Terms and Conditions

To book, or re-book, a time and date to fly please email bookings@northernskies.uk students signed up to a course can also use the student WhatsApp group. Booking early usually means you can choose the slot you want. If you do not cancel a booking that you have made more than 24 hours before 09.00 on the day you were booked to fly you will forfeit that day’s training and or be liable to pay a cancellation fee. This includes day tasters.

ON THE DAY YOU ARE BOOKED TO FLY

You must monitor the WhatsApp group on the day of your flight to see if your session is going ahead with the weather that is forecast. Please get to the airfield in time for your session 

WEATHER

Weather is a big factor in all our flying. The conditions under which we fly are closely monitored and if it rains or the wind is too strong your flying day may be shortened or postponed. If this is the case email and book a new day. Vouchers are valid for 9 months from date of issue and courses are valid for twelve months from the first day of training to maintain pilot currency.

WHAT TO WEAR

A strong pair of boots with ankle support is essential for paragliding.  Bring gloves, a jacket and clothes suitable for the season we don’t recommend shorts but a hat and suncream is essential in summer.

 

PAYMENTS & VOUCHER VALIDITY

All training must be completed within 1 year of signing up.

Vouchers are only available on payment of the full fee and are valid for 6 months from the date of issue. If you wish to extend your flight voucher you must contact Northern Skies up to a maximum of 3 months after the original expiry date, paying a £25 administration fee making the voucher valid for another 3 months.  For courses and group bookings the full fee needs to be paid to secure your place. To maintain pilot currency courses must be completed within twelve months of signing up. Vouchers, or a course you have not started, may not be passed to another suitable party.

CANCELLATION POLICY

A full refund will be given up to 30 days after payment of a fee or deposit. Refunds in this period will incur a £10.00 administration fee. Once the course has commenced we will be unable to make a refund. Where the payment is within 30 days of the start date of the course or where the cancellation is more than 30 days after the deposit or full payment has been made no refunds will be given. You must give at least 24 hours notice if you want to postpone any training or experience flight that you have booked, failure to do so means you will either forfeit the booked training or be liable to pay a £35 cancellation fee.

SUPPLIER INFORMATION

All paragliding, paramotor, training is undertaken by Northern Skies. 

Northern Skies Aviation LTD is responsible for equipment sales.

SAFETY

Safety is our primary concern. We reserve the right to terminate individual flights and training courses at any time if, in the opinion of our instructing staff, safety is compromised. We adhere to and enforce the strictest of safety guidelines in respect of the type and level of wing students can fly, at any given stage of their training. The decision of the CFI will be final.

BHPA MEMBERSHIP

We issue memberships of the British Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association which includes £50,000 3rd party insurance.  There is no personal accident included in any of our Paramotoring and paragliding vouchers or training. If you wish to take out personal accident insurance please call the Airsports Insurance Bureau on 01983 298480 at least 2 days prior to your booking.

AGE AND MEDICAL RESTRICTIONS

The minimum age to fly solo is  fourteen for Paramotoring . For dual flights, if you are under eighteen years of age parental consent is required. There is no upper age limit although in the interest of your own safety you must give details of any medical condition that may affect your ability in the air. If in doubt, please contact your GP for advice. The weight limit for using school equipment on a paramotor course is 100kg. Over this you may need to purchase your own wing. 

NORTHERN SKIES EQUIPMENT POLICY

Break it you pay

Any damage caused to any of the school equipment is your responsibility. Our equipment is kept in top condition so damage must be replaced not repairec

None of the information below removes the duty of care any student assumes in flying the wing of their choice. We will always try to teach you using the best current practice and offer you up to date advice. We generally teach students on school equipment until 1. They purchase their own or 2. The end of their early training, whichever comes first. It is common sense that students complete as much of their training as possible on their own equipment, so that when you leave the school you are familiar with flying your kit. The earlier a student becomes familiar with their own equipment the better. In line with current best practice we recommend that students only fly modern paramotor wings that have been designed for begginers, with a suitable paramotor until they have enough experience to move up to the next level. That is why our school has new and modern wings, and why every expert in the land says it’s better to fly a lower performing wing at 100% than a higher one at 95%. We also strongly recommend that students do not purchase any gear until they have spent some time at the school. This will ensure you get the right kit whether you get it from us or not. We always reserve the right not to teach a pilot if we assess their equipment and level of competency to be unsuitable or mis-matched.  

