How is paragliding different from Hang Gliding?
Paragliding is very similar to hang gliding, in fact they are essentially the same activity done with slightly different equipment. Hang gliders have a more rigid frame than paragliders The advantage of paragliders is that they can be packed into a rucksack and carried more easily. They are also much easier to land, which gives them a big advantage.
Is Paragliding Safe? Paragliding, like any other adventure sport, has its associated risks and dangers. To operate safely in any kind of aviation environment one must strive at all times to minimise those risks. The most important pre-requisites to learning to fly safely are: pilot attitude, competent instruction, and safe equipment. If these conditions are met the slow speeds and inherent stability of paragliders can provide a reasonably safe and easy way to fly, however there is no completely safe form of aviation and the pilot must assume full responsibility for his actions.

Is it hard to learn?
No! Our school uses the latest techniques to teach you how to fly as safely as possible, following systems which have been developed over many years, and are the approved method of the sports national association; the BHPA. All our instructors are qualified by the BHPA, and are experienced and enthusiastic pilots themselves. Your first lessons will have some basic theory and demonstrations, and then with the help of your instructor it's your turn! Now the fun really begins. We won't start by taking you to a hill and throwing you off, but begin with some ground control. Then gradually progressing to short flights on gentle grassy slopes, moving on to the next stage only when you are ready.

What equipment do you need?
The school will provide the paraglider wing, harness and helmet. All you need to bring is warm outdoor clothes, gloves, strong grippy Boots (No hooks), packed lunch, drinks and a good sense of fun and humour! We would encourage you to buy your own equipment when you are sure the sport is for you. It is often better to train on your own equipment. Please ask our advice before you buy. There is so much to know to buying the right equipment. Most people who buy without the advice of an experienced instructor, buy the wrong thing.. Often a very costly mistake!

Why choose Axis...
Getting to CP level should take about 8-10 days of tuition. ( this is usually not taken in a block, unless you have links with the weather gods:-)

We try to give One to One private tuition, or small groups of the same standard!

A program of courses abroad to get you off to the best start, even in the winter.

We use Tandem paragliding Tuition. - Quite often the conditions may be too strong to teach you solo, so we can
get you to fly many of the tasks on our tandem with the Instructor. You may be surprised to learn that this is very unusual in other UK schools, mainly because of large group sizes mean people standing around for hours, or no Tandem qualified instructor is available.

Flexible payment system. Only pay for the days you do! pay per day. UK courses can be transferred to overseas, and vice versa. You will not pay for bad weather days, if cancelled you just rebook. If weather dictates we can only do a part day, or half a day you will only be charged for that.

Communication.
In order to ensure you get booked in on the good days, you can go on our standby system where we will either e mail you, or text your mobile (SMS) as good weather windows appear. This can suit people with flexible time. As far as I know axis is unique with this system.

We are probably situated in the best flying area in the UK, with more slopes to train on, (several private sites) taking more wind directions. Sites up to 2400 feet amsl. More easily soarable sites- makes passing those tricky CP tasks much easier!

Price! We charge only £100 per day* group lessons or £150 for private. Most of our competitors charge £550+ for EP, and the same for CP. You will find you pay less with us! Many of our students get through EP in 3-4 days, and CP the same. This is because of the personal tuition; you will not be standing about waiting for us!

Discount! We do not discount our training, it is the most valuable part of what we do. We do however offer a 15% discount on new equipment purchased from us, as a loyalty scheme to our students and can offer great value pre owned kit, which has been checked for suitability and condition by highly experienced instructors.

* The 1st day will be charged at £150, there after all days @ £100