RAF training

Build your flying path.

Hang gliding and paragliding progression, from first training to advanced skills and teaching.

YOUR NEXT CHAPTER

Explore ratings, skills & paths

See what is available, choose a target, and work through it with the right instructor. Each wing keeps its own evidence.

Public overview · checked 2026-10-15

The catalog is confirmed from USHPA’s public sources. Full current flight counts, hours, witnessed tasks, test standards and operating limits require the controlled SOP checklist. Those details are not yet imported; these cards cannot award or officially sign off a credential.

Open current SOP 12-02 (USHPA member access)

Pilot rating

P0 Student

Tandem-passenger preparation

Criteria, evidence & route
Confirmed public overview
  • Discuss free-flight risk and passenger readiness with the tandem instructor.
Who reviews or issues it

Appropriately certified instructor for this wing.

Your path
  1. Review eligibility and the current official checklist with the appropriate official.
  2. Agree on instruction and suitable practice; keep flights and evidence for this discipline.
  3. Record instructor observations, required tests and supporting documents.
  4. Complete the USHPA issuance process. Refresh your RAF profile after the official record updates.

Official source · Complete checklist not imported

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Pilot rating

P1 Beginner

Supervised basic flight

Criteria, evidence & route
Confirmed public overview
  • Equipment preparation and inspection.
  • Controlled launch, straight flight and landing.
  • Continue under the instructor’s supervision.
Who reviews or issues it

Appropriately certified instructor for this wing.

Your path
  1. Review eligibility and the current official checklist with the appropriate official.
  2. Agree on instruction and suitable practice; keep flights and evidence for this discipline.
  3. Record instructor observations, required tests and supporting documents.
  4. Complete the USHPA issuance process. Refresh your RAF profile after the official record updates.

Official source · Complete checklist not imported

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Pilot rating

P2 Novice

Foundation for flying within novice limits

Criteria, evidence & route
Confirmed public overview
  • Ground handling and launch preparation.
  • Turns, maneuvering, approach planning and controlled landings.
  • Supervised higher flights and condition assessment.
  • Weather, air movement, airspace and operating rules.
  • Review the current written test, logged experience and novice limitations with the issuing instructor.
Who reviews or issues it

Appropriately certified instructor for this wing.

Your path
  1. Review eligibility and the current official checklist with the appropriate official.
  2. Agree on instruction and suitable practice; keep flights and evidence for this discipline.
  3. Record instructor observations, required tests and supporting documents.
  4. Complete the USHPA issuance process. Refresh your RAF profile after the official record updates.

Official source · Complete checklist not imported

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Pilot rating

P3 Intermediate

Consistent judgment and broader experience

Criteria, evidence & route
Confirmed public overview
  • Refine repeatable flight skills and document experience.
  • Assess sites, hazards and conditions with sound decisions.
  • Apply forecasting, micrometeorology and airspace knowledge.
  • Confirm the complete logged experience, witnessed tasks and test in current SOP 12-02.
Who reviews or issues it

Appropriately qualified advanced instructor or observer for this wing.

Your path
  1. Review eligibility and the current official checklist with the appropriate official.
  2. Agree on instruction and suitable practice; keep flights and evidence for this discipline.
  3. Record instructor observations, required tests and supporting documents.
  4. Complete the USHPA issuance process. Refresh your RAF profile after the official record updates.

Official source · Complete checklist not imported

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Pilot rating

P4 Advanced

Varied sites and mature decisions

Criteria, evidence & route
Confirmed public overview
  • Document a broader range of sites and conditions.
  • Demonstrate mature decisions about whether to fly.
  • Model responsible practice and respect the limits of your authority.
  • Complete the current issuing-official review and all controlled requirements.
Who reviews or issues it

Appropriately qualified advanced instructor or observer for this wing.

Your path
  1. Review eligibility and the current official checklist with the appropriate official.
  2. Agree on instruction and suitable practice; keep flights and evidence for this discipline.
  3. Record instructor observations, required tests and supporting documents.
  4. Complete the USHPA issuance process. Refresh your RAF profile after the official record updates.

