If you're a paragliding pilot looking to elevate your skills, an SIV course is probably just what you need. SIV stands for "Simulation d'Incident en Vol" or "Simulation of Flight Incidents" in English. This specialized training is designed to equip paragliders with the knowledge and skills to handle in-flight incidents safely and effectively.

What is an SIV Course?

An SIV course is a structured training program that helps paragliding pilots master maneuvers and manage in-flight emergencies. The primary goal is to simulate potential incidents in a controlled environment, allowing pilots to practice and perfect their response techniques.

During an SIV course, you'll learn about flight dynamics, safety protocols, and various maneuvers to regain control of your wing. These courses are typically conducted over water to minimize risk, and they often include debriefings to discuss each flight and identify areas for improvement. You'll be guided by experienced instructors who will teach you how to recognize and respond to different scenarios. By understanding the mechanics of your wing and practicing emergency maneuvers, you'll be better prepared to handle unexpected situations during solo flights.

Whether you're a seasoned flyer or just starting, understanding SIV courses will help you become a more confident and capable pilot.

When to go to an SIV

Paragliding students are often encouraged to attend SIV training as soon as possible after learning to fly and completing their P2 courses. I could not wrap my head around that when I was starting out, and opted to continue focusing on seat time and building on the basics before progressing on. I can now see it both ways and feel that it is more case and situation dependent. I waited 4 years to attend my first SIV course and feel that I got way more out of it than I would have, had I attended one promptly after P2 training. That said, a part of me also wishes I would have attended one a long time ago as the skills and confidence I gained from my first course have been profound and really propelled me further as a pilot. Had I done so, I could very well have been attending my 5th or 6th SIV, or even more at this point and one can only imagine what that would have translated to.

Confidence Booster

One of the most significant benefits of an SIV course is the confidence boost it provides. Knowing how to handle various in-flight situations increases your overall confidence as a pilot. This newfound confidence can lead to more enjoyable and stress-free flights. When you're confident in your abilities, you're more likely to make sound decisions under pressure. This can be especially valuable in challenging flying conditions or unfamiliar environments. An SIV course helps you build the mental resilience needed to stay calm and focused, no matter what comes your way by learning and understanding the capabilities and limitations of you and your equipment.

Enhance Your Skills

An SIV course isn't just about safety; it's also about enhancing your skills as a pilot. You'll learn advanced maneuvers, such as asymmetric collapses, frontal collapses, B line stalls, spirals, full stalls, spins, and more. These techniques can improve your overall control and maneuverability, making you a more skilled and versatile flyer.

By mastering these maneuvers, you'll be better equipped to handle turbulence, thermals, and other dynamic flight conditions. This can open up new opportunities for adventure and exploration, allowing you to push the boundaries of your flying experience.

An SIV offers the opportunity to develop these skills in a safe and controlled environment and under proper instruction. This eliminates the possibility of building bad behaviors and habits, increasing risk, and jeopardizing your safety.

What to Expect in an SIV Course

An SIV course typically involves a combination of ground school, simulations, and debriefings. Here's a breakdown of what you can expect:

Ground School

Before taking to the skies, you'll start with ground school. This varies by instructor or course, but typically includes theoretical lessons on flight dynamics, safety protocols, and emergency maneuvers. Ground school provides the foundation for your training, ensuring you have a solid understanding of the principles behind each maneuver. This knowledge is crucial for executing techniques correctly and safely during flight.

Simulations

The heart of an SIV course lies in the simulations. You'll take off over water and perform various maneuvers under the guidance of your instructor. Each maneuver is designed to simulate a potential in-flight incident, such as a collapse or stall. This is most commonly done by boat tows where the student is pulled up near 3,000 feet over a lake. The instructor will communicate with you via radio, providing real-time feedback and instructions. This hands-on practice allows you to experience and manage different scenarios in a safe situation, building your skills and confidence with each flight.

SIV classes usually have a target amount of tows or simulations they aim to achieve. The progression varies by course or instructor but often follows a path like this:

• Asymmetric Collapses Right and Left (with and without speed bar)

• Frontal Collapse (with and without speed bar)

• B line Stall

• Spirals

• Full Stalls

Attending an SIV class is a great step in the progression and builds significantly on your baseline flying skills, but it is really just the beginning. Pilots are encouraged to continue taking SIV courses to expand those skills and really get the most value out of the opportunity. Experienced pilots attending additional SIV courses can push into further maneuvers such as:

• SAT’s

• Spins

• Heli’s/ Helicopters

Debriefings

After each flight, you'll participate in debriefing sessions. These discussions provide an opportunity to review your performance, analyze any mistakes, and identify areas for improvement. Your instructor should offer valuable insights and tips to help you refine your techniques. Debriefings are an essential part of the learning process, allowing you to internalize lessons and apply them to future flights. By understanding what went well and what needs work, you can continuously evolve as a pilot.

To get the full value out of the SIV, I recommend taking this part very seriously. If you learn some really great information and feedback from a flight or maneuver that you want to try, it is best to make that the focus on the next flight and hone that skill instead of progressing on to the next. This will increase your confidence and put that out of your mind so when you are moving on to the next objective you are doing so with better focus.

The Lasting Impact of SIV Courses

Completing an SIV course can have a profound and lasting impact on your paragliding journey. The skills and confidence you gain will enhance your overall flying experience, making each flight safer and more enjoyable.

SIV training can be expensive, but equally so is the cost of purchasing new or additional gear seeking the comfort of confidence, or attending a fly-in event. Benjamin Franklin said, “An investment in knowledge yields the biggest return.” By investment in your training and continuously improving your skills, you'll be better equipped to explore new horizons and push the boundaries of your paragliding adventures. An SIV course is a valuable step towards becoming a more proficient and confident pilot.