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The great adventure

Cross Country Course in Colombia

Famous Piedechinche this August 2023

Cross Country Courses in Colombia for Beginners

August 6-12, 2023

For pilots flying EN-A and/or EN-B:

The main objective of the Cross Country Course is to provide you with a solid knowledge base and hone your skills to be able to make your own XC plans, prepare your checklist for XC flights, and fly for long durations and distances in both moderate and strong conditions.

Our Cross Country Course is always somewhat personalized and tailored to the pilot's level. There is a lot of theory and planning involved in an XC flight, so we usually spend a significant amount of time with our students in front of their computers. In the practical part of the Cross Country Course, the entire group flies together on a pre-established route designed by the instructor and/or students, with the instructor guiding all participants along the way.

What makes our Cross Country Course a significant advancement in paragliding instruction, well above programs found elsewhere, is the fact that we teach you how to safely and intelligently create your own XC routes. Our main goal is to teach you the basic rules of XC planning so that once you finish the course, you can go home and plan your own routes.

During the theoretical lessons, our focus will be on topics such as Advanced Meteorology, P3 Flight Techniques, Advanced Dangerous Situations, GPS and Instrument Usage, and Pilot Skills.

Please note that to enroll in the course, you should already have mastered your thermal flying skills. Otherwise, it doesn't make sense to enroll if you cannot climb to the top of thermals, as the group will not be able to wait for you and will have to leave you behind.

Contact us

Trip summary

 

A2 appi2Our Cross Country course in Piedechinche is specifically designed for novice pilots with EN-A or EN-B category wings who aspire to conquer the skies in mild yet challenging conditions. We have carefully planned a week-long adventure in Colombia, precisely when the weather in Valle is not at its best. This ensures that you can get the most out of your training while enjoying the beauty of this magnificent destination.

Why go

  • Marko Hrgetic Instructor, piloto de competición de clase mundial - conocedor de lugar y ganador de Copa Piedechinche Sport y Serial
  • Marko Hrgetic Instructor, world-class competition pilot - place connoisseur and Piedechinche Sport and Serial Cup winner
  • Organized transportation from Cali Airport (if you are traveling on the same flight as everyone)
  • Transport to take off
    Postflight sessions after the flight*
  • hotel included
  • Direct supervision of the instructor on all flights. We fly together, in the "I pull you by the hand" way
  • Theory: flight performance, safety, aerology, advanced meteorology, flight rules, hazardous situations, analysis
  • Flight preparation at home, necessary tools
    Instrument setup
  • All the necessary tools for intelligent decision-making during the flight
    Pre-trip classes by ZOOM*

 

Piedechinche Colombia
6-7 days
XC
Beginners
 
 
 
 
Trans Alps Adventure
Detailed information

Learn to fly Cross Country – XC Course / Clinics Colombia, Valle de Cauca and Piedechinche

Immerse yourself in an environment where atmospheric conditions generate thermals without turbulence, making them easily exploitable and discoverable. Imagine flying through the skies, counting miles and sharing this exciting experience with like-minded friends. Rest assured that our team, led by experienced aviators Marko and Camila, will be by your side, guiding and supporting you in every aspect of your flight, from the moment you take off until you return to the comfort of your hotel.


Marko and Camila have a deep knowledge of the flying area, having achieved notable victories in competitions held in this very place. Without a doubt, you will be in the most capable hands, ensuring not only comfortable flights, but also the possibility of breaking your own distance record.

August 6-12, 2023

Our courses are of a high standard with a focus on active pedagogy and autonomy. You will learn as much as you can during the course. We offer twice as much as our competition.


The Cross Country trip includes

  • An APPI paragliding course of active pedagogy
  • APPI XC instructor and assistant
  • Accommodation in Hotel Siga la Vaca

    Arrival on August 5 to August 13 (8 nights)

  • Transportation
  • Takeoff Daily Membership Fee
  • Flight theory and post-flight sessions

    (Meteorology, paragliding technique, flight rules, dangerous situations, analysis, XC tools, instrument settings, advanced performance flying)

  • 5-6 days of flight under supervision
  • Certification Nivel A4 Piloto APPI Rating
  • The local bus ride to the flight and pick up area.


Price

In our sincere effort to make this trip accessible and memorable, we offer you the option to choose whether or not to include accommodation. This will allow you to personalize your stay and foster camaraderie with other pilots, while ensuring an inexpensive yet delightful experience. 

With hotel Siga la Vaca
  • US$2000
No hotel
  • US$1700

Hotel Siga la Vaca https://sigalavaca.com.co/hotel/ 

In order to reserve rooms with a single bed, reservation payment is required as soon as possible. In case the rooms run out, we will offer shared rooms. In case of not being able to have space in Hotel Siga la Vaca, we will offer you one next door.