Official source · Complete checklist not imported

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Pilot rating

P5 Master

Long-term proficiency and formal application

Criteria, evidence & route
Confirmed public overview
  • Build a sustained record across varied sites, conditions, wings and launch methods.
  • Document the Bronze Safe Pilot Award, supporting endorsements and application.
  • Confirm the current Master application and approval route with USHPA.
Who reviews or issues it

Current USHPA Master application and approval process.

Your path
  1. Review eligibility and the current official checklist with the appropriate official.
  2. Agree on instruction and suitable practice; keep flights and evidence for this discipline.
  3. Record instructor observations, required tests and supporting documents.
  4. Complete the USHPA issuance process. Refresh your RAF profile after the official record updates.

Official source · Complete checklist not imported

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Launch

CL Cliff Launch

Cliff Launch is listed for paragliding in USHPA’s public catalog.

Criteria, evidence & route

USHPA lists this code for this wing. Exact eligibility, minimum experience, demonstrations and issuing conditions await the current controlled SOP; the name alone is not a task checklist.

Who reviews or issues it

A rating official authorized for this wing who holds this skill and meets its current issuing requirements.

Your path
  1. Review eligibility and the current official checklist with the appropriate official.
  2. Agree on instruction and suitable practice; keep flights and evidence for this discipline.
  3. Record instructor observations, required tests and supporting documents.
  4. Complete the USHPA issuance process. Refresh your RAF profile after the official record updates.

Official source · Complete checklist not imported

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Launch

FL Foot Launch

Foot Launch is listed for paragliding in USHPA’s public catalog.

Criteria, evidence & route

USHPA lists this code for this wing. Exact eligibility, minimum experience, demonstrations and issuing conditions await the current controlled SOP; the name alone is not a task checklist.

Who reviews or issues it

A rating official authorized for this wing who holds this skill and meets its current issuing requirements.

Your path
  1. Review eligibility and the current official checklist with the appropriate official.
  2. Agree on instruction and suitable practice; keep flights and evidence for this discipline.
  3. Record instructor observations, required tests and supporting documents.
  4. Complete the USHPA issuance process. Refresh your RAF profile after the official record updates.

Official source · Complete checklist not imported

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Launch

FSL Flat Slope Launch

Flat Slope Launch is listed for paragliding in USHPA’s public catalog.

Criteria, evidence & route

USHPA lists this code for this wing. Exact eligibility, minimum experience, demonstrations and issuing conditions await the current controlled SOP; the name alone is not a task checklist.

Who reviews or issues it

A rating official authorized for this wing who holds this skill and meets its current issuing requirements.

Your path
  1. Review eligibility and the current official checklist with the appropriate official.
  2. Agree on instruction and suitable practice; keep flights and evidence for this discipline.
  3. Record instructor observations, required tests and supporting documents.
  4. Complete the USHPA issuance process. Refresh your RAF profile after the official record updates.

Official source · Complete checklist not imported

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Launch

HA High Altitude Launch

High Altitude Launch is listed for paragliding in USHPA’s public catalog.

Criteria, evidence & route

USHPA lists this code for this wing. Exact eligibility, minimum experience, demonstrations and issuing conditions await the current controlled SOP; the name alone is not a task checklist.

Who reviews or issues it

A rating official authorized for this wing who holds this skill and meets its current issuing requirements.

Your path
  1. Review eligibility and the current official checklist with the appropriate official.
  2. Agree on instruction and suitable practice; keep flights and evidence for this discipline.
  3. Record instructor observations, required tests and supporting documents.
  4. Complete the USHPA issuance process. Refresh your RAF profile after the official record updates.

Official source · Complete checklist not imported

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Specialized flying

PS Para Ski

Para Ski is listed for paragliding in USHPA’s public catalog.

Criteria, evidence & route

USHPA lists this code for this wing. Exact eligibility, minimum experience, demonstrations and issuing conditions await the current controlled SOP; the name alone is not a task checklist.

