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United Kingdom

A short overview: how flying works here, where the sites are, and where to find more. Check with the national body or a local club or school before flying.

Overview

How flying works here

National body: British Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association (BHPA) (opens in a new tab)

Visiting pilots

  • Visitors need proof of suitable third-party insurance and should be ready to show an IPPI card proving they are qualified for a site.
  • Sites are run by local BHPA clubs with their own rules. Some are members-only, which requires BHPA membership (short-term options exist).

A short summary, not legal advice. Rules change, so check the current requirements with British Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association (BHPA) before you fly. Summary checked 13 Oct 2026.

British Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association (BHPA): current rules for visiting pilots (opens in a new tab)

Learning to fly

  • The BHPA says initial instruction should always be at a BHPA registered school; find one by postcode or on its map.
  • BHPA registered schools are monitored by the BHPA, their instructors are licensed by it, and students take out BHPA membership.
  • By law you must be at least 14 to attempt solo flight; many schools set a higher minimum age, often around 16.

Checked 13 Oct 2026 against official sources: source 1 (opens in a new tab) · source 2 (opens in a new tab) · source 3 (opens in a new tab) · source 4 (opens in a new tab) · source 5 (opens in a new tab)

Visiting United Kingdom: help on the ground and flying tours

Information only. Forecast direction is compared with each site's published wind range; speeds are shown but not judged. Always check the official site guide, the administering club and conditions on the day. You are responsible for your decision to fly.

Sites

Sites listed by ParaglidingEarth's contributors. Ask a local club or school about each one before flying there.

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Community site data: © ParaglidingEarth contributors (CC BY-SA 3.0 / ODbL 1.0) · checked 13 Oct 2026