Massif Central, France – One of the best known flying sites in the region is Puy de Dome, an extinct volcano with a mountain railway, in the north of the Massif Central. It takes all wind directions. Big grassy takeoffs. The train runs every 20 minutes so it’s easy to get back up the mountain. Epic XC flights towards Mont Dore to the south. There are countless other mountain sites in the area, surrounding the Puy de Sancy (highest peak in the Massif Central) and the Plomb du Cantal to the south.
The rules in France forbid us from instructing or guiding without French qualifications. Rather than taking care of you by making decisions for you, we will all share information and make decisions together about where to fly each day. This leads to better awareness, learning, and safety. In order to come on this trip, you should be confident at launching (including forward launching in light winds), landing, and making independent flying decisions. If you need intensive coaching, for example to improve your launching and landing skills, the time to do this is before the trip – get in touch! Tandem flights will be on offer for anyone who wants them, at no charge.
How will retrieves work?
We request that XC pilots attempt to make their own way back (or nearer) by hitching or public transport (but not expensive taxis). We find that hitching works very well in the mountains especially with a paraglider shaped rucksack. At the end of the flying day we will collect anyone who is still not back. Extra points if you can fly straight back to the holiday house.
Who is this trip for?
Pilots including lower air timers looking to grow their confidence in a mountain environment. The opportunities will range from gentle top-to-bottoms to challenging XC flights. You must be confident in your forward launching technique and ground handling – we can give you coaching on this before the trip – please make use of this if you are in any doubt. You should be prepared to walk up to half an hour with your glider. These skills can easily be perfected on our local sites. Please talk to us before booking if you’re not sure if you’re ready for this trip.
