Frequently Asked Questions
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When is the best
time of the year to come to Brazil?
As far as the flying is concerned, one of the best things about
Brazil is its consistently reliable weather.
During February, March and April the thermals are usually big,
smooth and relatively calm. It’s a fantastic place to develop and
fine-tune those thermalling skills. With cloudbase normally reaching
about 6,000' above the ground, you’ll have plenty of time and space
to polish up your technique.
Later on in the year, particularly in August and September, the
conditions get noticeably stronger. Cloudbase frequently exceeds
8,000' ASL (approximately 7,500' above the landing field) and climbs
of over 8 metres per second can be found. This is not the time for
inexperienced pilots but the more adventurous ones may achieve some
big distances.
From November through to January you can still have some excellent
flying but this is the time when we have the highest rainfall and,
therefore, we will not normally be running trips at this time.
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Do I have enough
experience to come on the course?
It is not necessary for you to have previously done cross-country
flying but it is recommended that all pilots should have at least 20
hours, post CP, and preferably some experience of thermic
conditions. The take-off areas and the landing fields that we use
are huge so you should have no difficulty with them.
Whatever your level of proficiency, you will enjoy the flying in
Brazil. It has something for everyone.
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What does a typical
day consist of?
Dependent upon the weather, you will normally be picked up from your
hotel at around 10 a.m. and driven up to the take-off. There you'll
be given a de-brief on the previous days flying, if this hasn’t
already been done, and a briefing for the day ahead. In the air,
you’ll have an experienced pilot to follow. When you land we will
retrieve you and then make a decision about the rest of the day – is
it a drive back up to take-off or into town for a nice cold beer?
In the unlikely event that the weather isn’t flyable, we will try to
arrange alternative activities. This may take the form of theory
lectures, DVDs or something completely unrelated to paragliding
(flying every day for two weeks can be exhausting!).
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Are we restricted to
one flight per day or is it possible to fly more than once?
This will depend on the individual needs and the circumstances of
the day. If the group have had a relatively short flight, and the
conditions are still suitable, we may arrange another trip up to
take-off. However, if the majority of the group do not want to fly
again, we may decide against it.
Safety will always be our primary concern. Paragliding, and
particularly cross-country flying, can be both physically and
mentally tiring. This can seriously affect your ability to make
sensible decisions and, therefore, it may be worth leaving it until
the following day.
We will never stop you flying, that decision will always be yours,
but we may advise against it.
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I want to come to
Brazil but I cannot fit in with the dates you are suggesting. Will
you still be able to offer me a guiding service?
We will do whatever we can to help and, if there is sufficient
demand, we may be able arrange additional tours.
If you intend to arrive in Brazil between tours, we may not always
be able to do the airport transfers ourselves but we will certainly
be able to advise you about using public transport to get here. Once
you arrive you will be able to join in with the rest of the group.
Give us a call or email us to discuss your particular circumstances.
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I booked a guided
holiday with you and paid my deposit but I cannot go now. Is it
possible to get the deposit back?
Unfortunately, the deposit is non-refundable. We have expenses to
meet, even if you cancel your holiday, and that is the reason we
recommend you take out suitable holiday insurance cover.
