Paragliding Course
DFC Taster Day Paragliding- £105 (inc BHPA membership for the day) |
This one day course forms the first day of the Introductory Course (see below) and you can upgrade to Elementary pilot course by simply paying the balance. A taster day is a great day out in the hills and is universally enjoyed even if the participant decides not to continue his/her paragliding career! As paragliding is very weather dependant we cannot guarantee the progress made, but given reasonable conditions you will accomplish solo flights up to around 20 feet above the ground - all under the control of your instructors. On the day of your course you will phone in at 8am to 9am to check that the weather is OK. We then meet in Bradwell at 10am, where the usual schedule is as follows:
The course fee includes all equipment, one-day mandatory BHPA membership and tuition. All you need to bring is a packed lunch and suitable outdoor clothing including some reasonable, ankle supporting boots and gloves. Taster days are usually on Saturdays, Sundays or Mondays for individuals, but can be organised any day for groups of 3 or more. For a taster day gift voucher please contact us 08451081577 or indicate your preference on the booking form. BHPA. This is obligatory as it gives you third party insurance. We do include the cost of this in our taster course but not for other courses as there are several membership options depending on your circumstances and aspirations. Current membership fees can be viewed by clicking here. 2 Day Paragliding Taster Course £210 (BHPA membership included)This is the shortest course we recommend as a true taste of our sport and comprises the first two days of the Elementary Pilot Certificate Course (the EPC). It includes some basic theory, pre-flight checks, site evaluation, launch/ground handling skills and as much flying as conditions allow. Even from early on day one you will be connected to the glider learning the basics of pre-flight checking and ground control. We then move on to simulated launches and landings before venturing onto a slope where you will first defy gravity! What is achieved on an Intro course is obviously dependent on the weather and your level of fitness and ability, but you can expect to be making short solo hops on the first day. On the second day we build on the basics learnt on day one and progress you higher up the slope to give you more airtime. By the end of the day you will have achieved a number of flights under the direct supervision of your instructor. At the DFC we like to keep the student to instructor ratio low to ensure a rapid, but above all, safe progression. At all times you will have either visual or radio contact with an instructor. Even if you decide not to continue your training, we are sure you will go home feeling that you have really achieved something and the memory of flying one of these remarkable aircraft will be with you for a long time. If you do decide to continue, the Intro course will have given you a taste of the learning process.. 5 Day Elementary Paragliding £420 (BHPA membership not included)All paragliding equipment is supplied for the course; you just need to bring adequate clothing and good, ankle supporting footwear - and a packed lunch. The EP course is designed to bring the complete beginner up to the accredited BHPA level of Elementary Pilot. At the end of the course the pilot should be capable of site selection, weather assessment, self launch and adequate flight planning to perform a flight with turns and a landing within a designated area. The classroom work comprises theory sessions on flight theory, meteorology and air law. Your knowledge will be tested with a short multiple choice exam at the end of the course. By the end of the course you should have experienced the truly wonderful sensation of floating above the ground with our stunning scenery laid out before you. Certainly, you will know whether you have the desire and ability to progress on to the CP course. Once you have achieved this level you are also able to purchase your first paraglider from us on which you can complete your training. If you have equipment not purchased from the Derbyshire Flying Centre there is a £150.00 Inspection fee. 5 Day Club Pilot Course £420 (BHPA membership not included)If you have committed to starting a CP course, then this normally means that you intend to take up the sport, so it makes sense to be using your own equipment for this. A new glider harness and helmet will cost about £2400. Used equipment is usually available from about £900. Buying your own equipment has several advantages:
All paragliding equipment can be supplied for the course, you need to bring adequate clothing and good, ankle supporting footwear and a packed lunch. Once the CP level has been achieved you are qualified to fly without an instructor. The CPC course usually takes between 5 days and progresses the EPC holder onto soaring skills, often with flights of 15-20 minutes or more, landing back on the top of the hill. Radios are used for communication between instructor and student at all times Also covered are more advanced launch techniques, strong-wind glider control, rapid descent techniques, instability, dealing with emergencies and general airmanship. We take great pride in producing pilots with a high skill level and a good attitude to embark on a long and safe flying career. Flying in the UK can be among the best in the world, if you intend to fly in the UK you should learn here as to learn abroad will not equip you to fly in the UK, but we have more than our fair share of unsettled weather and this can become frustrating if you are keen and have a busy lifestyle. We now run CP courses in the spring and summer that split the day into 2 sections: 10am, to 4pm, and 6pm to 9pm, this can often be a fast track way of progressing quicker than the weather here allows in the standard 10am to 4pm day. For more information speak to your instructor. We are happy to talk to you about the best options for you including package deals including equipment etc. |
