6 years for a tandem baptism, 14 years to pilot alone (12 years in an FFVL-approved school). No upper limit. All about age, weight, and conditions for flying safely.
Family trip · 06You're considering a paragliding baptism for your child, a loved one, or yourself, and you're wondering if age is a barrier? The answer boils down to two figures: 6 years old for a tandem first flight with a qualified instructor, 14 years old to learn to fly on your own.
Le paragliding is one of the most accessible aerial sports. No need to be athletic, no medical certificate required for an introductory flight — the real conditions are simple: a Sufficient weight (20 kg minimum, 95 kg maximum),'Parental agreement for minors, and one Fair weather D-day.
At Ailéments, a school certified by the FFVL since 2013, we've flown hundreds of children aged 6 and upwards (and sometimes younger on a bespoke package) Child flight dedicated) as well as seniors aged 70 and over. For the overall safety of paragliding, see our page Paragliding accident.
This article addresses Minimum age for baptism, minimum age for solo-skiing, minimum/maximum weight, physical condition, parental consent, fear of heights, senior conditions.
At Ailéments, the recommended minimum age is 6 years old For a tandem baptism, subject to sufficient weight and parental consent. A package Child flight specific allows younger riders (from 4 years old) to participate, depending on their weight and temperament.
The age from which most children live life to the full The experience: understand instructions, keep calm, enjoy the flight.
With a minimum weight of approximately 20 kg and parental consent, your child can discover free flight safely, supervised by a DEJEPS instructor.
A formula A thought for the youngest. Individual assessment by the instructor (weight, temperament, motivation).
Short flight, mild weather conditions selected, enhanced parental support. Ideal for sharing the experience as a family.
La Presence of a parent or legal guardian The day of the flight is necessary. Parental consent can be formalised on site with a waiver.
For 5-day placements, written parental consent is mandatory. A prior discussion with the child is required to confirm their motivation.
The minimum legal age in France to enrol in a flying course and learn to fly solo is 14 years old. At FFVL-accredited schools such as Ailéments, it is possible to accommodate students From 12 years without specific derogation, according to maturity and physical condition.
Subject to Maturity, motivation and physical fitness. The teenager is capable of understanding the theory, following instructions and running at takeoff.
Minimum legal age for Solo flying under the supervision of a state-qualified instructor. No derogation required.
Preparation for Pilot's licence and at the FFVL licence over 10-15 days of training.
Adults start learning at any age. 40, 50, or even older: motivation and physical fitness matter more than age.
No upper limit as long as physical fitness allows for takeoff.
Physical conditions for a first paragliding experience are very accessible. The real criteria are the passenger weight (between 20 and 95 kg) and the absence of acute pathology.
Below this threshold, the Two-seater wing stability is not guaranteed. It is a technical, not commercial, criterion. The monitor checks the weight before the flight.
Technical limit for two-seater equipment to preserve flight performance. Beyond that, each case is studied depending on available equipment and conditions.
Tandem skydiving requires no particular athletic ability. For the courses To obtain the FFVL licence, a certificate of no contraindication is required.
Vertigo is triggered by visual contact with a nearby support. When paragliding, one is suspended without support The vertigo often disappears in flight. A sensation closer to a glider than a cliff face.
Children's Flight for €100 for the youngest Prestige flight At €250, our packages adapt to every profile and every budget.
Tandem flight designed for children. DEJEPS instructor, selected conditions.
BookThe most popular introductory flight. Thrills guaranteed, spectacular views.
BookTandem paragliding baptism + canyon descent in one day. For teens and adults.
BookXL flight: 30 mins in flight, souvenir 4K video included. Adults and teens.
BookEach profile has its specificities. Here are our recommendations for making the most of the experience according to the age of the passenger or student.
Here's a simple breakdown of the process:**Equipment:** This refers to the aircraft itself – the plane, helicopter, or any other flying machine. It includes everything from the engines and wings to the seats and controls.**Course:** This is the planned route the aircraft will take. It's like a map for the journey, indicating the direction and path from the starting point to the destination.**Flight:** This is the actual period when the aircraft is in the air, moving from one place to another. It covers everything that happens while it's flying, including climbing, cruising, and descending.**Landing:** This is the final stage of the journey, when the aircraft safely returns to the ground at its destination. It involves reducing speed and altitude to bring the aircraft down smoothly onto a runway or landing strip. Avoid over-dramatising Sensations: let the child discover.
