Perfect your technique and learn powerful paraglider launching skills that you can use everywhere, in all conditions, for your whole flying career!
Greg Hamerton, Chief Instructor
Why take the LAUNCH SKILLS course?
It gives you a demonstration of all modern paraglider launching methods and a broad exposure to launch sites. I will show you everything you need to know to launch safely from hills, cliffs and mountain slopes, so you can always be confident that you know what to do.
Develop your ability
Control your paraglider on a slope
Understand flying sites
Be prepared for launching off anything
Know all the methods
and when to apply them
Lessons Plan
Understanding SITES
Where can you fly? Finding a paragliding site, making a site assessment, good launch positioning and building a solid flight plan.
(19:12)
Safe LAUNCH CONDITIONS
How to read a windsock and understanding gusts, so you have a clear picture of the air quality … before you launch.
(8:52)
Complete Preflight CHECKS
What you should be checking for every time you launch your paraglider, and how common check procedures get it wrong.
(9:32)
Can you STOP your launch?
How to set up a safe area, when to abort, how to kill the wing on command, and what to do if you’re already in the air.
(10:18)
Effective FORWARD launches
The alpine launch shouldn't require a leap of faith. It's all about technique. Learn the secrets of a short run FORWARD LAUNCH and how to correct the common problems.
(13:41)
Simple REVERSE launches
I’ll show you how to get perfect REVERSE LAUNCHES. From getting a clean layout, to controlling the power, to avoiding the dangerous mistakes pilots make ... it's all in this lesson!
(19:12)
Launch in a CROSSWIND
When the wind is blowing across the launch site, it's easy to lose control. Learn how to command your paraglider to help you stay safe, even on a steep slope with an extreme crosswind.
(12:18)
SAFE to launch?
Flying on your own? Listen to this audio podcast first! How can you tell if it's flyable? What signs do I look for when analysing an unknown site?
(23:05)
STRONG WIND control
Essential strong wind launch tips, focusing on proper preparation and paraglider management.
(20:30)
How to CLIFF LAUNCH
Cliffs can create fantastic lift, but also make dangerous turbulence. Learn how to launch from any cliff edge safely, with this detailed demonstration.
(17:09)
Get the best launch TIMING
In thermic conditions, it can be difficult to judge when to launch. Watch this demonstration on a tricky site to learn the secrets of getting a clean safe launch at the perfect moment.
(13:48)
TRICKY launches
Sometimes the launch situation can be compromised. So in this video we’ll push things a bit, and I’ll teach you how to manage steep slopes, bad surfaces and strong sidewinds.
(16:21)
The world's SCARIEST SITE?
Explore the options for establishing a flying site in this wild, remote region of Saudi Arabia, and learn the principles of terrain analysis, launch site choices and landing options in this hour-long livestream replay.
(1:00:50)
LAUNCH CONTROL hour
Learn from my Flight Academy session on: airflow on the launch site, launching from a slope, common mistakes and solutions, wind direction changes, how to stop getting plucked off your feet, and other launch problems.
(1:08:38)
Launch PUZZLES
Test your knowledge as we puzzle out these launch site situations, from flight plans and finding emergency landings to launch runs and when to stop.
(1:05:47)
Launching MASTERCLASS
One hour of in-depth launching analysis, to help you become a pro in all situations!
(1:00:15)
Course summary and TEST!
A quick revision of everything you’ve learned. Then take the test to apply your knowledge and see where you’re at!
(5:52)
Know your stuff?
Watch all the videos, work on the practical tasks and get over 80% in the LAUNCH SKILLS test, to earn your FLIGHT LEVEL 3 certificate!
Who is it for?
This course is for everyone who wants to improve their paraglider launches. This will work during your training but really comes into its own after school, to extend your skills and fill in any gaps in your knowledge.
How does the course work?
This is a week-long course. Every day you are expected to work through about one hour of new video lessons. This gives you time to absorb each key skill. You can return to any lesson at any time thereafter.
What is included in the course?
Over 6 hours of specialised video training with Greg Hamerton. There’s also a task sheet for you to develop your skills, and a test at the end of the course to see if you can apply the concepts to common problems. If you get more than 80% you can earn your FLIGHT LEVEL 3 certificate!
Single payment or subscription?
LAUNCH SKILLS is available to buy as standalone course if you want to only pay once and get lifetime access to these lessons and any updates I make to them. However, most pilots choose to join the Flight Academy instead, which includes FREE access to ALL the course and will enrich your learning experience with livestreams, chatroom, discounts and a large catalogue of more advanced topics.
Get your lessons anywhere
Accessible on all devices including iOS, Android, MACs and PCs. You can even Cast to your TV!
Most of the lessons are subtitled in English, German, French, Spanish and Italian.
Structured learning
Continue your journey upwards through the FLIGHT LEVELS system. Launch Skills training builds upon the Ground Control and gets you ready for Soaring Flight. What you learn here will prepare you for getting airborne from all kinds of sites.
Get the course!
Over six hours of informative video training. Study the methods, avoid the dangers and launch like a pro!
