Zillertal xc - intermediate +
| Right Place, Right Time: | XC Courses are held at the most reliable period for long-haul XC flights in the Alps, March - June. |
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| Understand the Theory: | Understand the effect terrain has on our route choices. Learn to plan routes & pick safer lines. |
| Break Personal Bests: | Long XC flights around the Zillertal & Tux. Routes of 40 - 100km plus are possible. Click here for Classic Zillertal route. |
| 'Flow of the Day': | Chosen routes allow pilots to fly XC with relative ease. |
| Task Orientated Routes: | Straight-forward briefings. Then as a group we'll fly around our pre-chosen turnpoints. |
| Less Stress: | Large flat landing paddocks along all routes. Landing out is never a worry. NO BOONIES. |
| Plus evening thermal/soaring on Ahorn Spitz available at this time of year. |
Zillertal XC - all details
For 4 months of the year, March-June, the Ziller valley is one of the best places in the World to fly cross-country, for competent XC pilots 100km is easily achievable.
The area is famous for it's huge triangle potential. The flying here is mainly closed-ciricuit flights, having the advantage of being easy to get back home.
Local XC and competition guru Jurgen 'Stocky' Stock broke 3 world records here & most of the Austrian distance records are from local pilots and were started from the launch sites here.
| Tom Walder: | 254km one-way & 256km FAI triangle |
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| Stefan Steigler: | 252km FAI triangle |
| Hannes Huber: | 206km Out and Return |
Due to the huge sucess we've had since 2002 we now run most XC courses in the Zillertal every Spring. Bringing together like-minded and similar experienced pilots who are keen to fly XC has proved a winner.
During the simple briefings on launch the important parts of the route will be explained. Such as potential easy rides up if low, points to be high for crossings, any cut off altitudes & of course areas to avoid.
Over the years many pilots have achieved their personal bests with us.
If you're only chasing numbers then go towing in South Africa, but if you want outstanding scenery in safe conditions it's hard to beat the Zillertal.
Aswell as flying achievable 20-100km routes I'll also be coaching efficient use of thermals. Offering a simple tip here and there, if appropriate. Expect on a good XC day the route will aim to maximise the day, aiming to fly for 3-5hrs, if possible of course.
Thermals here can start as early as 10am.
However, only when it's clear that we can stay up with ease we'll launch. Once we've massed above launch I'll guide our group around the pre-determined turnpoints.
It can help if pilots have & can use a GPS as it's useful for ground speed and distance to the set waypoint. However, it's not essential as everything is on detailed maps provided.
Sometimes it's interesting to use Seeyou software to look at the flight afterward at the debriefing, so it's worth bringing your cable if you choose to use one.
Using exclusive Google Earth movies I'll give some short informal theory session. Topics ranging from what makes a good day to how to recognise potentially dangerous lee-sides.
prices
Main XC Course: 500€
This price includes 7 nights bed & breakfast in an alpine chalet, all rooms have ensuite facilities, cable TV.
Plus 6 days air-to-air guidance around our huge Arena, including access to private sites.
Easy retrieval along chosen routes. See Retrieves in Zillertal for more details.
logistics & dates
Pilots wishing to attend will need at least 20hrs plus a good amount of thermaling experience. We suggest that all pilots feel happy with their ability to launch, thermal and pick a safe landing option.
Another part of the course is to look at our flights using SeeYou software, so don't forget your cable for your GPS (if you use one).
Numbers are kept to a maximum of 8 pilots only.
We will be based in Mayrhofen. We aim to house everyone in Haus Martinus in the center of Mayrhofen.
Please refer to the page 'getting here' for logistics about which flights to use and method of airport transfer.
For more info please contact us, info@austrianarena.com
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