The licence FFVL is mandatory for flying in France (Sports Code). 2026 prices from 18,50 € young or 61 € (Adult), RC aerial included. Comprehensive guide from a certified school: types, prices, procedure, medical certificate.
La FFVL licence (French Federation of Free Flight) is not a mere formality: it is required by the Sports Code for any paragliding practice in France, whether at a school or independently.
It includes the air carrier liability and provides access to accredited schools, clubs, and flying sites. Without it, it's impossible to register for Training course or to be covered. The only exception: the Tandem discovery baptism, where a participation title is included.
This guide, written by an FFVL-certified school, details the Licence typesthe 2026 price list, the online application procedure and the medical certificate requirements. For our flight and course prices, please also see our page price.
To remember : Licence required as soon as you take the controls, from €18.50 for under 25s, third-party liability included, valid in most European countries.
The options
FFVL Paragliding Licence Types
According to your profile — beginner intern, autonomous pilot, instructor student — the FFVL offers different licences. Here are the main ones.
Beginner
9-Day Course Practitioner Licence
To start an internship at the'School Nice, PACA or Var. Covers 9 days of instruction (consecutive or spread over 2 months). Basic insurance included, then conversion to an annual licence.
~35 €
Autonomous pilot
Annual Practitioner Licence
To fly all year. Valid from January 1st to December 31st. Access to all FFVL clubs and certified sites in France and Europe.
18,50 - 61 €
Special cases
Supervised · Trainee Instructor
Supervised Activity Only practise in a school/club, never alone. Instructor Trainee to prepare for the state diplomaDEJEPS).
Variable
Licence type / option2026 Tariff
Practitioner Licence YouthUnder 25s18,50 €
Adult Practitioner Licence26 years and over61 €
Licence 9 daysTo start training~35 €
Personal Accident InsuranceOptional, recommended10 - 30 €
Procedure
How to get your paragliding license?
Everything is done online at federation.ffvl.fr. Allow 20 minutes the first time, 5 minutes for renewal.
Create an account
On federation.ffvl.fr. Be careful with the spelling of your email.
Choose club/school
The school provides its structure number. Autonomous: departmental club.
Pay online
By card. Non-refundable once validated (except in exceptional cases).
Activate the account
Confirmation email received within minutes (check spam folder).
Download the certificate
In PDF. Print a copy for your flight bag.
Assurances
What the licence covers (and does not cover)
The licence includes the Aerial RC It covers damage caused to third parties during the flight. This is the minimum legal requirement.
The'Individual Accident (which covers your own wounds) is Optional (€10–€30) but highly recommended. Repatriation and competition warranty are additional options.
Any questions before you get started? Contact us you call the 06 87 68 71 90.
Paragliding is accessible without any particular physical fitness. Regarding medical formalities, here are the FFVL rules.
First subscription
A Health questionnaire is required. A medical certificate is only necessary if you answer "yes" to a question (valid for 3 years).
Annual renewal
New questionnaire. The 3-year certificate remains valid if all your answers are negative.
Competitors
Medical certificate annual mandatory, without exception. Competition warranty to be added.
Minors
Signed authorisation from the legal representative. No minimum age, see our page Minimum age for paragliding.
On video
Our internships and introductory flights on video
Courses and introductory sessions led by qualified instructors, on a one-to-one basis.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about the licence
Christening, cost, obligation, cover, procedure, medical certificate, foreign validity.
Do you need a licence for a paragliding baptism?
No. For a Tandem paragliding (tandem discovery flight), no licence is required: a participation certificate is automatically included.
The FFVL licence becomes mandatory as soon as you take control or follow a training course.
How much does a FFVL paragliding license cost in 2026?
Practitioner Licence Youth (Under 25s) 18,50 €. Adult Practitioner Licence (26 years and over): 61 €. Licence 9-day: approximately €35.
Optional Personal Accident Insurance: €10 to €30. First year budget: approximately £80 to £120.
Is a paragliding licence compulsory?
Yes. The FFVL licence is required by the Sporting Code for any paragliding practice in France, whether at a school or independently.
Without it: it's impossible to enrol for an internship, access labelled sites or benefit from valid insurance. The only exception: tandem skydiving.
What does a paragliding licence cover?
The licence includes the Aerial RC (third-party liability) which covers damage caused to third parties during the flight.
Personal Accident Insurance (your own injuries) is Optional (10 to 30 €) and highly recommended.
How to get your paragliding license?
In 5 steps on federation.ffvl.fr: create an account, select your club/school, pay online, activate your account via email, download the PDF certificate.
Visit 20 minutes the first time, 5 min to renew.
Is a medical certificate required?
First subscription: one Health questionnaire suffice. A medical certificate is only necessary if you answer "yes" to a question (valid for 3 years).
Can one get their license on the morning of the internship?
It's not Not recommended The validation takes a few hours. Get your licence at the latest the day before to be covered from the start of the internship.
The licence is non-refundable once validated, except in exceptional documented circumstances.
Is the FFVL licence valid abroad?
The FFVL licence's civil liability insurance is recognised in most European countries.
To fly outside the European Union or in international competitions, add the FAI extension. Always check the conditions of the site visited, such as our main site at Gréolières accessible via the shuttle pilots.
PY
Guide written byPierre-Yves Fenet · Ailéments
Paragliding DEJEPS Instructor, founder of'Accessories (FFVL-accredited school) in 2013. 19 years of FFVL experience. Each year, it supports dozens of students in their first degree and their training towards independence.
FFVL · 2026
