On April 5 and 6, seven association tandem pilots from the Île-de-France league met up in Orléans for an intensive course run by Aquilae – Performance Paragliding Academy. The aim of the weekend was to improve the safety and technical skills of association tandem pilots in a supportive and demanding environment.
Tandem paragliding is often characterized by a low volume of practice on the part of qualified pilots. However, the accident rate among these pilots is not fundamentally different from that of professional tandem pilots. The aim of the course is not to retrain pilots in the true sense of the word, as qualifications are not lost after a certain number of years or lack of practice.
The aim of the course is therefore to provide training, enabling participants to practice in a safe environment with direct pedagogical feedback. On the program: review of the fundamentals, unusual situations (brake failure, passive passenger, etc.), and analysis of tandem accidents.
The training was based on a progressive approach, alternating theory and practice, with exercises designed to take pilots out of their comfort zone. Emphasis was placed on empowerment, autonomous decision-making and safety management in real-life conditions. Each pilot completed between five and six flights in dynamic spring weather. Sunday afternoon was devoted to collective feedback and analysis of the risks specific to tandem flying.
Participants praised the quality of the coaching, the relevance of the exercises, and the studious yet friendly atmosphere. The course enabled everyone to gain confidence, experiment with technical maneuvers and reinforce their reflexes in real-life situations.
Many thanks to Aquilae – Performance Paragliding Academy for their expertise and patience, and to the Rêv d’Aile school for the quality of the winches and their logistical support. A great success for this session dedicated to the progression and safety of tandem paragliding.