Independent Pilot Course (IPC)
One continuous progression through P1, P2, P3 and P4
Extreme Flying Club Principle
Training is graduation-based, not day-based. The durations and flight numbers shown are average planning benchmarks, not limits. A student progresses when the required skills, understanding, judgement and flying ability have been demonstrated. Weather, continuity, individual learning pace and retained skills after any training gap can change the actual timeline.
Course Objective
IPC is the complete training progression through P1, P2, P3 and P4 in one continuous course. Its key advantage is continuity: the student's physical skills, theory, meteorological understanding, judgement and flying experience develop without the long gaps that can slow progression.
Why 90 Continuous Days Matter
For a student unable to dedicate a continuous period to training, the same progression can otherwise stretch over roughly one and a half years or more because training may span multiple seasons and require rebuilding after gaps. IPC is designed to compress the learning journey by keeping the student in one continuous progression and allowing them to experience a season as a connected learning environment.
Progression & Graduation
IPC incorporates the graduation benchmarks of P1, P2, P3 and P4. The overall aim is an independent pilot capable of making their own decisions, assessing conditions, managing their flight and accumulating sufficient airtime and experience for SIV. IPC is not simply four courses placed together; continuity is itself a central training advantage.
The Independent Pilot
The end goal is not simply a completed course. It is a pilot who can assess the environment, understand the meteorology, decide when and where to fly, make independent decisions in the air, sustain airtime appropriately and continue developing with a sound experience base.
Pilot-Friendly 90-Day Roadmap
| Day / Range | Primary Focus | What You Can Expect |
|---|---|---|
| Days 1–7 | P1–P2 Ground Foundation | Ground handling, kiting, equipment work, foundational theory and launch preparation. |
| Days 8–20 | P1–P2 Flying | Morning/evening flights, take-off/landing repetition, theory and targeted ground refreshers. |
| Days 21–23 | P3 Transition | Advanced P2 refresh and preparation for thermic conditions. |
| Days 24–30 | P3 Entry | Kiting manoeuvres, big ears, height-loss, navigation, ridge soaring and theory. |
| Days 31–45 | P3 Thermic Development | Thermic flying, weather judgement and progressive transfer of decision-making. |
| Days 46–50 | P3 Graduation | Independent thermic test flights and one-hour airtime progression. |
| Days 51–55 | P4 Transition | XC theory, meteorology, route planning and refreshers where required. |
| Days 56–70 | P4 Development | Guided XC, checkpoints, route decisions and progressive range. |
| Days 71–82 | P4 Independent Planning | Daily weather analysis, flight planning and increasingly independent decisions. |
| Days 83–90 | P4 Consolidation | Benchmark attempts and independent-pilot consolidation when weather permits. |
Days 1–7
Primary Focus
P1–P2 Ground Foundation
What You Can Expect
Ground handling, kiting, equipment work, foundational theory and launch preparation.
Days 8–20
Primary Focus
P1–P2 Flying
What You Can Expect
Morning/evening flights, take-off/landing repetition, theory and targeted ground refreshers.
Days 21–23
Primary Focus
P3 Transition
What You Can Expect
Advanced P2 refresh and preparation for thermic conditions.
Days 24–30
Primary Focus
P3 Entry
What You Can Expect
Kiting manoeuvres, big ears, height-loss, navigation, ridge soaring and theory.
Days 31–45
Primary Focus
P3 Thermic Development
What You Can Expect
Thermic flying, weather judgement and progressive transfer of decision-making.
Days 46–50
Primary Focus
P3 Graduation
What You Can Expect
Independent thermic test flights and one-hour airtime progression.
Days 51–55
Primary Focus
P4 Transition
What You Can Expect
XC theory, meteorology, route planning and refreshers where required.
Days 56–70
Primary Focus
P4 Development
What You Can Expect
Guided XC, checkpoints, route decisions and progressive range.
Days 71–82
Primary Focus
P4 Independent Planning
What You Can Expect
Daily weather analysis, flight planning and increasingly independent decisions.
Days 83–90
Primary Focus
P4 Consolidation
What You Can Expect
Benchmark attempts and independent-pilot consolidation when weather permits.
This is a typical progression. Weather and individual progress may move activities earlier or later. Graduation is based on demonstrated ability.
The IPC roadmap is deliberately presented as a 90-day journey rather than 90 guaranteed calendar events. Weather, progression and the student's demonstrated competence can shift the timing of each stage.
Course Details
Approximately 90 continuous days
Continuous P1–P4 progression toward an independent pilot with sufficient experience and airtime for SIV.