Funday/Tandem

 

Your first steps in the air! exhilarating! A great fun day out with friends. You start on a gentle slope playing with the paraglider like a kite. As your confidence and ability grow you will gradually get higher flights as the day goes on.

If like many you catch the Flying Fever you can count this days training towards your elementary pilot if you book within a month. Depending on the weather conditions you sometimes get a tandem flight soaring with an instructor.

We recommend you do the full funday as you are more involved and have more fun than a tandem. But if you only want a tandem flight then that can be arranged.

Book Online or print out Booking form

Elementary Pilot Course

 

We follow the British Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association (BHPA) training syllabus that takes you step by step to the freedom of the skies. To progress quickly we recommend you do the training as close together as possible or spread over a number of consecutive weekends.

Training begins on a gentle slope learning to take off and land. We do some ground handling which allows you to learn the basic controls. Gentle flights from low down on the hill are extended higher up the slope as your ability and confidence grows. We use tandem flights and radio instruction to aid tuition. Techniques such as gentle turns, accurate flight planning, hillside landings, ridge soaring, top landings and thermalling are then taught. We also teach you theory behind the weather and flying principles.

Theory sessions on weather, flight theory, airmanship and airlaw followed by a final exam.

You are issued with 10 half-day (3 hr) vouchers for your Elementary Pilot course fee £500 - redeemable up to £50 per voucher.


Book Online or print out Booking form

Elementary Paragliding Pilot Training Syllabus -
Full list of exercises

Club Pilot Course

 

The CP takes your flying a stage further with amongst other things, more flights at higher altitudes, flights in stronger winds, safety techniques, and another written examination paper. The CP normally takes 6-10+ days.

After you are qualified to Club Pilot (CP) level, you are able to fly without an instructor present and we'll will put you in touch with your local club so you can continue flying with more experienced pilots.

Theory Syllabus

What our students say: http://flyingfergie.blogspot.com/
Neil's online training diary learning to fly.

Pilot Courses

 

These are structured around your needs and charged on a daily basis. Requires self study - Pilot theory study and task list

Tandem Pilot Courses

 

These are structured around your needs and charged on a daily basis. You need to be an experienced qualified pilot with excellant ground handling and flying skills.

Advanced / Refresher Courses

 

These are structured around your needs and charged on a daily basis. We will make an individual assesment and work out a structured training plan to improve your techniques.

Book Online or print out Booking form

Arran Season Pass

 

Come over as often as you want and the weather allows.

Voucher training scheme

 

If the weather is un flyable and theory has been covered

You can either come back and finish your course or exchange vouchers for

Equipment

 

It is important to start thinking about equipment before you begin your training as it is good to get accustomed to flying your own equipment during your club pilot course and will save you money on your tuition fees. We are dealers for all the major manufacturers and can recommend which paraglider is suitable for your ability.

Equipment new costs around £2000 for your paraglider, harness and helmet but we offer the club pilot course if you purchase a new glider through Flying Fever during your training. This also allows you to become familiar with the new characteristics of your paraglider with the guidance of your instructor.

If you are thinking of second hand equipment it will cost around £800 upwards for a full equipment package. Again we can advise you and make sure the equipment is suitable and help you find the best deal.

more info on equipment purchase -Zabdi is writing a series of articles for the new extreme sport web site - www.xtremism.com

Travel & Accommodation

Because Paragliding is weather dependant we have found it is best for people to come and stay on Arran for a weeks holiday whilst doing their course. Our courses normally start Saturday or Monday but if you would like to start on a different day contact us to see if its possible. We use the long evening light to get your flying course completed. It is also possible to come over on the ferry each day and fly and then leave on the last ferry at 7:20pm.

Transport is provided but having your own car will give you the freedom to explore the Island if the weather is un flyable and you want to do your own thing.

booking form click here

or you can book online

Accommodation

Accommodation B+B at our coastguard house £25 per night. 01770820292

Auchrannie hotel in Brodick has full leisure facilities

B+B in Brodick Strathwhillan House 01770302331

Arran Tourist board-