Do you prefer flying in UK or abroad?

[Mogsie]

Hi All, having only about 1 hour flying in the UK. 2 x flights at Rossili Jun 08. I can't really comment on the UK. However, I spent 2 years flying in Cyprus and the weather ment I could almost fly when ever I wished. I have also spent many weeks flying in Bavaria Southern Germany with many fantastic flights from the high alps around Tagelberg. The weather overseas must be a prime asset allowing more reliability. I am looking forward to spending more time flying in the UK when I return Apr 2010 though, so hope to see you then...

[gareth.pawan]

Hi Martin, Sopot in Bulgaria is pretty good. I think they are holding the world cup there in August. If you fly straight out, you are 3,000' above the valley floor within minutes. Most of the local pilots incorporate acro as part of their flying routines; it's got powerful thermals, a huge wide flat valley floor and it's really cheap - including the chairlift. The Russian pilots have to be seen to be believed though! I haven't been to many places abroad yet but nothing I have seen here in the U.K. compares. Google Shambala or Skynomads for a look.

[MartinCowley]

I suppose my favourites would be Annecy and Chamonix (very keen to fly off the Aguille du Midi if I ever get a chance) but there are so many places I haven't flown. Annecy offers sled rides, XC potential, flying next to big bad rocks, SIV courses, trees, the lake and has a huge, flat landing field.

[AndyH]

Sounds very similar to Rhossili on a typical summers day "with some in the air,some of(?) the ground,non-flying partners picnicing,birds singing"looks like the only difference is that we also walk dogs at Rhossili.On a more serious note where is the best place that you have flown abroad?

[MartinCowley]

The reliability of many foreign sites (at the right time of year) and the fact that they have proper mountains makes foreign trips a must-do in my opinion. If you want mountains, lakes, very high cloudbases, etc. then foreign trips provide them by the in spadefull. However, I agree with Nick and mistress_palindrome (if that *is* her real name - I suspect she made it up that soft grassy hillsides with smooth dynamic lift can't be beaten for practising launches and landings and making your canopy control more precise. That said, extended proximity to the ground has inherent risks.
Places such as Annecy embrace free flight rather than merely tolerate it and it's great to see so many pilots from so many countries flying, landing and then enjoying a beer together.
My idea of flying heaven would be Bossington on a beautiful (if rare) summer's day, with some pilots in the air, some of the ground, non-flying partners picnicking, birds singing, etc.

[Viv]

I seem to get more flying done abroad these days than in UK. Seeing the rough loose takeoffs in Tenerife recently, my heart ached for the smooth green fields of Wales!  The flying there was challenging for a newcomer like me, as well as the more experienced pilots!  This might be due to the microclimate over there, as well as the terrain.  It was as crowded as anywhere when the wind was on, all nationalities. I am forced to return there for January as the weather is so wet here.  Hope to check out Slovenia with the big boys in April, as well as any other opportunity to fly that presents itself!

[Nick Roberts]

U.K. flying is great, especially on a good days, which we don't get enough of....but when we do get good days we appreciate them all the more!  Flying abroad is a fantastic adventure and you get to  visit parts of the world that are often not on the tourist trail.  However, when you book a trip to go flying abroad, you expect to fly most days, so if the weather is bad when you get there....bummer!

There are great flying destinations all over the world.  Just do a little research to find out when is the best time to go to a particular place and if you get the chance - then go for it!    :mrgreen:

[Steve Watkins]

Do you prefer flying in UK or abroad?

Not having had the chance yet to fly abroad, I thought I'd raise this little poll as I would imagine there are many benefits from flying in different parts of the world..