Thermalling Course - Gourdon, France

Introduction

On this course you should learn to fly in thermals, get the best climb rate out of your glider and discover where the strongest thermals are likely to be found. Mountain flying is exciting and can be very different from English conditions. With an introduction under the watchful eye of experienced instructors, you will learn much more quickly than the "trial and error" self taught and method. Thermalling courses offer intensive tuition from two of Britain's best pilots and ex-British team members, Chris Dawes and Judy Leden. Chris and Judy will follow daily theory lessons by practical airborne sessions, during which pilots will have radio guidance. These courses are aimed at pilots who wish to improve their thermalling and cross country skills, whilst at the same time getting to know the 'feel' of their own gliders in thermic air. Your flights will be based at or around the medieval village of Gourdon , which is only 35 minutes from Nice airport. This area boasts over 320 flying days per year and 3000m + cloud bases - this is why so many top pilots and companies base their R & D facilities there.

Daily theory lessons begin on Tuesday morning in readiness for the practical airborne sessions, which begin in the afternoon. Pilots will have radio guidance by instructors to help improve their thermalling technique and to aid their decision making during cross -country flights. Flying will be in 'gaggles', stretching each individual's personal best within an instructional safe environment. Full de-briefs on each flight will be given, to enable pilots to analyse their flights and discover their areas of strength and weakness.

Experience Level

The minimum experience level required for the course is Club Pilot.

Recommenced Equipment

You are advised to bring Camelbaks or similar (in flight drinking system), map holder, sunglasses, flying suit, sun cream and beer money! The tuition is very intensive and therefore a maximum of 10 pilots will be accepted per week.

Course, Date and Cost Details

For all details

Hang glider transport to Nice

We can take your hang glider down to Gourdon for you at a cost of £30. You will need to get your glider to Darley Moor Airfield and collect it from there afterwards. Alternatively you can arrange to have your hang glider freighted to Nice airport .

Flights to Nice

The cheapest fares seem to be with Easy Jet who fly from Luton and Liverpool. The earlier you book, the cheaper it is. All pilots travelling by air must arrive on Monday at Nice Airport, so that you are fresh and ready for an early start on Tuesday morning.
The course finishes on Monday so return flights should be booked for Monday evening. Easy Jets phone no is :- 0878 6000 000

Accommodation

Bed and Breakfast accommodation will be in La Rivolte - a beautiful 10 bedroomed villa to ourselves, overlooking Grasse .