Weather To Fly

Service Description

Duration: 3-hour in-person theory class Level: New to intermediate pilots Course Overview: Understanding the weather is one of the most important—and often overlooked—skills in paragliding. Weather to Fly is a focused 3-hour theory session designed to build practical paragliding weather skills, helping pilots understand New Zealand's unique weather patterns and plan safer, smarter flying days. Through a clear, structured approach, you'll learn how to interpret synoptic charts, assess wind and thermal conditions, understand microclimates, and anticipate changes in the air before you launch. This course is tailored to the Southern Lakes region, but the knowledge is transferable to flying sites across Aotearoa and beyond. What You’ll Learn: - How to read and interpret weather models, synoptic charts, and local forecasts - Wind, thermals, and cloud formation—how they impact your flying - Common weather systems in New Zealand and what they mean for pilots - Recognising site-specific microclimates and convergence lines - How to assess risk and choose the right day, site, and timing for flying - Tools and apps to support your daily weather decision-making Why It Matters: Great decision-making starts on the ground. This module develops your paragliding weather skills, builds confidence in choosing when not to fly, helps you spot opportunity windows, and teaches you to avoid common weather traps in New Zealand’s complex terrain. Who It’s For: Pilots fresh out of school who want a solid weather foundation, experienced flyers new to NZ conditions, or anyone looking to refine their pre-flight analysis skills and fly with more clarity.