Its well known by Pilots that if you live near the coast its important that you learn how to fly and control a paraglider in moderate winds as this is what most pilots in Australia will fly in. Small coastal sites can actually be some of the most unforgiving places to fly to an unskilled pilot, as landing areas are much smaller on the coast than inland training areas, as you will encounter such obstacles as power lines, fences, spectators and houses are generally close by. The low coastal sites do not give you much time to make an error. Also inland thermal flying requires other set skills. 

 It is important in your learning program that you learn how to fly both these types of conditions and sites ... In fact, there has been ongoing debate on a new licensing program implementing both coastal and inland endorsements in the near future.

 Coastal soaring Bonny Hills

Inland or Mountain Flying of a Paraglider is generally, in most cases, flown in rough turbulent air. A paraglider to the unskilled in these conditions can be daunting, as the glider will pitch and roll all over the place until you gain the skills to keep it stable over your head. Great heights can be obtained and long Cross Country, flights are accomplished. The longest distance flown now is in excess of 400 kilometers now broken in Brazil South America.

Inland thermal flying Killarney QLD

Which school do I choose

There are Paragliding schools in Australia that can offer good standards of tuition and safe instruction, the HGFA (Hangggliding Federation of Australia) makes sure of this for you. see this link for their recommended schools .or you can even email the  General Manager on general.manager@hgfa.asn.au  he will let you know of all registered schools in Australia... If you are still unsure you can always visit the schools before signing up and check out if they are running a professional operation. See if they have a designated office and classroom to give you the best start in the sport and see if their personality suits you. Some schools have "more distinct advantages over others". Instructors that speaks badly about other operators says a lot about their professionalism. Stick with those that gives facts about their operations.
 

Schools that are organised have set dates to ensure that your training is not disrupted and that you have continuity in your training. Its best to seek out a school that has options in its training with a variety of Flying and training sites that cover many wind directions so that you don't loose days waiting on a certain wind direction. This is called Para waiting. If the school only has one hill and its blown out on that hill, you then have no other options as a back up do you !.

 North Brother Mountain Port Macquarie

What Time of Year do I learn

NSW and QLD Coastal Paragliding schools have the distinct real advantage of the predominant consistent cool sea breezes in the warmer months and always experience milder winter conditions than in most parts of the country, that is why you see many paragliders soaring headlands on the coast in the warm months when the smooth sea breezes blow in like clock work nearly each day. Many hours Flying can be had on a course soaring these headlands in the smooth laminar air. During the winter the winds tend more westerlie and hence the flying is on hills facing inland Australia or in a west direction

Spring through to Early Winter provide the best time to learn and you will find nearly all Professional schools are open and training during these times of the year as the days are warm for flying and more enjoyable for learning than mid winter. Each area has its best times of year and the schools can you let you know which is best. Most students should complete more than the license requirements during these months in a 7 - 9 day program . The Hanggliding Federation of Australia will confirm this is a common time frame for a course to meet the requirements.

1) If I have to come back, how easy is it to come back to that school, what would be the cost of travel and time ?

2) Ask the school in the last 2 years how many course they have lost due to bad weather, speak to pilots about areas that provide good weather

3) Does that school operate full time all year in case I need to come back

4) Are there other things to do in that area if the weather turns bad and what's the accomodation offered really like, if bringing a partner these are important questions

5) What are the real class sizes??. The days are only so long and if class sizes are large and you struggle in the training you will be left behind

Beware of 2nd hand gear that is not sold through a school or a registered member of the HGFA... EBay is the worst for purchasing.. We have seen many pilots waste money before seeking advice from the qualified. There are simple tests and websites to go to to check that the product is airworthy and is suitable to your skill level. Remember its aviation, your life depends on a good airworthy wing. High Adventure offers these tests for free to its clients. See the Market Place on this website where private sellers sell their gear on our site at no commissions

Many new pilots will tell you that a good school that is open all year that offers good advice and service will be worth more to you than the initial course, as the learning really starts after you get the novice license.

Flying Bali cliffs... Paragliding tour with High Adventure

At High Adventure .... Our Fly team come from varied back grounds from Base Jumping, Sky Diving and other forms of Motorised and Non - motorised Aviation expertise . Our Chief Flying Instructor Mr Lee Scott has been teaching in the Hang-gliding Federation now for 23 years, originally teaching Hanggliding from 1984 and then started teaching Paragliding in 1990 and has flown the world in National and International competitions and has represented Australia in major events and was also apart of an Australian Team that helped organised world events.

Its this vast experience spanning over 30 years now that will give you the advantage of being taught to the highest standard. That is why High Adventure has been in Business teaching people to fly and we still are as we offer a 1st Class service.

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TEAM HIGH ADVENTURE

Email us for a our Free DVD and see why we teach the most people in Australia CLICK HERE  and dont forget we run 2 day free course if you just want to have a try and see if you like it