Some clubs associate with each other to widen the sites available to the clubs and their associate members. No CAA licence is required to fly a paramotor – but you still have to know and obey the rules and regulations applying to UK Airspace – of which there are many! You'll then take it in turns with other members of your group to have your first short training hops down a gentle slope. For other clubs, speed flying is a fairly new activity and they will be looking to institute policies about site usage to avoid conflicts with other flyers and minimise the risk of aerial collision. If you're not sure about committing to a full course of instruction, most schools offer a one day taster course.

I accept that even when all proper care has been taken to ensure m BHPA recreational clubs also provide the supportive flying and social environment that is so important for newly qualified pilots when they leave the familiar school environment for the first time.A team of 4,768 people managing and developing 2,951 parks across the UK, 184 elected to serve and support our Branch network, we remain a connected Association and a true demonstration of teamwork and strength in numbers.

Ed is a founder member of the BHPA registered Yorkshire Owls Paramotor Club in which he holds the Finance Officer post, and has recently been appointed as a club coach. Alternative Entry to the Pilot Rating Scheme - Information for pilots who have trained outside of the BHPA, and wish to join the BHPA and the BHPA Pilot Rating Scheme.Whilst Skywings magazine frequently includes lively and thought provoking articles and letters about our sport, there are also numerous alternative sources of advice, information and debate on the internet. Abroad, especially in the Alpine regions, the potential is infinitely greater, and many British pilots take advantage of the paraglider's portability to visit Europe or more exotic locations further afield. But when first learning to fly, initial instruction must take place within the safe environment of a BHPA registered school. He has served on Exec for the past sixteen years, but has now retired from active flying due to a knee problem. Many people may think that flying hang gliders and paragliders is impossible for people with disabilities.

Certain BHPA schools have been authorised to deliver the new speed flying syllabus as a trial course to ab-initio pilots and experienced flyers from other disciplines. Flying opportunities limited by work and single parenting, Jenny is simply content to get off the ground by HG or PG whenever the planets align. The following list is just a small selection of the numerous alternative sources of advice and information about our sport available on the internet.Having first flown tandem with her late father in 1981, she achieved her EP in HG on her 16th birthday. You'll also need a flying suit, flying boots and a helmet, and will need to consider purchasing other equipment as you progress. As you near the end of your initial training with one of our registered schools, it's important to start looking for suitable recreational club to join. Exec members serve for a maximum of three years before they must either retire or put themselves forward for re-election at an Annual General Meeting (AGM). Learning to fly a hang glider or paraglider can be great fun, and isn't as daunting as you might think, provided you receive professional instruction at a BHPA registered school.