How to become a tandem pilot

In Turkey, paragliding training and certificates are run by Türk Hava Kurumu (THK) and courses approved under the Turkish Air Sports Federation (THSF) and FAI rules. You cannot skip a level. Going from complete beginner to commercial tandem pilot usually takes 3 to 5 years, depending on how often you fly and when courses open.

The four solo levels (P2 to P5) make you a safe, experienced pilot on your own wing. The two tandem levels (T1 and T2) teach you to fly a two-seat wing with a passenger, and finally to do it commercially.

1. P2

   P2 · Beginner pilot

   Ground school and your first solo flights from small hills.

   Solo flights only, no passengers.
   
2. P3

   P3 · Intermediate pilot

   Soaring, first thermals and flying from the big mountain on your own.

   Solo flights at commercial sites without an instructor; still no passengers.
   
3. P4

   P4 · Advanced pilot

   Cross-country basics, airspace and SIV safety training.

   Solo cross-country flying; still no passengers.
   
4. P5

   P5 · Experienced pilot

   The top solo level: long cross-country flights and advanced manoeuvres.

   The highest solo licence; you can enter competitions, but you still cannot carry passengers.
   
5. T1

   T1 · Tandem pilot

   Learning to fly a two-seat wing with a passenger.

   Non-commercial tandem flights. Flying paying passengers needs T2.
   
6. T2

   T2 · Commercial tandem pilot

   The licence to fly paying passengers.

   Commercial tandem flights with paying passengers, with the required insurance in place.
   

Exact minimums (flights, hours, waiting periods) are set by THK and THSF and are updated from time to time. The numbers on these pages are the typical published minimums; always check the current course announcement before you apply.