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Become an autonomous A3 pilot

Thermaling and soaring

Beginner's course, learn to fly a paraglider

The biggest step for a paraglider pilot is to become an independent but safe pilot. This is what we will be focusing on in this A3 course.

You will be flying in thermic conditions and mild turbulence, while you learn how to be in control of your canopy. 

Through the exercises you will do during the course, you will learn how to control pitch and roll, you will learn how to master 360 turns, and be ready to fly in dynamic conditions, especially thermals.

To become an independent and safe pilot, a lot of theory and practical analysis is needed. We will prepare you to make safe, but independent decisions to make your flights last long but safe.

You will master other launch techniques, precise landing, and flying together with other paragliders and hang-gliders.

 

Course resume

 

A2 appi2A3 is the second course in your paragliding career. You will learn all the necesary theory and gain practical skills to become independent pilot. The level you achieve is level A3 by APPI standards. You will gather at least 10h of flight time in thermals and dynamic soaring in 9 days.
After this course will be able to fly on your own in mild thermic conditions and you will learn how to stay long time in the air. 
We will focus on active pedagogy and make you a true pilot.

You will learn

  • Analisys of weather, mental and envieroment 
  • Reverse launching technique 
  • Piloting in thermals, advanced piloting and manouvering
  • Piloting in soaring conditions
  • Flying with other pilots
  • "U-Turn" approach for landing*
  • The use of vario and other instruments
  • Theory: Design and Materials, Aerodynamics, Meteorology, Paragliding technique of flight, Flight Rules, Dangerous Situations, Analysis
  • All the tools needed for intelligent decision-making during the flight
Valle de Bravo
9 days
Thermic flying
Novice
 
 
 
 
Trans Alps Adventure
    Detailed information

    Learn to thermal, to soar, and become an independent paraglider pilot – APPI A3 Pilot with our course

    Our courses are high-level with a focus on active pedagogy and autonomy. You will learn as much as you can during the course. 

    The course includes

    • An active pedagogy APPI paragliding course

      with a fluent English.

    • Experienced instructors and assistants
    • 17 hours of flight theory and post-flight sessions 

      (Introduction, Design, and Materials, Aerodynamics, Meteorology, Paragliding technique of flight, Flight Rules, Dangerous Situations, Analysis)

    • 2-3 days of ground handling practice

      Learning how to front launch and manage your paraglider

    • 8-9 days of flying under a supervision

      Completing a total of at least 10h of flight time flying in thermals and dynamic soaring.

    • Thermaling

      You will learn the theory of thermals, and flying in them.

    • Theoretical online exam
    • Soaring

      Afternoon flights are for you to learn how to soar, and practice necessary exercises.

    • Certification Level A3 Pilot by APPI Rating

      International paragliding rating after passing the exam.

    • The local shuttle ride to the flying sites

      (takeoff and landing). You won't be using your car.

    • Club Penon daily membership fee
    • Flight logbook and printed material
    • Online course material*
      in progress

     

    You will need

    • Full equipment

      The A3 course does not include equipment. Wing EN-A, harness ,reserve, vario, helmet, radio. Nevertheless, the equipment can be rented if necessary.

    • Finished A2 level or P1

      You have to be an autonomous pilot on landing on a big landing field.

     

    Course does not include

    • Equipment use

      The A3 course does not include equipment, as it is assumed that the pilot already has his own equipment. However, the equipment can be rented if required.

    • Accommodation

      But we can help you find something that fits your needs.

    • Insurance

      Our courses are carried out with the greatest focus on safety, but if you want to come insured, you are welcome.

    • Food and drinks
    • Club Peñón annual membership fee
    • Round trip transportation Mexico City - Valle de Bravo


      It can be arranged, but it's cheaper to take UBER than to pick you up at the airport.

    Cost: MX$26,000.00

    Private course: MX$60,000.00
    Per day: US$250.00

    Master 'N Chief Instructor

    School owner

    "Dedication, professionalism, competence, passion, knowledge, progress, guidance, safety, and fun is my motto when I teach you how to fly. Our happy students are our best advertising."

    Marko Hrgetic, APPI Master instructor #14372
    SIV and XC Certified APPI instructor
    APPI Pedagogical comity
    APPI Representative Mexico
    X-Alps 2019 Athlete

    More than 1000 students in the various courses.

    15 years of experience

    About me
    This is the best school in Mexico by FAR!

