Valle de Bravo with the Gin Explorer

[GrumpySmurf]

So starts a week long XC course under the APPI system with Marko Hrgetic @ ParaglidingMexico. In tow is the just released lightweight variant of the Gin Carerra/Carrera Plus - the Gin Explorer.

http://flyinorange.blogspot.ca/2016/12/ ... art-1.html

[GrumpySmurf]

Getting here:
Flying into MEX -> http://flyinorange.blogspot.mx/2016/12/ ... art-2.html
Transition from MEX to Valle -> http://flyinorange.blogspot.mx/2016/12/ ... art-3.html

Flying:
Start of the first flight of the XC course -> http://flyinorange.blogspot.mx/2016/12/ ... art-4.html

[GrumpySmurf]

Continuation of Day 1 flying plus a night of classroom theory:
http://flyinorange.blogspot.ca/2016/12/ ... art-5.html
http://flyinorange.blogspot.ca/2017/01/ ... art-6.html

Day 2 of the XC Course:
http://flyinorange.blogspot.ca/2017/01/ ... art-7.html
http://flyinorange.blogspot.ca/2017/01/ ... art-9.html

[GrumpySmurf]

Day 3 of the XC Course (in increasingly stable conditions):
http://flyinorange.blogspot.ca/2017/01/ ... t-9_3.html

[GrumpySmurf]

Days 4 + 5 plus trip home:
http://flyinorange.blogspot.ca/2017/01/ ... rt-10.html

[GrumpySmurf]

Feedback/testimonial provided to Flumen Mexico http://www.paraglidingmexico.com/en/:

"Arrive with a wing and a willingness to learn, leave with a wing filled with airtime and a mind filled with knowledge.

Marko's XC course is the standard by which others are to be judged. Not only does Marko focus on the practical in air skills necessary to have a safe and successful cross country flight, but he also ensures that the student leaves with the knowledge to be able to plan and execute said flight.

In the air, the analogy of leading ducks is an apt one. If one of the class falls behind or is struggling in a thermal, Marko will drop back/down to help them catch up. Likewise, if there is a keener eager to put their skills to the test, Marko will encourage them to push ahead and scout for the remainder of the group. Expect to be challenged, but not overwhelmed.

For every hour of airtime the student puts in during the day, they can expect an equal sum applied in the classroom. Mental preparation, route planning, speed to fly, advanced meteorology, and post flight analysis are all covered in addition to the standard XC course fare.

Ultimately, if your launches/landings are solid and you can link thermals - this is the must attend course for you."

One suggestion for anyone thinking of taking a course with Flumen -> confirm prior to booking what language the theory portion will be taught in. Some courses are in Spanish, some are in English. It is not clear on the website(s) which are taught in what.

[GrumpySmurf]

Quick video recap of the week:
https://vimeo.com/198473610