Welcome to EXOS Paragliding

The pilot understands the USHPA paragliding rating systems and recommended operating limitations.  Pilots must demonstrate Beginner level skills and knowledge before obtaining the Novice rating (P2). All witnessed flights must be pre-planned by the pilot and discussed with the Instructor.

 P2 Recommended Operating Limitations for Novice Paragliding Pilots 

•  Maximum base wind of 12 m.p.h 
•  Maximum peak gusts to 15 m.p.h 
•   Maximum gust rate of 5 m.p.h. in 5 seconds
•  Visual contact with the landing zone. 

Attend a minimum of 8 hours of ground school, topics include: 

• Equipment
• Aerodynamics
• Weather
• Active Piloting
• Types of Lift Sources
• Types of Turbulence
• Various checklists 
• Ground Seed vs Airspeed
• Landings  
• Right of Way Rules 
• FAR 103 
• USHPA Regulation
• Risk Management
• Reserve Deployment and Care 
• Malfunctions 
• Speed Bar Application 
• Decent Techniques  
• Forward/Reverse Launches 

•  Demonstrates layout and preflight of the canopy, harness, and backup reserve parachute 
•  Demonstrates 5 consecutive forward inflations with a visual check of the canopy each time. 
•  Demonstrates controlled kiting of a glider overhead for 2 minutes in a steady wind. 
•  Demonstrates 2 clean, smooth reverse inflations/reversals prior to launch. 
•   Gives a reliable analysis of general conditions of the site and self, and a flight plan including flight path, areas to avoid in relation to the wind flow, and obstacles to stay clear of. 

• On your journey to become a P2 certified novice paragliding pilot, you will become proficient in forward launches. 
•  Demonstrates 2 no-wind (0-5 m.p.h.) inflations/launches 
•  With each flight, demonstrates a method of establishing that the pilot is properly connected to the glider, with cleared lines and risers just prior to inflation. 
•  Demonstrates 2 successful, aggressive, confident inflations/launches, where the wind is at least 15° cross to straight up the hill in wind not exceeding 5 m.p.h 

•  Explains proper strong wind landing procedures and how to keep from being dragged back. 
•  Demonstrate 5 consecutive controlled reverse inflations with proper surge dampening. 
•  Demonstrates 2 high-wind (10-15 m.p.h.) inflations/launches. 
•  Demonstrates 2 clean, smooth reverse inflations/reversals prior to launch.  

•  Demonstrate flights with smooth variation in airspeed, from above minimum sink to fast flight, while maintaining a heading. 
•   Demonstrates flight(s) along a planned path alternating ‘S’ turns of at least 90° change in heading. Flight heading need not exceed 45° from straight into the wind. Turns must be smooth with controlled airspeed, ending in safe, stand up landings on a heading.
•  Demonstrates 360-degree turns in both directions, and at various speeds and bank angles. 

• Attends a minimum of 8 hours of ground school
• Completes a minimum of 35 supervised flight 
• Logs a minimum of 7 flying days
• Successfully passes the USHPA Novice Paragliding written exam. 

Congratulation you are a USHPA Novice rated pilot and an EXOS Graduate! 

As an EXOS graduate you are part of a team, and we are always available for ongoing  advice, guidance, and questions. 

Additionally, EXOS is here for your continuing education needs, reserve packs, clinics, and equipment needs.

• Niviuk
• Skywalk
• PHI
• BDG
• Independence 
• Swing