The training procedures we follow are laid down by the BHPA and include:

Phase 1 - Ground Training

1  Introductory talk - School instructors - risk warning health/medical conditions clothing/footwear - the BHPA - pilot rating scheme
2  Site assessment - suitability for the exercises and the student +weather
3  Introduction to canopy and equipment
4  Avoiding/minimising injury - safety techniques

Phase 2 - Ground Handling

5  Briefing - Checks - wind direction, airspeed control, flare/stall
6  Preparation - Pre-flight Checks - paragliding helmet, harness, canopy .
7  Inflation - Take-off - landing sequence practised - post-flight control.
8  Directional control - how controls work, initiating turns, looking ahead.

Phase 3 - First Hops 

9  Getting airborne - take-off with good control of airspeed, in-flight control, landing and post-flight control.

Phase 4 - Flight exercises

10  Eventualities briefing - preparation to deal with the unexpected.
11  Commands and communications briefing.
12  Responsibilities briefing - student becomes the pilot-in-command.
13  Flights (1)  straight flights (gradually up to 50ft ground clearance) maintaining course and airspeed.
14  Flights (2)  up to 100ft ground clearance, introducing turns.
15  Flights (3)  completing simple flight plans with increased height and turns of 90 degrees or more, with controlled landings in the intended area.

Phase 5 Theory lessons and examination.

16  Meteorology - the weather affecting our sport
17  Principles of flight - how the wing flies, what makes it turn,stability etc
18  Rules of the air and air law.
19  Elementary examination - multiple choice written paper.

Final assessment of Elementary stage

20  Student has reached a standard of airmanship and attitude to continue training in this discipline. Attitude is very important in the interests of safety of the student, fellow pilots and others.