Tandem pilot courses

You’ve been a licensed pilot for several years and you’ve acquired a solid flying experience?

Now you want to share your passion for paragliding?

Tandem pilot training is a great adventure that will enable you to improve your skills and take passengers. It is divided into two steps: Tandem 1 and Tandem 3.

Tandem 1 is the first step towards the professional tandem qualification (Tandem 3). A few prerequisites must be fulfilled before you can take passengers on flights, including a solo test. Once you have completed Tandem 1 training, you can only take passengers who already have a solo pilot’s licence in order to train for the second stage. The “Tandem Rookie” module allows you to start tandem flying in complete safety with professionals, while enjoying benefits such as cheaper training flights. Ideal for getting prepared for the exams and for those who need more training flights than the minimum required by the FSVL.

Tandem 3 is the professional qualification for tandem pilots. It is mandatory in Switzerland to take passengers who do not have a solo paragliding pilot’s licence, even outside a commercial context. Tandem 2 is a step down from Tandem 3 for pilots who are no longer actively involved in tandem flying. It is therefore not a stage in tandem pilot training. Once completed, Tandem 3 training allows you to fly with any type of passenger, with or without remuneration. The “Pro Pilot” module allows you to improve your level of tandem flying in complete safety with professionals, while enjoying benefits such as cheaper training flights. Ideal for getting prepared for the exams and for those who need more training flights than the minimum required by the FSVL.

Tandem licence 3

Requirements: Before starting training for Tandem 3, you must have passed your Tandem 1 certificate and be at least 20 years old.

The training consists of 3 stages that must be completed before attempting the final practical test. These stages can be completed in any order.

Here are the steps to obtain your Tandem 3 licence:

1. 1. Theoretical exam :
      • • The theory test is constructed in the same format as the theory test for pilots. It includes in addition the “Passenger supervision” section. The exams are set up by the FSVL.
   2. Passenger management course :
      • • An additional course on passenger management during tandem flights. It is given by the FSVL.
   3. Tandem training flights:
      • • A minimum of 30 tandem training flights must be completed under the supervision of an instructor before attempting the Tandem 3 exam. During this training, the passenger must have a Swiss solo pilot’s licence or be in training at a paragliding school in Switzerland. Flights with student pilots must be carried out exclusively under the supervision of an instructor.
        • An unlimited number of tandem training flights may be made with a Swiss-licensed pilot. The aim is to gain as much experience as possible before flying with people with no paragliding experience.

Final exam :

Once the 3 conditions above have been completed, the student tandem pilot can attempt the practical examination for the tandem 3 :

• • • Type of exam: practical, 3 tandem flights with preparation, figure in flight and landing accuracy, given by the FSVL.
      During the examination, the passenger must have a Swiss solo pilot’s licence. If the passenger is a student, a written authorisation from his/her paragliding instructor is required.
    • Once you have passed the exam, you will have completed your training as a professional tandem pilot. It allows you to fly with any type of passenger, with or without remuneration.