FAQS

Where do we Meet?

At our shop premises, see map for details.

What time do we start?

This varies depending on the weather. We leave a voicemail message on our answerphone by 7.30pm each night with details of the next days flying. This includes the time to meet at our shop. Start times will vary depending on the weather conditions.

Are there any age limitations?

We are able to teach students aged 18 and over.

Depending on the size and aptitude of the individual, we can teach ages 16 to 18 but ask for them to be accompanied by an adult also on the course. This will need to be agreed with the instructors in advance.
The upper age limit is 65, unless specifically agreed with our instructors prior to booking.

What if the Weather is Bad?

Please phone the office after 7:30pm on the day before your booking. An answer phone message will tell you whether or not we are going ahead (flying is weather dependent).

If the weather makes it unsafe for teaching, you will receive credit for another day. The main reason we can not fly is strong winds and rain.

You will need to give us a call or drop us an email to re-book. The sooner you come back the better.

What should I bring?

Flying Day Checklist:

Water (minimum 2l)
Packed lunch
Supportive footwear (ie running trainers or hiking boots)
Sunhat & sunscreen
Sensible comfortable clothing that covers all your skin
Gloves (essential in winter)
Paperwork; printed voucher or QR code on your phone
BHPA card if you’re already a member

What should I Wear?

Supportive footwear – shoes suitable for running up and down the hills on uneven ground. Running trainers or hiking boots are ideal. If you have weak ankles we recommend you fly with high top ankle boots for extra support. We have suitable footwear you can borrow but this is first come first serve so this is not guaranteed.

Comfortable clothing that covers all your skin – Ideally, long trousers and a long sleeved top to protect you from the sun and terrain. Leave those high heels and mini skirts at home and come prepared for a day of exercise. We have flying suits you can borrow on request, be warned they are retro!

In winter we recommend you wear many warm layers, good gloves and even a hat/balaclava. Ask to borrow one of our flying suits!

In summer expect to get hot so breathable clothing is best. A sunhat and sunscreen is essential on a summers day plus a minimum of 2l of water. Learning to paraglide is thirsty work!

Can i bring spectators?

COVID UPDATE:

Due to covid restrictions we are only able to allow one spectator per student.

Dogs – No dogs are to be brought to the flying sites

What About Insurance?

Every paraglider pilot must be a member of the British hang gliding and paragliding association (BHPA). Membership of the BHPA gives you third party insurance which is mandatory. The price of BHPA membership is included in one day vouchers and tandem flight vouchers. If you are on a course with is you can pay for BHPA membership when you sign in on your first lesson.
We are a British Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association (BHPA) registered school. As such, we have limited professional liability insurance. If you require personal accident insurance (to include paragliding) please arrange this in advance or with us on the day of your booking. If you would like further information, please contact us at info@flysussex.com, or visit the BHPA website

When Is the Best time to paraglide in the UK?

We fly all year round, summer, spring, autumn and even winter! We have stunning flights on our private sites throughout the year depending on the weather conditions. We fly an average of 160 days a year so you may need to book in a few times before you get suitable weather which is light winds and no rain.

You may be surprised to hear that autumn and winter can be the best time to train as we have less thermic activity and therefore smoother air which is ideal for your initial flights.

How high can you fly?

When training, you will begin by just skimming the ground. As you progress and become more skilled and confident, you will gradually go higher and higher – under your instructor’s direction.
There are different sources of “lift” available to hang glider and paraglider pilots. The most common is “ridge lift”, which you use to soar on the uprising air from hills, cliffs etc. Average height gains using ridge lift are around 200ft.
The most useful form of lift is “thermal lift”. The skilled pilot utilises these pockets of warm, rising air in the same way that large birds such as eagles do. Using thermals, a pilot can reach heights of over 10,000ft in warmer countries such as France and Spain. In the UK, we have a cooler climate and, in the summer, heights of 3,000 to 6,000ft are the norm.
The height, or altitude, that you fly at is strictly controlled by the CAA (Civil Aviation Authority) and learning to read air maps is a must for the advancing pilot. Cross country flying is restricted to pilots who have reached “Pilot” level. The levels are: Elementary Pilot (EPC), Club Pilot (CPC), Pilot and Advanced Pilot.