Brazil XC Courses

We have been going to Brazil for 15 years because of the reliably smooth 2-6mps climbs to 7,000ft cloud base, and stunning landscapes. All at a time when the weather in the northern hemishpere is cold and wet. This year we will be spending 3 weeks flying at this incredible site, at the best time of year, from 16th of February to the 7th March. You have the option of 2 week or 3 week courses which includes mountain transport, plus the intimate briefings, air-to-air training and lectures.

Due to my scheduling and the need for as much high quality Cross country flying, I have decided to make the Brazil XC tour to Governador Valladares 3 weeks long which is great for those who can spare 3 weeks off work. For those of you who can't then you have a choice of doing the first 2 weeks, mainly with Chris and Tim, or the last two weeks mainly with me, Chris and Tim. The three course choices are:-

To attend the course that runs from 16 to 29, (14 flying days), mainly with Chris and Tim and then me as well, from the 25, for the fee of £485
To attend the course that runs from 23 Feb to 7 March, with Me (from 25 to 6), Chris and Tim for £585.
To attend the whole trip, (21 days flying), for £750

XC Valadares, Brazil 16th February to 7th March, 2008

If you are interested in coming on the course then please read on...

The Course

For 2008 my plan is to have 14 pilots maximum with 3 guides, myself, (from the 25 feb to 6 mar), Chris and Tim. On a typical day you will be picked up from your hotel at around 09:30 and driven up to the take off. There you'll be given a team brief/ de-brief, and lecture. Once everyone is ready we'll set a task to fly and then take off together, flying as far as possible, under radio tuition, as a team. One of us will be with the first group and the other instructors will be positioned throughout the pack, with the last one bringing up the rear. After a few days into the course we may change to position ourselves to look after the pilots who may need more instruction.

Our aim is to have everyone getting personal bests and making the most out of the conditions, so please feel free to ask loads of questions and make sure you sap us of all knowledge. To give you an idea last year we flew everyday and 40km was a common average. We have a great deal of information on the flight plan that we will be sending out when you book.

The launch site is smooth but steep with a gentle up-slope breeze. You are all good enough to fly from there with no problems so there won't always be a take-off instructor there. Please remember that although you are on a course and we are giving you full instruction, where possible, you must be self-reliant and be able to make your own decisions as well. If you bomb out then you can always hitch a lift up to take-off with one of the local pilots and have another go. Also if a large group bomb out then we will sort out a deal with the truck driver and he will bring you back up. If there are 3 of you then it's worth getting a taxi, but agree a price before you get in. Ref' radios, make sure they're 2-metre band and, if possible, get a 110 volt to 220v transformer, although it is possible to get them made out there.

View map of GV

Chris and Tim, (guiding the first group), have booked their flight that arrives into Rio, (GIG), at 18:45 on the 15 February. I have booked my flight that arrives into Rio on the 25 February and departs on the 7 March. Currently the best flights are with BA, TAP or United Airlines and is approximately Ł550 inc' taxes. If you get a flight that arrives into Rio anytime before 19:00 on the Friday (15 or 22), then you have a day in Rio seeing the sites, and meet up back at the airport or at the bus terminal which is close to the airport. We will book your seats on the "Executivo" bus operated by "Rio Doce " bus company from Rio to GV which is a very comfortable air conditioned bus that enables you to sleep en-route over night. It departs from the bus terminal at 20.45 on the 15 and 22 February, and arrives at 06:00 the next day.

At 10am on the 16 or 23, we will go up to launch, treating it as a relaxing orientation thermalling flight. The course starts in earnest on the 17 or 24 and continues to the 29 Feb or 7 March, depending on your choice.

Should you wish to arrive a few days earlier and chill in Rio, or if you are coming from another country, then please make sure you get a flight that arrives before the bus leaves the bus terminal at 20:45M on the either the 15 or 22.

Hotel

I will book everyone into the Real minas hotel in the centre of town. We have a group price of around $14 per person per night but I will confirm this once I know what type of room you require. Let me know if you don't mind sharing and I will pair you up with other course members, this will save you a few bob too. Should you want cheaper accommodation then I will show you around once we are out there. Real Minas Hotel

Logistics

Please make sure you've got the full paragliding insurance cover for the whole trip.

Once you have booked on the course I will be sending the full flight details, joining instructions, maps and further information.

I look forward to hearing from you soon but in the meantime please read the useful tips below there will be more coming......

Here are a few more details about Valadares for your information...

It is hot. Bring a good camelback, you will need it. There are few mosquitoes, too dry. So I didn't meet anybody who was taking paludrin etc. It's wise to make sure that you have other tropical vaccinations up to date - ask your doctor. Don't bring too many clothes! All you will need is a pair of shorts, jeans or whatever for the night clubs, and a few cotton shirts. Socks, sadly, are essential in your boots. I experimented by not wearing socks for a week and they ended up not letting me on the truck! Sandals when you are not flying. A hat is ESSENTIAL and much more practical than sun tan oil which does nothing to protect against skin cancer. The sun burns every day. You will need a light flying suit and all your kit must weigh less than 25 kg or they will sting you for excess baggage on the return flight (as I know to my cost). Wear your boots on the flight.

Don't buy travellers cheques. They take HOURS to exchange in the local banks which are diabolical bureaucracies, and you will get a much poorer rate than with a cash card. There are many new cash card machines (VISA, Mastercard) right opposite where the trucks set off in the morning - and you will get the latest rate from them. Don't bring cash and change it with local shysters (there are many). They give crappy rates.

There is airspace - over the Valadares airport which extends to Ibituruna. We have been allowed to fly above Ibuturuna and south, but we must not cross the river within 10km north and south of GV, unless we are going to land in the official field but pilots must stay below 500ft AGL once they cross the river.

The countryside is farm and ranch land, settled for hundreds of years, many horses - horse drawn buggies and horseback riding is the only practical way to get around much of the country. The people are friendly, especially if you greet them in Portugese, and helpful. The kids pack the canopies if you land more than 20 km from takeoff. I expect they have got ripped off too many times or got bored with it closer in. They may look poor but they all go to school and often speak better English than their parents. Very useful for finding the bus-stop!