Who reviews or issues it

A rating official authorized for this wing who holds this skill and meets its current issuing requirements.

Your path
  1. Review eligibility and the current official checklist with the appropriate official.
  2. Agree on instruction and suitable practice; keep flights and evidence for this discipline.
  3. Record instructor observations, required tests and supporting documents.
  4. Complete the USHPA issuance process. Refresh your RAF profile after the official record updates.

Official source · Complete checklist not imported

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Landing

RLF Restricted Landing Field

Restricted Landing Field is listed for paragliding in USHPA’s public catalog.

Criteria, evidence & route

USHPA lists this code for this wing. Exact eligibility, minimum experience, demonstrations and issuing conditions await the current controlled SOP; the name alone is not a task checklist.

Who reviews or issues it

A rating official authorized for this wing who holds this skill and meets its current issuing requirements.

Your path
  1. Review eligibility and the current official checklist with the appropriate official.
  2. Agree on instruction and suitable practice; keep flights and evidence for this discipline.
  3. Record instructor observations, required tests and supporting documents.
  4. Complete the USHPA issuance process. Refresh your RAF profile after the official record updates.

Official source · Complete checklist not imported

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Conditions

RS Ridge Soaring

Ridge Soaring is listed for paragliding in USHPA’s public catalog.

Criteria, evidence & route

USHPA lists this code for this wing. Exact eligibility, minimum experience, demonstrations and issuing conditions await the current controlled SOP; the name alone is not a task checklist.

Who reviews or issues it

A rating official authorized for this wing who holds this skill and meets its current issuing requirements.

Your path
  1. Review eligibility and the current official checklist with the appropriate official.
  2. Agree on instruction and suitable practice; keep flights and evidence for this discipline.
  3. Record instructor observations, required tests and supporting documents.
  4. Complete the USHPA issuance process. Refresh your RAF profile after the official record updates.

Official source · Complete checklist not imported

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Towing

ST Surface Tow

Surface Tow is listed for paragliding in USHPA’s public catalog.

Criteria, evidence & route

USHPA lists this code for this wing. Exact eligibility, minimum experience, demonstrations and issuing conditions await the current controlled SOP; the name alone is not a task checklist.

Who reviews or issues it

The currently authorized towing official; ordinary instructor/observer status alone is insufficient.

Your path
  1. Review eligibility and the current official checklist with the appropriate official.
  2. Agree on instruction and suitable practice; keep flights and evidence for this discipline.
  3. Record instructor observations, required tests and supporting documents.
  4. Complete the USHPA issuance process. Refresh your RAF profile after the official record updates.

Official source · Complete checklist not imported

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Conditions

TUR Turbulence

Turbulence is listed for paragliding in USHPA’s public catalog.

Criteria, evidence & route

USHPA lists this code for this wing. Exact eligibility, minimum experience, demonstrations and issuing conditions await the current controlled SOP; the name alone is not a task checklist.

Who reviews or issues it

A rating official authorized for this wing who holds this skill and meets its current issuing requirements.

Your path
  1. Review eligibility and the current official checklist with the appropriate official.
  2. Agree on instruction and suitable practice; keep flights and evidence for this discipline.
  3. Record instructor observations, required tests and supporting documents.
  4. Complete the USHPA issuance process. Refresh your RAF profile after the official record updates.

Official source · Complete checklist not imported

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Cross country

XC Cross Country

Cross Country is listed for paragliding in USHPA’s public catalog.

Criteria, evidence & route

USHPA lists this code for this wing. Exact eligibility, minimum experience, demonstrations and issuing conditions await the current controlled SOP; the name alone is not a task checklist.

Who reviews or issues it

A rating official authorized for this wing who holds this skill and meets its current issuing requirements.

Your path
  1. Review eligibility and the current official checklist with the appropriate official.
  2. Agree on instruction and suitable practice; keep flights and evidence for this discipline.
  3. Record instructor observations, required tests and supporting documents.
  4. Complete the USHPA issuance process. Refresh your RAF profile after the official record updates.

