Pinzgau xc - advanced
| Right Place, Right Time: | This XC Course is held at the most reliable period for big flights in the Alps, March - June. |
|---|---|
| Understand the Theory: | Understand the effect terrain has on our route choices. Learn to plan routes & pick safer lines. |
| Break Personal Bests: | On the right day we'll attempt to fly the classic route to Zell am See and return to Mayrhofen, 140km. |
| '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. FULL RETRIEVE BACK UP. |
| Plus evening thermal/soaring on Ahorn Spitz available at this time of year. |
Pinzgau XC - all details
For 4 months of the year, March-June, the Northern Alps is easily one of the best places in the World to fly cross-country, for good XC pilots on the right day over 200km is achievable.
The area is famous for it's huge triangle and out and return potential. The flying here is mainly closed-ciricuit flights, having the advantage of being easy to get back home.
We have chosen this time of year to run this course as it is historically one of the best times to cross the Gerlos Pass and get into the Pinzgau valley. Once there pilots will enjoy fast paced glides under long cloud streets. Some glides I had in 2009 when I tried to close a 206k triangle exceeded 30:1, (I landed 20k short after nearly 9hrs in the air).
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 in Mayrhofen and headed in the direction of Pinzgau.
Over the past years we've had huge sucess running courses around the Zillertal & Tux valleys. However getting to Zell am See and back with a group has always been a goal of mine. Although the flight is relatively straight forward we do ask that pilots wishing to join this "Advanced XC " course to have a minimum of 100hrs. Also it would be a good idea to have experience in strong Alpine conditions.
If conditions are good for XC but not possible to make the height needed to safely cross the Gerlos Pass then we'll attempt local XC flights around the stunning Zillertal and Tuxertal Valleys. I'll also be coaching efficient use of thermals.
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, the first being Zell am See cable car station, 70km to the east. Once there we'll turn around and the plan will be to get back home.
I expect this flight can take between 5-7 hrs, depending on conditions.
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
XC Course: 550€
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 and into the Pinzgau valley, including access to private sites.
Easy retrieval along chosen routes. We'll retrieve you where you land and take you home.
logistics & dates
Pilots wishing to attend will need at least 100hrs plus a good amount of Alpine XC 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 7 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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