Paragliding license : levels, courses and advice for flying in autonomy
No legal obligation, but the patent FFVL is essential for flying solo, accessing sites and being insured. Comprehensive guide to 3 levels (Beginner · Intermediate · Advanced), from the exam and budget, by a FFVL-certified school.
No legal obligation imposes a paragliding license in France. However, it remains essential to fly autonomously, access labelled sites and be covered by insurance.
The patent validates your Pilot skills ; or FFVL licence The annual fee, however, remains compulsory for practice. The two are complementary. This guide details the 3 FFVL levels, the practical pathway, and the budget.
To remember : 3 progressive levels, lifetime recognised certificate, multiple-choice exam + practical test with no tricks, materials provided during training.
The progression
The 3 levels of FFVL paragliding certificate
The FFVL structures progression into three certificates, from supervised beginner to experienced pilot capable of cross-country flying. Each one validates specific skills.
Green level
Initial Certificate
First certification after ground training. Validates the bases Inflation, takeoff, landing in calm conditions.
Autonomous flying on school sites
Close supervision
No solitary assessment of the conditions
Beginner supervised
Blue level
Pilot's Licence
The key step towards'real autonomy. Allows you to fly on all authorised French sites, managing the conditions yourself.
50 to 100 validated flights in training
Theory and practical exam
1 to 2 seasons in favourable conditions
Autonomous pilot
Brown level
Certified Pilot Licence (CPL)
The 3rd level opens the Distance flight and advanced mountain conditions. For already autonomous pilots.
200 vols minimum
Meteorological and Aerological Mastery
2 to 5 years of regular practice
Experienced pilot
Do not confuse
Licence or patent: what's the difference?
Two notions often confused, yet clearly distinct and complementary.
Subscription annual to the federation (~€100-150 with insurance). Includes the Public liability, required on most sites. Expires annually, to be renewed.
Lifetime skill
The patent
Certification of skills validating your pilot level. Acquire definitively once obtained (does not expire). Distinct but complementary to the licence.
The evaluation
What does the Brevet exam involve?
The exam validates skills already acquired during training. There are no tricks, the criteria are established in advance.
Theory: Multiple Choice Questions
Multiple choice questionnaire on the weather, air traffic regulations, equipment knowledge and flight safety. Everything is covered in training.
On-site practice
Assessment by authorised monitors. Inflation, takeoff, piloting, precise landing Under controlled conditions. Skills already developed during internship.
No traps
The exam is not designed to trick the candidate. The criteria are pre-established and prepared with the instructor throughout the training.
Materials provided
The school provides all the equipment During training. No purchases necessary before obtaining the pilot's license.
Training stepIndicative budget
Introductory course (5 days)First solo flights, towards the PPL290 - 690 €
Full course to the Pilot's LicenceSeveral stages of progression1 500 - 3 000 €
Training materialsProvided by the schoolIncluded
Training at Ailéments
From first flight to pilot's licence, at your own pace
Certified FFVL school at Gréolières (take-off 1,800 m, +1,000 m climb, generous thermals). 19 years of experience, +1070 reviews 5/5, state-qualified instructors.
Individualised progression School Nice, PACA, Var. Flies year-round (except January).
A question about your background? Contact us you call the 06 87 68 71 90.
Guidance and improvement of piloting during a course, towards the licence.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about patents
Obligation, levels, licence versus patent, costs, exam, age, validity, starting.
Is a paragliding licence mandatory?
No, Although there is no legal obligation for a patent in France, it remains essential for flying autonomously, accessing accredited sites and being covered.
patent validates your skills; the FFVL licence remain, she, mandatory to practice.
What are the FFVL paragliding license levels?
Initial Certificate (green): basics, solo flying at training sites. Pilot's Licence (blue) : real autonomy, all French sites, 50-100 flights + exam.
Yes, The FFVL licence is acquired definitively once obtained – it does not expire.
Only the annual licence needs to be renewed each year to continue practising legally.
Can we begin after a simple christening?
Yes, the baptism is a great way to confirm your desire before committing to training.
Many pilots start with a taster flight, then move on to an introductory course with the aim of gaining their licence.
PY
Guide written byPierre-Yves Fenet · Ailéments
Paragliding DEJEPS Instructor, founder of'Accessories (FFVL-accredited school) in 2013. 19 years of FFVL experience. Trains pilots every year, from introductory flights to pilot's licences, at their own pace, at Gréolières.
FFVL · Pilot