Official source · Complete checklist not imported

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Mini wing

M1 Mini Wing 1

Mini Wing 1 is listed for paragliding in USHPA’s public catalog.

Criteria, evidence & route

USHPA lists this code for this wing. Exact eligibility, minimum experience, demonstrations and issuing conditions await the current controlled SOP; the name alone is not a task checklist.

Who reviews or issues it

A properly qualified paragliding/mini-wing instructor under the current program.

Your path
  1. Review eligibility and the current official checklist with the appropriate official.
  2. Agree on instruction and suitable practice; keep flights and evidence for this discipline.
  3. Record instructor observations, required tests and supporting documents.
  4. Complete the USHPA issuance process. Refresh your RAF profile after the official record updates.

Official source · Complete checklist not imported

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Mini wing

M2 Mini Wing 2

Mini Wing 2 is listed for paragliding in USHPA’s public catalog.

Criteria, evidence & route

USHPA lists this code for this wing. Exact eligibility, minimum experience, demonstrations and issuing conditions await the current controlled SOP; the name alone is not a task checklist.

Who reviews or issues it

A properly qualified paragliding/mini-wing instructor under the current program.

Your path
  1. Review eligibility and the current official checklist with the appropriate official.
  2. Agree on instruction and suitable practice; keep flights and evidence for this discipline.
  3. Record instructor observations, required tests and supporting documents.
  4. Complete the USHPA issuance process. Refresh your RAF profile after the official record updates.

Official source · Complete checklist not imported

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Tandem

TFL Tandem Foot Launch

Tandem Foot Launch is listed for paragliding in USHPA’s public catalog.

Criteria, evidence & route

USHPA lists this code for this wing. Exact eligibility, minimum experience, demonstrations and issuing conditions await the current controlled SOP; the name alone is not a task checklist.

Who reviews or issues it

The appropriate tandem-program official; verify the underlying tandem certification and launch method.

Your path
  1. Review eligibility and the current official checklist with the appropriate official.
  2. Agree on instruction and suitable practice; keep flights and evidence for this discipline.
  3. Record instructor observations, required tests and supporting documents.
  4. Complete the USHPA issuance process. Refresh your RAF profile after the official record updates.

Official source · Complete checklist not imported

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Tandem

TST Tandem Surface Tow

Tandem Surface Tow is listed for paragliding in USHPA’s public catalog.

Criteria, evidence & route

USHPA lists this code for this wing. Exact eligibility, minimum experience, demonstrations and issuing conditions await the current controlled SOP; the name alone is not a task checklist.

Who reviews or issues it

The appropriate tandem-program official; verify the underlying tandem certification and launch method.

Your path
  1. Review eligibility and the current official checklist with the appropriate official.
  2. Agree on instruction and suitable practice; keep flights and evidence for this discipline.
  3. Record instructor observations, required tests and supporting documents.
  4. Complete the USHPA issuance process. Refresh your RAF profile after the official record updates.

Official source · Complete checklist not imported

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Radio authorization

PA Portable Radio

Portable Radio is listed for paragliding in USHPA’s public catalog.

Criteria, evidence & route

USHPA lists this code for this wing. Exact eligibility, minimum experience, demonstrations and issuing conditions await the current controlled SOP; the name alone is not a task checklist.

Who reviews or issues it

The current USHPA radio-authorization process; confirm equipment and operating privileges.

Your path
  1. Review eligibility and the current official checklist with the appropriate official.
  2. Agree on instruction and suitable practice; keep flights and evidence for this discipline.
  3. Record instructor observations, required tests and supporting documents.
  4. Complete the USHPA issuance process. Refresh your RAF profile after the official record updates.

Official source · Complete checklist not imported

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Radio authorization

VA Vehicle Radio Authorization

Vehicle Radio Authorization is listed for paragliding in USHPA’s public catalog.

