CURRENTLY NOT AVAILABLE FOR NEW BOOKINGS DUE TO WAITING LIST AND OTHER TRAINING COMMITMENTS.
Tandem flying is a good way
to get a taste of paragliding. Given suitable weather, an experienced pilot
in control of a large, stable paraglider can take his passenger to well
above the height of the takeoff point in comfort using only natural lift from
the wind and thermals. In the right conditions, the passenger can assume
control of the glider; or just relax, admire the view and take a few photos.
You don’t need to be especially
fit to fly. Take off and landing involves running just a few steps and once
airborne you sit back in a comfortable seat and perhaps lean a little to
assist turning. Call us to discuss any particular concerns. I am able to
take passengers weighing between 35 and 100 kg (5.5 and 16 stone). At present
I do not cater for anyone under 18 years of age.
We can fly throughout the year,
but in winter it is obviously much colder. The pilot is always abreast of
the weather situation and can discuss exactly when it is the best time to
fly. The decision to go ahead with the day is made at about 10.00am that morning when we see how the weather is shaping up.
All aviation is weather dependent, and if you are unable to fly because of unsuitable weather when we get to the hill, we simply
re-schedule.
The gliders fly at about 20
mph, so that wind-chill combined with some extra altitude can make it a
little cold. We have some gloves and helmets for loan; You'll need some ankle
supporting boots, warm clothes and some drink and snacks to make your day on
the hills a comfortable one.
You will be sitting in a secure
harness immediately in front of the pilot and we can talk to each other
during the entire flight. You will be given a full explanation of what to
expect before and during the flight.
Our sites are in a number of
areas in Northern Ireland,
easily accessible by road.
A typical day's flying begins with a morning assessment of the
weather and to arrange a meeting time and place if all looks good.
We'll spend around half an hour with
preliminary safety briefings and signing in, either on the flying site or at
a convenient meeting point.
On the take off site, we'll
check the conditions, inspect the glider and begin flying as soon as the
conditions permit. The glider performance varies with weight, so we fly in
the best conditions for each member of our small group as the weather of the
day develops. To get the best out of the day, we are ready to fly from first
arrival on the hill until dusk.
We hope you will be able to
taste this most elegant of forms of aviation with us.