XC Intro Courses, Jan & Feb 2009
Improve technique & Stay current over the winter.
We have run trips here very successfully since 2003 in the early spring and autumn. These times of year have great potential for thermic soaring training & XC flights in most directions.
The times of year we've chosen to fly here reflect the ease of conditions for the type of flying pilots want. Whether it be the reliable & smooth thermals in Feb. & October or the stronger climbs in March & April.
These courses are very similar to the ones we run in Mayrhofen. We'll attempt to make pilots thermaling more efficient. The cornerstone of XC flying.
And at the same time explaining the where's, why's & how's of flying in the mountains with the chance to improve your flat-land skill.
Aimed at pilots wishing to soar in beautiful surroundings & attempt to improve their XC skills in a safe, reliable and forgiving environment.
XC Intro courses in early Spring (February)
If, like most pilots in Northern Europe, getting back in the air after the long winter lay off is a bit of a shock. Then these weeks are perfect for you. It's always better to keep current and maintain your timing under the wing. So you are fully prepared for spring. Not only that but it's always nice to fly in warmer climes during the long winter.
Bassano is a place where the thermals never sleep. Even though the days are short there are still many hours of thermal development over the day. Mainly due to the altitude at ground level. The temperature difference is enough to produce smooth, wide 2-4m/s.
During the day we'll use these smooth, easy-to-locate thermals to practice and help pilots' turns become much more efficient. By using radio I'll guide pilots towards the rising air, once established I'll just give clear instructions if any mistakes are being made.
Some short XC tasks could also be achieved. Possibly enough to gain the XC flight needed for 'PILOT' rating. All at the same time trying to improve pilots decision making. I'll also offer some theory on the basics of thermaling and together with the use of the Google Earth movies I've made try to fill the gaps left by text books.
An important part of the course is a detailed look at our flights using SeeYou software, so don't forget you cables for your GPS (if you use one).
prices for 2009
Thermal &
XC Intro Course: 560€
This price includes 7 nights bed & breakfast in Tilly's. It's also possible to stay at the Garden Relais.
Plus 6 days air-to-air guidance/coaching around the Bassano del Grappa area.
Numbers are strictly kept to a maximum of 8 pilots only.
logistics & dates
For all the courses here we'll be staying in Semonzo at the foot of the main mountain, it is a very small village on the outskirts of Bassano del Grappa. The accommodation is very close to the landing field. There are many inexpensive restaurants to eat out and my favourite by far is L'Attica Abbazia.
Getting to launch everyday is easy with our minibus, plus getting home after a long XC flight is also no problem as we'll have a local driver. Just call in your position and he'll come and pick you up.
An important part of the course is a detailed look at our flights using SeeYou software, so don't forget you cables for your GPS (if you use one).
Flying into Treviso (Venice) is very convienent and simple.
