Pilot Level
This trip is open to autonomous pilots qualified to at least CP level. Pilots should also have some previous XC experience. Conditions on launch are often light so pilots should be reasonably proficient with light wind launch techniques.
The aim of this trip is to develop pilot XC skills by scoring as much quality airtime as possible and enhancing that experience with quality air-to-air guiding, group and individual feedback.
This venue is massive. It’s without doubt one of the easiest places on the planet to score big XC mountain flights. If you’re after 100km (or more) you can expect it here – day after day.
The venue
The main launch point is at approximately 2400 metres (almost 8000’) located in the meadow on the top of a ridge at Billing – a ten kilometre drive from the valley floor and our hotel.
The landing area is in the fields at the western edge of the Tibetan Colony. It’s big, grassy and beautiful.
The Himalayan mountain range here is called the “Dhauladar” Mountain range, one of the most dramatic mountain ranges anywhere. Most of the flying happens on the southern faces of this range high above the wide open Kangra valley. This venue lends itself particularly to big out and return flights.
Temperatures and flying conditions
Temperatures in the valley during the daytime are rarely hot, but usually comfortably warm “T-shirt” weather in the middle of the day. Up in the mountains is a different story! It’s not unusual to be flying at 4000m or more. Up here it can be very cold. We recommend that pilots fly with good quality winter flying kit (eg winter gloves, thermal underwear, down jacket etc). The thermals in the Bir flying arena are not particularly strong and usually gentler than the Alps for example. In addition, the thermals are more often than not marked by HGVs (Himalayan Griffon Vultures) and very easy to find. The winds are also generally quite light and dominated by the southerly anabatic flow during the day. As is common elsewhere, winds tend to have a slight easterly bias earlier in the day and more of a westerly tendency later.
The guiding
Expect to considerably develop your XC skills on this trip.
No matter what your level we are there to help. One guide is always last to launch so always there to assist. We will be flying with you – most probably splitting into smaller groups so you can get the most out of the experience. This will mean less experienced pilots can expect to get feedback on their thermalling skills whilst more ambitious and experienced pilots will not be hindered from covering bigger distances or more challenging flights.
As well as full weather and task briefings each morning, we’ll take time at the end of each day to give you feedback to help you improve your flying skills and XC decision making.
