If for some reason you do not wish to try a Taster Day and learn to fly the glider yourself, then a tandem flight with an experienced pilot is the next best way to experience true 'free flight'.
Tandem flights are ideally suited to those people who are either slightly nervous of taking control themselves and would prefer someone else to be in control or for people who have no aspirations toward actually taking up paragliding as a sport, but just want to 'have a go'.
It should be noted that tandem flights are not part of the training syllabus - they just allow a brief introduction to paragliding flight. A Taster Day is by far the best way to 'try' paragliding.
Straight away, you will get high and get to enjoy the sights all pilots see within this wonderful sport.
The Tandem Flight will include:
- Welcome and briefing session.
- Safety procedures.
- Introduction to the equipment and an explanation of how it all works.
- How to inspect all the equipment prior to flying (pre-flight and safety checks).
- Two high flights with an instructor.
- The fee includes the hire of all flying equipment, temporary membership to the BHPA and transport to and from our private flying sites.
You will be winch launched (twice) to anything up to 1500ft (depending on wind and weather) and each flight will last between five and ten minutes (again depending on the weather).
You must be prepared to attend for the full day starting at around 0830 (so we can pick the right 'weather window'), but in most cases it can be arranged so that you can leave once your flights have been completed.
To fly tandem you are seated in a separate harness (seat) to the pilot and are suspended in front of them underneath the paraglider. The pilot will fly the paraglider from behind you, giving you a totally panoramic view without obstruction.
The cost is just £95.00 (including BHPA membership). This cannot be shared between two people.
We will supply all you need except boots. A good sturdy pair of walking boots is favourite.
Please Note: To fly tandem you will need to weigh somewhere between 45kg & 85kg. With regard to fitness; you will need to be able to run at least 20 metres and be able to take a landing equivalent to jumping from four feet high. If you're under 18 or over 60 years, I'm afraid we can't take you.
