<div class="editor-content"><p>Greg Hamerton</p></div>,

I'll be with you on launch and in the air, to guide you as we work on your techniques and decision-making.


You'll gain key thermaling skills and develop your active flying and team-work while going XC.


This is an exclusive training group of only 5 pilots, supervised by Greg Hamerton, with support from local expert Steve Ham. 


It's a Thermaling & XC Course best suited to licenced pilots with 20-200 hours of airtime, but experienced pilots are also welcome to come and aim for the horizon! We'll go as far as the day allows.


We'll be working on safe piloting and thermaling techniques and applying this to maximise your cross country flying.


It's great for building confidence at going far and will leave you with a performance mindset that will keep you inspired to get out there and go for it!

Greg Hamerton

Chief Instructor

Paragliding in Piedrahita


We'll be based in Piedrahita where we have access to a friendly mountain with a huge carpetted launch site.


There are a few alternative sites nearby in case the wind changes, but at this time of year the thermals usually dominate to draw the wind up to the Penanegra launch.

 

We usually return late from flying XC, then go into town for great food and greater stories. It's very social and laid back. 


Mornings are late starts because the wind blows over the back, so you can sleep in. We'll make our own breakfasts in our amazing self-catering house. It has a swimming pool and is right on the landing field!


* except for 8-15 June when we are in Lilly Bridge house which is nearby. 


We'll usually have a discussion about key aspects of cross country flying, then join Steve Ham at Fly Piedrahita for a weather briefing.


Then ... we fly!

Chill out

Our swimming pool

Self-catering freedom

Our kitchen

Next to the landing field

Our house

Course costs

Includes accommodation (twin sharing)

  • all transport and airport shuttles

  • all sites fees and site briefings

  • experienced local guides

  • expert XC coaching

  • good times with great people


Excludes your flight to Spain (Madrid), meals, single room supplement (optional £120), insurance

SPAIN 2025


Master thermal flying and go far!


£1,250

SPACES LIMITED TO 5 PILOTS

secure your spot with £500

Reserve your place

Preflight briefing

Everything you need to know

What's for breakfast?

At our self-catering accommodation, we usually take turns to serve coffee and a continental breakfast every morning, or whatever you prefer. You might also like to use the kitchen to prepare a lunch to eat on the mountain, or after you land.


Before we leave for the weather briefing at Fly Piedrahita every day we go to the local shop where you can buy supplies.


In the evenings we walk into town to find an open restaurant so we can enjoy the great food they serve here at very affordable prices.


Vegetarian options are available.

What equipment do I need?

A paraglider that has been serviced in the last 2 years and is still airworthy. A reserve parachute that has been repacked in the last year. A helmet certified for paragliding. A high-quality radio (not Baofeng, something like Icom, Alinco, Yaesu, Kenwood etc) that can operate on 141.600 MHz and 141.625 (the official SAHPA frequencies). A harness with certified back protection.

How much flying experience do I need?

Your licence + at least 20 hours. This is designed to help intermediate pilots develop thermaling skills, active flying and cross country. You must be able to launch and land independently, but the flying will not be extreme.


We'll be working on THERMALING, group flying, and route choices.


Level up your skills and get personal feedback on your flying.


If you have a lot of experience (over 300 hours or 100km XC) you might prefer to book directly with Fly Piedrahita for logistical support without the coaching.


There might even be some spaces left during the weeks I'm there, but I can't promise you personal attention (except celebrating your success over a beer!)



What about insurance?

Your paragliding licence usually includes liability insurance.


You might like to have accident insurance that covers paragliding rescue and  emergency medical costs.


EU citizens have access to free public healthcare, and UK citizens can get this with a GHIC card, but I'd prefer to have additional cover from the BMC. Once you have secured your place I'll share some suggestions in the WhatsApp group.

What if I don't have a flying licence?

You cannot join the trip. Unfortunately this is a coaching group only for licenced pilots.

What if the weather is bad?

It's a good time of year for flying and we expect you to be in the air during more than half of the days.


In the event of bad weather, we will offer theory training, ground handling or alternative activities.


We have a great house with a swimming pool, so you can enjoy your rest day!


(except for 8-15 June when we're in Lilly Bridge house, but it's peaceful there and there's a public pool in town). 


There are no refunds due to unsuitable weather days. We are highly motivated and will make every effort to find safe flying conditions for everyone. As much as we've tried, the weather is beyond our control.

How do I join?

Click the blue button below to be taken to the booking form. I'll email you payment details so you can secure your place.

Isn't Spain dangerous?

Thermals can be strong in summer but we fly mostly from a north-facing ridge which gives us a gentle start as the day warms up, so go early for easy flying, and head out to the flats.


The convergence can be feisty, but by then you're over flatlands.


I've heard occasional reports of thefts at the airports, so keep a close eye on your bags.


Piedrahita is a lovely safe village where you will feel at ease. The landing fields are huge, and it's rare to have complaints. The locals are welcoming.


What is the Refund Policy?

The deposit of £1,000 is non-refundable, because I have to block-book the guiding service and accommodation. The balance is due 1 month before the trip, and will only be refunded if I am able to fill your space. 

Yes, I want this!

One week of thermal skills development training during an

XC flying trip to Spain with Greg Hamerton and Fly Piedrahita


Reserve your place


for 01/06/2025 - 08/06/2025

or 08/06/2025 - 15/06/2025 *

or 13/07/2025 - 20/07/2025

or 20/07/2025 - 27/07/2025


with a £500 deposit

Missing out?


If you can't make this trip but want to be part of training courses in the future, join the waiting list


For any questions email greg@flywithgreg.com


If you don't want the Thermal & XC intensive training you might want to book into one of the Fly Piedrahita flying holidays on your own.