Flying Advanced Wings: What Paragliding Pilots Need to Know

From 1 September 2026, the Sports Aviation Federation of Australia (SAFA) is changing the way pilots progress onto advanced paraglider wings, including speed wings, mini wings, parakites and EN-C or higher-rated paragliders.

One of the biggest changes is the retirement of the existing Speed Wing Endorsement and the introduction of SAFA's Advanced Paraglider Wing Proficiency (APWP) Course.

Here's what pilots need to know.

What is an Advanced Paraglider Wing?

Under the SAFA Operations Manual, an advanced paraglider is any paraglider other than an EN-A or EN-B certified paraglider being operated within its certified weight range.

This includes wings such as:

• EN-C and higher-rated paragliders
• Speed wings
• Mini wings
• Parakites

These wings can have different handling, performance and energy characteristics compared with EN-A and EN-B paragliders, making appropriate knowledge, skills and experience particularly important when progressing onto them.

What is the Advanced Paraglider Wing Proficiency (APWP) Course?

The Advanced Paraglider Wing Proficiency (APWP) Course is a SAFA online course that provides pilots with the theory required to consider the operation of advanced paraglider wings.

To complete the APWP course, pilots need to complete the required online learning modules and successfully pass the associated theory examinations through SAFA’s online learning system.

It’s important to note that completing the APWP course does not, by itself, authorise a pilot to fly an advanced wing. Pilots must also hold the appropriate PG4 Intermediate or PG5 Advanced Pilot Certificate.

Whether you’re required to complete the APWP course depends on your current PG certification level. 

Practical Advanced Wing Training

While the SAFA APWP is an online theory course focused on knowledge and understanding, practical Advanced Wing Training involves hands-on flying and coaching with an appropriately qualified instructor.

Practical training is separate from the SAFA APWP course and is not mandatory. However, SAFA strongly encourages pilots to access coaching and developmental training when progressing onto advanced wings.

Practical training gives pilots the opportunity to become familiar with the different handling and performance characteristics of their chosen wing, develop the relevant skills and techniques, and make the transition under the guidance of an experienced instructor.

High Adventure offers practical Advanced Wing Training for EN-C and higher-rated paragliders, speed wings, mini wings and parakites, with training tailored to each pilot's existing experience and the type of wing they're progressing onto.

What does this mean for PG2 and PG3 pilots?

PG2 and PG3 pilots cannot fly advanced paraglider wings.

Under the new requirements, the SAFA APWP course forms part of the requirements for progressing to a PG4 Intermediate Pilot Certificate. Once a pilot has successfully completed the APWP course and obtained their PG4 certification, they can fly advanced paraglider wings.

Practical Advanced Wing Training is not mandatory, but is strongly encouraged when progressing onto an advanced wing.

What does this mean for existing PG4 pilots?

From 1 September 2026, pilots who already hold a PG4 Intermediate Pilot Certificate must complete the SAFA APWP course before they can fly advanced wings.

Completing the APWP, together with holding their PG4 certification, allows them to operate advanced paraglider wings.

While practical Advanced Wing Training is not mandatory, SAFA strongly encourages pilots to undertake appropriate coaching and developmental training when progressing onto an advanced wing.

Existing Speed Wing Endorsement holders: PG4 pilots who hold a Speed Wing Endorsement before 1 September 2026 will be granted a limited authorisation allowing them to continue flying speed wings only, in addition to EN-A and EN-B paragliders. If they wish to fly other advanced wings, they will need to complete the APWP course.

What does this mean for existing PG5 pilots?

Pilots who already hold a PG5 Advanced Pilot Certificate can fly advanced wings without completing the APWP course.

However, SAFA strongly encourages PG5 pilots to complete the APWP course to develop their understanding of the additional considerations involved in flying advanced wings.

PG5 pilots are also strongly encouraged to undertake practical Advanced Wing Training with an appropriately qualified instructor when progressing onto an advanced wing. This provides an opportunity to develop the relevant practical skills and become familiar with the handling and performance characteristics of the particular wing.

Interested in Practical Advanced Wing Training?

High Adventure offers practical Advanced Wing Training for pilots looking to progress onto:

• EN-C and higher-rated paragliders
• Speed wings
• Mini wings
• Parakites

Training is offered on a per-day basis and tailored to your existing experience, the wing you're progressing onto and the skills you'd like to develop.

Training can include wing handling, launches and landings, energy management, site and condition selection, risk management and the practical skills associated with transitioning onto smaller or higher-performance wings.

If you're considering progressing onto an advanced wing, get in touch with High Adventure to discuss your current qualification, flying experience and the type of wing you're looking to fly.