The monitor always takes the time to chat with the child before the flight. If they are scared at the last minute, we postpone with no charge.
The ideal age to Start a training placement. From 12 years old in an approved school, 14 years old legally. Good time to aim for a pilot's licence over several summers.
1-day Discovery Course to test, then a 5-day Initiation Course to take off solo by the end of the week.
Paragliding is a sport very accessible for seniors. No need to be athletic. The ability to run 3-5 metres on take-off is sufficient.
If you have any medical concerns, please speak to your GP beforehand. Many pilots start at 60 years of age and over.
FFVL approved school since 2013. Hundreds of children, teenagers, adults and seniors have flown with us without serious incident. Instructors DEJEPS State-qualified graduates trained in the supervision of all profiles.
Certified equipment (Alpha 7, Mentor, Sigma), child-adapted harnesses, certified helmets. Over 6,000 volumes completed, +1070 reviews 5/5 on Google.
Have a question before booking for a child or a loved one? Contact us you call the 06 87 68 71 90.
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Offer a paragliding gift voucher For a child, teen or parent: an original gift, valid for 1 year, customisable, sent by email.
Ideal for birthdays, Father's/Mother's Day, Christmas, or simply as a treat. EVJF/EVG Also possible. A question? Contact us.
Order a gift voucher
A tandem flight for children on a Gréolières, for children aged 6 and over.
Christenings, courses, weight, vertigo, parental consent, seniors, children's gift vouchers: everything parents and participants ask for.
At Ailéments, the recommended minimum age for a first two-seater flight to the east 6 years old, subject to parental consent and sufficient weight (around 20 kg minimum).
A formula Child flight specific is also possible from 4 years old depending on the child's weight and temperament.
No, no upper limit. Adults start learning at 40, 50 years old or over.
For baptisms, age is not a criterion if physical condition permits. The weight condition (max approx. 95 kg) is more restrictive than age.
Minimum weight environment 20 kg For a passenger on a tandem baptismal flight (stability of the wing not guaranteed below).
Maximum weight environment 95 kg. For solo, self-sufficient training, the wing is adapted to the student's build, with no strict limitations.
No. No medical certificate is required for a tandem skydive.
For training internships aiming at FFVL licence, a certificate of non-contraindication to sports practice is required.
It's possible depending on their weight and temperament. The age of 6 is our standard recommendation, but each situation is assessed individually with the formula Child flight.
The monitor takes the time to talk to the child before the flight to confirm their motivation and desire.
Yes. For any minor passenger, the Presence of a parent or legal guardian The day of the flight is necessary. Parental consent can be formalised on site with a waiver.
For 5-day internships, written parental consent is mandatory.
Yes, in the vast majority of cases. The dizziness is triggered by visual contact with a close point of support (Empty on a cliff).
When paragliding, you are suspended without support: vertigo often disappears in flight. Many practitioners who feared heights describe a very different sensation, more akin to being a glider than being on a cliff.
You never force anything. If the apprehension is too strong at the time of take-off, the flight will simply be postponed to another date without charge.
The instructor always takes time to assess the child's motivation before take-off. For overall paragliding safety, see our page Paragliding accident.
Yes. The Ailéments gift voucher Valid for 1 year, customisable, sent by email. Ideal for birthdays or end-of-year celebrations.
For children, favour the package Child flight dedicated.
4 key figures to remember before booking for yourself, your child or a loved one.
Minimum standard age 6 years old Subject to weight (approx. 20 kg) and parental consent. Formula Child flight Specifics possible from age 4, depending on individual assessment.
Legal age in France: 14 years old. FFVL approved schools: From 12 years without derogation. Preparation for Pilot's licence over 10-15 days.
Technical criterion for the stability of a two-seater wing. No medical certificate for christening. Certificate of no contra-indication for FFVL internships.
40s, 50s, 70s: all welcome As long as physical fitness allows for race take-off. Vertigo is not an obstacle (different sensation when suspended).
