Courses
Speed Flying Course
The BHPA Speed Flying training regime followed by Flying Fever is a training syllabus in development, and you will be taking part in a trial training course. We are one of a few Specialist BHPA schools undertaking this training development.
This course if for total beginners interested in learning to use speed flying as a way to descend a mountain. We also do conversion training for existing qualified paragliding pilots.
If you want to soar in a speed or mini wing then you have to do your full Elementary Pilot and Club Pilot course as there is a lot more risk of accident potential whilst turning near a hill due to the greater pendulum on a speed wing mixed with a high speed descent close to the hill.
The training course starts with the normal size paragliders as they are easier to handle and basically follows the Elementary pilot syllabus - If you are interested you can get your BHPA elementary paraglider pilot rating at the same time as working towards your speed riding certificate whilst doing this course.
Arran is an ideal place to learn to speed ride in the right conditions it is great fun and extends the opportunity to fly in Scotland. We train with normal size paragliders and mini wings.
The course costs £110 per day and normally takes 5 to 8 days to complete. Plus your BHPA membership. If you prefer you can pay for the 5 day course £550 then pay the extra days that you need.
Read the BHPA speed flying course syllabus
Funday or Tandem Paragliding Intro Day
Price £150 including BHPA membership. Book a day and pay on the day .
Weather: Paragliding is very weather dependent, it needs to be dry and the wind beneath 15mph. You book a day then phone the day before and again in the morning to check on weather conditions. We cancel if the weather looks unsuitable and rescedhule for another day. You need patience and no refunds can be given. You can arrange to pay on the day.
A Funday or tandem paragliding intro day depending on the weather and site we will see what is the best option for the day either solo training or tandem flight. If you prefer a tandem flight or solo training then let us know when you book it is the same voucher.
Your first steps in the air! exhilarating! A great fun day out with friends. Solo training starts on a gentle slope playing with the paraglider like a kite learning to launch and control it. 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 5 day Elementary pilot if you book within a month. Depending on the weather conditions you sometimes get a tandem flight soaring with an instructor.
Transport: Direct public transport links train direct from Glasgow central to Ardrossan harbour at 8.33am 1 hour train journey then 55 mins on the ferry. Or park in secure parking at Ardrossan harbour. If you want to bring your own car then you must book on hte ferry www.calmac.co.uk
Minibus pickup: Meet opposite the ferry terminal in Brodick at the Douglas Hotel at 10.45 we drop you off around 5 pm. (sometimes earlier or later depending on the weather and site) You can either take the ferry home or stay in a range of accommodation. www.visitarran.com
Courses and tandems run every day from March to Sept- weather dependent - pre booking essential
Tandem Flight:
Take a Tandem flight with an instructor. If you feel you don't have the confidence to try solo training then this is a good way to get a taste of flight. It Depends on the weather conditions how long the flight is as we don't have an engine. On a coastal site we can stay up for around 20 mins soaring in a strong wind or if it is light wind then we walk up around 1000 foot and glide gently down to land at the bottom of the hill. Because of the variability for tandem flights we only book a maximum of two in advance per day though more may be possible on certain days.
Flying Fever Paragliding School
Learn to paraglide on the Isle of Arran in Scotland. Over 30 flying sites taking all wind directions Arran's micro climate and range of sites allows us to get flying whenever possible. Flying Fever is a registered BHPA (British Hang gliding and Paragliding Association) and APPI Association of Paragliding Pilots International) Paragliding school and has been teaching people to fly since 1993!
Flying Fever is the last full time paragliding school in Scotland. The Scottish weather can be a challenge at times! We are open 7 days a week during the season from April till September. In the winter we follow the birds and migrate to Nepal or Morocco to run paragliding courses. We also run some holidays abroad to Europe during the summer months.
Club Pilot Course
Training is £110 per day you need to have your elementary pilot rating and have BHPA membership.
This course takes around 6 to 10+ days. You can do the training together or spread it apart.
you need:
Elementary pilot rating
BHPA annual membership for final qualification
In the UK you need to be 16 years old (under 18's need parental consent)
As you complete each task to a satisfactory level you are signed off. We have to be sure you are able to act and think as a pilot and stay safe before we qualify you to fly without an instructor.
