Airworks Paragliding

Airworks Paragliding operates from the South Downs near Laughton in East Sussex — one of several long-running schools clustered around the southern chalk ridge between Brighton and Eastbourne. The South Downs Way runs along the ridge top above the training sites, and the prevailing south-westerly wind off the Channel gives consistent ridge-soaring conditions for most of the flying season.

What to expect

Standard BHPA pathway: tandem flights, Elementary Pilot courses, Club Pilot continuation. The chalk-down sites are gentler than upland UK paragliding terrain — ridge tops at 200-250m, well-grazed grass slopes, clean lift in southerly winds. The southern English climate is also more forgiving than further north — the school operates more days per year than equivalent northern schools.

Practical notes

March-October is the practical season. Lewes, Brighton and Eastbourne all offer accommodation within easy driving distance. The South Eastern Hang Gliding & Paragliding Club is the local pilot community. Combine a course week with walking on the South Downs Way, a swim at Birling Gap, or a day in Brighton. Bring waterproofs — even Sussex summer can throw sudden showers up the Channel.