Why learn with us
Keep learning after Club Pilot
At Sky Riders we've spent years building a community of keen pilots. Our advanced courses help you refine your technique, learn new skills and get even more out of the sport.
Our instructors have plenty of airtime and a deep understanding of advanced flying. You'll get personal coaching in a safe, supportive setting, whether you want to thermal better, pack your own reserve or navigate cross-country.
BHPA Pilot rating
Pilot rating: fly cross-country
The Pilot rating builds on your Club Pilot skills so you can plan and fly confident cross-country flights. We guide you through the pilot tasks, go deeper into theory like meteorology and navigation, and prepare you for the BHPA Pilot theory exam.
It's the rating you need to leave the take-off area and fly cross-country, and it opens up restricted sites and competitions. It can help with insurance too. Read more in our guide to the BHPA rating scheme.
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Advanced manoeuvres
SIV: handle the unexpected
Not every flight is smooth. Even skilled pilots meet turbulence or tricky situations. An SIV (Simulation d'Incident en Vol) course gives you the knowledge and reflexes to deal with them calmly.
The course takes place over water, in a safe and controlled setting. Under our instructors' guidance you deliberately practise collapses, stalls and spins, building the muscle memory and decision-making to react well in real flight. You'll come away understanding how your wing behaves at the edge of its envelope, and trusting it and yourself more. We highly recommend it for any pilot who wants to fly with more confidence.
Our SIV courses run with Rich Dolan of Paramotor Trips.
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Tandem pilot training
Take passengers flying
Our tandem pilot programme gives experienced pilots the skills and knowledge to fly passengers safely. To join you need the BHPA Pilot rating, at least 200 hours of flying and a completed Advanced Manoeuvres (SIV) course. Confident ground handling is one of the most important skills to have before you start.
You'll get our tandem notes, a briefing speech and risk warning speech, multiple tandem flights as pilot in command and as passenger, and a practice exam with us. The BHPA tandem rating is then awarded after an external exam with one of the BHPA's technical officers, which we arrange through the school for a small additional cost.
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With Wingtrim
Reserve parachute packing
Being able to pack your own reserve properly is a valuable skill for every pilot. With our sister company Wingtrim, we run reserve packing courses at our workshop on the Royal Bath & West Showground.
You'll learn how reserve systems work, how to inspect them, how to pack safely, and plenty of useful tips. With classroom teaching and hands-on practice under the eye of our instructors, you'll be able to pack your reserve with precision and peace of mind.
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Questions
Advanced course FAQs
What is the BHPA Pilot rating?
The next rating after Club Pilot. It's the one you need to leave the take-off area and fly cross-country, and it opens up more sites and competitions. It involves more flying tasks and a theory exam.
What is an SIV course?
SIV stands for Simulation d'Incident en Vol. In a safe, controlled setting over water, you deliberately practise manoeuvres like collapses, stalls and spins, so you know how to react calmly if it ever happens for real.
Who can train as a tandem pilot?
Pilots with the BHPA Pilot rating, at least 200 hours of flying and a completed SIV course. You also need confident ground handling. The BHPA tandem rating is awarded after an external exam with a BHPA technical officer, which we arrange.
Can I learn to pack my own reserve?
Yes. We run reserve parachute packing courses with Wingtrim at our workshop on the Royal Bath & West Showground.
How much do the advanced courses cost?
Prices are on request, because each course depends on your experience and what you need. Get in touch and we'll give you a price.
Other courses
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Parakite Club Pilot
New for 2026 and built with the BHPA. Go straight to parakiting on the coast without the usual hill training first, or convert from paragliding.
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Paramotor Club Pilot
From complete beginner to flying solo under power in Somerset, with no separate EP course needed. Launches, landings, engine-out practice and airspace.
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Ask about an advanced course
Tell us your current rating, roughly how many hours you have and which course interests you. We'll come back to you with dates and a price.
- Phone
- 07599 844 678
- Message us on WhatsApp
- fly@sky-riders.co.uk
- Training
- Sites across Somerset, Dorset, Devon and Cornwall
- Workshop
- Royal Bath & West Showground, Shepton Mallet, Somerset BA4 6QN