Hi Chris,
Sorry to see no one has replied to your first post! Do you have everything you need to get started in regards to coaching or membership queries etc? if not let me know webmaster@derbyshiresoaringclub.org.uk and I'll put you in touch with the right people!
Cheers!
~Drew
Hi Chris!
It's not unheard of, but we don't usually get recently-qualified pilots joining the club without any kit. A pilot's instructor is often best placed to know what equipment they need for their particular weight, experience and skills, so it's usual for the school to either sell the student their wing and harness or at the very least advise them on what to buy.
So ideally you need a trusted and experienced pilot to give you specific tips on what equipment would suit you best. If you know such a person then cool, but if not, the best advice would normally be to get in touch with your instructor and get as much advice from them as possible.
In the meantime, come up on the next flyable day and meet some of us. We're generally a friendly bunch, the scenery's lovely and you'll meet a load of similarly addicted people with this dreadfully contagious flying bug!
Hi Ash
Thanks for the reply. I'm in the Air Force and we have our own school in South Wales. I did my CP with them there and in Spain over the course of 3 separate weeks, the most recent being last week and getting signed up. They can't sell their kit so everyone who trains with them has to buy their own. There is the possibility I can get some loan kit from the RAFPG association but that's dependent on availability. Either way that's where I'm at. I have flown on Advance A5/6's, Thats what I will get if I get a loan if not it may be a U-Turn evolution through an experienced and trusted friend of mine. Looking forward to meeting you folk and getting started working toward Pilot.
Do people fly through the week? I'm reasonably flexible so may be able to take advantage of good weather days midweek as well as weekends.
Chris
Hi Chris,
I am retired so can fly when it's not raining and the wind is favourable. Might be an idea to contact one of our CFI's for advice on kit new or second hand, they should be able to sort you out. Try Steve Hudson http://d-f-c.co.uk/ or Mark Bosher http://peakairsports.com/.