SIV & XC Turkey

SIV & XC Course Package

This complete package of SIV followed by XC has been perfected over SEVENTEEN years and is probably the most famous and talked about course we offer because you are taught all aspects of controlling your wing during the SIV from deflations and wingovers to stall recovery and SATS, (if you wish). Then you fly XC with the added confidence and skill in glider control, which allows you to focus on positive things like finding lift and coring, which free's your mind and helps you fly further.

As seen in all our films, we fly in Olu Deniz on Turkey's Turquoise Coast. Apart from offering some stunning flying, Turkey is one of the friendliest and most surprising countries we have visited. Superb ancient Roman and Lycian sites, dramatic inland and coastal scenery, excellent food, and a rich culture combining the best of Europe and Asia, provide a splendid backdrop to some brilliant flying. Once you have made your first visit to Turkey, there is a good chance you'll already be planning your next trip on the flight home!

Each year we have been fully booked. We are limiting places this year to maintain a reasonable group size. Please book early to ensure that you can attend your chosen week. On all SIV & XC courses we have 4 days of SIV training incorporating 6 scheduled flights and one bad weather/ optional flight. This means time pressure is taken off and thereby a more relaxed learning environment is created. After the SIV we fly inland, weather permitting, to fly XC over the best scenery ever!. There will be 1 XC flight per day on the last three days of the course, culminating in one of the most memorable flights ever when you fly along the coast and into Butterfly valley, a narrow gauge and tranquil beach. Should you have time to do more than the scheduled amount then this can be arranged.

SIV only courses

As many of you have done an XC & SIV course with me at some stage, I am aware that there are many of you who don't want to do the whole thing again. So we are now running 4-day, 6-flight, SIV only courses which will help you refresh your glider handling skills or try new manoeuvres like "SATS" etc. This way you get the course for only £425, plus you have time at the end or beginning of your trip to free fly and enjoy the holiday in a more relaxed way, either flying XC, or practising your new manoeuvres., or just relaxing on the beach. Just book onto the SIV section of any SIV & XC course available.

In addition to low course costs, you can also save money by letting Escape organise your Hotel, transfers and flights at discounted rates. On average, we can save you at least £150 off any available package holiday.

Don't forget if you are thinking of buying a glider then we will give you £425 off the RRP if you book on a course with Escape.

What's Involved

The Course

Jocky has been running SIV/XC courses for 17 years and presented and produced the "Security in Flight" video in association with the BHPA and the famous "Speed to fly" and the "Performance flying" . His knowledge and experience is vital to the success of the courses. Jocky's ACPULS test pilot experience has been fundamental in the shaping of the structure of the SIV course and the BHPA syllabus. His wide experience in testing gliders gives you the unique chance to take part in the best possible briefing and debriefing and keeps you up to date with the most current techniques in controlling modern gliders.

The main site above Olu Deniz is the 6,050ft summit of Baba Dag. Over the past 15 years we have developed this idyllic area into one of the best SIV sites in the world. After a steep drive to the top of the ridge and a simple take off, a short flight out over the sea allows about 4,500ft to be used to develop the skills needed to recover your glider from the most severe situations you may encounter. Under the guidance of Jocky calmly talking you through a progressive sequence of situations and recoveries from the rescue boat below, you will learn to recognise and recover from deflations, stalls, spins and spiral dives. Once your manoeuvres are completed you are given optimum height to glide towards the mile of golden sand which presents an easy target. After your perfect landing, 10 yards from the bar, what better way to unwind than to sit smugly drinking a beer, (if it's your last flight!) watching the next pilot pulling g's through ever tighter spiral dives and wingovers.

Extensive briefings and debriefings, life jackets, rescue boat, warm sun (and water) and Jocky's implacable voice over the radio, make this an ideal chance to fill in all those gaps in your practical flying knowledge.

TURKEY SIV COURSE TRAINING SCHEDULE

Mountain Flying

Baba Dag provides a beautiful introduction to mountain flying. Flying close to the rocks and trees or out, a vertical mile above an unbelievably turquoise sea, even low airtime pilots can experience the full measure of our exhilarating sport. Our world-wide mountaineering and mountain flying experience is integral to the safety and development of your flying.

Undoubtedly the most experienced team working in Turkey, Jocky and co. will provide you with the best information about local conditions. With their careful guidance, you will learn the 'golden rules' for flying safely and enjoyably in mountainous areas.

