Becoming a paragliding instructor : the degree, experience and the transmission
The DEJEPS is just the culmination of a long journey. Before it: years of flying, spots and countries, the associative biplace, and a pedagogy that adapts to the student. Our perspective as DEJEPS instructors on the true path to becoming a paragliding instructor has been the same Gréolières since 2013.
It is often believed that becoming a paragliding instructor means «passing the DEJEPS». That is true, but that is the part that emerges. The diploma validates a path; it does not create it. A good instructor is first and foremost a pilot who has flown a lot, seen a lot, and who knows how to transmit.
This guide tells the real story: the DEJEPS and his training at the ENSA, but most importantly what matters just as much — the'experience accumulated over many sites, the biplace association practiced early, and one teaching methods which adapts to each student rather than drowning them out.
It is written by the Ailéments team, paragliding school at Gréolières (06) since 2013. Our state-certified instructors (DEJEPS) live this profession on a daily basis: here are, unfiltered, what it really means to become — and to be — a teacher.
The diploma
The DEJEPS, the diploma for teaching
To teach paragliding for remuneration, only one qualification is valid: the DEJEPS certificate with the free flight option, paragliding option. It is this qualification that opens the door to the profession.
What it is
A state diploma
Le DEJEPS (State diploma, level bac+2) mention vol libre option A: paragliding is the only diploma which authorizes the teaching of paragliding and the guidance of all audiences, from discovery to performance.
Where to train
The ENSA
He is preparing, among other things, for the'ENSA (National School of Ski and Mountaineering, affiliated with the ENSM), alternating with approved schools and clubs. All details of the training are on the ENSA website.
What he authorizes
Biplace pro & teaching
With the DEJEPS, one can practice the profession in all its dimensions: Baptisms in a biplace, courses Training and mentoring pilots up to the highest level. This is the professional key to the profession.
The route
Prerequisites and training: the official path
You don't start the DEJEPS by enrolling: you already have proven experience, with hundreds of hours of flight and real experience.
To enter
Prerequisites
Being a holder of Certified Pilot Certificate and the PSC1, having flight experience (either in competitions or in a federal distance race), completing an observation immersion at the school, presenting a clean record, and then passing an Entrance test and a selection.
The training
Alternately, over 1 to 2 years
La training is carried out alternately between the center and accredited schools: theoretical modules (regulation, aerology, weather, security), advanced piloting and supervised pedagogical training courses. Demanding, and exciting.
Our conviction
Before the diploma: experience, and again experience
This is where, in our opinion, a monitor's true quality is tested. A degree certifies a level; experience, on the other hand, certifies a lifetime of experience — and that cannot be measured.
The time of the flight
Ten years, and thousands of situations
Our vision: to have stolen a ten years before teaching. Not to collect hours, but to encounter enough different situations — and analyze them — to anticipate those of his students.
Diversity
Locations, countries, conditions
Flying over many sites in several countries expose to a real diversity of conditions and land : Aero-logies varied, atypical takeoffs, thermal and Distance flight. This variety cultivates analytical finesse and technique.
Do not wait
The associative biplace, early
There's no need to wait for DEJEPS to fly alone: the biplace associative qualification (FFVL) allows you to practice biplace in a non-profit setting. Doing it early, then practicing for several years with all types of takeoffs and aeroglides, is one of the best schools.
Learning & Sharing
Learning well to teach well
We teach as we were taught. That's why it's important to receive training from good hands, and to understand very early on that teaching is not just about telling people what to do.
Where to learn
Quality schools
Training in the Serious schools, who work with real people Safety margins, a diversity of takeoffs and several types of practice : handling in soil, Air exercises, flight thermal. You pick up good habits there... or bad ones.
How to transmit
The theory, in the right dosage
A monitor must have a solid Theoretical baggage — but above all, knowing how to Dosage. The theoretical input adapts to the level of the student: giving the right information at the right time, without overwhelming them. Too much information all at once is useless. It's all an art form. good educator.
