Paragliding Licences in Europe — BHPA, DHV, SHV, USHPA and Flying in Portugal

Paragliding has no single international regulatory body. Each country — and in many cases each national aero club — issues its own qualification framework, which means the question "what licence do I need to fly in Portugal?" is genuinely complicated for pilots trained outside the country. This guide explains the main European and international licence systems, how they compare at each level, and what you actually need to fly at Sesimbra on a coached week with Fly with Behrooz.

Why There Is No Single "International Paragliding Licence"

Paragliding is largely unregulated airspace activity in most countries — it operates under national aviation authority rules for light sport and recreational aircraft, not under international ICAO pilot licensing. Each country's national aero sport federation runs its own pilot training and certification system, which means a British BHPA card, a German DHV card, and a Swiss SHV card are all legitimate proof of qualification, but they have been issued by completely different organisations using different syllabus structures.

The key point for travelling pilots: CIVL (Commission Internationale de Vol Libre), the paragliding committee of the FAI, provides a framework for mutual recognition of national licences, but this is a soft agreement between clubs rather than a legal requirement. In practice, what matters most when flying abroad is:

1. Having a recognised national licence from your home country
2. Having third-party liability insurance valid in the country you're flying in
3. Meeting the coach's or operator's minimum experience requirements

The Major Licence Systems Explained

BHPA — British Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association (UK)

The BHPA uses a four-stage pilot rating system. Each rating is issued on a card that also serves as the pilot's third-party liability insurance document when flying at BHPA-affiliated sites.

DHV — Deutscher Hängegleiterverband (Germany)

Germany's DHV is one of the most rigorously structured systems in the world. The DHV Schein (licence) combines theoretical exams with practical sign-off from a licensed instructor. The DHV also produces widely used glider certification ratings (EN-A through EN-D) that are adopted internationally.

SHV / FSVL — Schweizerischer Hängegleiterverband (Switzerland)

Switzerland's system mirrors the BHPA's four-stage structure, with training, basic, licence (Brevet), and advanced ratings. Swiss pilots have a well-deserved reputation for rigorous mountain flying training. An SHV Brevet is broadly equivalent to a BHPA Pilot or DHV B-Schein.

FFVL — Fédération Française de Vol Libre (France)

The FFVL issues a Brevet Initial (BI), followed by a Brevet de Pilote (BP), and a Brevet de Pilote Confirmé (BPC). The BP corresponds roughly to CIVL P3. FFVL cards include third-party insurance for flying in France and, with certain membership levels, across Europe.

USHPA — United States Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association

The USHPA uses a numeric rating system: P1 (beginner), P2 (novice), P3 (intermediate), P4 (advanced), P5 (master). USHPA P2 is roughly equivalent to CIVL P2; P3 to CIVL P3. One important note: USHPA's third-party liability cover may not be valid in Europe — American pilots flying in Portugal need to verify their insurance position separately (see below).

CIVL IPPI Card — International Pilot Proficiency Identification

The CIVL IPPI Card is an internationally recognised standardised card issued by national aero clubs. It has five levels (IPPI 1–5) that map directly to CIVL pilot grades P1–P5. Many European countries and operators accept an IPPI card as the standard evidence of qualification. If you fly internationally regularly, obtaining an IPPI card from your national club is a straightforward way to have universally recognised proof of qualification without needing to explain your national system at every site you visit.

What You Need to Fly in Portugal

Portugal's national paragliding authority is the FPVL (Federação Portuguesa de Voo Livre). Portuguese airspace law requires pilots to hold a recognised national or CIVL-equivalent qualification, and third-party liability insurance is mandatory.

In practice, flying on a coached programme with Fly with Behrooz works as follows:

• Your national licence card (BHPA, DHV, SHV, FFVL, USHPA, or equivalent) is accepted as proof of qualification
• You must have third-party liability insurance — for most European licence holders, this is bundled with their annual membership card. Check your card's documentation to confirm coverage extends to Portugal.
• The minimum licence for any Fly with Behrooz programme is P2 / Club Pilot / A-Schein or equivalent
• The XC Week and Coastal Soaring Week require P3 / Pilot / B-Schein or equivalent as a minimum. The XC Coastal Combo is the only programme open to P2 holders.

What Proof to Carry

On any flying week with Fly with Behrooz, bring the following:

• Your current pilot rating card (physical card or verifiable digital membership)
• Written confirmation of third-party liability insurance coverage (check the dates and geography)
• Your logbook, if you have one — not mandatory, but useful for me to assess where you are in your development

Do not bring expired cards or hope that verbal claims about your rating will be sufficient. Site owners and coaches are responsible for the pilots they fly with, and proper documentation protects everyone.

Frequently Asked Questions