3 Day XC

For those pilots in search of a first XC, or more experienced pilots seeking reliable thermic conditions and regular height gains in excess of 4,000ft (previous record - to more than 14,000 ft asl), Turkey provides it all. Whether 30km landing by a mosque then being driven back to Olu Deniz by a friendly Turkish farmer on a motorbike, or 50km circling historically up to cloudbase in thermals from a huge Roman amphitheatre - it's up to you! As the week progresses we will focus away from the sea and onto the land, flying inland from Babadag towards Ak Dag and (if the thermals are willing), further afield.

We will be running XC trips from Babdag inland. This is a Cross country expedition with a sole mission to get you flying as far as possible in a safe and professional environment. You are guaranteed of experiencing the best of Turkey, meeting the warm and friendly farmers and accommodating villagers. Not to mention Seeing the superb scenery that changes drastically as you fly inland over the forests and mountains to the flatlands and valleys beyond. We always land in groups and get back to Oludeniz by local transport, that way you soak in the culture more and learn that getting back is part of the XC experience. On the last day we fly from Babadag along the coast east over tree covered ridges to a village on the slopes near the coast, called Kabak, then we turn back and land in Butterfly valley, a stunning gorge carved 1,300ft into the earth and rock, with a beautiful sandy beach and very chilled out vibe. a perfect way to end a perfect trip.

DVD's and Videoing

If you wish to get an idea of what is in store for the whole course watch Jocky's double DVD "Security in flight" & "Speed to fly"or his latest release, "Performance flying". All 3 films show the area you will be flying in and security in flight will show you most of the manoeuvres you will be doing on the course. Copies can be bought from the office for only £23.

If any companion wishes to video the students during their manoeuvres then we can also use that footage as a teaching aid. There is also a filming service from the beach but we need to know before you start flying so the camera man knows which one to film.

Accommodation

Flying Dutchman Hotel
The majority of our briefings take place at the Flying Dutchman hotel in the centre of Oludeniz which is a very clean family run hotel with a fun American theme. They rent out Harley's and the owner becomes Elvis on a Wednesday and Saturday. The hotel is a short walk from the beach and is right in the middle of town. It is immaculate, with a pool and all rooms have en-suite facilities, together with a room safe, and balconies. Standard rooms are twin bedded although there are family and double rooms available on request. Breakfast is provided on the main terrace and by the pool from 7.30AM. They also run the "steakhouse" restaurant which provide delicious lunches and evening meals at discount prices for residents.

Sugar Beach
We also stay at the Sugar beach which is a very stylish tranquil resort set on the shores of the famous blue lagoon, this idyllic location is more for the matured traveller who still appreciates the chilled beach vibe like the old Thai travelling days, but who prefers more luxury and modern facilities. The wooden beach chalets have air conditioning, en-suite facilities and their own balconies. Breakfast is served on the beach so you can watch the fishermen lazily breaking the calm water with their lines, amid relaxing sounds of birds singing and gentle music in the back ground. Jocky stays there and provides transport in his old landrover, but there is also a free transfer service all day.

Both the resorts have free Wi-fi connection.

B&B Costs

The costs of B&B per person per night at both places starts at £15 and a full quote is provided when you book. If you would prefer a single room or chalet please let us know at the time of booking. All booking start from the night you arrive, i.e. Fri/sat. If you get a "Flight only" then we can book you into the Sugar Beach or in the Flying Dutchman and arrange you airport transfers. You can either pay escape for the accommodation or to them when you check out. If the resorts are full by the time you book your holiday we will offer alternative accommodation of a similar standard and price near by, but you will always be informed.

Travel

In order for you to keep the cost of the whole trip down we recommend you get flight only. So you can shop around and get the best deal. All our recommended flights, leave on PM Fridays from many UK airports, and arrive in Dalaman AM Sat. We can arrange for an airport transfer through the Flying Dutchman or sugar beach, depending on where you are staying, this costs aprox' £40 one way and takes 1 hour. If there are more than one of you on a flight, or close flights, then we will try and arrange a taxi share or minibus to transfer you and hopefully charge less. You can get a taxi from the airport but that will cost £50. You can also ask you flight company if they provide a transfer service, which is cheaper, but that often means you have to leave the resort very early. As long as you do not have to leave Oludeniz until after 18:00 on the friday then you will be fine, because that is when the course finishes.

Tolls & Mountain trips

Since the last 6 years we have had a toll levied by the Turkish Forestry Authority for the use of their road. The amount for each flight has varied but we hope that it will be set for this year at about £4. Whilst your hill transport costs are provided as part of your holiday, the toll is not included due to the variation in the amount charged and the exchange rate. You will therefore pay this locally in Turkey. Normally to the driver, who will go round collecting the money before you set off up the hill.

