Over the years we have met many newly qualified pilots with just a few hours airtime venturing into the alps with the dream of thermalling high and making cross country flights, though without the knowledge to maximise their enjoyment or safety. In reality we have found the CPC/Novice level training only gives very basic information: you have worked hard and earned your license, but now you need to gain experience and learn about the finer points that were not issued with the license.

This knowledge doesn't come with your basic training and it's not always gained from reading books, though there is some excellent reading material on the market, often overlooked by the new or overly ambitious pilot. 'Thermalling Master Class' will give you this information.

The 'Thermalling Master Class' program has been developed to help both paragliding and hang gliding pilots understand and achieve more from flying their wings efficiently, finding and using thermals, reading the terrain and advancing towards XC flight! The tuition is tailored to the needs of each individual pilot and includes personal tuition to the highest standards.

In our experience courses with large groups, four or more always run at the pace of the slowest pilot limiting the possibilities for the more experienced!  Our 'Thermalling Master Class' size is limited to a maximum of 3 participants per course and it could be booked on a 'Direct Instruction' one-to-one basis for that really personal touch!

Dennis is qualified to the highest level. He doesn't just teach basic levels but he's qualified and experienced in teaching to all standards and levels, refining techniques ensuring longer and safer flights.

This spectacular region has a number of exclusively 'pure thermalling sites' to work from. The sites range from 750 - 1370m above the valley floor and have access either by road, 4x4 or cable car, and the ideal months for 'Thermalling Master Class' are from late March to mid August! when conditions are at their best!

  What you get from 'Thermalling Master Class'..  

• Equipment inspection and advice. Before flying, we look at your equipment in detail, especially at your seated or prone flying position which may effect your ability to thermal efficiently in a relaxed manner. Your reserve housing and deployment techniques will be checked and your variometer and electronics calibrated.

• Launches and Landings. Your launch and landing techniques may need to be modified for mountain conditions. Paraglider pilots where necessary, are taught the front launch and the alpine cross-brakes launch techniques. Hang glider pilots are taught alpine and thermal wind launch techniques. Alpine landing approaches and landings often require adjustment depending upon the conditions.

• Glider control. Vast alpine flights give us time perfecting efficient 360 turns and accuracy positioning our gliders for best climbs. We will teach you really how to fly your glider and effectively use our variometer making the most of each and every flight developing efficient speeds-to-fly in turns and straight flight.

• Flying Conditions. We look in detail at mountain weather and valley conditions. We learn about thermal development and study thermal source and trigger points. We discuss techniques for finding and staying with them, allowing you to maximize your height gains. As the class progresses and where applicable we introduce cross country flying techniques and brief you on appropriate and achievable tasks.

• Daily Lectures. Every morning there will be a theory lecture covering the days topics. There will be a personal debrief after flying and a general debrief in the evening or before the lecture the following morning.

• Site Briefings. Each day and at each site visited you will be briefed comprehensively on the launch and landing areas, where the best thermals may be and how to make the most of your flights. You will also be advised of all the danger areas.

• Effects of Turbulence. By employing the correct defensive (active) flying techniques, the effects of turbulence can be minimized. With paraglider pilots we deal with recovery from the effects of turbulence, such as, how to reduce the chances of asymmetric closures, stalls or spins. Hang glider pilots are taught how to relax with their wings flying them at the best speeds depending on the type of air they encounter.

• Descent Techniques. We look at and practice safe rapid techniques. Big Ears and spiral dives for Paragliders and spiral dives for Hang Gliders.

• We use radios and encourage pilots to fly independently making their own decisions.

The list of instructional techniques are endless as many realise when progressing in the sport. We are always learning, that's the beauty of personal flight! A 'Thermalling Master Class' week will give you a greater insight into Alpine thermalling adding enjoyment to your flying.

Minimum requirements for 'Thermalling Master Class' is CPC/Novice level + 10hrs airtime or more with good ground handling ability, all equipment including reserve parachute, variometer, GPS, if you have one, and radio with helmet headset. We have radios for hire at 40 € (euros) a week. Our own licensed 2m band radio frequency is 161,325. Please bring the appropriate instruction manuals, battery chargers cables and computer cables.

Don’t forget your logbook, proof of membership, qualifications and insurance details.

For more details please go to the 'Master Class Notes' The cost is just 120 Euros a day (per person in a small group)

 Not included in the course!

Accommodation and insurance. Please go to the 'Accommodation' page for our details. Air sports Insurance Bureau Ltd is a good option if insurance is required. Tel. +44 01983 298480 or e-mail to airsports@bhpa.co.uk

  Training assistance..

There are a number of very interesting books available covering our sport that are well worth reading and ideally before a course commences.

One book 'Thermal Flying' written by Burkhart Martins is a comprehensive guide packed with all sorts of hints and ideas aimed at all pilots. There are 260 pages all with excellent photos and illustrations explaining in detail the art of thermal flying. It includes a bonus section from the newly crowned World Champion and British pilot 'Bruce Goldsmith'. The book is directed at all standards of pilot, including the newly qualified and is one of the best books available. I can highly recommend this book at just 40 Euros plus postage!

Thermalling Master Class -  for paraglider and hang glider pilots