Soaring, thermalling and fast descent techniques.




Paul International Paragliding School
Advanced Pilot Course - APPI 3
Bir | October 27, 2026 | Bir, Himachal Pradesh
About this event
The APPI 3 Pilot course is designed to transition students into independent pilots. Emphasis is placed on advanced flying skills such as soaring, thermalling, and fast descent techniques. Comprehensive theoretical knowledge, including flight mechanics, meteorology, air law, and equipment, is also covered.
Organised by Paul International Paragliding School
APPI-accredited paragliding school in Bir-Billing run by Arv
Bir,Himachal
Bir
Still Confused? Get a call back
Request a callback and our Adventure expert will reach out to you to answer all your questions
Event Categories
Things to carry
Things Provided

Paragliding / Bir, Himachal Pradesh
Advanced Pilot Course - APPI 3
Operated by Paul International Paragliding School
The APPI 3 Pilot course is designed to transition students into independent pilots. Emphasis is placed on advanced flying skills such as soaring, thermalling, and fast descent techniques. Comprehensive theoretical knowledge, including flight mechanics, meteorology, air law, and equipment, is also covered.
Highlights
The step from supervised student to independent pilot.
In-depth theory: flight mechanics, weather analysis and air law.
Emergency procedures and equipment management.
The current brochure's complete APPI 1+2+3 pathway runs 15 days with 15-20 planned flights.
Preparation for APPI 3 Pilot certification and independent flying.
7 instructors· Tap a card to meet them
Know your instructors. The people who’ve got you.
Overview
The APPI 3 Pilot course is designed to transition students into independent pilots. Emphasis is placed on advanced flying skills such as soaring, thermalling, and fast descent techniques. Comprehensive theoretical knowledge, including flight mechanics, meteorology, air law, and equipment, is also covered.
Packing list
Your kit. What’s provided, and what to pack.
What’s provided
4
Paraglider wingHarness
Helmet
Radio
What to bring
0 of 8 packedTick things off as they go in your bag.
Itinerary
Day 1Advanced piloting skills
Soaring, thermalling and descent techniques — staying up, and coming down when you need to.
Day 2In-depth theory
Flight mechanics, weather analysis and air law at the depth expected of an independent pilot.
Day 3Emergency procedures and equipment
Emergency procedures and equipment management, including how to look after your own gear.
Day 4Thermalling and soaring development
Build basic thermalling and soaring technique while maintaining conservative decision-making and clear escape options.
Day 5Site and wind assessment
Assess launch, landing, local wind systems and changing conditions, then turn those observations into an independent flight plan.
Day 6Independent flight consolidation
Combine take-off technique, flight planning, manoeuvres, thermalling and landing accuracy with progressively less instructor input.
Day 7Certification preparation
Consolidation, applicable practical and theory assessment, and one-to-one preparation for APPI Pilot certification.
Dates & Prices
Bir, Himachal Pradesh
Tuesday
27th October
2026
Tuesday, October 27. Loading forecast.
Checking the forecast for Bir, Himachal Pradesh…
Date alerts
Don't miss your next adventure
Get updates when new dates are announced.
A little help?
Still confused? Get a call back.
Our adventure team can help with your questions before you book — fitness, gear, the weather, or which departure suits you.
- A GoLeap adventure expert calls you back
- Ask anything about the trip
- No commitment to book
Trip details
Where you’ll stay
The school can help arrange it.
What you’ll eat
Bir has plenty of cafes and the school can advise on longer-stay options.
Getting there
Open in Google Maps- Meeting pointBir,HimachalBir, Himachal Pradesh
Tap a stop for directions.
FAQs
How long does the course take?
The standalone APPI 3 block currently published on the school website takes 7 to 10 days. The July 2026 brochure presents APPI 1+2+3 as a 15-day complete pathway with 15 to 20 planned flights. Both remain weather- and readiness-dependent.
Do I need APPI 1 and 2 first?
Yes. APPI 3 transitions students who have completed the earlier levels into independent pilots. The complete 15-day APPI 1+2+3 pathway is currently listed at ₹1,30,000.
What are the age and weight requirements?
Ideal age range is 14 to 65 years, with a weight range from 40 to 95 kg.
How fit do I need to be?
Basic fitness is sufficient; you should be able to walk moderate distances and have reasonable mobility.
Do I need to buy equipment before enrolling?
No, all training equipment is provided by the school; personal gear can be acquired later.
Can I teach myself to fly?
No, solo flying should only be done after completing professional training and certification for safety reasons.
I have a fear of heights. Can I fly?
Each case is unique; we recommend discussing with instructors to assess comfort and plan accordingly.
What is the flying season in Bir Billing?
October to June is the paragliding season; the monsoon period from July 16th to September 14th is closed for safety reasons. Courses run mid-October to mid-December in autumn and from the last week of February to mid-May in spring, with batches starting mostly on weekends.
Can I pursue paragliding as a career?
Yes, with advanced training and certification, you can become a professional pilot or instructor.
What is not included in the course fee?
The training fees include training and equipment usage and do not include your accommodation, food and transportation to the launch sites (taxi fees are shared). The school can help arrange accommodation — ask when you enquire.
Ticket policies
- Transferable. Someone else can go in your place.
- Non-refundable. Full refund up to 72 hrs from beginning of the course
- Phone ticket works. Show it on your phone at the start.
- Carry a government photo ID
- Share medical conditions (if any)
What travellers say
Have a question before you go? We're here to help you find the right adventure.
Talk to the GoLeap team