Tandem pilot certificate

If you want to pass on your passion, then become a tandem pilot. With this certificate, you'll be able to fly with a mate.

In Switzerland, there are two levels of training for the tandem pilot certificate:

Level 1 allows you to fly with licensed pilots or students in training under the supervision of an instructor.
Level 2 allows you to fly with friends, but for no financial reward
Level 3 allows you to fly commercially, but must be renewed every three years.

Level 1 certificate

Training includes preparation for the solo tandem practical exam, an instructional flight with a tandem instructor, familiarisation with take-off on a training slope with a tandem wing and at least 20 training flights with a paraglider pilot under the supervision of a tandem instructor. The Tandem 1 practical exam is identical to the solo pilot exam. Once passed, the pilot is awarded a level 1 tandem certificate, which enables him or her to accumulate experience with a view to future commercial flying. The certificate is valid for life.

Have held a pilot's certificate for at least 2 years
Have completed at least 200 flights since obtaining your certificate
Have completed a cross-country flight of at least 50km
Have taken an FSVL-recognised SIV course within the last three years.

Procedure for the solo tandem practical exam

The solo tandem practical exam takes place over 2 days, with a maximum of 10 flights to pass the full 7 flights.

Two 360° to the right in 15 seconds, landing in a 15m diameter target
An 8 started from the right in 20 seconds, landing in a target 15m in diameter
A 50% tuck on heading followed by a 180° on the open side and stabilise on the axis for 3 seconds followed by a 180°, all in 35 seconds, landing with the rear risers in a 50m diameter target.
Free flight with landing on a 15 to 30° slope in a 30m diameter target.
Free flight with a touch&go in a target 30m in diameter, this exercise is often performed in the same field as the previous exercise.
Slalom over a distance of 100 to 200m
Take-off in strong winds in less than 3 minutes. This exercise is often replaced by a take-off facing the glider, regardless of the wind strength.

Tandem 1 practical test procedure

The Tandem 1 practical test is absolutely identical to the solo test, except that it must be done in a two-seater. Once you have passed it, you are a level 1 tandem pilot. In principle, this certificate is not an end in itself, as it only allows you to take licensed pilots or students in training with you under the supervision of an instructor. Rather, it is a learning stage, allowing you to accumulate experience with a view to future commercial practice.

Training fees

20/flight for coaching for the solo section or a specific “coaching” day for the solo section at a cost of €230, including: briefing, presentation of the documents and the exam, demonstration and coaching for the exam figures.
100/flight for tandem flights with an instructor (min. 1 compulsory)
30.00/flight if you have bought at least some of your tandem equipment from us, otherwise 50.00/flight.

PLEASE NOTE: you must bring your own passenger, who must be a qualified pilot. If you don’t have anyone to accompany you, the instructor can act as your passenger for 100.00/flight, including supervision.

Level 3 certificate

Training for the commercial certificate is divided into several parts, each of which is assessed by a separate examination. Firstly, there is the partial theory exam, which is similar to that for the solo pilot certificate and covers the five basic elements (flying practice, aerodynamics, weather, laws and equipment), plus a sixth branch on passenger handling.

Once you have passed the theory test, you can begin the 30 flights required to pass the practical test. These flights can be made with a paragliding passenger or a student at the school.

Then there is the compulsory “Passenger Supervision” course, given by the FSVL, which is an integral part of the training. This course can be taken from the start of the Tandem Level 3 training, i.e. as soon as you have obtained your Tandem Level 1 certificate.

Finally, there is the partial Tandem 3 exam, the prerequisites for which are available in the checklists and directives on the FSVL website.

Training fees

For the supervision of tandem flights: 30.00/flight if you have bought at least part of your tandem equipment from us, 50.00/flight otherwise.
If you don’t have anyone to accompany you, the instructor can act as a passenger for 100.00 per flight, including supervision.

Still interested ?

Training sessions take place throughout the year, depending on the weather. As this is an outdoor sport, please contact us so that together we can find the most suitable dates to start your certificate.