Higher flights and staying up! You will learn how to soar and top land, safety maneuvers and descent techniques. At the end of this course you are qualified to fly without an instructor present. We recommend you join a club afterwards and continue learning in a club environment flying with more experienced pilots. We will put you in touch with a local club and we also encourage you to keep coming over and flying with us after qualification as you build up experience.
Equipment We recommend you purchase equipment during this course so you get used to using it whilst under instruction. We offer a full range of new equipment from all the leading manufacturers and can arrange demo gliders. We can also offer some second hand equipment and advice on other second hand equipment. Please don't buy an untested glider on ebay without an instructors advice as there is a lot of unsuitable and dangerous equipment that could be the wrong size or type or stolen. (The BHPA have a list of serial numbers of stolen gliders) If you want advice about equipment give us a ring. We offer a discount of 10% on new equipment bought through us.
We also have some old paragliders that may be available for you to use after you are signed off to practice ground handling.
Weather: Paragliding is weather dependent, we need it to be dry and for training winds less than 15mph. It can be frustrating at times but persevere and you will get there. When the weather is right in Scotland it is a fantastic place to learn to fly.
Sites on Arran: We have over 30+ uncrowded flying sites taking all wind directions from low down coastal soaring to high mountains.
Trips abroad: We also do trips and training abroad where you can continue learning to fly with instructors who know you.
Download the BHPA training guide - basic theory
5 Day Elementary Pilot Course
Come for a holiday on the beautiful Isle of Arran in Scotalnd and Learn to fly! Take a 5 day Elementary Pilot Course. £550 plus BHPA membership.
Payment by bank transfer to Flying Fever sort code 800584 account no. 00349579 or cheque. Please write your name as reference and send an email. We will send you vouchers. You can also arrange to pay by the day for £110 per day.
Weather: Paragliding is very weather dependent, it needs to be dry and the wind beneath 15mph. You book a day then phone the day before and again in the morning to check on weather conditions. We cancel if the weather looks unsuitable and rescedhule for another day. You need patience and no refunds can be given. You can arrange to pay on the day.
There are some scheduled courses throughout the year - please contact us to let us know when you want to come. We operate daily when weather conditions allow. The school is open from April to September.
* You need to buy BHPA 3 months Trial membership £75 or annual membership is £121 to do the course. You can sign up for it with us when you start.
We follow the British Hang gliding and Paragliding Associations (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. You can either stay on Arran or travel over daily to fly.
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 ground handling, gentle turns and accurate flight planning are taught. You progress at your own rate, your instructor signs off tasks in your student record book as you complete them satisfactorily.
Theory sessions are given on weather, flight theory, airmanship and airlaw followed by a final exam.
Equipment - Paragliding equipment is included in your course fee. (Please don't buy any equipment without an instructors advice! There is a lot of unsuitable equipment out there!)
What to wear Ankle supporting boots, long sleeved top and trousers, thin gloves, hill walking clothes. Bring a packed lunch and water.
Fitness - The fitter you are the easier it is to get back up the hill and get more flights done! You will be carrying a 12kg rucksack up a slope. You need to be medically fit and not on any medication that could effect you if in doubt consult your doctor.
Risks - Paragliding is an aviation sport which involves inherent risks which are kept to a minimum by operating under strict safety guidelines in the correct weather conditions with the right equipment. But there still remains an element of risk.
Weather - paragliding is weather dependent. You book a time that suits then phone the day before to see if the weather forecast is suitable for flying. If its not suitable the day can be moved to another day that suits you. If you are booked on a course we sometimes use a large hall as an indoor training facility to get you started. We also have mini wings that allows us to use stronger wind conditions.
No refunds can be given, the course is valid for the flying season so you can come back to finish your course if you need to. You can arrange to pay for your training per day if you prefer.
Watch a video of some training on Arran.
Download the BHPA student training record that lists the exercises you will complete.
