Elementary Pilot Training

 

Initial Hang Gliding Training Days lead towards the Elementary Pilot (EP)

British Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association (BHPA) Qualification.

To achieve EP you will complete a program of practical learning and

assessment, flight theory and the BHPA exam. You will be taught everything you

need to know for success in your Elementary Pilot qualification during your training

days. The program starts with the Introductory Days 1 & 2 after which students can

decide to book further days to go towards their EP. An EP takes upwards from 5 days 

to complete depending on the progress made.

 

What to expect:

 

Introductory Days 1 & 2 include flight theory, introductions to the equipment,

low tethered flights and a lot of fun. Often after the first two introductory days

the student is ready to fly the glider without the use of tether ropes. These first "solos"

are low ground-skimming flights. The aim being to keep the glider flying straight

and achieve good landings.

 

Higher flights on subsequent days allow the introduction of deliberate turns and the flying of a predetermined flight plan. The final EP qualifying day sees the student flying high flights with good turns, takeoffs, and landings. Basic theory is tested in the EP exam. All untethered flights require that the student pilot accept that they are "pilot- in-command" and are responsible for the safe conduct of the flight exercise.

All equipment is supplied.

BHPA membership is required.

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Please feel free to ask any questions via email airsportssussex@gmail.com or call on 07746714604 

We would love to hear from you. 

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Booking Procedure

 

Please use our online booking system for booking as many days training as you wish. We suggest a minimum total of 5 days to complete your EP, including the Day 1 & 2 Introduction. You can book one lesson at a time or block book for a discounted price.

 

Once you have purchased your vouchers the following procedure will apply for booking your Hang Gliding Training Days (you will be sent this information with your vouchers):

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• Please let us know the date(s) you wish to fly via email AirsportsSussex@gmail.com

• We will send you a confirmation email.

• Phone 07746 714 604 after 7.30pm the day before you are due to fly. There will be an answer phone message regarding the weather suitability for the day you are booked and the time and place of meeting. 

• If we are not going ahead please contact us via email with another date and repeat the procedure.

• If we are going ahead then the message will tell you the meeting time and place, which will likely be either of the following:

 

Devil’s Dyke Pub, Dyke Rd, Poynings, East Sussex, BN1 8YJ               or             Middle Farm Shop, Middle Farm, Firle, Lewes, East Sussex, BN8 6LJ

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Also please remember:

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• To bring windproof, warm clothing and trainers, lunch, snacks and a non-alcoholic drink.

• Hang gliding and paragliding are potentially hazardous sports and you will be asked to sign a liability and acceptance on the day of your flight.

• If you are under 18 please contact us in advance of your flight so that we can provide you with the appropriate forms for your parents / guardian to sign.

• Hang gliding and paragliding are extremely weather dependant sports. Understanding the air currents and weather conditions is a large part of our pilots' training and experience and for your safety and enjoyment we take considerable care over ensuring the weather is suitable for a flight without engines. This may mean that your flight can not go ahead on your booked day but please be assured that we are making the best choices possible about the weather conditions.

• Contacting us: The best method to contact us is via email: airsportssussex@gmail.com 

• We may not be available to answer the phone in the evenings after the last call and may not be able to answer calls if we are flying during the day. Please feel free to get in touch if you have any questions and if you would like us to call you by phone please do ask.

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