The team
Complementary and diverse
A good school is not based on just one teacher, but on a team of teachers. additional teaching team : different profiles, paths and sensibilities. This diversity enriches the courses — several perspectives on the same gesture, the same student — and guarantees quality content and a genuine diversity of contributions.
The profession
A profession with passion, demanding and human
Being a flight instructor is not just about flying: it is a responsibility, a relationship, and a commitment. It is a profession that one chooses for good reasons.
The daily newspaper
Versatile and seasonal
Baptisms in two-seater, Work placements, sometimes other mountain activities: the profession is varied and often seasonal. It is physically demanding, and never routine.
What matters most
Security and relationship
La security First, always, and then the human relationship: building trust, reading your student, passing on a passion. That's what makes the difference between flying and making people love flying.
With us
Progressing to Gréolières
Before teaching, we practice. Our courses Training is a great way to grow in flying, to make more and more takeoffs, and to mature the project of turning it into a profession one day.
The Ailéments School
A profession that is earned and passed on
Since 2013 at Gréolières, the team Accessories I live the job of a flight instructor: thousands of flights, various sites, and the unquenched desire to teach. We don't deliver the DEJEPS — that's the role of the ENSA — but we are a school where you fly, progress, and develop a project.
State-qualified instructors (DEJEPS), affiliated with the FFVL, progressive pedagogy: over 1070 5/5 reviews It confirms it. If the job appeals to you, let's talk about it.
What qualifications are required to become a paragliding instructor?
Le DEJEPS Free flight option A: paragliding, state diploma (bac+2), the only qualification to teach for remuneration. He is preparing, among other things, for'ENSA (ENSM), in alternation with FFVL-accredited schools.
What are the prerequisites for enrolling in the DEJEPS training?
Certified Pilot Certificate + PSC1, proven flight experience (federal distance competitions or races), an immersion in the school, a clean record, then an entrance test and selection. You are confirmed, with hundreds of hours of flying time.
Should we wait for the DEJEPS to make a two-seater?
No. The biplace associative qualification (FFVL) allows for flying in a biplane in a non-profit setting. Do it early, then practice for several years with all types of takeoffs and landings.'Aero-logies, forge a valuable experience before professional training.
How much experience is required to become a supervisor?
Beyond the training (1 to 2 years), it is the experience before that counts the most. Our conviction: ten years of flying, in many sites and countries, for a true diversity of experiences. conditions. It is she who builds the finesse of analysis.
In which school can I learn to become a monitor?
In one quality school Safety margins, diversity of takeoffs and practices (soil, air, thermal), and good pedagogy — adapting the theory to the level of the student, without overwhelming them. The training received shapes the instructor.
Can one make a living from being a monitor?
Yes, it is a real profession, often seasonal and versatile (baptisms, internships, sometimes other activities). A passion-based profession, physically demanding and with responsibility, where the security and the human prevails. Well-trained and well-insured, we live with it.
A
Written by the teamAiléments — paragliding instructors & canyoning
Paragliding school based in Gréolières (06) since 2013, affiliated with the FFVL. Our state-certified instructors (DEJEPS) live the profession on a daily basis, from baptism to further training: the experience of flying and the transmission of knowledge are at the heart of our work.
Four guidelines to turn passion into a profession.
1
The DEJEPS is the culmination
Only diploma for teaching, prepared at the'ENSA in alternating shifts. You can already do it as a confirmed pilot, not as a beginner.
2
Experience first
Ten years of flying, many sites and countries, a real diversity of conditions: that is the foundation that makes a monitor so fine-tuned.
3
The associative biplace, early
Do not wait for the DEJEPS: the biplace qualification allows you to practice early, with all types of takeoffs and aeroglides.
4
Learning well, in order to transmit well
To train in a quality school, then to tailor the theory to the individual student. To teach is not just to tell; it is to tell the right things.
Does the profession appeal to you? Start by flying, a lot
Before graduation, there is the pleasure and the experience. Come and progress Gréolières, make a series of successful takeoffs, and hone your technique — and who knows, prepare the ground for making it your profession.
The job of a monitor
