Hike and Fly Course

Come and join us for a 2 day introduction to Hike and Fly, and Vol Bivouac Flying in the Bannau Brycheiniog and Black Mountains.

The course serves as an introduction to using the paraglider as a means of transport through mountainous terrain, including an overnight stay in a remote location.

Day 1: Meet at a local campsite after you’ve travelled to Crickhowell, setup camp and have an introduction to safety, equipment selection and packing, route planning and the plan for the next two days.
Day 2: Depart from the campsite on foot, or a short vehicle journey to our start point, where we will make the first half of our journey as a guided Cross Country on foot and in the air. During time on the ground, we’ll discuss Hike and Fly theory and techniques that differ from normal flying. We’ll practice thermalling, and ridge running skills, as well as becoming confident at top landing and relaunching in wild places.
Day 2 Evening: Set up camp, and discuss wild camp techniques and ethos, debrief from the day and plan for the third day. We may even be able to do some evening soaring at a back country flying site.
Day 3: Return to Crickhowell by foot and air, consolidating the skills developed so far. Debrief back at the start point and leave with some great memories of a trip, as well as some learning points for future adventures.

Who is this course for?
Anyone Post CP with 10 or more hours and some recent currency in their flying.
What level of fitness will I need?
You should be comfortable walking in the hills for two days with your paraglider at a gentle pace. We won’t be racing. We’re there to learn and enjoy the mountains.
How big will the group be?
There will be a minimum of 2 students per instructor and a maximum of 4. The max group size is 6 students with 2 instructors. You’re very welcome to assemble a group of friends and we can run the course just for you.
How much does the course cost?
The course costs £400 and includes all camp site fees, tuition and guidance and a debrief plan to take away.
What will I need to bring?
You’ll need to bring your flying kit, a radio, a mobile phone, a very basic, lightweight camping setup, cooking equipment, water container and food for the entire course. Don’t worry, we will advise and send a kit list to you.
Who is teaching the course?
The courses are run by Alistair Andrews, Daniel Starsmore, and Aaron Binks. Alistair and Dan are both former Fleet Air Arm pilots, with qualifications in survival training, and all three have experience both competing in and organising (Dan won the Dragon in 2020) Hike and Fly races (X-Pyr, Bornes to Fly, Dragon) as well as Vol Bivouac in the UK, Alps and Himalaya.
When do the courses run?
Generally we make these sorts of adventures from May to August. Given the very specific weather requirements for the course, dates will be scheduled at quite short notice and interested pilots will be notified in time for us to put a group together.