So you are packing for one of our epic flying holidays! Here’s our rundown of flying holiday essentials:

Kit:

• Glider
  
• Harness
• Helmet
• Reserve – Repacked within the last 12 months
• Speedbar

Instruments:

• Varios, GPS & charger
• Radio and charger
• Phone

Paperwork:

• Repatriation insurance
• BHPA card or IPPI card
• Map of flying area
• A European Health Insurance Card

Clothing:

• Boots
  
• Balaclava
• Gloves
• Flying suit or warm layers
• Camel back
• Sunglasses

Safety:

• First aid kit
• Tracking device (Delorme, Spot or Flymaster)
• Hook knife
• Magic string
• Compass

Advice:

• Print off your repatriation insurance details and keep a copy in your harness and your wallet.
• Email a copy of your insurance, passport & BHPA card to yourself and emergency contact
• Research the flying local area using XCplanner and know the local emergency numbers.
• Print off or buy local maps of your flying area.
• When flying keep your phone accessible at all times. Make sure your phone will work where you are going or get a local sim card.
• Put all your kit in one large duffle bag that doesn’t look like a paraglider, this makes it less of a target for the airlines to charge you and thieves to steal.
• If your worried about your kit getting lost on the flight the airline is liable for £1100 per piece if it goes missing. If you want cover for more you can fill in a ‘special declaration of value’ when you check in which will cover up to £2500. Most airlines will charge something for this though.
• Equipment insurance is available from lots of places.
• Be as current as you can to get the most out of the trip, even if you can’t get out flying go and practice your ground handling.
• Swat up on your theory. We recommend the book Thermal Flying as essential reading.