FLYING IS A RISK ACTIVITY. YOU UNDERTAKE TO FLY WITH US IN THE KNOWLEDGE THAT DESPITE THE BEST EFFORTS OF NORTHERN SKIES AND ITS EMPLOYEES FLYING CAN LEAD TO INJURY OR WORSE

Phil Wood -

I have just completed a CP course with Ric. I found him to be calm, supportive, and very knowledgeable. He introduces you to paramotoring one step at a time so you don't feel pressure to learn (or master) too much at once. I can honestly say I have never felt in any danger at all, I have loved the experience, and I thoroughly recommend Ric and Northern Skies.

Paul Astle - First Officer

Ric taught me to Paramotor several years ago, he was an excellent instructor, very knowledgeable, passionate and patient. I would highly recommend his training school!

What Our Clients Say About Us

Richard Sharp
2 months ago

Fantastic training provided according to the BHPA syllabus. Highly recommended. Ric is patient, highly knowledgeable and always safe. The equipment he trains people on is of perfect condition and expertly maintained. I passed my CP in a short amount of time (very lucky with annual leave and weather) the club is friendly and easy to find. I’m looking forward to undertaking my Pilot rating soon and will definitely be joining the club once my kit is sorted

1977rugrat
2 years ago

One of the best experiences of my life! I cannot recommend Ric at Northern Skies enough! His calm and knowledgeable teaching style is second to non, I felt right at home and at ease from the the word go. Ric and the Northern Skies club members will go above and beyond to assist, give advice and help you throughout your journey through training. I had some epic flights with the school during training that will stay with me for the rest of my days for sure. If you are looking for an instructor/school to train with look no further, its 5 star tuition from paramotor legend.

Rob Softley
2 years ago

I did a lot of research before committing to a BHPA school. After speaking to people who knew what they were talking about I chose Northern Skies. I’m so glad I did. The CFI (Chief Flying Instructor) Ric is so easy to get along with and very professional. Being a little older (me) I learn at my own pace and Ric was so brilliant at keeping me focused. I was lucky enough to be one of the first students through Northern Skies since gaining BHPA accreditation so everything was done correctly and in a safe manner as it should be. The sessions are thought about and Ric has an excellent way of explaining the processes step by step. It wasn’t long until our group of 5 trainees took to the skies for the first time and we were prepared. It’s a daunting step taking off for the first time and Ric kept everyone clam and focused over the radio with every flight. I’ve now built up approximately 75 hours and developing my skills with every flight. Ric is always on hand to give advice and support. I can’t recommend choosing this school enough. Speaking to my fellow trainees that have now become flying friends we are all so glad we went with Northern skies. Pick up the phone and give Ric a call. You won’t regret it! Rob Softley

Tony Belgrave
6 months ago

I found Ric and Northern Skies when searching for a school to do my paraglider>paramotor conversion with. One thing that immediately appealed about Northern Skies was the flexible nature of the training dates. I gave Ric a call and was able to start my training the next day; due to my availability was able to get several days of 1-to-1 tuition which made for a great training experience! Ric is a great instructor, knowledgeable, friendly, and approachable, and he also gave me good advice on equipment, let me demo wings, and got me a good discount on a MacFly paramotor. All in all I would really recommend training with Ric and Norther Skies, couldn’t have been happier with my experience!

Robert Hague
10 months ago

Fantastic experience learning to paramotor at Northern Skies. Ric has been a superb instructor with the patience of a Saint. The whole set up is excellent and is positively geared to teaching you safely. I’ve subsequently joined the affiliated Club which I’m really enjoying. I thoroughly recommend Northern Skies.