The
BHPA coaching scheme aims to provide a continuation of training
opportunities for pilots from the moment they leave initial training in a
school environment right through to top competition level.
Club coaches attend a training course run by the BHPA covering
communication, skills assessment, conditions assessment and much much
more.
As
part of Lanarkshire and Lothian's
commitment to this ideal, we have a
team of dedicated coaches for both hang
gliding and paragliding.
They are always available to
advise and assist you expand your
flying experience in a structured and
safe manner.
Coaching
happens both on the hill (informal one
to one or groups) and off the
hill (pub, club meetings). Sometimes
email is useful way of
discussing your experiences in public on
the club message board or on a
one-to-one basis with one of the club
coaches. Suitable topics for
coaching run from refining a front
launch to competition flying to the
never ending topic (the weather) and its
effects on our flying.
Club
coaches will also help you progress
towards BHPA awards such as Pilot
rating (and onwards). So next time
you are looking for advice or
even if you are just sitting on the hill
waiting for conditions to
improve, approach one of your coaches
and ask them a really difficult
question and see if they can answer it!
Coaches
will generally always be keen to help
but if he/she is just about to
launch into the thermal of the day you
may have to ask your question
later!
Feel free to get in touch with any of
our coaches listed below.
Chief Coach (PG)
Years flying
experience: 25
Total hours flown:
2250
Current glider: Gold Nova Mentor 4
Scottish sites familiar with: apart from Hillend, I must have
flown from all of the established Scottish “sites” - and a good load
of hills which aren’t “sites “
Sites/
areas abroad you are familiar
with: Alps - Laragne, Annecy,
Muissey, St Andre, and a few around Chambery/ St Hilaire
Pyrenees – Mostly Eastern side but a few across the range on both the
Spanish and French sides.
Spain – Piedrahita, Algodonales, S Sierra Nevada and Nerja area
South Africa - Porterville and Garden Route sites (eg Wilderness )
New Zealand – A selection of the common sites on both Islands
Slovenia - Tolmin - Kobarid ridge
Favourite Site: Currently the Eildons, but its changed over the years
Favourite type of flying conditions: I prefer light wind thermic
conditions – which allow
exploration of an area – but I
usually prefer
to actually go as far as I can rather than trying to get back
Other points of interest: Club Chief Coach, and I’m head of the BHPA
Pilot Development Panel - which is aimed at improving the Safety and
Success of our sport by introducing a Pilot Development Structure.
