OPEN up a whole new world of adventure by taking some flying lessons; there are few better places than France, as there are 600 flying clubs and an aerodrome or landing strip every 50km.
You have the option of gracefully flying through the air in a balloon or glider, or floating under a parachute – or grabbing some motor power and trying a microlight, small aircraft or even a helicopter.
We looked at the aerodrome of Gap/Tallard in the Hautes-Alpes which is the largest multi-sport aviation centre in France, and possibly Europe.
Administrative controller Jean Boyer says the site offers one gliding school, two aeroclubs, three parachute schools – one is military – plus light aircraft, microlight, paragliding and helicopter training.
It has two concrete runways and one grass, and operates all year round: they have 300 days of sun a year.
If you would like to try some basic lessons, the equipment and insurance are covered in the cost by the service operator.
One such is Bartair, which is run by Alain Barthère and is based just inside the entrance to the terminal building. It acts as the promotional, sales and liaison side for many of the various disciplines available.
Mr Barthère emphasised that safety was the main consideration for all the training schools.
Paragliding: parapente is the cheapest way to get into the air: “Normally an enthusiast starts with a tandem jump at about €75 or a day-long initiation at €210.
“Booking and basic instruction takes place at the airfield; the actual jumping involves a short trip by mini-bus to the hill that is ‘working’ on the day. That means one with good wind direction and velocity; we don’t want students ending up in the trees or on the rocks.
Gliding: this is perhaps the most rewarding to any beginner. Planeurs offer simple gliding, using an aero-tow, or power gliding – with a motorised glider – which is ideal for practising take-offs and landings; there is also an active social life.
A single flight costs €115, a day- long initiation €275. Week-long gliding holidays are available through some specialist companies.
Powered flight: initiation courses in microlights and autogiros cost €90 for the first flight, while a helicopter trip is €280.
Anyone who wants to aim for a full pilot’s licence in any form of powered aircraft will face a minimum of 40 hours’ tuition, plus full medical checks. These courses are all available at Gap/Tallard.
Parachuting: parachutisme is the responsibility of Briton Graham Jack, the owner of the terminal building’s parachute store. ‘‘Jacko’’, ex-Royal Navy, is a highly qualified “rigger” and runs the parachute repacking, servicing and upgrading operation for companies and
individuals.
“During the high season I repack most of the parachutes used by the schools, as well as covering my usual retail equipment operation.
“Gap is the best place in the world for parachuting. Most visitors start with a tandem drop (about €75), perhaps proceed to a five-day
course (€1,250-1,500), gaining a basic certificate. Up to this level, insurance, equipment and training are part of the fee. You need to be 15 years old to start, with parental
consent.”
Next call was to the neighbouring parachute school to meet Kevin Hardwick, who was 10 times a British champion in a variety of parachute disciplines and is now a freelance instructor there.
Kevin has been parachuting since 1990 and works in summer at the Centre Ecole Regionale de Parachutisme, Gap’s largest parachute school. He explained modern training methods and the emphasis on safety.
He said: “Every jumper has a chute and a reserve chute, and if you use your reserve chute, a written report has to be submitted.
“But the days of the war, when you had little control over your destiny, are long gone. It is a very safe sport.”
For those not flying, Gap/Tallard has a lot to offer, especially as the weather is good and sunny. There is a free children’s playground, restaurant, three-star hotel with outdoor pool and gift shops.
Perfect peace at 1,500m
BALLOONING is the final discipline offered at Gap/Tallard and Mr Barthère said it was an special favourite for younger visitors: “The hot-air balloon is probably the most interesting, as everyone is involved in setting up the balloon for flight and recovery after landing.
“Trips cost €225 per person, reducing to €185 for a group of five, which includes transport to the site and from the landing point after breakfast. This may seem expensive, but it covers a whole morning of enjoyment – hopefully.
“With a balloon, you never know where you will land; the wind is in control. That is why we have a radio link to the chase vehicle.
“My youngest passenger was just four years old, but it is a very safe and mainly quiet trip, and you see a lot from the air at this speed.
“Training to pilot a Montgolfière takes up to 12 hours before the first solo, and that is only the beginning. Our trips are mainly for tourists who want to do something different.”
When offered a place on a trip, we had no problem in accepting. Arriving at the airfield at 6.30, we were airborne by 7.45 and after the noise of the air-heater blasts, the peace and tranquility was very noticeable.
Looking down from about 1,500m in the clear spring sunshine and almost stationary, we saw hares, a pair of chamois, several mouflon and several birds of prey.
After about 75 minutes, Alain started to look for a landing point and spotted a grass field beside a farm track. After a smooth descent and landing, we discovered that it was a strip of marshland: “One of the delightful hazards of ballooning,” Alain said.
Four hours later, and a little muddy, we returned to the airfield. It was worth every minute.
Where can I do it?
LOOK for the Fédération Française Aéronautique for the widest choice of courses and aircraft in France.
It has 600 flying clubs, with 47,000 pilots and 2,200 instructors who can give lessons, with a similar number of planes. Each region has its own Comité Régionaux Aéronautiques and inside these are the Comités Départementaux Aéronautiques, which give advice on getting started.
The FFA website www.ff-aero.fr/ has masses of information – in French – for anyone looking to fly and an offshoot has easy-to-find info at www.ff-aero.fr/ffa-promo/