Download the BHPA training guide - basic theory
The BHPA Elementary pilot course matches the syllabus of the Open Sky Pilot in the APPI international system. If you would also like to be registered with APPI then let us know. Download APPI Log Book and training record.
See Below for full BHPA elementary pilot training Syllabus
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Paragliding Pilot Training Syllabus
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| Phase 1: Ground Training | |
| Objective: The student should have a basic understanding of the sport and its risks, a basic understanding of the equipment and the site enviroment and understand how to avoid/minimise injury as a result of mishap. The student must also complete the mandatory administration steps. | |
| 1. Introductory talk | School and Instructors - risk warning- students health/medical conditions clothing footwear -the bhpa the pilot rating scheme |
| 2. Site assessment briefing | Site and any site hazards- airflow and airflow hazards - weather assesment |
| 3. Introduction to canpoy and equipment | Parts and functions of canopy, harness, helmet- how an aerofoil creates lift- daily inspections explained, demonstrated, practised and understood. |
| 4.Avoiding/minimising injury | Safety techiniques discussed, including parachute landing falls (PLFs) When and how to use them, demonstrated and practised to a good degree of competence. |
| Phase 2: Ground Handling | |
| Objective: Through ground-based activity the student should achieve a reasonable and consistent level of competence preparing the equipment for flight, inflating the canopy, running with it whilst looking ahead, maintaining direction, flaring and collapsing the canopy. | |
| 5. Briefing | Pre flight checks - importance of taking off and landing into wind - airspeed control -flare/stall |
| 6. Preperation | Putting on the helmet and harness - canopy layout- preflight checks |
| 7. Inflation | Take offs practised to stage of running with an inflated canopy (forward/reverse inflation method as appropriate to the conditions) looking ahead - flare - collapsing the canopy- post flight control and moving of the canopy. |
| 8. Directional control | How the controls work for directional control- initiating turns - lookout and looking ahead. |
| Phase 3: First Hops | |
| objective: The student should combine the skills practised in phase 2 to make straight ground-skimming flights (typically less than 5m/15ft ground clearance) | |
| Getting airborne: | The student should reach a reasonable and consistent level of competence at taking - off maintaining the correct in flight control position for good airspeed, the landing flare/landing and post-landing control of the canopy |
| Phase 4: Flight exercises | |
| Objective; The student should be capable of acting as pilot-in-command at the Elementary level | |
| 10. Eventualities briefing | The need to prepare before takeoff plans to deal with the unexpected. |
| 11. Commands and communications briefing | This must include signal bats, radio, etc as appropriate |
| 12. Responsibilities briefing | From this point the student becomes the "Pilot in Command" and will be in a position to determine the course of the flight. The student muyst claerly understand their level of responsibility for the safe conduct of any flight and be confident of their ability to undertake this step. |
| 13. Flights Maintaining course and airspeed. | The student should reach a reasonable and consistent level of competence and confidence flying at a increased ground clearance( max 15m 50 feet) and in making the directional control corrections required to maintain a straight course. At least four successful flights must be achieved. Direct communication from an instructor must be available. |
| 14. Introducing turns | The student should reach a reasonable and consistent level of competence and confidence whilst flying with a greater ground clearance (max 30m/100ft) maintaining good airspeed control and making gentle turns. The student should be briefed on turns, the need to avoid low turns and the need for lookout. The turns should be no more than 90 degrees (ie less than 45degree from directly into wind) Direct communication from the instructor should be available at least 4 successful flights must be made. |
| 15. 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 degree or more with ggod lookout, good airspeed control and controlled landings within 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. |
| Phase 5: Theory and examination | |
| Objective: Through lectures, lessons, talks and personal study the student should achive the required knowledge level in theses subject areas. |
16. Meteorology 17. Principles of flight 18. Rules of the air and air law 19. Elementary stage examination. Completed and incorrect answers de-briefed and discussed. |
| Final Assessment of Elementary Stage | 20. I have checked that the training detailed above has been completed and confirm that to the best of my knowledge this student has the right attitude to flying and has reached the standard of airmanship required to continue training in this discipline. |