Oludeniz 2024 courses

These small-group training courses are held in Oludeniz, Turkey which is a mecca for acro pilots and one of the best locations in the world for maneuvers training. No other location on the planet provides the same kind of altitude, consistent weather, and affordable and convenient access to launch. Unlike tow-based SIV courses that many pilots are familiar with, flights in Oludeniz are all foot-launched from one of 5 take offs on Babadag mountain, a 6400' high peak that rises straight out of the Mediterranean sea. Because of the mild climate and launches covering every possible wind aspect, conditions are reliably flyable nearly every day of the high season, from April through October. The take offs are accessed primarily via gondola, which runs continuously throughout the day. Under typical conditions, pilots enjoy a stress-free glide for about 10 minutes before arriving into the maneuvers area with over 3-4000' of useable altitude, and land next to the beach at sea level. 

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In order to optimize the learning environment, this course is structured in a way that provides every student ample opportunity to practice their skills and increase the intensity and complexity of each maneuver in a gradual and controlled manner. The small group environment provides for increased instructor attention, improved group cohesion and morale, and allows everyone to fly multiple times each day in order to get plenty of repetition of each maneuver and fully understand every drill. This progressive method of training aims to improve information retention and reduce mistakes caused by fatigue and stress. The course is designed to be flexible so that students can feel free to train at an intensity and cadence that works for them.

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On a typical day, we meet at 9am at the gondola for the first flight of the day. During the ride up we briefly review the flight plan which we have already discussed previously, ensuring that the knowledge and plan of action is first in your mind. I fly down first, and each student will launch one at a time in a predetermined order spaced out by several minutes. Once everyone has completed their runs, we'll do a short 1-on-1 debrief and then tweak the flight plan as necessary. We spend the first half of the day, typically 2-3 flights, at this cadence and aim to finish by about 1-2pm. The remainder of the day will be focused on having students practice autonomously, getting repetitions of skills at an intensity that is within their comfort zone and emphasizing precision and consistency of the maneuver over pushing the envelope. During the free-flight session of the day, everyone will be moving at their own pace, but I'll be available for questions and feedback intermittently. At the end of the day, we get together to review personal video footage to see how the "homework" section of the day went, and prepare for the next day.

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While the course is 7 days, in order to manage student fatigue, the 4th day is a designated rest/free flight day. Students are welcome and encouraged to fly within their comfort zone if they choose, and like every other day there will be a video review in the evening to see how everyone did on their own. Fatigue management is a critical part of the overall experience and optimal learning, so pilots are welcome to take the day off entirely if they so choose.

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What's included during the course:

• 6 days of radio instruction, including up to 3 real-time coached flights per day

• Daily maneuvers briefing, instruction, and debriefing for an unlimited number of solo free-flights (typically up to 3 additional solo flights are possible each day, weather permitting)

• Equipment inspection

• Free reserve repacking

• Life jackets

• Radio

• Boat rescue 

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What's not included:

• Travel expenses

• Food and accommodations (recommendations are available, however)

• Insurance

• Transport and launch fees

• Flying equipment

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How to register

Use the contact form or send me an email indicating the dates you are interested in and the best way to contact you. I will reach out and we will arrange a time to chat so I can better get to know you and your goals as part of the signup process