PLEASE NOTE THIS IS A DEVELOPMENT WEEKEND FOR HANG GLIDER PILOTS
We understand that there may be something similar for PGs in the future
The weekend is a non-flying event aimed at competent hill pilots who have either:
- not yet flown XC or
- lack confidence in any aspect of XC flying (including preparation, instruments etc) and would like support to develop their skills/confidence
Everyone attending (
including presenters, workshop leaders etc) are asked to submit this form.
EVENT DETAILSThe weekend will involve a 2-day programme of presentations and workshops based at Airways Airsports in Derbyshire. https://www.airways-airsports.com/. Refreshments and a finger buffet lunch (both days) will be included in the course fee.
The weekend programme will focus on many of the priorities suggested by those who completed the Registration of Interest Form before the end of September. While the detailed programme is not yet ready, we have already had firm offers of support from a good number of top pilots, willing to make presentations and/or lead workshops. The topics to be covered will range from the practicalities of actually leaving the hill, thermalling technique, instruments, navigation etc through to overcoming mental barriers and sports psychology.
We hope to build on this weekend later in the year and during our British Open Series and its associated events, about which information will follow at a later date.
To book your place you must complete and submit THIS FORM by entering the info requested at the end of this information page. Those of you who completed the Registration of Interest Form previously do not need to do it again. Anyone who has not already completed it, please do so now to provide the presenters with useful information about your experience, your equipment and your preferences using this link: Registration of Interest Form.
Course Fee: £50 - Two day course including refreshments and finger buffet lunchBOOKING DEADLINE
All bookings must be paid in advance by the deadline detailed below.
While we have tried to keep the course fee as low as possible, we do need to cover the costs of food, venue, and contributions towards the expenses of those making presentations or leading workshops etc.
Refunds will not normally be available unless there is someone to take your place. (Those on the reserve list will have priority).
To secure a place on the course you need to submit this form as soon as possible but no later than 15 January.
Places are limited and will be allocated as follows:
- Those who completed the Registration of Interest Form before 20 November, will get priority.
- Others will be allocated on a first come first served basis - (date of submission of this form + payment by deadline).
- A reserve list will be created in the event of the course being oversubscribed. If places become available they will be offered to those highest up the reserve list.
- Late applications will be accepted and will be considered if spaces are available.
PAYMENT DEADLINES & ACCOUNT DETAILSThe Course Fee must be paid on or before 20 January to confirm your place.
Unconfirmed places will be re-allocated on 21 January, if there is a waiting list.
All payments should be made using the account details below, with your surname as the reference.
Account Details
Please enter account name exactly as shown below. (It is correct believe me - lets not go there!) - Natwest
- Account Name: COMPETION ENTRY LEES
- Sort code: 01-05-41
- Account number: 40645754
ACCOMMODATION
If you want a room at the nearby Travel Lodge (less than 4 miles from Airways) you are strongly advised to book as soon as possible, as room rates increase the nearer you get to the booking date. They have a flexible option with free cancellation up to the day before.
https://www.travelodge.co.uk/hotels/385/Ashbourne-hotel
There are no single rooms and only a few twin rooms available at that Travel Lodge. If you want to share a room to reduce costs, you might want to use the XC Weekend Telegram to communicate with others who might want to do the same. As well as twin rooms there are family rooms, which when shared, work out to be cheaper than a single occupancy double room.
MEAL OPTIONS (Not included in course fee)
Breakfast: Saturday & Sunday:It may be possible for breakfasts to be ordered at Airways but we are unable to confirm this as yet. It would be helpful to know whether or not you might be interested in ordering a breakfast/breakfast roll, if this can be arranged at the Airways Cafe. Payment for breakfast would be direct to Airways.
If you are staying at the Travel Lodge and want breakfast at the Stepping Stones Pub next door, you are recommended to book this the night before.
Saturday Evening Meal A provisional group booking has been made for 7.30pm on both Friday and Saturday evenings, at the Stepping Stones pub, next door to the Travel Lodge.
Menu can be seen on their website: https://www.steppingstonespub.co.uk/menus.
To give us a better idea of numbers, please let us know if you would like to be included in the group booking and whether or not you will have additional guests with you.
At a later date, we may need to ask for a deposit for the meal booking in advance of the event, if this is required by the restaurant.
FURTHER COMMUNICATIONEveryone who submits this form will be invited to join the XC Development Weekend Telegram. All subsequent information will be shared there. This telegram group will be the main vehicle for communication about the event. Please ensure you set it up so that you get notifications of new posts.
If you have a comment or question that you would prefer to ask privately, please email us on hgcompspanel@gmail.com with XC Weekend as the subject.
Thank you.