Hotel location: Santa Elena

Reserve NOW

 

Course does not include

  • Insurance
  • Plane to Cali
  • Transportation outside the program
  • Food and drink


IMPORTANT

We traveled on August 5. Arrival is August 5th. The course starts on August 6.

Master 'N Chief Instructor

School owner

"Dedication, professionalism, competence, passion, knowledge, progress, guidance, safety, and fun is my motto when I teach you how to fly. Our happy students are our best advertising."

Marko Hrgetic, APPI Master instructor #14372
SIV and XC Certified APPI instructor
APPI Pedagogical comity
APPI Representative Mexico
X-Alps 2019 Athlete

More than 1000 students in the various courses.

15 years of experience

About me
Arrive with a wing and a desire to learn, leave with a wing full of airtime and a mind full of knowledge.

Marko's XC course is the standard by which others should be judged. Marko not only focuses on the practical airborne skills necessary to have a safe and successful cross-country flight, but also ensures that the student leaves with the knowledge to be able to plan and execute such a flight.

In the air, the analogy of leading ducks is apt. If one of the class falls behind or has trouble in a thermal, Marko will drop back/drop down to help them catch up. Likewise, if there's anyone else eager to test their skills, Marko will encourage them to go ahead and find the rest of the group. Expect to be challenged, but not overwhelmed.

For every hour of airtime a student spends during the day, you can expect an equal amount to be applied in the classroom. Mental preparation, route planning, flight speed, advanced weather and post-flight analysis are covered in addition to the standard XC course fee.

Ultimately, if your takeoffs/landings are solid and you can thermal bond, this is the must-attend course for you.

mark carter

I like the way Marko teaches

I recently took Marko's Cross Country course and it was fantastic! I learned a lot about understanding weather charts, reading local winds, planning a cross-country flight, and the most efficient flight to get farther. I like the way Marko trains. As he evaluates how his students fly, he gives simple instructions on how we can fly better or take off better or land better or whatever. All of the students on our course who applied improved tremendously. I would recommend Marko and Flumen to anyone looking to improve their skills as a paraglider. He also gives great tandem flights!Chris

Hi Airmen!
Having recently completed my second extended clinic with Marko Hrgetic of Flumen Paragliding, I’d like to add my highest recommendation! Marko, Camila, and Toto are excellent instructors. They are not only adept in their flying skill, they are patient and helpful. Every detail was attended to, and both 7-9 day events went off without a hitch. Everyone got many long flights, several over 1-2 hours! Classroom session were interesting and informative. I learn many, many things you won’t find anywhere else! These were some of the best days I’ve ever had, and I’ve made a lifetime out of thrill seeking! You will come away a better pilot! John Cassidy Montana, USA
    Useful information

    Tips and Resources

    What kind of weather to expect

    Piedechinche located in Valle del Cauca in Colombia is world famous as Vale de Bravo. The flight site is located 45 minutes west of Cali. The site offers mountain and plain flights.

    It is a west-facing site.


    The weather in Piedechinche and Valle de Cauca to fly XC is best in January, February, and August.
    Depending on the year, if we have El Niño, the conditions are more humid and the La Niña years, when the conditions are spectacular, there is less humidity. The entire valley is located at 1000 m ASL and is very humid, which helps to create cumulus clouds. The cloud base varies between 700m AGL and 1500m AGL.
    The average temperature is 20-25C and the RH 50-70%.


    In Valle de Cauca there may be bad days when you cannot fly.
    Thermals are generally very wide and almost without turbulence.
    The valley has restrictions due to the Cali airport and some training areas for commercial pilots that must be respected.

    Daily plan

    During the course, we try to teach you as much as you can absorb. The day is divided into practical parts and theoretical lessons. We leave early in the morning, generally at 8 AM.

    Necessary equipment or clothing

    Summer clothes as it is quite hot.

    It is important to have a drinking system for your flights as you lose a lot of water during flights.

    You need to have:

    • Full equipment according to your level
    • SIV basic course
    • Radio 2m (VHF)


    Preferably you will bring/have

    • Modern GPS / or cell phone with XC App (SeeYou Navigator, XCtrack)
      XCPee
    • Computer/tablet for flight planning
    • XCPee

    We will check your parachute and how it is installed.

    Useful Information

    Join hundreds of our happy students,
    and sign up for our next course.

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    For more information or to reserve your place, do not hesitate to contact us without delay!

    Contact us NOW

    XC Courses

    20 Jan
    Cross Country Clinics
    Date 20.01.2025 - 26.01.2025

    Equipment

    Have the best GPS-Vario


    At our school, you can buy new instruments at great prices. We will teach you how to choose the best equipment for you.
    Check what we offer

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