical responsibility. At this level, the primary focus shifts from personal flying enjoyment to the rigorous management of passenger safety.

02

T1 -The Importance of SIV in T1 Training

The role of the SIV (Simulation d'Incidents en Vol) course in T1 retraining is not just additional training—it is the science of survival. In tandem piloting, where the system’s mass and inertia are doubled, any aerodynamic incident (collapse, rotation) develops much more aggressively and rapidly than in solo flight.

03

T1 Course Description and Objective

The description and objective of the T1 Course serve as the foundation upon which a professional tandem pilot's career is built. This is not merely an "additional certification"; it is a profound mental and technical transformation of the pilot.

04

T1 Examination Components

The T1 Category Examination is the final filter that confirms a pilot is ready to take responsibility for another human life. It is not merely a demonstration of skills; it is a test of adequate response under crisis conditions.

05

T1 Practical Training Phases

Practical training for the T1 Course is the phase where theoretical knowledge is transformed into real-world skills. Tandem piloting requires not just wing control, but the coordination of a crew under high physical and psychological pressure.

06

T1 Significance of Training Modules

In the retraining process, these three components form the "Golden Triangle" of tandem piloting. Mastery of these details is what distinguishes a certified pilot from a true professional. Each one is directly linked to the prevention of critical incidents.

07

T1 Theoretical Training Syllabus

The T1 Course Theoretical Syllabus is the fundamental knowledge base that transforms a pilot from an individual athlete into a professional aircraft commander. Every detail—from the physics of the equipment to the psychology of the passenger—is directly linked to flight safety.

Test Your Knowledge

T1 — Tandem Pilot Theory Test

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Who Is This Course For

  • Experienced pilots with P3+ certification
  • Pilots wanting to fly with family and friends
  • Aspiring commercial tandem pilots

Instructors

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I do paid tandem flights with a T1 certificate?

T1 is a recreational tandem certificate, allowing you to fly tandem with friends and family, but commercial flights require T2 certification and commercial insurance.

How many tandem flights will I do during T1?

T1 has 6 modules and 25 lessons. The practical part includes minimum 20 tandem flights in various conditions under instructor supervision.

Do I need to own tandem equipment?

During the course, the school provides full tandem equipment (wing, harnesses, reserve). Own equipment is needed for independent flying after certification.