About
The British Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association (BHPA) is the UK's national governing body for hang gliding, paragliding, powered hang gliding, paramotoring, and parascending. Operating from its head office in Leicester, the BHPA supports a country-wide network of recreational clubs and BHPA-registered training schools, providing the infrastructure within which free-flying sports thrive across the United Kingdom. The BHPA oversees rigorous pilot and instructor training standards, maintaining a Pilot Rating Scheme (PRS) that guides learners from their first training flights through to advanced pilot qualifications. It provides essential technical support including airworthiness standards, safety notices, and coaching courses for qualified pilots. A school finder tool on the website allows prospective pilots to locate BHPA-registered schools by postcode and discipline. The association also runs Flyability, a disability initiative that motivates people with disabilities to participate in hang gliding and paragliding — not just as passengers but as trained pilots — through specialist equipment development, training, and awareness programmes. Members receive Skywings, the UK's only dedicated free-flying magazine, published monthly in full colour. The BHPA website also provides an online Mock Pilot Rating Exam to help pilots prepare for their formal assessments. It is the essential resource for anyone in the UK looking to learn to fly, find a club, stay informed on safety matters, or progress their flying career.
Key Features
- School & Club Finder: Search for BHPA-registered training schools and recreational clubs by postcode and flying discipline (hang gliding, paragliding, paramotoring, and more).
- Pilot Rating Scheme (PRS): A structured progression framework that guides pilots from initial training through Club Pilot, Pilot, and beyond, with online mock exams to aid preparation.
- Safety Notices & Airworthiness: Regularly published safety advisories, incident report summaries, and airworthiness notices to keep pilots and equipment safe.
- Flyability Disability Initiative: A dedicated programme helping people with disabilities become trained hang gliding and paragliding pilots through specialist equipment and tailored training.
- Skywings Magazine: The UK's only free-flying magazine, sent monthly to all BHPA members, covering news, competitions, safety, and the wider free-flying community.
Use Cases
- A beginner wanting to learn paragliding in the UK uses the BHPA school finder to locate an accredited school near their postcode.
- A qualified pilot preparing for their Pilot Rating uses the BHPA's online Mock Pilot Rating Exam to test their knowledge before the official assessment.
- A recreational flyer joins a BHPA-affiliated local club to fly safely within a supported community after completing initial training.
- A person with a disability contacts the BHPA's Flyability programme to explore how they can train and qualify as a hang gliding pilot.
- A club instructor checks the BHPA safety notices and airworthiness bulletins to ensure their equipment and practices remain compliant with current standards.
Pros
- Comprehensive Training Structure: The BHPA's Pilot Rating Scheme provides a clear, nationally recognised pathway from beginner to advanced pilot with coaching and examination support.
- Strong Safety Focus: Regular safety notices, airworthiness standards, and incident report summaries mean pilots and clubs stay informed about emerging risks.
- Inclusive Community: The Flyability initiative ensures the sport is accessible to people with disabilities, reflecting a broad and welcoming membership culture.
Cons
- UK-Only Scope: The BHPA's resources, school finder, and regulatory framework apply only within the United Kingdom, limiting utility for international pilots.
- Membership Required for Full Benefits: Access to the Skywings magazine, full club support, and certain resources requires a paid BHPA membership subscription.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to join the BHPA to learn to hang glide or paraglide?
Initial training must be undertaken at a BHPA-registered school. Membership is typically required to progress beyond initial training and join a recreational club.
How do I find a registered school near me?
Use the school finder on the BHPA website — enter the first part of your postcode and select your preferred flying discipline to see nearby registered schools.
What is the Pilot Rating Scheme (PRS)?
The PRS is the BHPA's structured progression framework, starting at Club Pilot (end of formal instruction) and advancing through Pilot and higher ratings, requiring accumulated airtime, flying tasks, and theory exams.
What is Flyability?
Flyability is the BHPA's disability initiative that works to enable people with disabilities to train as hang gliding and paragliding pilots, including developing specialist equipment and techniques.
What is Skywings?
Skywings is the UK's only dedicated free-flying magazine, published monthly and distributed to all BHPA members as part of their membership package.
