Learn and improve

You loved your Discovery flight and want to become a pilot?

Learning to glide is a unique and rewarding experience that combines a passion for aviation with a deep understanding of the natural elements. This training program combines theoretical sessions, practical sessions on the flight simulator and actual glider flight sessions.

1. The SPL (Sail Plane License)

Training resources

• Theoretical training sessions given by an instructor
• Theoretical e-learning sessions (FFVP website, Fédération Française de Vol en Planeur)
• Instructor-led hands-on learning sessions on a flight simulator
• Hands-on training sessions with an instructor on a two-seater glider
• Practical training sessions on a single-seater glider supervised by an instructor

Follow-up: all training follow-up is done online on the FFVP’s GESASSO website.

Means of validation

• Theoretical training: online exams for each theoretical module (FFVP website)
• Practical learning: validation of progress by an instructor
• Practical training for the European SPL (Sail Plane License): validation by an examiner (appointed by the FFVP)

Here’s a simple description of the evolution from apprenticeship to SPL:

1. Beginner’s school: theoretical and practical flying sessions with an instructor. Theoretical training and examination on a subset of the required subjects. Validation by the instructor of the ability to fly alone
2. Solo release: first flight as captain. Is done on the two-seater training glider but with only the student on board
3. The Pass: validation of sufficient practical experience by the instructor and successful completion of all theory modules. The Pass allows you to fly solo, locally and without instructor supervision.
4. SPL: validation of sufficient knowledge for longer-distance flying (flight preparation, knowledge of airspace, understanding of weather, flight techniques, calculation of flight parameters, etc.).

Grants: young people under the age of 25 may be eligible for financial assistance from the FFVP.

After passing the SPL, pilots have several options for further training:

2. Passenger

This quick training course lets you take your friends on a tandem flight.

3. Cross-country training

The Campagne training course teaches you to fly outside the Fayence locality.
Successive badges are awarded according to the distance from the field: 50km – 100km – 300km – 500km.

4. Departmental Gliding School (EDVV or Ecole Départementale de Vol à Voile)

EDVV is a special program for young beginners. It is open to young people in the second and first year of secondary school who live in the VAR and to young workers under 25 who live in the canton of Fayence.

More information