Included within the course are 10 trips up to the take-off in heavy duty, four wheel drive trucks. Occasionally there is time for an evening flight, in addition to the flights we supervise. If you wish to free fly then the cost per trip is roughly £6 payable direct to the Transport Company you book with.

Olu Deniz & Nightlife

Colourful restaurants serving a delicious selection of fish and other tasty Turkish dishes are nearby. The main walk along the beach is lined with an abundance of restaurants and bars, some cosy, some pumping until the early hours. Being more friendly and personal, the atmosphere is very different to the Spanish resorts. The strict regulations governing building, limits any development to two stores above ground level. So the area has retained its natural charm. Quieter than the July rush, May and August/September are the best times to be in Olu Deniz. Many pilots and travellers of all nationalities travel to Olu Deniz at these times, enhancing the lively atmosphere. For those more interested in relaxing in the evenings there are a range of quieter restaurants and bars away from the main area along the beach.

Non-Flyers

Escape can book accompanying partners and families at list price which makes bookings etc, much easier and stress free. Each year we have a number of non-flyers, who enjoy Olu Deniz and the surrounding area as much as their partners/friends.

The beach at Olu Deniz is perhaps the best in Turkey and unlike most other resorts, is entirely sand so it is also suitable for children. All non-flying partners /friends are more than welcome to join in all of the non-flying activities we arrange, from group dinners to the Butterfly Valley trip. Should they wish to try a tandem flight this can be arranged at a reduced price.

Other Activities

There are a wide range of alternative activities including all watersports, scuba diving, boat trips, visits to historical sites including Epheses, shopping and Turkish baths in Fethiye. Of particular interest is Saklikent. This is a narrow gorge some 18km long, 500 feet deep and only a few feet wide.

The beautiful remains of Tlos with their atmospheric Roman amphitheatre and Lycian rock tombs are also near to Saklikent. Tlos is situated high in the valley and provides a wonderfully serene end to the day, as you watch the sun go down behind a distant Baba Dag.

Insurance

Please take out holiday cover at the time of booking or as soon as possible in case of unforeseen cancellation.
For pilots, full rescue/repatriation cover is compulsory - specific to paragliding. We recommend Yvonne Dukes at Airsports, (Tel: 01983 298480).. Alternatively you can contact Active Card Insurance, (Tel: 01327 262805), who have a policy for pilots and non-flyers with a competitive price that covers up to £5 million rescue /medical repatriation and £2 million 3rd party liability. For more information please call our office.

Costs

SIV & XC courses cost £545. They all include local transport, tuition, literature, waterproof bags and lifejackets. We can find cheap flights and book the accommodation for you, but students wishing to organise their own flights and accommodation can do so. Course cost without flight, accommodation or transfers is listed below.

SIV only (6 Flights) £425
XC only (3 Days) £165
SIV (Per flight) £ 80
SIV day (2 flights) £140
Complete 7-day course SIV & XC £545

Please note: All courses are weather dependant and we do eveything to get you through the course, but should the weather prevent completion of your chosen course then we can not refund your payment.

Radio Hire - £ 25
Please pay for radio hire when you book your holiday. We cannot guarantee a hire radio will be available unless you do so. £150 deposit will be required payable by cheque or cash at the time of collection in Turkey.

Flights to Dalaman

Escape runs courses from Saturdays to Friday's inclusive. By far the most cost effective and stress free way of booking your trip is to book your own "flight only" with a transfer, (either provided by us our the tour operator). This way you are covered by ATOL should there be problems with your flights etc. We will then book you into the Flying Dutchman or The Sugar beach. You pay for the hotel in addition to your course fee, min' 8 weeks before departure. Doing it this way normally saves you £150 per week over a package holiday with the one of major operators.

The average price from Gatwick to Dalaman is £220. You can also get flights from most UK airports although there is a supplement of £20+. Here is a list of the most popular flight-times and airports we use on Fridays.

Airport Departure time (UK)

Gatwick Fri 20:15, 22:15
Birmingham Fri 07:30, 19:55
Manchester Fri 08:30, 21:20, 21:45, 22:55
Humberside Fri 19:10

Please note, there are many other flights to Dalaman available. If you are limited to seven days off then flights leaving Friday PM are the best suited for the timings of the courses. If you need advice or more details please contact the office for a full list of flights and travel websites.