Flatland XC
You already know how to tow, now we start putting some height and distance together to reap the rewards of the flatlands with this XC course based at Conargo
Each day, before the thermals develop we do some tow refreshing together with some tactical XC discussion. As the day develops we tow, ping off, climb out and get up and away on course. A typical day consists of morning discussion, afternoon flying, retrieve and an evening debrief and analysis. Some of the skills and topics discussed include:
- Preparation
- When to launch and when to release on tow to find that first thermal
- Tow gear and equipment
- Thermalling and climbing
- Glides and energy lines
- Decision making
- Distraction control
- SMART goals
Costs
The daily cost providing the winch and operator of $400 is shared between the group
Additionally:
Retrieve costs are shared between the group
We prefer the group to self retrieve, it is much cheaper for you
- These retrieve costs varies:
- If the group use their own driver and self retrieve, retrieve cost is nil
- If the group provide their own vehicle and use our driver then we charge $35 per hour for our driver, shared between the group
- Example
A 100km flight, picking up other pilots enroute retrieve typically takes 4 hours so expect 4 times $35 totalling to $140, shared between the group
- Example
- If the group uses our vehicle and driver then the retrieve cost is our vehicle’s fuel cost times 3 plus $35 per hour for the driver, all shared between the group
- Example
A 100km flight, picking up other pilots enroute retrieve typically takes 4 hours so expect 4 times $35 totalling $140
$70 fuel * 3 totalling $210
Retrieve costs are $140 + $210 totalling $340, all shared between the group
- Example
- Tow costs:
- For each pilot daily the 1st tow is free, the 2nd tow is $20, then $40 per tow
Examples for a group of 4 pilots
If you take one tow, fly 50km and use our retrieve then your cost would be circa $155
If you take two tows, fly 100km and use our retrieve then your cost would be circa $190
If you take two tows, fly 150km and self retrieve then your cost would be circa $120
We would prefer you to self retrieve as a group but we will come and retrieve if the group need us
Dates
See the calendar or enquire for your personal dates
We can rent or sell you a tow bridle if you need one
FAQ
Photos
Clinic calendar
If you cannot see a date that suits you or there is a clinic scheduled and you are not sure if you are suitable for it then don’t be shy, contact us to talk it thru
Alpine tow endorsement
A tow endorsement clinic from Bright
There will be time to get to Mystic for some Alpine flying during the clinic
Bookings
Bookings
To book please check the dates of your event then contact us via the Enquiries page.
Be sure to let us know the dates you are interested in
We will then follow up with you to be sure we have you on the right event
If you have any questions call on +61 (0)417 530972 or skype to brianmwebb
Payments
Payments can be made by bank transfer or PayPal
Bank transfer
Bendigo Bank: BSB 633 000
Account name: XCkms
Account number: 122842537
PayPal
Regret this bears a 2% addition to cover administration costs
Please pay to webbie@XCkms.com
Why us
Why clinic with XCkms
- Expert guides with demonstrable experience
- Extensive local knowledge of sites and meteorology
- Tandem instruction where appropriate
- Comfortable 4WD vehicles with GPS, tablet, SMS and SPOT facilities
- Dedicated retrieve drivers
- Briefing facilities including whiteboard, big screen video replay, tracklog projection and WiFi
what can we work on?
Performance risk management, tactical risk versus reward
Confidence in your ability to make and execute decisions and in doing so perform well.
The ability to launch in a variety of conditions, getting into the air when required.
The ability to locate, track and climb well in thermals both alone and in a large gaggle
The conscious decision to be more or less conservative based on observation and situations.