Safety Briefing and Participation Guidelines

Before training starts, every participant receives an introductory safety briefing.

This includes:

• basic safety behavior on launch, in flight, and after landing
• understanding that safety always comes before timing or pressure to rush
• the responsibility to report confusion, discomfort, or equipment concerns
• the expectation to follow instructor guidance throughout the course
• the understanding that exercises are only performed after explanation and instructor approval

Before practice begins, participants are introduced to the general structure of the course: how the day is organized, why exercises follow a certain sequence, and why briefings, debriefings, video review, and progressive steps matter.

This helps participants see the course as a structured learning process, not as a random series of tasks.

Participants should be familiar with the basic terminology used during explanations and, when applicable, over the radio.

• launch
• flight path
• brake input
• wing control
• flight mode
• asymmetric collapse
• frontal collapse
• recovery
• active piloting
• briefing and debriefing

Exact terminology may vary slightly depending on course type and instructor style, so additional clarification is always given on site.

Before any exercise, instructors explain the commands that may be used during preparation and in flight.

These usually relate to:

• launch preparation
• wing correction
• directing the participant’s attention
• starting or stopping an exercise
• returning to normal stable flight
• priority actions in a specific order

Radio commands are intended to be short and clear. At the same time, participants should understand that guidance only works well when it is heard, understood, and correctly applied.

Before the active part of the program begins, we review the participant’s general readiness and equipment.

• wing
• harness
• reserve parachute
• helmet
• radio, if required for the program
• appropriate clothing and footwear

If equipment appears unsuitable, incomplete, or questionable for the planned training, additional checks, adjustments, or participation limits may apply.

Before training, we review the participant’s current level, flight background, general understanding, and goals for the course.

This helps us avoid overloading a participant with tasks they are not yet ready for, whether due to skill level, current condition, or pace of learning.

Some participants understand a task immediately. Others need more repetition, more explanation, and more time to process the same information.

That is completely normal. Training is not a competition in how quickly someone learns.

It is natural to want to move quickly into practical flying, but rushing often gets in the way of proper preparation. If the task is not fully understood, that should be resolved on the ground first.

If a participant does not understand a command, the purpose of an exercise, or the sequence of actions, they should say so before the exercise begins.

Staying silent does not make training faster. It usually creates more stress and increases the chance of mistakes.

Fatigue, stress, pressure, distraction, and physical discomfort all affect how well a person learns and responds.

If a participant feels less focused or less stable than usual, they should let the instructor know. Adjusting the pace is a normal part of responsible training.

The exact content depends on the course type, participant level, and weather conditions. In general, before a flight we explain:

• the goal of the specific task
• the order of actions
• possible wing reactions
• the pilot response expected within the exercise
• how to stop the exercise and return to stable flight
• when not to continue

• the task for the flight
• launch organization
• the role of the instructor and the participant
• commands and signals
• step-by-step action order
• conditions for stopping the task
• what to do after the exercise is completed

Ground preparation is where participants build a clear mental picture of what they are about to do. The better that picture is before takeoff, the calmer and more accurate their actions tend to be in the air.

Ground preparation is not a formality. It is an essential part of the training process.

The Basic Course is designed for participants who are just starting in paragliding or are still at an early stage of development.

At this level, the main priorities are usually:

• basic understanding of equipment
• safe behavior on the ground and at launch
• basic weather awareness
• introductory wing control skills
• understanding the role of the instructor and course structure
• building the habit of not acting on guesswork

The purpose of the Basic Course is to create a solid foundation, not to overload the participant with complexity too early.

The Advanced Course is intended for pilots who already have a foundation and want to improve technique, decision-making, consistency, and their ability to fly with more awareness in a wider range of conditions.

At this stage, more emphasis is placed on:

• precision in control inputs
• better assessment of conditions
• more responsible independence within the assigned task
• more deliberate and refined wing handling
• the ability to hear, understand, and apply instruction without unnecessary tension

Advanced training does not replace the basic safety principles. It requires even more discipline and more awareness.

SIV is focused on improving understanding of wing behavior, pilot reaction, and structured work in controlled conditions.

For SIV, the following are especially important:

• careful attention during the briefing
• understanding the task before entering the exercise
• accuracy in execution
• staying calm and disciplined while following instructions
• being ready for video review and step-by-step correction
• accepting that progression happens gradually

SIV is not about random intensity for its own sake. It is about structured learning, controlled exercises, and improving the pilot’s reactions through understanding and practice.

If you are not sure which course is the right fit, contact us in advance. We will ask about your experience, flight time, current level, and goals, and help you choose the most appropriate format.

It is always better to choose a course that matches your actual level than to skip important steps too early.