During this six-day training course, you will turn everything you learned on the training slope into real flying experience. Most courses take place in the Alps, although we sometimes travel to Italy, Spain or Slovenia. The first day is devoted to getting to know the equipment and the surroundings and reviewing the basic principles. Then… it is time for your first high flights!

Under the guidance of your experienced instructors, you will take to the air. You launch just as you have practised dozens of times on the training slope, and you receive clear instructions by radio throughout the flight, right through to the landing. The feeling after that first flight is indescribable!

As you progress, you will make longer flights and gradually fly more independently. Your two instructors monitor you continuously and provide guidance whenever needed. The course also includes theory lessons on meteorology, aviation regulations and aerodynamics.

During the course, you will receive additional theory lessons covering meteorology, aerodynamics and aviation regulations. In the air, you will practise manoeuvres that further develop your handling skills, entirely at your own pace and level.

By the end of your first high-flight training course, you will have several high flights recorded in your logbook, will have become more accustomed to being in the air and will have mastered the foundations of the theory. Participants with more experience can make longer flights, practise more complex manoeuvres and gradually fly more independently. The two instructors monitor you continuously and provide guidance wherever needed.

The group consists of at least six and no more than ten participants, always accompanied by two instructors. Depending on the season and location, we stay in a chalet, hotel or campsite. Accommodation costs are shared to keep the course as affordable as possible. More information is provided for each specific course.

An information meeting is held before each course to go over all the practical arrangements. Transport to the destination is usually arranged between the participants, often by carpooling.

Included

Use of all required equipment (wing, harness, helmet and radio) is included.
Transport between the launch and landing sites, excluding cable cars.
Not included: the mandatory annual BVVF insurance described below.

Location

The location depends on the season, and the course takes place at some of the most beautiful mountain flying sites. Some courses have a flexible destination, which means that we decide where to go only a few days before the course begins. This allows us to travel to the region with the best weather forecast.

Participation requirements

The high-flight training course is not a starter course. To begin this week safely and confidently, you must already have sufficient basic experience. The following participation requirements therefore apply:

• You have completed the full training-slope programme and have mastered the basic actions: preparing the equipment, adopting the correct position, launching and landing. This takes approximately two to four training-slope days on average, although it varies from person to person. What matters is that you can launch safely. Once an instructor agrees, you are ready to join the course.
• An instructor has declared you launch-ready. This means that you have demonstrated that you can launch safely and independently on the training slope and that you are ready to move to a higher launch site.

Are you joining us from another paragliding school? We ask you to attend at least one training-slope day with Airsport. This allows us to confirm your launching skills and ensure that you are familiar with our commands. Contact us before registering so that we can discuss your individual training path.

Insurance

BVVF paragliding insurance

Mandatory. Everyone taking part in an Airsport training activity must be insured through the paragliding insurance of the Belgian Free Flight Federation (BVVF). For students training through a school, this insurance costs €30 and is valid for the calendar year. We can arrange it for you if you are not yet insured for the current year through a previous training-slope day or training course. Please note that insurance provided by a foreign free-flight federation is not sufficient for taking part in Airsport training activities.

Travel assistance insurance

Recommended. This insurance covers you if you require medical assistance and/or repatriation. Medical assistance is not included in the BVVF paragliding insurance. Temporary travel assistance insurance from Europ Assistance is available from €18.

Cancellation insurance

Recommended. If you are unable to take part for health reasons or another serious event, cancellation insurance allows you to claim back your registration fee. The most suitable option is available from Europ Assistance and can be combined with the travel assistance insurance above. Temporary cancellation insurance from Europ Assistance is available from €15.