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