Hello everyone,
My name is Jacob, I moved to Derby from Poland to finish my BEng at Uni of Derby.
I brought my paraglider here with willingness to fly. I have my full PP (Paragliding Pilot) license issued by Civil Aviation Authority. My airtime counts about 50 hours (48 hours). It consists of:
1st stage of training done at local hills (100m elevation) - 20 flights
2nd stage of training done at ex-military airport, towed behind the car up to 600m altitude in non-thermal conditions.
3rd stage of training (it's non obligatory) done in thermal conditions (up to 4 m/s) and at seaside cliffs.
Later I flew on my own at hills that are comparable to peak district ones.
This summer I went to Brazil for one month, to fly at the spots in Rio, Socorro and Jaragua I participated in Jaragua XC championship, where I beaten my XC personal best - 110 km. There were thermals up to 8 m/s.
Everything can be proved by tracklogs.
I have 3rd party insurance valid worldwide up to 1.2 million PLN, which gives about 240 k pound
The only thing I miss is SIV training, but had plenty of decent wing closures so far, tried wingovers and spirals either.
The question is, can I fly legally in Peak District? I would like to avoid making EP and CP licenses here, as I done equivalence.
I would highly appreciate if someone involve me to local rules.
Cheers,
Jacob
Hi Jacob,
Sounds like you have a fair amount of experience. You will find some information here http://www.bhpa.co.uk/sport/bhpa/visiting_pilots.php. I would also suggest that you ring the BHPA and see how to apply for membership whilst you are studying in the UK. They are always very helpful, with your experience it should be fairly straightforward.
To fly the DSC sites you will need to become a member of the BHPA and our club as this is a condition that the landowners stipulate in the licence agreements we have to use our sites. Unfortunately I am recovering from an accident so probably will not be flying for a few months. Good luck, take care.
Chris
Thank for your thorough reply Chris.
I followed your hints and applied for Pilot license at BHPA.
I'll have to sit theory exam for it. As soon as it's done I'll be happy to get the membership here.
I'm sorry to hear about your accident. I wish you a quick recovery and new XC record soon.
Jakub
Hi Jacub,
That's good news, glad the BHPA were able to help. You may find the pilot video links on the bottom right corner of this web page useful when preparing for your pilot exam - https://chrisdervin0.wixsite.com/cp-plus/pilot-tasks. If you need anymore help feel free to get in touch.
Chris
Jacub.
As i understand the situation, you will have to join the BHPA for at least one year.
You will need to be observed flying by a DSC club coach and will need to pass the CP exam. (help can be given explaining the questions if English is not your first language) Ash Ginn DSC head coach can do the exam or i can. Not sure who else?
You will then need to pass the Pilot exam in order to be legitimate to fly XC in the UK
Steve.
As i understand the situation, you will have to join the BHPA for at least one year.
You will need to be observed flying by a DSC club coach and will need to pass the CP exam. (help can be given explaining the questions if English is not your first language) Ash Ginn DSC head coach can do the exam or i can. Not sure who else?
Jakub got in touch with me in October and now has a BHPA Pilot rating - thanks to Ross Mason (one of our Club Coaches) who helped him and invigilated his exam.
Any current BHPA Coach can invigilate such exams... providing they have that rating (or above) themselves.