PG1 beginner course - cost NZ$750

Duration: 3-4 days (10 flight course)

This course gives you a very good understanding of what paragliding is all about. The PG1 includes the cost of the intro course. You will learn to launch a glider in different weather conditions and to take-off and land safely. You willl fulfill all the requirements for a Novice rating (PG1) issued by the NZ Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association. We will also cover the necessary theory for your PG1 exam. After this course you will need to progress onto the PG2 for your solo rating.

Includes:

- Intoductory course
- 10 flight course
- 5 point pre-flight check
- Full radio instruction throughout the course
- S-turn landing approach
- Evaluate suitable launch and landing areas
- Landing in standing position
- Kowledge of hard landing technique
- Prelaunch checks including weather assessment
- Show competance as a launch assistant
- PG1 theory
- Daily debriefing and Q+A session

PG2 pilot's licence - cost NZ$1850

Duration: 14-21 days (30 flights)

The PG2 is a full, in-depth intermediate pilot rating. You will be taught all the practical and theory requirements you need to fly safely as a solo paraglider pilot. The PG2 is a 30 flight course with full radio instruction, following on from the PG1 course (PG1 10 flights + PG2 30 flights making up the full 40 flights required for the PG2 rating). It teaches soaring, thermal flying, top and slope landing techniques and many of the other skills required to be a competent solo pilot. As an extra precaution we also include a rescue parachute in the harness for all high flights during your training. This isn't required under New Zealand law, but we feel it's the responsable thing to do!

The training environment and flight time available in Nelson is second to none, and most students are able to complete the course in under three weeks. Bare this in mind when comparing prices of other school as they may only offer limited training in thermal flight. This is the ultimate travel adventure where you can take the skills you learn here back with you to fly anywhere in the world. Leave NZ with more than just memories! All our instructors have current NZHGPA ratings.

Includes:

- Mainly thermal flights to take you upto the 40 required for PG2
- Full radio instruction throughout the course
- Parachute landing fall
- Pre-flight checks
- Reverse launch
- Canopy control whilst kiting (ground handling)
- Aircraft landing approach
- Rear riser steering
- Big ears
- Speed bar
- Big ears and speed bar combined
- Pitch and roll control
- Fly from 5 different sites
- Talk through of reserve deployment
- Flight rules
- Strong wind reverse launch
- Strong wind landing and glider control
- Top and slope landings
- Thermal entry/exit - tandem
- Thermal entry/exit - solo
- Asymetric collapse - tandem
- Asymetric collapse - solo
- Spiral entry/exit - tandem
- PG2 and VFR theory and exams
- Weather assessment, site assessment and gear maintenance
- Daily debriefing with Q+A, full briefing before each flight

Enrol in your PG1+PG2 course with us, buy all new gear from us and get your training completely free!

Thermal training / top up course - cost NZ$550

Duration: 2-3 days

For pilots who haven't flown for some time and feel they would like to rejoin a school under instruction to get their wings back, or pilots who have only flown coastal or soaring sites Barnicoat is the training hill for you. This hill offers year round thermalling, with a favourable sea breeze most days combing to give a wide variety of conditions throughout the day. In the morning condtions are generally quite light with small weak thermals. These build as the day warms up and then early afternoon the sea breeze comes in so you have dynamic air and thermals to play with. Then as the afternoon draws on and the sun fades down the calmer conditions return. Thermal flying is an essential part of flying unless you want to be limited to only soaring on coatal sites. Our PG2 course includes 15-20 hours of thermal flying. If you have low experience in thermal condtions please contact us before flying in New Zealand.

PG3 advanced licence - cost on request

Duration: depends on pilot experience and logged hours

The PG3 is the highest rating available in New Zealand for solo pilots. It is an advanced licence requiring a certain ammount of logged hours, certain types of logged flights, advanced manouvres over water, as well as having held a PG2 licence for at least 12 months. Stew is well trained in getting students through their advanced manouvres and offering his vast knowledge and experience to help PG2 pilots get the best out of their cross country flights. If you are working towards your PG3 make sure you get in touch.

Testimonials

"The intro day was everything I had hoped for. It was kind of hard work, but it was all worth it the first time your feet leave the ground. The guys were super patient to me and I really want to go for the pilot's licence now."

Olly - UK

"I dreamed of flying since I was a child and it finally came true. I'm so glad I chose Nelson as the place to learn, it's just beautiful here. Nelson paragliding are awsum and they have helped me heaps. I can't wait to return and carry on to do my PG2."

Diana - Germany

"My PG2 course has been the highlight of my time in New Zealand. I didn't come here with the idea of learning to fly but after trying it I was hooked. The team were so friendly and helpful, I would say to anyone if you are thinking of learning to paraglide, talk to Nelson Paragliding."

Guy - Switzerland