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Services 

Pilot Development

For post-CP pilots seeking progression, confidence, and mastery.

For CP+ Pilots
Whether you're freshly qualified or returning after a break, we’ll help you:

  • Gain confidence flying solo in different conditions

  • Improve decision-making and site assessment

  • Build hours with guidance and feedback

  • Practice launch, soaring, and landing skills

  • Explore XC or thermalling techniques (when conditions allow)

Formats Available:

  • 1:1 Coaching Days

  • Small Group Development Clinics

  • Custom Progression Plans

Tandem Flights

Experience the Sky — No Experience Needed
Fly tandem with a qualified instructor and enjoy the views from above the North Coast or glens of Ireland.

Perfect for:

  • First-time flyers

  • Gifting the experience to a friend

  • Pilots looking to refresh or observe from the air

Includes:

  • Briefing and safety introduction

  • 15–30 minute tandem flight (weather-dependent)

  • Optional video/photo package​

 

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Cloud Surfer Ireland – Pilot Development Syllabus

Phase 1: Skill Consolidation & Confidence Building

Objective: Strengthen the foundations gained in CP and build confidence through supported flying.

  • Site briefings and risk assessment reviews

  • Repetition of takeoff and landing under varied conditions

  • Developing confident forward and reverse launches

  • Ground handling in stronger/variable winds

  • Flights in light lift to develop patience and control

  • Building airtime with real-world coaching

Phase 2: Advanced Soaring Techniques

Objective: Expand soaring ability and learn to exploit more subtle or complex lift.

  • Soaring in changing wind strength/direction

  • Figure-eight and ridge lift discipline

  • Holding position in traffic and wave patterns

  • Refined top-landing in variable terrain

  • Flying in more dynamic ridge conditions

Phase 3: Real-World Flight Decisions & Site Strategy

Objective: Grow pilot autonomy in flight planning, site evaluation, and safe judgment.

  • Interpreting weather forecasts and reading the sky

  • Daily site selection based on skill and forecast

  • Go/No-Go decision making

  • Risk mitigation in variable Irish conditions

  • Personal limits and judgment under pressure

Phase 4: Active Flying & Glider Control

Objective: Improve active piloting and air awareness in dynamic conditions.

  • Pitch, roll, yaw control in thermic air

  • Early detection and correction of canopy feedback

  • Weight shift refinement

  • Controlled collapses (optional depending on comfort level)

  • Speed bar practice and accelerated flight

  • Slope and spot landing accuracy

Phase 5: XC Skills Introduction (Optional)

Objective: Introduce the mindset, skills, and tactics for thermal or short cross-country flying.

  • Thermal identification and entry

  • Coring technique and drift tracking

  • Leaving lift for glide

  • Decision-making during XC flights

  • Use of instruments (variometers, GPS basics)

  • Retrieve planning and route selection

Phase 6: Tandem Coaching Flights (Optional)

Objective: Use tandem flight to accelerate understanding in a low-pressure environment.

  • Observe instructor control and judgment

  • Practice weight shift, turns, and active flying from the passenger seat

  • Discuss flight decisions live in the air

  • Ideal for anxious or returning pilots

Final Outcome

Upon completing several coached development sessions and demonstrating consistent airmanship and decision-making, the pilot should be able to:

  • Fly solo with confidence in a variety of conditions

  • Execute accurate launches and landings across sites

  • Handle canopy actively and safely

  • Make safe, informed, independent flight decisions

  • Optionally, take first steps toward thermal or XC flying

BHPA INSURANCE:

We are a British Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association (BHPA) approved and regulated pilot development school, therefore all clients must be a member of the BHPA whilst training. BHPA membership gives you third party insurance and allows you to gain any BHPA ratings. The cost of this is not included in the course and will need to be paid for by you. Flying Member
12 Months3rd Party Insurance, 12 issues of Skywings Magazine, Full BHPA Membership£149
(members paying by direct debit will receive an annual discount of £7 on renewal)An additional £25 Joining Fee must be paid when you join the BHPA. The Joining Fee does not apply to membership renewals where membership has been continuous.

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Cloud Surfer Ireland

cloudsurferireland@gmail.com

07518680389

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BHPA Affiliated
Cloud Surfer Ireland is a proud affiliate of the British Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association (BHPA), ensuring all our training, tandem flights, and coaching follow the highest safety and professional standards.

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