We call this course Zero to Hero. A 2 week, Fast track intensive training, most people qualify in the 2 weeks

We are running this course twice a year for two weeks, every March and November.

Please call (+44 7779 790 637 – +441974241574) before booking for the dates and availability.

we generally answer the phone straight away but if we don’t we are probably out flying and we will get back to you as soon as we can.

Elementary Pilot training

This course is 3 – 4 days depending on how quick you learn, you will cover the day 1 and day 2 tasks outlined above and the following exercises will take you to the end of the EP level.
Completing simple flight plans The student should reach a reasonable and consistent level of competence and confidence when making flights with a further increased ground clearance. Flights should involve unassisted launches, turns of 90’ or more with good lookout, good airspeed control and controlled landings in a defined area. The student should be briefed on turns and the need for lookout. At least 4 successful flights must be made. Any increases in altitude must be progressive.

Theory and examination

Through lectures, lessons, talks and personal study the student should achieve the required knowledge level in these subject areas.

Meteorology, Principles of flight, airlaw, airmanship and Rules of the air.

There will then be a multiple-choice exam to pass before attaining your EP Award

The Club Pilot CPC course Includes

A refreshed and expanded understanding of site assessment (including hazards, turbulence and rotor), weather assessment (including wind strength measurement, wind gradients and venture effect), flight planning (including the importance of building in options), Rules of the Air, ridge protocols, airflow around ridges, lift bands, soaring patterns, all turns away from the hill, the need to keep a good lookout.

You will reach a reasonable and consistent level of competence at flights involving unassisted launches and controlled turns of up to and beyond 180’

You will reach a reasonable and consistent level of competence at planning flights and landing approaches, by making a controlled landing within 10m/30ft of a designated target at least 4 times.

You will reach a reasonable and consistent level of competence at utilising ridge lift to maintain or gain height. This will include flying beats in a controlled manner and with good lookout. A minimum of 5 flights approx 10 minutes (or equivalent) must be completed, at least one of which must be completed either on a separate site or on a separate day.

You will have a basic knowledge of top landings. This includes good flight planning, accurate approaches and good canopy control after touchdown.

You will reach a reasonable and consistent level of competence at flying with others, showing a good awareness of other craft and their characteristics. The student should be competent and confident at using the paraglider’s normally used speed range. They should also understand the hazards associated with fast and slow flight and be familiar with recognising the symptoms of a stall. The student should also have a basic understanding of the speed to fly concept.

You will understand the uses and limitations of accelerator systems (and trim setting devices) and be proficient and confident at using an accelerator system.

You will  reach a reasonable and consistent level of competence at forward launch techniques, with good control throughout.

You will  reach a reasonable and consistent level of competence at reverse launch techniques, with good control throughout.

You will reach a reasonable and consistent level of competence at using weight shift and pitch-roll co-ordination in turns.

You will have a good understanding of cross wind and slope landings, and will understand the problems and hazards associated with these manoeuvres and know when and how they might be used.

You will understand water and tree landing procedures –PLFs – use of emergency parachute systems – uses and limitations of alternative control techniques such as weight shift and rear riser steering in the event of line control failure.

You will understand recovery techniques for collapses, stalls, spins and spirals – paraglider certification – BHPA recommendations on pilot skill level requirements.

You will demonstrate a good understanding of the concepts of active flying and coping with turbulence.

You will have a reasonable and consistent level of competence at using the ‘big ears’ rapid descent technique and should understand its uses and limitations. This should include closing the tip cells on one side at a time, weight shift steering whilst in the big-ears mode, safe exiting – no pumping!

You will reach a reasonable and consistent level of competence at dealing with and recovering from an asymmetric tuck of more than 15% and less than 35%

Through lectures, lessons, talks and personal studyyou will reach the Club Pilot (Novice) level of understanding in these subject areas. Meteorology, Principles of flight, Rules of the air, air law and General airmanship knowledge

Once you are a qualified CP pilot your license allows to leave the school, join a club and ridge soar, if you want to progress towards your Pilot rating you can book on our PCPF Course which will help to prepare you for the Pilot Qualification enabling you to embark on XC (Cross Country) flying.

South Morocco
We at Mid Wales Paragliding Centre really enjoy this, our now legendary venue for both paragliding training and Pilot development We have been going to the same place 2 times a year since 2007 and have great local knowledge. The weather is much more reliable than anywhere in Europe more so than Spain at this time of year and we have never flown less than 10 days out of 14 on a trip. We use several sites along the coast including a purpose built 800 foot take off area situated a mile inland from the South Moroccan Atlantic coast about 30 minutes south of the old fortified town of Tiznet. Most of the ridges boast extensive flat tops ideal for those elusive top landings! Look out from the ridge and you will see flat land reaching towards the sand dunes on the coast which provide a safe and ideal environment for the low airtime student.

The area,
situated between the Atlantic Ocean and the Sahara Desert, is totally unspoiled by tourism (unlike the North of Morocco). If you like Sun, sea and consistent flying conditions with lots of peace and quiet this must be one of the most chilled locations you will find. If it’s discos and night life that you crave then it won’t be for you!

