Step 2 of 6

P3Intermediate pilot

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

P3 turns a beginner into a pilot. You move from small hills to real mountain launches, learn to stay up in ridge lift and thermals, and start handling the wing in less forgiving air.

P3 – Intermediate pilot
What it allowsSolo flights at commercial sites without an instructor; still no passengers.

Before you start

  • P2 certificate
  • Health report and course documents

What you learn

  • Reverse launches and launch preparation on your own
  • Ridge soaring and introduction to thermals
  • Big ears, 360° turns and using the speed bar
  • Landing approaches, spot landing and top landing
  • Basic emergency drills

To complete the level

  • At least 50 flights and 12 hours in the air, including soaring and thermal time
  • Training in three stages (about 15 + 15 + 10 flights)
  • Written exam, 75% pass mark

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.