Criteria, evidence & route

USHPA lists this code for this wing. Exact eligibility, minimum experience, demonstrations and issuing conditions await the current controlled SOP; the name alone is not a task checklist.

Who reviews or issues it

The current USHPA radio-authorization process; confirm equipment and operating privileges.

Your path
  1. Review eligibility and the current official checklist with the appropriate official.
  2. Agree on instruction and suitable practice; keep flights and evidence for this discipline.
  3. Record instructor observations, required tests and supporting documents.
  4. Complete the USHPA issuance process. Refresh your RAF profile after the official record updates.

Official source · Complete checklist not imported

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Tandem

T1 Tandem 1

Listed in USHPA’s downloadable ratings/skills table. Confirm current tandem-program terminology, eligibility and privileges before planning issuance.

Criteria, evidence & route

USHPA lists this code for this wing. Exact eligibility, minimum experience, demonstrations and issuing conditions await the current controlled SOP; the name alone is not a task checklist.

Who reviews or issues it

The appropriate Tandem Administrator and current tandem program.

Your path
  1. Review eligibility and the current official checklist with the appropriate official.
  2. Agree on instruction and suitable practice; keep flights and evidence for this discipline.
  3. Record instructor observations, required tests and supporting documents.
  4. Complete the USHPA issuance process. Refresh your RAF profile after the official record updates.

Official source · Complete checklist not imported

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Teaching and service

BASIC INSTRUCTOR Basic Instructor

Public eligibility summary; the current certification process and complete application still apply.

Criteria, evidence & route
Confirmed public overview
  • P4 plus at least 200 flying days and 300 flights; reserve clinic and two clinics selected from Thermal/X-C, Ridge Soaring, Tandem and Towing.
  • Complete the required first-aid/CPR route, FOI test and three-phase instructor training, apprenticeship and evaluation.
Who reviews or issues it

Instructor Administrator.

Your path
  1. Review eligibility and the current official checklist with the appropriate official.
  2. Agree on instruction and suitable practice; keep flights and evidence for this discipline.
  3. Record instructor observations, required tests and supporting documents.
  4. Complete the USHPA issuance process. Refresh your RAF profile after the official record updates.

Official source · Complete checklist not imported

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Teaching and service

TANDEM INSTRUCTOR Tandem Instructor

Public eligibility summary; the current certification process and complete application still apply.

Criteria, evidence & route
Confirmed public overview
  • P4 and TUR. Experience alternatives: 200 logged hours, or 100 hours plus 500 flights meeting the specified descent/duration condition.
  • Initial first-aid/CPR route and FOI; tandem clinic, at least 25 flights with a current Tandem Advanced Instructor, and the applicable exam.
Who reviews or issues it

Tandem Administrator.

Your path
  1. Review eligibility and the current official checklist with the appropriate official.
  2. Agree on instruction and suitable practice; keep flights and evidence for this discipline.
  3. Record instructor observations, required tests and supporting documents.
  4. Complete the USHPA issuance process. Refresh your RAF profile after the official record updates.

Official source · Complete checklist not imported

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Teaching and service

OBSERVER Observer

Public eligibility summary; the current certification process and complete application still apply.

Criteria, evidence & route
Confirmed public overview
  • P3 or higher held for at least one year; eligible Pilot/Rogallo membership; cannot simultaneously be a Basic Instructor.
  • Request appointment and submit the current signed paperwork.
Who reviews or issues it

Instructor Administrator; the current certification page supersedes older Examiner-appointment descriptions.

Your path
  1. Review eligibility and the current official checklist with the appropriate official.
  2. Agree on instruction and suitable practice; keep flights and evidence for this discipline.
  3. Record instructor observations, required tests and supporting documents.
  4. Complete the USHPA issuance process. Refresh your RAF profile after the official record updates.

Official source · Complete checklist not imported

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A clinic such as SIV can be recorded as training evidence; it is not listed here as a separate USHPA special-skill code. Mini-wing skills, speed-flying ratings, tandem privileges and local site permission remain distinct. Some pathways require separately qualified program officials.