    This is the best school in Mexico by FAR!. Marko is such a great instructor and so very thorough with his methods of teaching. From airspace to flight theory to meteorology he is world-class.I felt like 1 hour of thermalling with him in a tandem tought me more than the previous 30 hours of flight by myself had. It is too bad we don't have more USHPA instructors in the U.S.A. that are at his level. I would recommend an APPI3 course to any P2 pilot looking to step up his or her game. The level of confidence you will get after a course with him is unsurpassed. I can't wait to see him again for my SIV clinic in April. I will definitely be going back to Valle De Bravo to see him next winter.

    Ernesto D.

    He's an EXCEPTIONAL instructor/coach

    I'm very glad I chose to continue to develop my paragliding skills with Marko at Flumen Paragliding and would definitely love to fly with him again. He's an EXCEPTIONAL instructor/coach who is dedicated to his students, their safely and their development as pilots, and to the paragliding sport. The launch site at El Penon gave us consistent flying conditions every day for 10 days with nice, long flights (+/- 2 hours). We'd fly in the morning, have lunch at the landing zone, take about an hour of theory, then head back up to the mountain for another fantastic flight. Lots of learning and lots of flying. Happy, happy, happy!

    Jody R.

    An amazing instructor

    After much research, everyone recommended learning to fly with Marko. He is an amazing instructor. It takes you carefully but always drives you to progress. Now I can fly without limits and I am eternally grateful!

    Chris M.

    Once Flumen - always Flumen

    Learning to fly a paraglider with probably the best teacher in Mexico in wonderful nature, and family environment is the flight school "Flumen" for me first choice. No matter if you are a beginner, advanced or professional, here you are well-established as a beginner or already trained pilot. The theory in the classroom as well as the practice at the landing site or the flights from the launch site, Marko conveys 100% safety combined with 100% fun and enjoyment, both during your own flights and during theory class. Of course, everything (theory and practical) is according to APPI and Certified!! Once Flumen - always Flumen, this is what it is. The nature of the lesson testifies to a well-founded knowledge of aircraft, meteorology, and physics and when you see Marko flying, you soon realize that someone is flying out of his or her identity. So is the lesson. I highly recommend the Flumen flight school and advise everyone to book their course early, as the courses are limited and highly sought after. Attached you can see some pics from the start and landing place.....

    V. P.

      Useful information

      Tips and resources

      What kind of weather to expect

      There is no climate like Valle de Bravo. Incredible 360 ​​flight days a year! IT'S JUST CRAZY GOOD!

      We never cancel courses due to bad weather. There is NO bad weather in Valle de Bravo. When you book your course, you can bet that you will finish your training on schedule. It really sucks when you travel to learn and spend money, and then the weather messes it up.

      In the dry season, from November to May, we fly from morning to evening, and in the rainy season, from May to October, we fly from morning to evening.

      The daily temperature throughout the year is 20-33 C. Winter nights can be cold.

      Daily schedule

      During the course, we try to teach you as much as you can absorb. The day is divided into practical parts and theoretical lessons. We leave early in the morning, generally at 8 AM, and in the dry season, we return at 8 PM. In the rainy season, we return at 5 PM. We pause for lunch and rest.

      Book your accommodation here

      Necessary equipment or clothing

      It's good to have long sleeves for practicing on the ground. Sun can be strong, so Sun's cream is a good option.

      For flying it is good to have a windbreaker jacket and if you have light gloves, take them. If you have your own helmet, please bring it. It is preferable to have sunglasses due to the wind and the sun.

      If you have high shoes or boots, please bring them. It is good to protect the ankles while practicing. It's not mandatory.

      If you have a GoPro or a camera, you can bring it.

      You won't need a car, so don't rent. It is a waste of money.

      IMPORTANT

      We will not accept anyone who:

      • have medical problems that may put you at risk
      • people who use drugs regularly
      • people who are under the influence of alcohol
      • does not respect other people
      Useful Information


      Join hundreds of our happy students,
      and sign up for our next course.

      CONTACT

      Do you want special dates for you and your group? If you are 4 or more, we can always give you the dates you want.

      Upcoming A3 course

      31 Jan
      A3 Paragliding course - tentative
      Date 31.01.2025 - 08.02.2025

      Equipment

      Buy your own equipment


      In our school you can buy new equipment at great prices. We will teach you how to choose the best equipment for you.

       

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