Following the positive feedback from last season, we'll be continuing our revised club night format.

Join us from 7:00pm in the bar area of the Horse n Farrier in Otley for pre-drinks and parachat—a great opportunity for new members to meet fellow pilots and socialise before the evening begins. Presentations will start at 7:30pm in the function room and will last up to 90 minutes, including a refreshment break halfway through. Afterwards, there'll be plenty of time to catch up with friends, enjoy the live music downstairs, or head home if you've got a long drive or work the next day.

The Horse & Farrier kindly provides the function room free of charge, so please support them where you can, thank the staff, and treat the venue with courtesy and respect.

This year's programme has been put together with the aim of offering something for everyone—new pilots, rusty pilots, nervous pilots, and even the sky gods looking to sharpen their skills. All of the talks below are confirmed for the 2026/27 season, so pop the dates in your diary and come along!

Thursday 1st October

The Northern Challenge Series – Winter Edition
 An exciting new winter version of the Northern Challenge Series, designed to help keep both new and experienced pilots current and motivated throughout the quieter months.
With thanks to Ed Cleasby.

Thursday 5th November

British Accuracy Pilots Academy
 With recent discussions about landing incidents on social media, this is an excellent opportunity to improve your landing skills. Who knows—you might even be tempted to have a go at the competitions!
With thanks to Andy Shaw and the British Accuracy Cup.

Thursday 3rd December

AGM & Awards Night
 Our annual AGM, followed by the presentation of trophies and the ever-coveted DHPC mugs.
With thanks to the DHPC Committee.

Thursday 7th January

Sports Psychology for Paraglider Pilots
 Fear, anxiety and pressure are all part of flying in a harness supported by string attached to some nylon. This talk explores how these psychological demands affect us, how they manifest physiologically, and practical strategies for managing them. It will also cover improving decision-making, confidence, consistency and performance—for the sky gods among us as well!
With thanks to Michael Deaville, Sports Psychologist, Leeds Beckett University.

Thursday 4th February

Astronomy for Pilots (by popular demand!)
 Perfect for those bivvying out under the stars—or anyone who missed Brian Cox's Arena tour. A fascinating guide to the night sky, our solar system, and why we're all essentially made from stardust… or perhaps nuclear waste!
With thanks to Mike Barker (who claims to know more about this than paragliding!).

Thursday 4th March

SIV?! – Simulation d'Incident en Vol (simulation of in-flight incidents)
 A group discussion on SIV experiences, with pilots sharing lessons learned from their first course through to those with many SIVs under their wings. A chance to learn from others' experiences and ask plenty of questions.

Thursday 1st April

Video Night
 An informal evening reviewing real flying incidents captured on camera, covering take-offs, in-flight situations and landings. We'll draw on the themes from previous talks to discuss what happened, what can be learned, and how we can all become safer and more confident pilots. The emphasis is firmly on learning, improving and sharing experiences.
With thanks to the DHPC Committee.

Further details on each talk will be published closer to the dates:

My thanks in advance to all of our speakers for generously giving up their time to make this programme possible. I always welcome constructive feedback, so if you have any ideas, suggestions, or potential speakers for the 2027/28 season, please let me know!

See you on a hill,

Mike Barker
DHPC Social Secretary