|
Mountain Pilot Course
Fly Above All is responding
to the increasing need to educate pilots beyond the basics of paragliding.
 We
see a large portion of pilots that want to further their own exploration
of this sport and venture into the realms of mountain, thermal and cross-country
flying. But how does one proceed safely into these new arenas?
Pioneers of this sport progressed very slowly
and at times very painfully to learn the tools to soar like birds over
unknown terrain. Luckily we don't need to repeat all of their mistakes.
Fly Above All has designed a mountain pilot
curriculum that will educate pilots in a very safe and thorough manner
and provide tools to make appropriate decisions in regards to flying in
the mountains.
This curriculum will include:
- Mountain
Site Introduction
New to the area? Just completed your P2 certification? The
Mountain Site Introduction Clinic is the perfect next step. In this
four hour clinic, you will be introduced to the most popular landing
zones and mountain launch sites in Santa Barbara. A perfect day would
start here in the mountains and finish with an afternoon session of
ridge soaring at one of our local coastal sites!
- Weather
Clinic
Understanding weather is the first tool in telling us if it is a good
and safe day to launch our aircraft. We will look at all of the pieces
that make up this puzzling subject and conclude from concrete information
if the days' weather is appropriate to fly in. Subjects discussed will
be lapse rate, winds aloft, current conditions vs forecasts, and why
Santa Barbara has such a unique environment for flying a paraglider.
- Thermal
Clinic #1
Because thermals are invisible, they are a tricky subject
to tackle. We will be taking a look at how thermals develop, where they
commonly release, how to identify where we are in the thermal and how
to make the best use of its lift. This first clinic will be ground-based
theoretical discussion, preparing you for the second half, where we
will be practicing what we have learned in flight.
- Thermal
Clinic #2
Watching the day begin the heating process, we'll time our launch
to best utilize the thermal lift for soaring, looking to connect a few
of these columns of rising air together!
Today, we will be looking at a specific launch site, discussing where
the thermal triggers and house thermals are, and guiding you on the
radio while you ascend in these sun-drenched parcels of rising air!
- Cross-Country
& Maps Clinic
Putting
it all together! Here is where we will be looking for an exceptional
day to put what we have learned into practice. Starting with the weather
and our maps, we'll look at the best choice of where to fly.
Flying X-C is just about every paraglider
pilots dream. Our clinic will prepare you for the adventure of a lifetime!
This clinic includes Choosing X-C Routes, Maneuvers and Reserve Class,
Simulator Work, Landing Approaches, Site Analysis, Competition Flying
and Mountain Flying Gear and Preparation.
- Plus
a special bonus:
Ridge Soaring Clinic
In this clinic, we will discuss
soaring in the smooth, sweet lift produced by ocean breezes against
out local cliffs and hills. We will look at the ridge soaring pattern,
thorough preflight, how to cliff launch, top land, kite in high winds,
identify rotor and terrain clearance considerations.
Mountain Pilot Course - $1000.00 - 6 clinics total
Enroll
Now or get someone a Gift Certificate!
Plus - If you enroll in
the Mountain Pilot Course, you will be able to retake any of the clinics
at any time they are scheduled in the future.
Prerequisites:
- USHGA P2 certification with a minimum of 50 flights.
- Ability to perform smooth transitions into flight and landings including
side hill launches in differing winds.
- Ability to perform spot landings every time.
- Appropriate certified equipment including wing, harness, reserve parachute,
helmet, radio and speed system.
- Strong safety awareness and respect for flying.
- Desire to learn and pursue cross-country flying.
Other Recommendations
- Over-the-water maneuvers course
- Vario and GPS
|
