A circuit is when the student climbs up to the top of the tow to gain height, releases the cable, and flies around the field to land back at take off. The first circuit is a bench mark in learning to fly hang gliders. At this stage the student is considered an Elementary pilot and is awarded their Elementary Pilot Certificate. To obtain their C.P.C. the student will complete a further 15 circuits and make the transition to flying prone. Potential club pilots must be able to initiate a stall and safe recovery, both done under controlled conditions at a safe height, when the student is confident they can do this.
Students also require the ability to land the hang glider on a large spot.
The exam has no trick questions and merely requires a little thought about what the student has learned. Following these a student is deemed competent to fly in a club environment and is awarded the BHPA Club Pilot Certificate. Based upon a 350 meter square field. 3 Tethered trips across the field. When a student manages to solo then allow up to 6 trips in total.