Intermediate Paragliding Rating (P3) Requirements
Pilots at this level can fly most sites in mild to moderate soaring conditions and understand USHPA rating systems, FARs, and relevant flying rules. They demonstrate appropriate judgment and maturity for the rating.
Logged Requirements
- Minimum 30 flying days
- At least 90 total flights
- Minimum 20 hours of solo airtime
Required Knowledge Areas
Pilots must understand:
- Right-of-way rules
- FAA regulations and aircraft sectional charts
- Airspeed control, stalls, spins, and collapse recovery
- Canopy owner's manual
- Current USHPA accident reports
Demonstrated Skills (Witnessed Tasks)
Pre-flight and Launch
- Verbal analysis of wind conditions, gradients, lift, sink, turbulence, and rotors
- Thorough preflight inspection of harness, canopy, and reserve
- Verification of proper connection to glider with cleared lines
- Controlled, confident inflations and smooth launch transitions
In-flight Maneuvers
- Differentiate airspeed from ground speed
- Linked 180° turns with smooth reversals
- 360° turns in both directions at various speeds and bank angles
- Symmetric and asymmetric tip folds (up to 50% total)
- Methods to increase forward speed
- Proper surge control using brake application
- Description of directional control during 50% asymmetric collapse
Landing
- Safe, smooth, on-feet landings in control
- Five landings within 10 feet of target after approach turns
- Proper airspeed control through wind gradients
- Optimal airspeed for headwind flying
Additional Requirements
- Pass USHPA Intermediate written exam
- Sign USHPA waiver and risk agreement
- Understand site-specific restrictions
Recommended Operating Limitations
- Maximum base wind: 15 mph
- Maximum gusts: 18 mph
- Maximum gust rate: 5 mph per 5 seconds