Email: info@llsclub.org.uk
Photo: Tom Percival

Coaching

Coaching is a fundamental activity for the club in its aim to promote safe flying in Scotland. Throughout the year the club holds coaching sessions to tackle a number of flying issues, such as Thermalling, XC Flying, Landing Approach. Sessions are a mixture of theory followed by (weather permitting) practical training on the hill. There are also a number of varied flying topics covered in the Winter Club Nights.

As well as the qualified coaches, all club members are generally a friendly bunch and are always ready to lend a hand or to answer any questions. So when you are on the hill, don't be afraid to ask! And many coaches actually prefer you to ask rather than risk being 'pushy' with their advice.

Club Coaches

PG Coaches | HG Coaches
(Click an image to view profiles of Club Coaches.)

Dave Thomson
David Thomson
Senior PG Coach
Contact.
Bob Matthews
Bob Matthews
PG Coach
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Stephen Pegler
Stephen Pegler
PG Coach
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George McGhee
George McGhee
PG Coach
Contact
Kenny Cooper
Kenny Cooper
PG Coach
Contact
Sean Figgitt
Sean Figgitt
PG Coach
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Gordon Smythe
Gordon Smythe
PG Coach
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Tina Wood
Tina Wood
PG Coach
Contact
Mark Leyland
Mark Leyland
PG Coach
Contact
Dorita Orr
Dorita Orr
PG Coach
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Steve Brown
Steve Brown
Senior HG Coach
Contact
Mike Armstrong
Mike Armstrong
HG Coach
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Martin Pacitti
Martin Pacitti
HG Coach
Contact
Sergey Kataev
Sergey Kataev
HG Coach
Contact

The BHPA coaching scheme aims to provide continuation training opportunities for pilots from the moment they leave initial training in a school environment right through to top competition level. Club coaches attend a 2 day training course run by the BHPA covering communication, skills assessment, conditions assessment and much much more.

As part of Lanarkshire and Lothian's commitment to this ideal, we have a team of dedicated coaches for both hang gliding and paragliding. They are always available to advise and assist you expand your flying experience in a structured and safe manner.

Coaching happens both on the hill (informal one to one or groups) and off the hill (pub, club meetings). Sometimes email is useful way of discussing your experiences in public on the club message board or on a one-to-one basis with one of the club coaches. Suitable topics for coaching run from refining a front launch to competition flying to the never ending topic (the weather) and its effects on our flying.

Club coaches will also help you progress towards BHPA awards such as Pilot rating (and onwards). So next time you are looking for advice or even if you are just sitting on the hill waiting for conditions to improve, approach one of your coaches and ask them a really difficult question and see if they can answer it!

Its a great idea to fill in an Experience Form before you go and tackle your club coach. In that way you can get advice tailored to your specific experience. Coaches will generally always be keen to help but if he/she is just about to launch into the thermal of the day you may have to ask your question later!


  Email: info@llsclub.org.uk