Why do USHPA ratings require so much training? Most people can get a sport or private pilot's license in twenty-five hours. The student solo certificate in fifteen to twenty hours.

For paragliding in the U.S., you can get a USHPA P-2 rating with 30-45 flights depending on opportunities to demonstrate required skills. During this time, a flight could be what is called a sled ride and last as little as 3 minutes, or if one is lucky last a 1-2 hours. It took me about 40 flights (approx 6.5 hours of actual flying time) before I received a P-2 rating. Once you have a P-2 rating, you can fly without supervision but to ensure safety at this level one should fly in conditions recommended for this rating. Also you are really soloing from the 1st flight (Unless the first flight is a tandem), so really it's easier to be a paraglider pilot if you live in certain areas.