Typical XC week

Who are we?

We have been guiding pilots in the Alps since 2003 at were at the forefront of modern guiding. In that time we have coached literally hundreds of pilots and helped them to fly better, further and longer. Our team have built up a reputation for doing that little bit extra to get you into the air.

 

is led by Brett Janaway. Three times World Record holder for distance and speed, FAI diamond award, meet director for the GIN Wide Open, three times British accuracy champion and a host of other achievements along the way. Brett flies paragliders, hang-gliders, paramotors and microlights. His favorite pastime is taking people for long XCs on the tandem and demonstrating the skills he uses to get the distance.

 

Also in the team is Mike Agnew. An accomplished 100km XC pilot, Mike has been with us for around 7 years now and is a favorite with pilots for his calm and relaxed style of coaching, both on the launch and in the air. Formerly a BHPA instructor and also a tandem pilot, Mike will be sure to help you on your adventure.

 

Other pilots that work with us from time to time include Nicole Fedele, World Champion, Bernie Hertz, top Swiss guide, Pat Dower, top UK sports coach, Stan Radzikowski, top PWCA pilot, Bruce McCraken, whom has been with us for around 14 years, Robbo Roberts, 2 years and occasionally Alex Meschuh, world acro pilot.

 

What is the place like?

All of the venues we take our clients have been carefully chosen. We consider a number of factors, not least of which is our own experience in the area. We believe that there is more to guiding than just getting some airtime. We also want to be able to take you to the best bar, best restaurant and get you into the right hotel. But of course, the flying is the most important which is why we are also accomplished pilots in all the areas we choose to fly. We also look to fly each of the regions at the best time of year or with a particular goal in mind for being there at that time.

 

What is a typical day?

We will usually meet you at the accommodation in the morning, usually around 9am. From there we will have a weather discussion and then decide where we are flying that day before loading into the minibuses. Most sites we frequent we drive to launch, some require gondolas or other forms of access. On arrival at the site there will often be a discussion at the landing place about the area and then a briefing on launch to discuss the finer points of the weather, XC routes, safety and other aspects of the site useful to you. We will usually fly with you, fly guiding along the way and the minibuses will travel down, once we are safely launched, ready to start the retrieves. Often there are opportunities to fly more than once and when the day is done we look to get you first to a bar, and then either to the accommodation or to a restaurant.

 

What sort of pilot should I be?

To get the best from the week from the very first flight you should be practiced in launching. This is the skill that lets most people down and holds them back from getting the most from their week. Read the description of the trip to ensure it is targeted at you but usually most of our trips are suited to the low airtime pilot. Indeed, we often split the group with the high airtime pilots going with Brett for big mountain flying and lower airtime pilots going with Mike to explore some XC on the more well known routes.

 

What wing should I own?

You could attend this course with your EN-A through to EN-D and learn some great XC. The trips are usually suited to all levels. Brett often flies an EN-C or EN-D when guiding the big mountains, but switches down to an EN-B in the main valleys. Mike switches between an EN-B and EN-C.

 

Of course, if you really want to get the best from the course you could consider buying a new wing. We have a range of wings available to us at great prices. Ask us for a quote and maybe we can do a discounted trip thrown in!

 

Do remember, there is a delivery time of 4-8 weeks if you order a week so don't decide this last minute!!!

 

So what does the week include?

Most of our trips include the following'

- Accommodation

- Breakfast

- Airport pickup/drop-off

- Transport throughout

- Guiding/coaching

- Retrieves

- Some site fees

- Live Tracking

 

They probably exclude food/beer and flights to the venue. Do check the specifics for the week you are considering.

 

What will the cost be?

For the typical trip as above, most trips cost £595 for the week. Some trips do vary or have a Pro-rata element if different to 7 days.