Flying School
Here to help you progress, from your first solo flights, XC courses, and more.
Ever wanted to learn how to fly solo, under your own wing(s)? In Accordance with HPAC (Hang Gliding & Paragliding Association of Canada), Paragliding Journeys now offers instruction in the West Kootenays for P1/P2/P3/P4 schooling and exam supervision, as well as HAGAR study sessions for those wishing to be allowed to fly within Class E Airspace.
Aurelien Sudan is a certified instructor, with tandem rating since 2021. He has been ongoingly mentored by some of Canada’s most senior instructors since his humble beginnings in the sport in 2016, and has expanded his set of skills through XC masterclasses with PWC and previous XAlps pilot Pal Takats in 2025, and previous alpine Alpine flying courses with former PWC, expedition and test pilot Davide Cardonna in 2016, in Italy. Aurelien is working closely with Swiss & Austrian company Air Design Paragliders, also competing on the national and international circuit since the beginning of 2026.
P1: Beginners Course
Take your first step towards learning to fly on your own! Learn the basics of aerodynamics and glider control on the ground & Up to your first 10 solo flights under assistance of 2 instructors!
Duration: 4 to 5 flyable days in the field* + extra ground handling lessons.
Price: 1600 CAD
Course Dates: April 15 2026 to April 30 (weather depending)
P2: Novice Rating
This course is only available to students who have already completed their P1 Beginners Course. Perfect your reverse launches and landings in various conditions, rapid descent techniques, introduction to thermal and active piloting. 20 solo flights under instructor supervision.
Duration: 10 to 15 flyable days in the field* + multiple short ground handling lessons.
Course Dates: May 1st to May 30th 2026
Price: 1700 CAD
XC Day Guiding, Shuttles & Retrieves
Duration: 1+ Day
Location: Nelson BC Surrounding area
Paragliding Journeys offers day Guiding Services for visiting pilots wanting to get the most out of their time in the West Kootenays. HPAC valid license or international license is necessary. Pilots with previous XC experience will be prioritized. Inreach or equivalent is mandatory as we do not have great cell reception in the area. It’s part of what makes this place magic, untamed, and wild to fly through.
Dates: May through September
Cost: 300CAD per day per participant. Includes site briefing, shuttle up, and retrieve (within 1.5h drive from Nelson. Additional costs will occur if the retrieve needs to be done from further.)
P3: Intermediate Rating
This course is only available to pilots having already acquired their P2 rating. Program includes deepening of active piloting skills, hike and fly mindset, short xc goals, advanced descent techniques, technical thermalling in the mountains, Class E airspace rules, or specific training at choice of the pilot.
Duration: 2 flyable days
Price: 600 CAD
Instructor Certification & Tandem Recertification
Duration: 3 Days
Location: Vernon BC
Paragliding Journeys, in collaboration with Glenn Derouin, will be running a course for aspiring instructors and tandem pilots. Existing instructors wishing to recertify can come on April 12th to do so. Tandem pilots wanting to renew their rating on April 13th.
Course Dates: April 10-13 2026
Cost: 225CAD per day per participant.