Pilot Coaching

Pilots who have recently qualified, pilots who have had significant time away from flying or any pilot who would like some friendly advice or assistance can register for the Club Coaching events. These are held monthly (weather permitting) and can be used to improve flying skills and give good introductions to Dales sites. They are also a chance to make contact with other pilots on the hill. Details of these events and how to register can be seen in the Coaching section of the Forum.

Flying Sites

For all pilots the Dales has some of the best flying sites in the UK. Most sites are large and so not usually busy (12 gliders would be considered a crowd). Take off and landing areas are generally large and free of obstacles although some of the walk ups can be....errrr....challenging! As always, you are encouraged to speak to Club Coaches and/or other pilots before flying any sites you are not familiar with. Keep up to date with site information and statuses in the Sites Guide.

Cross Country Flying

In recent years the number and distance of XCs flown in the Dales has increased. With little airspace to worry about for 30km in most directions it is a great place to fly your first XCs. Check out the XC League pages to see what is possible. And on the odd occasion where the weather doesn't play ball you can always retire to the cafe in Kettlewell for their famous cream tea!

Reciprocal Rights

The Club has a reciprocal rights agreement with all neighbouring clubs (Pennine Soaring Club, North Yorks Sailwing Club, Northumbria Hang Gliding and Paragliding Club, Sir George Cayley Sailwing Club and Cumbria Soaring Club) that allow DHPC members to fly sites (that are not designated members only) in other clubs' areas. The same rights apply to members of these other clubs with regard to DHPC sites.

Events and Meetings

Events and activities in the Club are detailed in the monthly newsletter, on the website and by email to members. Monthly meetings are held on the first Thursday of each month in the function room at The Dyneley Arms (LS21 1ET) near Otley.(http://www.ilkleymoorvaults.co.uk/). At these meetings there are often talks on relevant subjects and the opportunity to talk about flying or other such weighty topics with other pilots (as well as to enjoy excellent Yorkshire beer). Other events include an annual reserve parachute repack, annual party and (more recently) a summer bash/BBQ/general good time event.

Other Information

The Club is also active in competitions with club teams and individual pilots competing at a variety of levels. Dales sites are also often used for national competitions.

Other Club activities, procedures and general information are detailed elsewhere on this website. Please read them carefully so that you can familiarise yourself better with the sites information and rules.

Join the Club

To join the club simply download the Membership Application Form (link below) and return it with your membership subscription to the Membership Secretary (address on the form). For your subscription you get a Sites Guide, monthly newsletter, access to Club events and, most importantly, the opportunity to fly in the Dales for as long as the weather allows!