SkySchool's Paramotoring Roadmap from 1st Solo Flight to Master Instructor
At SkySchool we believe true competence and safety come from structured progression. This step by step roadmap explains each stage of development, from the first solo flight to the highest professional APPI PPG qualification. It also outlines the costs involved and includes feedback from former students and clients.
Stage 1: Beginner Training and First Solo Flight
The journey begins with a 6 day Beginner Course in the UK or Spain, where students develop the essential skills of ground handling, engine operation and basic theory. The aim is simple: to complete your first solo flight safely and confidently, marking the start of your journey as a paramotor pilot.
• UK 6 day course - £1,095
• Spain 6 day course - £1,495 (Includes 7 nights in a single room)
Included: Equipment, fuel, log books
Excluded: Flights, travel, insurance and food
“I learned to fly with SkySchool in the UK and had an incredible time doing so. The knowledge and experience of the instructor team is extensive, and tuition is delivered in a comprehensible and fun way. The course struck the perfect balance between essential knowledge and practical skill training.” Nat
Stage 2: Intermediate Training to Become an APPI PPG Pilot
The next step is the 6 day Intermediate Course, where students consolidate take-off and landing techniques, expand their theoretical understanding and build confidence through a series of structured flying tasks. The ultimate goal is to complete at least 15 solo flights, achieve a minimum of 3 hours of airtime and pass the Pilot Exam before qualifying as a certified APPI PPG Pilot.
While it is possible to complete this course in the UK on an ad hoc basis, the unpredictable weather can cause delays. That’s why we recommend completing the Intermediate Training over a consecutive period in Spain, where the conditions are more consistent. Many students combine the Beginner and Intermediate courses over a two week period in Spain, although it is also possible to split these 12 days of training between the UK and Spain.
• Spain 6 day course: £1,495 (Includes 7 nights in a single room)
• Spain 12 day course: £2,495 (Includes 14 nights in a single room)
• UK and Spain 12 day course: £2,245 (Includes 7 nights in a single room)
• UK Ad Hoc Training: £180 per day (Students must have completed the 6 day Beginner Course and flown solo)
Included: Equipment, fuel and log books
Excluded: Flights, travel, APPI membership, insurance and food
“I had a fantastic 2 weeks in Spain with SkySchool and ended up with 20+ flights in the log book after passing the skills checks & theory exams. If you are someone who wants to get qualified on a paramotor but struggles to find the time or flyable English weather, then take a good look at SkySchool, especially the weeks in Spain where the weather is calm, hot and sunny.” Paul
Stage 3: Buy Your Own Kit
Once qualified, it’s time to invest in your own Equipment. At SkySchool we not only provide expert advice on choosing the right setup, but also offer discounted packages, free setup and run in support.
• Brand New Kit package: Budget for between £10,000 - £12,500
• 2nd Hand Kit package: Budget for £6,000 - £8,000
“I have now bought my kit through SkySchool, and they gave me a free day of training to run in and finish setting up my paramotor. They’re fantastic and highly recommended!”Matt
Stage 4: Fly, Fly, Fly…
Experience is everything. The more you fly, the better you become. However, living in the UK means that this isn’t always possible, which is why, to accelerate progress, we suggest that new pilots join one of our SkyWeek trips. These adventures allow pilots to build hours, refine techniques and develop their advanced flying skills in stunning locations around the world, surrounded by supportive instructors and like-minded pilots.
“An excellent trip and amazing holiday for those looking for a thrill seeking adventure! A fantastic SkyWeek near Dijon, France, with a variety of flights over rolling hills, forests and chateau crested hilltop villages. SkySchool, along with France’s fantastic weather, has given me the confidence to refine my skills once again and learn how to maximise the functionality of my equipment.” Emlyn
• SkyWeek France: £1,095
Included: Guidance, logistical support, camping fees
Excluded: Equipment, fuel, oil, travel, insurance and food
Stage 5: Paragliding Conversion in Chamonix
The most skilled and safest paramotor pilots are also paraglider pilots. Our 6 day Paragliding Conversion Course in Chamonix, France allows you to gain the FFVL Brevet, the French license equivalent to the BHPA Club Pilot. The course focuses on refining the different take off and landing techniques, as well as improving glider control and understanding of the weather. There is also the potential of learning how to thermal at the end of the course.
• Paragliding Conversion Course in Chamonix: £1,095
Included: Equipment and transport
Excluded: Travel, accommodation, insurance, lift passes, FFVL membership and food
“I recently completed a week long training holiday with SkySchool, and it was an incredible experience from start to finish. Known for their excellence in paramotoring and now paragliding, SkySchool operates in both the UK and Chamonix, France, and they deliver on every promise. The views are absolutely breathtaking and flying in the Alps is an unforgettable experience.” Ali
Stage 6: SIV Course in Turkey
The 6 day SIV Course in Turkey takes your flying to a whole new level. Pilots learn to manage collapses and dynamic manoeuvres under expert supervision. This training dramatically improves your confidence, awareness and control, transforming you into a safer and more capable pilot.
• SIV course in Turkey: £1,495
Included: Instruction, video debriefs, 7 nights in a single room, transport to the lift and airport transfers
Excluded: Equipment, flights, insurance, lift passes, forestry fees and food
“I would highly recommend the SIV course to anyone. It teaches you loads about what your wing can do, how safe it is and how quickly it recovers.” Andy
Stage 7: APPI PPG Instructor Workshops
For those who fall in love with the sport and want to share it with others, the APPI Power Instructor Workshop is the next challenge. Over six days, you will learn to teach and assist on real courses, earning the qualification of APPI PPG Assistant Instructor, which is the first step toward a professional career in aviation. To attend this workshop Pilots need to be at an advanced level and to have logged at least 50 hours of flying.
After gaining experience assisting at a school, you can attend another Instructor Workshop to qualify as a full APPI PPG Instructor. This certification allows you to open your own school and train new pilots independently.
The final qualification is the APPI PPG Master Instructor, awarded to those with extensive teaching experience. This level allows instructors to run APPI PPG Instructor Workshops and mentor the next generation of instructors.
• APPI PPG Instructor Workshop: £1,495
Included: Equipment, fuel, log books and 7 nights in a single room
Excluded: Flights, travel, APPI Membership, insurance and food
“Throughout all seven stages, one thing remains constant, you can never do enough ground handling. It is the foundation of every good pilot and the one skill that continually improves your safety, confidence and control in the air.” Alex Ledger - SkySchool MD & APPI Power Secretary
