“Loved it! Think everyone at camp crusty asked me about it at least once and I told them it was really good. Lots of information to keep me going for months. Would love to do this again!”

Probably the most difficult step for low-airtime pilots is to get beyond the sleddie and ridge soaring stage. Brian’s clinic is perfect for that. He nudges you along and modifies your practices without putting you under pressure. The organisation is superb, with lots of flying time, good coverage of theory, well organised retrieves and very helpful debriefs. Bright has superb flying sites and the Outdoor Inn (aka Camp Krusty), which is right below Mystic launch, is the perfect base for your stay in Bright. The pilots doing the clinic all had different levels of experience, but each of us had our best flight to date on the first day of the clinic and then exceeded it on the following day. Brian’s clinic will reignite your interest in flying – Barry

Wish I had connected a lot earlier. Very impressed with professional style, knowledge and willingness to share with pilots. Had a fantastic time and improved XC understanding and skill.

Extremely useful course. It was really interesting to see training for paragliding from a scientific perspective which was completely new to me. It was probably pitched a bit too seriously for me (being at the lower experience end of the spectrum). I guess that is why I initially enquired about the thermalling/XC course rather that the comp course – so not a criticism of the competition course as such.

A great clinic.  I was rather apprehensive when applying, as I felt that it would be way above my capabilities – but with Brian’s assurances, and in flight coaching, I never felt out of my depth. I ended the clinic with far more confidence – and although I have a looong way to go, I now have the ammunition to get me there. Thanks Brian and Barb

Alway’s a pleasure learning from someone with years experience and great knowledge

The pre-clinic information and preparation with you set the tone for the course; gave me a clear idea of what to expect; and helped me to understand how I could get the most out of the clinic. I particularly liked our Skype conversation and the opportunity to get to know you a little bit before arriving in Bright, as well as the early emphasis on goal-setting. The organisation over the three days couldn’t have been better, I felt that we squeezed every ounce of value out of each day. They were pretty long days actually and I couldn’t believe you were prepared to spend 12-13hrs a day with us to get through everything – that was so far above my expectations. I really appreciated Barb as well, she is a very relaxed person who added a great vibe to the group – very supportive and always positive. The van is the perfect size – ideal to have everyone in the same vehicle to chat and continue with course work etc. I know Barb would prefer to be flying but she has retrieving down to a fine art and was there waiting for me each day when I hit the deck, which I really appreciated. The course material is fantastic and has provided me with a framework to continue driving my own development. I found the interactive nature of the course to be excellent – with the onus constantly being put on the pilot to think things through for themselves and answer their own questions, rather than providing the ‘quick and easy’ answer. Putting the tracklogs up on the light-pro was also fantastic. I never imagined I would learn so much in 4 days – definitely pushed me towards my limit at times which is exactly what I wanted from the course and it has provided me with the tools to do what I want to do in paragliding Overall the clinic exceeded my wildest expectations – if the flying had been half as good I would still have walked away feeling like I had learnt/gained a lot. Absolutely incredible value for money. I know that you have been paragliding since Moses was in short shorts, however from the outset you instilled confidence with your knowledge of the weather and conditions, your communication was excellent (both in-flight and in the classroom) and I absolutely believed that we could expect great flights during the course flying with you – and you delivered! I also really enjoyed flying with you. And the insight it provided into the flying culture in Bright – you guys have something really fantastic down there, you have managed to strike the fine balance where pilots are striving to ‘compete’ with one another while still wishing each other the best for good flights. I loved the positivity of the calling on the radio to assist one another in flight, I loved the system of rating the conditions 1-2-3 to give people an opportunity to speak up if they weren’t comfortable, I loved that the course covered everything from weather, to route setting, to post flight analysis, climbing, safety – I couldn’t have asked for anything more. The passion that you have for flying is totally inspirational and your dedication to improving yourself as a pilot has provided me with a benchmark. I absolutely fell in love with Bright, what an amazing place to fly. If you had told me on 1 January this year, when I signed off on my restricted licence, that I would be chasing the kind of flights that we did on those three days I would NEVER have believed it. Thank you very, very much – I am the happiest pilot in Australia right now 😉

The very good rating scale doesn’t adequately describe how I felt about the course.  I thought it really was excellent and such a good learning experience.  Brian has so much experience and he imparts that experience in such a positive way.  I learnt so much and had such a good learning experience. I’m looking forward to getting more air time and more XC flights and possibly doing the XC and competition course with Brian once I’m more experienced.  It was very hard going back to work today (especially since I’m still sick!) after such a good weekend. The course was catered to different levels of flying experience which was great (ie me with 12 hours vs those with lots of coastal hours, in land hours etc). Many thanks – I had a blast! Regards Chaye Gough

Excellent vehicle! I love the swivel chairs Well organised and very efficient. I can’t thank Barb enough for her wonderful way of returning us from remote locations. The track logs at the end of the day were good and showed me that lines taken are important. This course should be compulsory for all pilots thinking of flying XC and comps. There is just so much to do and so much information.

I had a great three days and was extremely pleased with what I did yesterday – a very big first for me: thanks to both you and Andrew for helping me achieve that. Harrietville is within easy reach! On top of yesterday, I thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience. Even Monday, with no flying, was rich with information, reflection and learning. I think you are stunningly good on many fronts, not the least of which is ensuring that you wring every available moment to create some form of learning. I hope I do not sound too exuberant about all this, but I have been on many courses for all different sorts of things, from the very practical to the very intellectual, and I would have to say that you are one of the best teachers I have ever come across. You are encouraging, positive, use questions that help us think for ourselves and come in with your own experience and guidance after getting us engaged and thinking about it. And attention to each individual’s specific goals and needs. I also thoroughly enjoyed Andrew’s contribution as well. He, like yourself, is positive, encouraging, professional and concerned for the welfare and learning of all of us. I think that you two make a truly excellent team. I will definitely try and book in a tandem sometime in the next month or two for one of you to take me through wingovers and spirals (let me know how much that would cost).

Good course I enjoyed and got a lot from it. As a small suggestion I would have liked a little more direction in air – appreciate this is difficult but might have been good. Have recommended you to several people since!

Really enjoy the course. Brian and Bard are great. As a novice that just finished my course few months ago, this clinic helps me to be kore confident in thermalling and preparing myself for my first XC. Thank you Brian and Barb. Bernard

Really valuable information made available, and very good way of passing information. I really appreciated the way of teaching; this was totally adapted to what I am looking for. It makes the course continue for us if we want to put the time to continue it for ourselves. This is a great gift! Organisation was very clear and efficient. Retrieve very efficient.  We didn’t lose any time in the car, every minute was spent learning. I was satisfied over my expectations!!!The involvement that both of you showed is unbelievable! And I am even more impressed by your email saying that we could still contact you if we need help.

The course was excellent! Brian’s knowledge and experience is second to none, every question that we had for him was explained very well and in terms that we could understand. I will be booking future courses. I believe that no matter the level of pilot you are you would be able to get some thing out of it. Thanks again,

I would strongly recommend to anyone to undertake the XC Clinic before contemplating XC flying. This course gave me the knowledge and confidence to fly away from an inland launch pad.

Amazing area, amazing ,flying! Brian’s coaching brought out a lot of answers to my flying question’s. If not for the scenario, definitely for Brian and Barb’s years of xc knowledge, worth every penny…I would pay more! Thanks for a fun filled knowledge pack few days guys. Loved it and will be back. Ian Neilsen