Introduction
ACI Verified (Credentials)
Introducing ACI Verified (Credentials), leveraging the W3C VC 2.0 specifications for secure and simple verification of your P1-P5 ratings, presented as Student Pilot, Novice Pilot, Intermediate Pilot & Advanced Pilot - Paragliding Skills. Fly with verified confidence.
- Secure & Verified Collaboration
- Verified instructors, schools, and fellow pilots to verified with common minimum standard of credentials.
- Comprehensive Skill Overview
- Get a structured, list-based view of your verified P1-P5 paragliding ratings.
- Efficient Verifications
- Use Digital Credentials to simplify skill verifications on-the-fly.
- Event & Flight Calendars
- Seamlessly integrate your verified credentials with competitions, events, and flight schedules.
- Visual Skill Boards
- Track your progress visually from Beginner to Expert with intuitive dashboards.
- Mobile-first Experience
- Manage and showcase your verified credentials on-the-go with a mobile-optimized app.
ACI Ratings & Progression
In 2020 the ACI Paragliding Technical Committee has spent several weeks reviewing its previously developed PPPI system and has created the National Paragliding and PPG Pilot Rating system. This system follows the FAI Parapro system closely so that our system is as robust as any international Rating System available today.
The ACI Affiliated Schools have streamlined their courses to match with the skill levels proposed by the new system. All Students who undergo training in any of the schools will automatically qualify for the rating which will be recommended by the CFI of the concerned School and endorsed by ACI (Aero Club Of India).
Rating
P1 Introduction The “Introduction to Paragliding” course is also known as Level 1.
It is a non-certificate program designed to make paragliding more accessible.
Offers a low-commitment experience for individuals to enjoy the thrill of flying.
Does not result in certification but contributes to the requirements of the 'Student' course.
Requires minimal time and financial investment.
Rating
P2 Student Pilot Aims to develop responsible, safety-conscious pilots for altitude flights.
Tasks from 'Introduction to Paragliding' can be credited if taken within 4 weeks.
Refresher sessions are required if the gap between courses exceeds four weeks.
Teaches how the wing flies and how wing controls function.
Topics include wind behaviour over terrain, lee-side and rotor effects.
Covers basic principles of pressure and airflow.
Introduces equipment terminology and harness adjustment.
Covers structure and weight range of gliders.
Includes active piloting and rules for ridge soaring and thermal flying.
Students complete ground handling and inflight tasks to demonstrate their knowledge.
Rating
P3 Novice Pilot Designed to develop independent soaring pilots capable of flying solo.
Focuses on safety protocols, regulations, and good flying practices.
Completion allows pilots to fly independently.
Instructors ensure students can manage personal and others’ safety responsibly.
Covers advanced flight theory: angle of attack, stall, drag, polar curves, speed-to-fly.
Teaches glider behavior during deflations, stalls, and spins.
Training includes pitch and roll control, big ears, asymmetric collapses, speed bar usage, and quick descent methods.
Introduces meteorological knowledge: thermal activity, cloud formation, lapse rates, and airspace awareness.
Students demonstrate understanding through inflight manoeuvres.
Rating
P4 Intermediate Pilot Pilots demonstrate the ability to extend flight time using ridge lift and thermals.
Requires flights from 3 different sites.
50 hours of flying (which includes 10 hours in thermic conditions).
Demonstrates responsibility for safety during displays, demos, and competitions.
Full PILOT level is granted after completing both thermal and soaring endorsements.
SIV course recommended if appropriate site and instructor are available.
Knowledge includes airspace distribution, air laws, and map reading.
Understanding of this knowledge is required for cross-country (XC) flying.
Must pass the theory examination conducted by ACI (Aero Club Of India).
Rating
P5 Advanced Pilot Prepares pilots for safe, independent XC flying in complex environments.
Pilots must complete an advanced SIV (Simulation d’Incident en Vol) course prior to advancing.
Ability to stay calm and in control under stress is mandatory.
Nervous or uncontrolled behavior disqualifies a pilot from progressing.
Requires 100 flying hours from 5 different sites.
Minimum qualifying distance in a single XC: Big mountain terrain 60km eg. Bir-Himachal, Flatland or small mountain terrain 35 km eg. Panchgani.
Deep understanding of wing aerodynamics is essential.
Must be able to recognize unsafe flying conditions.
Must pass the theory examination conducted by ACI (Aero Club Of India).
Rating
P6 Sports Tandem Pilot Certifies a pilot's ability to safely operate a tandem paraglider.
Pilot must already have completed the PILOT Level certification.
Must complete an SIV course within 6 months or after 50 tandem flights.
Pilot must attend a ACI (Aero Club Of India) Tandem Clinic.
Clinic includes legal responsibilities, safety procedures, and passenger management.
Soft skills for handling passengers are also taught.
Rating emphasizes both technical skill and interpersonal competence.
Ensures safe and enjoyable tandem flight experiences for passengers.
How to Get Your Paraglider Ratings
A Simple Itemised List On How To Achieve Your Paragliding Ratings.
Find a ACI Verified School
Speak to an instructor about starting training
Complete basic ground handling and safety course
Pass the P1 practical evaluation
Continue training under instructor supervision
Perform low-altitude solo flights
Understand basic meteorology and flight planning
Pass the P2 evaluation and written test
Fly independently under instructor supervision
Practice takeoffs, landings, and turns
Demonstrate safe judgment in flying conditions
Clear the P3 practical and theory requirements
Practice Solo Paragliding regularly
Approach a ACI Instructor for evaluation
Submit all required verification documents
Perform the Practical Tasks
Take and pass the Theory Exam in the ACI Members Area
Continue with advanced paragliding practice
Contact a ACI Instructor for review
Submit updated documents for verification
Demonstrate advanced manouevres and safety
Clear the final Theory Exam in the ACI Members Area
Continue with advanced paragliding practice
Contact a ACI Instructor for review
Submit updated documents for verification
Demonstrate advanced manouevres and safety
Clear the final Theory Exam in the ACI Members Area