Licence

Licence Course

PAY MONTHLY AND LEARN PARAGLIDING FUNDAMENTALS FROM THE GROUND UP

You have completed the introductory course and now you're hooked.
It's time to sign up for the License Course.
What are you waiting for? Break free and soar like a bird!

License Course

Step by step, learn the skills necessary to become a pilot and obtain your license.
After qualifying for your license, continue to enjoy the paraglider lifestyle as a member of the BIRDS club.
We also offer Expert Courses for long-distance and cross country flights, as well as in preparation courses for events such as the National League and World Cup.

Prices

BIRDS Paraglider School's License Course is based on a monthly tuition.

Monthly fee

7,000 JPY / month (including tax)

Learn at your own pace without restrictions or time limits.

Interested in joining the License Course?

  • In order to join the License Course, you must simultaneously become a BIRDS member. The initial membership fee is 55,000 JPY (tax included).
  • If you purchase an aircraft (glider) at the school, the initial membership fee is waived.
  • For safety reasons, we cannot allow you to fly using equipment bought outside of the school. If you are transferring from another school and bringing your own equipment, you may be able to register it at the school, but please discuss this with the instructors first.
  • To fly by yourself, you must purchase sports liability insurance. The school offers supplementary sports liability insurance if you join JPA (Japan Paraglider Association).
  • After honing your skills, you can obtain a license issued by the Japan Paraglider Association for each of the various pilot levels.
  • You can apply for annual JPA Accident Insurance. We also recommend registering annually for the area fees and facilities usage fees to save money.
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Introduction to the License Course

The License Course consists of three stages: 'Basic Pilot', 'Primary Pilot' and 'Pilot License'.
Basic Pilot aims at teaching you the basic skills of paragliding.
Primary Pilot aims to elevate flight skills and competence through making judgements in one's home area.
Pilot License is the ultimate goal and proof of an accomplished flyer, with both knowledge and technical skills to fly safely even in unfamiliar areas.

Basic Pilot

Learn the basic techniques under the supervision of an instructor.
In accordance with the JPA curriculum, you will learn the basic rules and regulations, equipment, meteorology, aerodynamics and flight techniques.
You will have practical training of basic flight operations and after passing a practical and written examination, you will be able to apply for your license. (Additional fees apply for flight theory coaching, examinations and license applications.)

Theoretical courses

9 hours

Practical training

50 hours

Primary Pilot

Take your skills and knowledge to the next level, and learn to fly following your own intuition. At this level, you will still be flying within the home area and under the conditions permitted by the instructor.
In accordance with the JPA curriculum, you will learn about rudimentary aviation rules and regulations, equipment, meteorology, aerodynamics and techniques.
You will go through practical training of basic flight operations and after passing a practical and written examination, you will be able to apply for your license. (Additional fees apply for flight theory coaching, examinations and license applications.)

Theoretical courses

10 hours

Practical training

100 hours

Pilot

Hone your flying skills and learn to fly safely outside of your home area.
In accordance with the JPA curriculum, you will learn about basic rules and regulations, equipment, meteorology, aerodynamics and techniques.
You will go through practical training of basic flight operations and after passing a practical and written examination, you will be able to apply for your license. (Additional fees apply for flight theory coaching, examinations and license applications.)

Theoretical courses

10 hours

Practical training

100 hours

Courses and fees after obtaining your Pilot License

After obtaining your license, you can become an active BIRDS Club member.
Naturally, it is possible to fly without enrolling in courses, but if you wish to further improve your skills and avail of great services and guidance, we recommend you consider the courses below.

Expert Course

Upgrade your skill level and aim for an expert license.
This course is for anyone who is considering participating in top-tier tournaments such as the National League or the World Cup, or embarking on cross-country flights.
The expert course will meet your needs if you are driven to learn the latest flying techniques, gain invaluable advice from an instructor on how to glide more efficiently, or if you are looking to learn some acrobatic techniques or other special skills.

Prices

6,500 JPY / month
(including tax)

Skill-Up Course

You have become a pilot, but you would like to feel more certain and confident in your skills.
This course is perfect if you are looking for more constructive advice, and real-time feedback and guidance. This is also a course designed for seniors, transfer students or anyone who hasn't flown in some time.
We will provide as much support as possible, from general skill-up talks, feedback from the instructors, and real time advice through wireless devices, to guidance through sudden changes in the weather and other unexpected situations.

Prices

3,000 JPY / month
(including tax)

Various Costs and Payment Methods

  • In addition to the monthly fee, there is also a separate facilities usage fee (for each time you attend the school), shuttle fee, JPA registration fee, JPA accident insurance fee, annual area fee, tour fee, and various certification fees for obtaining a license. Please contact us for details.
  • Monthly fees for each course are to be paid by bank transfer on the 27th of each month (payment is for the following month).
  • On the Basic Pilot Course and higher, flights exceeding 50m are not allowed with rental equipment. For high altitude flights, it is necessary to have a complete set that includes your own paraglider. For those who do not have their own equipment, for low altitude practice, an additional rental fee of 3,000 JPY per day applies.

Half-price for Students and U25!

Under 25s and students pay half-price for the registration fee and for all courses. For working adults and under 28s, we offer a 20% discount.