Embark on a thrilling journey into the world of paragliding with our immersive 2-day taster course. Perfect for those who want to delve deeper into the art of free flight, this comprehensive experience provides an extended opportunity to learn, practice, and enjoy the exhilaration of paragliding over two unforgettable days.
Course highlights
Day 1
Day 1 – Ground School and Basics:
- Ground School Instruction: Begin your day with a thorough ground school session led by our experienced and certified instructors. Learn about the basics of paragliding equipment, safety procedures, and the principles of flight. We ensure that you feel confident and well-prepared before taking to the skies.
- Solo Ground Handling: As you progress throughout the day, practice solo ground handling to reinforce your newly acquired skills. Develop a deeper understanding of how to control the paraglider on the ground, laying the foundation for future solo flights.
- Hands-On Training: Put theory into practice with hands-on training sessions. Develop essential skills such as launching, controlling the glider, and landing. Our patient and knowledgeable instructors will guide you every step of the way, ensuring a supportive and enjoyable learning environment.
- Days Debrief and Q&A: End the day with a debriefing session, where you can discuss your experiences, ask questions, and receive valuable feedback from our instructors. Leave with a sense of accomplishment and the knowledge to pursue further paragliding adventures.
Day 2
Day 2 – Practical Application and Solo Skills:
- Solo Ground Handling: Through hands-on engagement on the training slope, you’ll discover the art of maneuvering the paraglider on the ground. This immersive process serves as a pivotal step, empowering you to navigate the complexities of higher wind take-off.
- Flight Planning: Learn the basics of flight planning, understanding the factors that influence a successful flight , Making informed decisions and being able to build in options if the course of the flight changes.
- Practical Flying: Ascend to higher altitudes for solo flights, putting your newfound skills into practice under the guidance of our expert instructors. Introducing turns and landing in designated areas, (within 20 metres).
- Flight Debrief and Feedback: Reflect on your experiences with a debriefing session. Receive personalized feedback and tips for improvement.
By the end of day 2 you will have experienced around 8 solo flights
Course Graduation: Conclude your 2-day adventure with a sense of accomplishment and if you want to carry on towards getting your EP this course will go towards the first 2 days of the EP training and the cost will be deducted from the overall EP course price.
Ready to take the leap? Join us for a 2 day taster paragliding course and discover the freedom of flight. Whether you’re looking for a unique gift or a personal challenge, this experience promises an unforgettable introduction to the world of paragliding. Secure your spot today and embark on a journey that will elevate your sense of adventure to new heights.
Day 1:
The day normally starts with a classroom or at the hill session with introductions to the school our instructors and the BHPA. You will join the BHPA (British Hangliding & Paragliding Association) as a day member, (this is included in the price of the day course) and is mandatory for everyone who takes part in paragliding through the BHPA. (The membership DOES include legal liability insurance to cover you in the event of a claim being made against you for injury to another person or damage to property caused by your actions).
Next, we issue each student the (STR) Student Training Record. What is the Student Training Record? This book details all the exercises which make up the training program that you are following. Your instructor and you must use it to record your progress both in the main section and in the log section at the back. You should use it to ensure you fully understand each new exercise before it is attempted. Your student training record will be retained by your school.
After this we will look at site assessments including hazards, airflow and airflow hazards and weather assessment. Next the fun starts and we get an introduction to the equipment. We will learn about the parts and functions of the canopy, harness, and helmet – how an aerofoil creates lift – daily inspections will be explained demonstrated, practiced and understood. We will also cover Safety techniques including when and how to use them.
Through ground-based activity the student should achieve a reasonable and consistent level of competence at preparing the equipment for flight: inflating the canopy; running with it whilst looking ahead; how the controls work for directional control – initiating turns – lookout and looking ahead maintaining direction; flaring and collapsing the canopy. The student should now combine the skills practiced on the ground to make straight ground skimming flights (typically less than 5m/15ft) ground clearance.
Should any of the students want to carry on with paragliding after doing the day course then the day they have done will carry over as the first day of the (EP) elementary course which is the first part to gaining a license to fly a paraglider. After completing the EP course, a further (CP) club pilot course is needed to then be allowed to join the local flying club and fly with-out the need of an instructor.
Day 2:
Will start from where we left off on day 1 with a briefing on the need to prepare before take-off, plans to deal with the unexpected and the responsibilities briefing.
Maintaining course: We will have higher flights typically of about 15m/50ft, where we will start to make slight directional controls to maintain a straight course, we need at least 4 successful flights before we can move on to the next exercise Introducing turns.
Introducing turns: The student should reach a reasonable and consistent level of competence and confidence whilst flying with a greater ground clearance (maximum 30m/100ft), maintaining good airspeed control and making gentle turns. The student will be briefed on turns and the need to avoid low turns and the need for lookout. The turns will be of no more than 90’ (Ie. less than 45’ from directly into wind). Again, we need at least 4 successful flights.
Should you decide at the end of the 2 days you want to carry on with training then the days you have done will go towards the course and the price you paid for the 2 days will be deducted off the price of the Elementary Pilot Course.
- 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 recognize and wish to personally assume the associated risks.
