Right, I know I'm pushing my luck with the timescale and everything but here goes:
Got a week off work starting 4th July and looking to head out of the country to get some flying done?
Having never flown outside England, wondering if there's some kind of 'idiots guide' to this lark?
Airlines to avoid / best ones to look at carrying a Paraglider with me? Just checked Easyjet out and they specify HangGlider for the luggage but not Paraglider (additional £35 each way).
Insurance companies to provide adequate 'Repatriation & Search & Rescue etc.'? Checking out JS Insurance at the moment?
I know most of you will have done this in the past, I was looking to 'attack' the idea next year but now have the opportunity earlier than expected?
Any advice most gratefully received 😀
Richard.
Steve,
Insurance is always a thorny problem as the situation constantly changes as new insurers venture into the market place that we inhabit, get their fingers burnt with some big claims and then run away !
There is a useful list on the BHPA website which I believe has been vetted by the BHPA Insurance Officer, so should contain reasonable policies. As you found the two often missing bits of cover are, Search & Rescue costs, plus Competitions, which are often excluded.
The List is at:-
http://www.bhpa.co.uk/links/directory/27.html
Best of luck, and have a safe trip, Cheers, PhilB
PS
One thing that often catches pilots out abroad for the first time is nil-wind landings. We are used to flying and landing in relatively strong winds at home.
It would be worth mugging up on the "50K or bust.com" article about "Landings", that Nigel Page has mentioned elsewhere in this forum.
Where in Spain do you want to go? If you're going somewhere touristy Thomson and Monarch are usually ok with taking your paraglider as normal luggage... if you're going somewhere central eg Piedrahita you sometimes get a better deal with BA/swissair/iberia than a "cheap" flight. Skyscanner used to be good for comparing prices but doesn't include luggage allowance; google also good for comparing prices (try just searching "manchester to malaga").
For insurance I have found JS insurance brilliant. If there is something like search, competitions , preexisting medical conditions not listed on the website just phone them. They will phone round underwriters and get a competitive deal and have always come up with everything i wanted and at the cheapest rates. mark
Forgot to update - went, flew, had the best time ever :P, came home and haven't had a chance to get in the air since 🙁
What with work and family keeping the very few possible flying days out of reach it is really getting to me........
So booked to go back in September 😀
Easyjet proved to be no problem.
Fortunately I can't comment on the insurance from JS on this trip as I had no need to call on them.
I even forgot to lock the car (in all the excitement!) - at Liverpool airport - for a whole week - nothing taken / moved / changed in any way. I take back everything I've ever said about those Scousers 😉 :-X