Learn to fly in Christchurch

Learn to fly paragliders

To become a qualified paraglider pilot in New Zealand, you must learn to fly through a commercial paragliding school. Initial training is carried out on a flat field, then quickly progresses up shallow slopes to your firs flights. It is not unusual for students to progress to flying on the first day of training.

Training to a stage that allows pilots to fly unsupervised can take from 10 days to a couple of months, or more. As well as the practical skills needed to fly the paraglider, schools teach meteorology, flight theory, piloting skills and air law.

The New Zealand Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association has 3 solo pilot ratings:

PG1 is a student pilot rating that allows student pilots to fly at PG1 and PG2 rated flying sites under the supervision of an instructor.
PG2 allows pilots to fly at PG1 and PG2 rated sites unsupervised and PG3 rated sites under the supervision of a PG3 rated pilot.
PG3 is an advanced solo rating required to become an instructor or tandem paraglider pilot.

To learn to fly in Christchurch, contact:

Grey at Cloudbase Paragliding on 0275324874
Dave at Parapro - Paragliding and Paramotoring School on 0276022558
Ryan at Christchurch Paragliding

Want to try it out before signing up for lessons?

Do a Tandem Paragliding flight with Christchurch Paragliding.

Learn to fly hang gliders

You cannot teach yourself to fly safely but a club instructor or commercial school with modern equipment can teach you quickly and safely. Initial training is usually from flat ground to low slopes, followed by higher flights as your ability and confidence allows.

Training to a stage that allows pilots to fly unsupervised can take from 7 days to a couple of months or more depending on available time and weather conditions. As well as the practical skills needed to fly the hang glider, schools teach meteorology, flight theory, piloting skills and air law.

The New Zealand Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association has 4 solo pilot ratings:

Beginner (Hang 1) is a student pilot rating that allows student pilots to fly at Beginner and Novice rated flying sites under the supervision of an instructor.
Novice (Hang 2) allows pilots to fly at Beginner and Novice rated sites unsupervised and Intermediate rated sites under the supervision of an instructor.
Intermediate (Hang 3) allows pilots to fly at Beginner, Novice and Intermediate rated sites unsupervised and Advanced rated sites under the supervision of an instructor.
Advanced (Hang 4) allows pilots to make their own judgement of site and weather suitability.