Techniques and Skills

Helping you fly better with expert advice

Climbing in spring, from Fifty Ways to Fly Better by Bruce Goldsmith

How to Climb Faster in Thermals

Thermalling is probably the most important part of flying, as well as the most pleasurable. The feeling of using the natural energy of rising air
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How to thermal better. Period.

Sailplane ace Jay Rebbeck teaches us his thermal flying techniques and explains when to tighten up and when to turn flat
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Launching in the Alps. Photo: Marcus King

Tight spot: taking off from Alpine launches

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Chrigel Maurer and Pat Dower

Chrigel Maurer: One Day Coaching

Learn what it's like to experience the ultimate in instruction, at the hands of the world's free-flight Yoda himself.
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The three stages of pitch. Photo montage: Marcus King / Fifty Ways to Fly Better

Understanding Pitch on a Paraglider

Pitch on a paraglider: when you fly your paraglider, you sit in your harness at least seven metres below the wing – maybe as much as ten...
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How clouds form, from the Met Office

Finding, tracking and flying thermals in mountains

Predicting where a thermal will travel after releasing isn't a skill that requires a missile guidance system, some simple 3D terrain analysis is enough
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GPS altitude and barometric altitude

GPS versus barometric altitude: the definitive answer

What's the difference between GPS altitude and barometric altitude? Mark Graham explains
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Perfect wingovers by Raul Rodriguez

Wingovers on a paraglider look simple but are not easy to master. Here are some tips to get good, with acro master Raul Rodriguez
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Preparing to launch from Mont Blanc

How to Hike-and-Fly from Mont Blanc, 4,810m

Charlie King explains how to prepare for an alpine hike-and-fly from the summit of Western Europe's highest peak, Mont Blanc
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What-Is-a-Hang-Glider. Photo: Antoine Boisselier

Hang gliding: A beginner’s guide

Hang gliding and hang gliders explained in this easy-to-read beginner's guide to the sport of free flight
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