Monday 13^th January 2025

You weren’t there? You missed a treat! A break from paragliding, we had two engaging and entertaining speakers telling us all about alternative ways to enjoy the air. First up was our own Simon Scott who led us through the benefits of taking to the air under power. I’d certainly never realised there were so many options, up to and including 3-axis microlights that are to all intents and purposes real aeroplanes. Simon gave us the lowdown on the steps to be taken to obtain the necessary qualifications and finished up with some great views of Parlick turned into a snowy winter wonderland. Fantastic tuff, thank you Simon.

Next up was Philip Shultz, talking B.A.S.E. This was a roller-coaster ride around some breathtaking sights as Philip gave us a detailed insight into the world of base jumping. Far from being something only for crazy daredevils, we learned of the detailed planning and scientific attention to the finest details of design, construction and packing of the rigs used in this exhilarating sport. From low cliffs that barely seemed to have enough room for a parachute to open to tall buildings with incredibly tight landing options in parks between trees and roads festooned with lamp posts. Just getting to some of the locations was heart-stopping. Thanks Philip, quite an eye-opener for everyone.

Another successful PSC social night, enjoyed by everyone there.

A 3 hour evening of explanations of what the BHPA are actively progressing to keep the future of paragliding safe, insurable, cost effective and accepted by other general aviation users.

An extremely interesting insight to the hard work and progressive BHPA well explained by Mark Shaw.
A good attendance by the PSC members who all would welcome a return visit by the BHPA.

GASCO Safety evening - Monday 19^th Feb, 7:30 to 9:30 pm at the Sea View Inn.

This is a joint event with Bowland Forest Gliding Club and is a safety talk delivered by GASCOo (General Aviation Safety Council).

These are very informative, interactive and thought provoking events.   This will be a tailored event covering topics across both our disciplines including Threat & Error Management, Loss of Control accidents, Electronic Conspicuity, Human Factors, we are also looking to have the opportunity to discuss the local issues, particularly the shared airspace around Parlick.

It is likely to be a packed room so turn up early!

The winter social season got off to a cracking start at the Sea View on Monday, 11^th October. It was great to see a couple of dozen old faces and plenty of new ones eager to get together, talk parabollox over a couple of pints and to listen to John Westall describe “A Year in the Life of a Hike and Fly Pilot”. John gave us a run through 2020’s programme of gruelling hike-and-fly challenges he’d done with his flying mate Keith ‘Bud’ Patterson. He had us all on the edge of our seats with his descriptions and pictures of the sketchy take-offs and dodgy conditions which are ‘normal’ for these exploits. From our local hills, via Wales, the Lakes and Dales, to the grandeur of the Eiger, we enjoyed vicariously the thrills (and spills) of his year.

John shared with us that his own inspiration to take on this challenging aspect of our sport came from attending a PSC winter social night with Steve Nash. Maybe some of our keen young pilots will get similar inspiration to follow John’s rapid progress. Certainly they will need to follow his examples of meticulous planning, preparation and goal-setting if they want to get close.

Thank you for a great evening, John, we’re already looking forward to hearing about next year’s achievements.