Welcome, visiting pilots
The Southern Hang Gliding Club welcomes visiting pilots from the UK and overseas.
Our sites are among the busiest in the country. With several hundred members and, compared with many other areas, relatively small sites, we always need to consider our usage in relation to others.
On a good paragliding day our sites can get very busy indeed, even midweek. If you are a hang glider pilot visiting on a stronger day, you will usually find them relatively uncrowded, with plenty of room.
Know each site before you fly
Every one of our sites has its own character, rules and hazards. All visiting pilots must be made aware of the local rules and hazards before flying. Read the site guide thoroughly, and seek advice on the hill from a club coach or experienced pilot before you launch — never fly a site for the first time without a briefing.
Flying as a visitor
UK-resident pilots
All UK-resident pilots must be members of the BHPA and of a BHPA-affiliated club. Day membership of SHGC is available to non-members.
Visiting pass — £10 for 7 days. Fly our sites as a temporary member for a week. Pay securely online by card and your pass is active straight away — or pay a committee member, site marshal or coach on the hill.
Visiting from overseas
Overseas pilots may fly as short-term temporary members for up to two weeks, free of charge. Before flying any SHGC site you must be able to show proof of:
- membership of your national association;
- your level of flying competence (IPPI 3 minimum); and
- valid third-party insurance.
There are further requirements — insurance, mandatory site briefings, weather and etiquette — that every visiting overseas pilot must read before travelling.
Free 14-day temporary membership. Sign up online and upload three proofs — national-association membership, IPPI-3 (or equivalent) competence and £5m insurance — to activate your pass. Free, once every 12 months.
Help us keep these sites open
We have the use of our sites thanks to many years of patient and delicate negotiation. Our continued access depends on showing landowners and tenant farmers that our members — and our guests — comply with the conditions agreed with them. Please fly considerately, follow the local rules, and help us keep these sites open for everyone.