We offer a Tandem Flight or Introductory Courses for very good reasons:


• It gives you the opportunity to talk to our Instructors and experience the feeling of flight so that you can see if Paragliding is for you.
  
  
• It gives us the opportunity to see if you have the necessary spatial awareness, co-ordination and attitude to be able to fly safely.
  
  
• It saves you money if you decide that paragliding is not for you.  We would rather not take your money if you are not 100% sure that you want to learn.
  
  
• By enjoying a Tandem flight, you are more relaxed in the air and you get a better feeling for what this great sport is about.  This will help you to become a more natural pilot and to fully understand where your training will eventually lead you.
  

On our Introductory Courses, we will take you through some basic theory, an introduction to the equipment, some emergency procedures, learning to ground-handle the paraglider and then some low-level flights.  If you have enjoyed yourself, you can then book and continue your full BHPA Elementary Pilots Certificate Course with us.


Our Training Methods

Normally, back in the UK, learning to fly a Paraglider would take weeks, if not months due to travelling time, other commitments and the unreliability of the weather. However, with our overseas courses, it is possible to go from Ab-Initio to Club Pilot (Novice) Certificate in just 8 - 11 days. How long it actually takes partly depends on your individual progress, your age and how enthusiastic you are!

Because we are a BHPA Registered School, your BHPA ratings will be fully recognised in the UK and internationally where it is hoped you will consolidate your newly acquired flying skills with your local BHPA Club and Club Coaches. Of course, if you wish to return to Mahony Aviation at any time to get signed off for your Pilot and Advanced Pilot or Power ratings, we can certainly accommodate you and would welcome your return!
All our Paragliding courses start with some safety exercises and basic theory but it is almost certain that by lunchtime on Day 1, you will have your feet off the ground and be airborne on your first flight! During your
early flights you will only be just a few feet off the ground but covering distances of up to 600 metres.

As you progress through the course, your flights will get higher & higher and, if we are using the winch, there is no hill to climb back up between flights so you will maintain better concentration and complete more flights than at a typical hill-based school.

Our teaching is progressive and thorough but once you have mastered the basic flying skills on the winch, we can easily convert you to a Hill or Powered rating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How safe is paragliding?

A. As a qualified pilot, paragliding is as safe as you make it. Equipment failures are almost unheard of but accidents do happen and almost all can be put down to pilot error - the most common being that the pilot takes off in weather conditions that are unsuitable for his skill level. Whilst under training, the instructors make many of decisions for you so the risks are significantly reduced. However, all students must understand that the risk of injury remains a real possibility that can never be entirely eliminated. We have taken every precaution to reduce the risks during training but students are highly recommended to ensure they have adequate personal accident cover which is available from:  Airsports Insurance Bureau.

Q. How weather dependent is paragliding?

A. Very! We cannot fly in strong winds (greater than about 16 mph) or in heavy rain.

Q. Do I lose my money if the weather is uncharacteristically bad?

A. No. We can either offset your course fees against some suitable flying equipment or you will be welcome to return at your convenience to carry on your training.

Q. Does the course cost include Personal Accident insurance?

A. No.  You will take out membership of the BHPA when you arrive which gives you 3rd party cover only.  
We strongly recommend that you consider taking out adequate Personal Accident insurance which is available from: Airsports Insurance Bureau.

A. You have as long as it takes you to complete the syllabus and satisfy the Instructors that you are a safe competent pilot.

Q. When do you operate your courses?

A. We teach all forms of flying all the year round.

Q. How fit do I need to be?

A. We provide a medical questionnaire with your booking form so you can self-certify your fitness.  If you are
over 55, we ask that you get your doctor to countersign this too.  In basic terms, you need to be fit enough for a moderate day's hill walking, capable of running short distances and not have any pre-existing illness or injury that may make falling over a problem.  If you have any doubts on this issue, please talk to us first!