Our base is the Abertih Hotel in the nearby village of Mirleft, about twenty minutes away from the main site. Mirleft is a charming little town with various small shops and restaurants. Although not a drinking culture, alcohol is available when asked for. The pace of life is refreshingly slow and the local people are extremely hospitable and very friendly. One my close friends and an old team guide has been living there for the last 15 years.

Accommodation
The accommodation will be at the Abertih Hotel in Mirleft. Built in the local Moorish style this charming family run guest house has proven itself to be a real favourite with all who have stayed there. Damien the owner is the man to consult on just about everything in the area! He is a local pilot and he speaks fluent English. There are several restaurants to choose from in the area but the Abertih is most popular because of its legendary ‘tagines’. Have a look at Damien’s place on this link: http://www.abertih.com

Transport
The course includes all transport. This includes airport transfers from Agadir which is about 2 hours away. (Provided you arrive at the recommended times).If you are not at the airport at the transfer times a taxi can be arranged for you—they cost typically about £45 each way. We also provide your transport to take off.

Non-Flyers
Partners and non-flyers are welcome on this trip but it should be emphasised that although tourism is beginning here and there are all the basic facilities available, it is not a resort as such. If your partner wants some peace and quiet in an exotic and friendly location in lovely weather then this could be just the place! You can walk literally for miles along deserted beaches meeting only the odd fisherman and the seagulls! It is also a great opportunity to see Moroccan life and experience the culture of the country in a totally unspoiled way. Other activities in the area are Horse riding, quad biking, surfing, fishing and walking.

Summary
Our Moroccan trip has great potential for all levels of student as well as those wishing to develop their skills and airtime. It is a place where the weather seems consistently good throughout our winter when the opportunity to fly at home will be very limited. The terrain, a long ridge with flat lands reaching out to the coast a mile away is not unlike the places you may fly at home but with the benefits of smooth sea breezes and gentle thermals.

Stuff to Bring and a Few Last Minute Details
Travel Insurance that includes paragliding and repatriation is essential for this trip. Its not to expensive and gives you a good level of cover should you be unlucky enough to have to use it. The cost is around £50 for a 2 week trip or around £200 for the year. I recommend JS insurance https://www.jsinsurance.co.uk/ or better still, give them a call on 0800 043 0020 and mention Steve at Mid Wales Paragliding Centre recommended them, and they will provide the cover you will need.

Joining the BHPA
If you are doing the EP/CP course then you will need to join the BHPA British Hangliding and Paragliding Association on day one of the course. We have all the documentation with us or if you prefer you can call them direct before we leave and do it yourself, Explain you are starting a beginner course with Mid Wales Paragliding Centre https://www.bhpa.co.uk/ Telephone: 0116 289 4316, Email: office@bhpa.co.uk You will need to take out a year membership with them and this will include, 12 monthly issues of the magazine and it also provides 12 months third party only insurance. (not suitable for trips abroard as there is no personal medical cover). The annual cost is £174. This is not included in the course fees.

It’s hot in Morocco
 After all it is Africa! It’s about the same latitude as the Canary Islands. So you don’t need to bring a lot with you. As weight limits on air travel are more limited these days (check yours out with your airline), it’s best to wear your boots on the plane. Take a fleece or jumper and long trousers. The terrain, as in most hot places, can be quite rough underfoot so slipping at take-off can be different than at home—you may roll over on a cactus rather than nice smooth grass! Personally I take as little as possible because I like the local stuff which is very cheap, so I buy over there to bring home. The locals are short of things like fleeces so I usually take some of my old ones and do a bit of bartering! Check Habibe’s shop across from the Abertih, he’s very open to a bit of wheeling and dealing over a cup of Moroccan green tea! You will also need the usual common sense things—Sun Cream, hat, after sun, shades, etc. You will need a towel (they are not provided) but you can buy one in Mirleft.

Local currency
is the Dirham which you can only get in Morocco but Euros are fine. You can change your Euros into Dirham’s from cash machines or with Damien at the hotel. Damien is the man to arrange things for you whether it is a hire car or a local house! Everything you are likely to need will probably be available locally.

How to get some freebies or discounts
Get a CP Course or any other course we offer for free by buying a new glider, and harness combo from us. If doing training buy a glider after finishing the EP course and then you can get familiar with your new equipment while you are still learning. This makes it much safer for you once you leave the school environment as you will already be familiar with your own equipment. If you are a beginner joining us on a trip abroad then speak to us about this so we can arrange it before we leave
If you’re already qualified and buy a new glider, we will give you either a free 1 week guiding holiday on any of our trips (excludes Accommodation and flights),or a 10% discount 10% lifetime loyalty equipment discount for all our clients who have chosen us for a Paragliding or Paramotoring Course If you Book your next flying holiday with us before you go home then you can get an early booking discount worth upto £100
If you have any questions, please give me a call for a chat.

The Mid Wales Paragliding Centre Team look forward to meeting you in the near future
Best Wishes
Steve Griffiths
(CFI Mid Wales Paragliding Centre)

• Paragliding and paramotoring is a form of aviation, with all the inherent and potential dangers that are involved in aviation.
• No form of aviation is without risk, and injuries and death can and do occur in paragliding and paramotoring, even to trained pilots using proper equipment.
• No claim is made or implied that all sources of potential danger to the pilot have or can be identified.
• No one should participate in paragliding who does not recognise and wish to personally assume the associated risks.