Fun Day
Flying solo. Your first step to being hooked to a new sport. This is also a popular and great gift.
Elementary Pilot
The first qualification status. Progressing to higher and more skilled flights, with instruction
Club Pilot
The first qualification to enable you to fly unaided, without instruction.
Elementary Pilot - Hang Gliding
First Flying Qualification
Higher flights
Learn how to turn the glider
know all the basics
Theory sessions
Accurate landings
Expert instruction
The Elementary pilot course is 4-5 days in duration. Its the first of the BHPA qualifications. The EP is a great starter for people wanting to give the sport a good go, and experience flying a hang glider solo at higher heights than you are able to on a funday.
During the course you will carry out solo flights with gradual height increases, 50,100,150ft on so on (if you have upgraded from a Funday, you will progress to higher heights faster). Once you have the basics and your landing approaches are consistent and safe, you will soon be learning how to carry out turns up to 180 deg and reaching heights of up to 200-300ft+!
Once EP is completed, this you have covered the basics of learning to fly, you still need qualified instructors with you at this stage, until you qualify as a Club pilot.
During the EP course you will sit a series of 4 x 20min lectures, covering Metrology, Airlaw, Airmanship and Theroy of Flight. This followed by a 30 minute mutable choice exam, 70% being the pass rate.
Syllabus:
PHASE 1 (Ground Training)
Introductory Talk
Site Assessment Briefing
Introduction to glider and equipment
Avoiding / Minimising injury
Ground handling
Duties of a noseman
PHASE 2 (Preparing For Flight)
Briefings
take off sequence
PHASE 3 (First Hops)
Getting Airborne (low level)
PHASE 4 (Flight Exercises)
Eventualities
Communications (radio, bat signals etc)
Responsibility briefing
Higher flights
Introducing turns
Making basic flight plans
PHASE 5 (Theory and Exam)
4 Theory lectures
EP exam
Cost
A Elementry Pilot costs £899. A group of 10 or more and you will be entitled to a 10% discount.
If your course is cancelled due to bad weather, you can book another date and will not loose any credit.
Timing
You need to call at 21:00hr the evening before to get an update on the weather conditions and a start time for the following day.
You need to be ready and prepared to be here at 07:00hr onwards pending your instructors announcing of your start time.
Please make sure you are wearing boots, casual clothing, and you have food and drink with you for the day.
We have a toilet block and hot drinks available.
Age limit and health conditions
The minimum age limit for a hang gliding EP is 16. Under 18's need parental consent to undertake the course. Under 16's will not be able to gain a EP rating, although they can complete the course.
You must be in good health, and reasonably fit. Please contact us if you are unsure
Weight limit is 23 stone, although you must be fit enough to be able to walk up small training hills, and run a few yards
Equipments
All equipment required for the flight will be provided for you.
Your flying voucher is valid for 12 months after the date of purchase. You must do your flight in this time period. If you do not redeem your voucher within the 12 months, we unfortunately cannot offer a refund or extension of any kind.
We are open 7 days a week, all year round. Any yes we do fly in the winter! Some of our best training days are held during the winter.
Also see:
Fun Day - Hang Gliding: Get to fly solo, Great Fun
Elementary Pilot - Hang Gliding: First flying qualification, Higher flights
Club Pilot - Hang Gliding: Qualified pilot, Fly unsupervised