Organisation profile

Air Ventures

• School

Air Ventures operates in the Lake District and is run by Gordie Oliver with a team of instructors. Students can choose a one-day taster or follow Elementary Pilot with Club Pilot training. The school outlines roughly four days for Elementary Pilot, combining canopy control, controlled fly-downs and designated-area landings with basic weather knowledge, site assessment and air rules. Club Pilot adds soaring and more detailed theory, with a published duration of around six days. Weather and student availability affect the training schedule.

The taster keeps theory to a minimum and emphasises practical experience of the sport. The day starts with equipment familiarisation and emergency procedures. Ground handling on level ground leads to short flights on a gentle slope, with flights extended as take-off and landing skills develop. This is hands-on student training rather than simply a tandem ride. For participants who continue, the school counts the taster as the first day of Elementary Pilot.