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Introduction This is a new and ve'ry exciting development for the Sunsoar repertoire. Getting your CP ticket is really just the starting point on the road to becoming a safe and experienced pilot. There has always been a need for good coaching and guiding following CP, traditionally a time where the pilot is most vulnerable. Remember the qualification is officially ’Club Pilot Novice’. Pilot rating is what you are aiming for; this is what qualifies you to fly XC. The Alps is a natural mecca for free flying and very different in its demands on the pilot from UK ridge soaring. We are fortunate to have several instructors on our team who have very extensive experience of flying in the Alps and there is none better than our partner Pete Gallagher (Sunsoar and Joint Services Instructor) who will be leading this trip. Here is his summary of the trip and what you can expect to gain from it: ‘Sunsoar are running a trip to the Annecy area of the French Alps in July this year aimed specifically at those who are already Club Pilot qualified. Ideally you should have at least CP+ 10 hours airtime and be current in flying at the start of the course. We will be aiming to work on basic thermalling technique initially, then doing simple XC tasks in site of the takeoff area, then progressing to flying as a gaggle with some longer and more adventurous tasks towards the end of the week. We will be flexible of course and can adapt to your skill level as we know some of you will already have done some XC flying and some may never have thermalled before!
This is the first time we have run a course exclusively for qualified pilots working towards their Pilot rating and it’s in response to comments from many of you guys on past trips. See we do listen! We expect it to fill up quickly so please let Ian Brown know if you are interested and he will add you to the list and keep you informed with no obligation.’
Alps Pilot Accreditation and Introduction to Mountain XC Flying The Holiday This exciting new holiday is aimed at qualified Club Pilots who want to progress towards the BHPA Pilot rating in a mountain environment. We will be working on basic thermalling technique initially, and then doing some simple XC tasks in view of the take-off area, progressing to flying as a group with some longer, more adventurous tasks towards the end of the week. The Area
The beautiful old town of Annecy is well worth a visit and has many fine restaurants at a reasonable price. We may also fly in the stunning Chamonix valley and of course from our local flying site, Signal de Bisanne in the Beaufort valley.
The view from the Col de Forclaz launch overlooking lake Annecy Accommodation We will be based in the lovely self-catering Chalet Les Vernets (http://www.chalet-les-vernets.co.uk/). Prices are based on all pilots sharing twin rooms. The chalet is 5 minutes’ drive from Beaufort village and 40 minutes from the Annecy landing field. The nearest town is Albertville, approximately 30 minutes’ drive away. Transport There will be a minibus to take us to and from the airport, to the various flying sites and to retrieve those who land out while flying cross country. Routine Most days will begin with a leisurely breakfast in the chalet, a short weather brief, a technique briefing or lecture, then a short drive up the winding mountain road to launch for the first flight of the day at Signal de Bisanne. This is often a long top to bottom flight as the day’s thermals have yet to build. We generally then move to the Annecy area and once the sun warms the ground the true thermal flying begins. As each pilot’s confidence grows some simple cross country task can then be attempted accompanied in the air by an experienced instructor. There will be a personal debrief after each flight where possible and a general debrief in the evening. Site Briefings Each day you will be briefed on the launch and landing areas to be used and advised of any known hazards. Flight Conditions We will look in detail at mountain weather, thermal generation and how valley breezes are created. We will also cover the following: Launch and landing techniques in light winds Minimum Requirements It is the first time we have run a course exclusively for qualified pilots in the Alps and you should have logged at least 10 hours flying since gaining your CP rating and ideally be current in flying and groundhandling at the start of the week. You will need a suitable glider, harness and emergency parachute, a 2 metre band radio with helmet communications and a variometer. A mobile phone and GPS will also come in handy. Included
Not Included
This course is likely to be limited to 10 pilots so please let us know if you are interested |
We will be based in the lovely 
The area around Annecy in the French Alps is famous for its beautiful scenery and generally reliable flying conditions. There are few hazards and plenty of open alpine meadows to land out in when attempting cross country flights. The views from the main launch above Annecy are stunning and the spectacular mountain range surrounding the lake is even better when viewed from beneath a paraglider! The lake is approximately 13 kilometres long and the landscape surrounding it offers interesting flying with many cross country possibilities, including lake crossings. When the weather conditions are right the main launch can be very busy, but it is large and can handle lots of flyers. We will use other launch points if Forclaz becomes too busy. The main landing field is approximately 3 kilometres from launch and 2,500ft below in the village of Doussard, at the southern tip of the lake. 