Soaring and discovery of mountain areas as the Pyranees takes time.

First of all local weather conditions must be understood and mastered. Then exploration of the local glide cone can be started. Almost skilled cross-country pilots must modestly learn that best return path in mountain area is usely not the strait line. Weather conditions from one valley to another can also significantly change and must be understood.

Finaly adequate conditions for the first large ride will come for satisfactory and safe discovery of North and South area of the mountain chain.

The motoglider permits pleasure by almost all VFR weather conditions. Either in strong Summer or weaker Winter thermals, wave and Xcountry flights. It permits also reconnaissance and training around the emergency airfields.

Waveflights are the speciality of the motorgliders. It permits autonomeous morning take-offs, quick injection into the wave without suffering too much behind towplane kicks. Its higher mass and pitch stability compensate highly the relative low glide ratio.

Above FL125 (3800m) oxygen is mandatory for all flight over 30mn duration and above FL145 (4420m) for all flight of any duration. The area of St Girons is well adapted to waveflights.

During the last 20 years of aircraft and sailplane flights in South France, we logged many trips in EU or North Africa. The motorglider permits to compromise trips and soaring at destination.

Starting at St Girons, after a few hours Xcrountry, it is possible to soar above the Swiss or Austria Alps. After a day Xcountry, it is possible to soar above the maroccan Atlas mountains or the tunisian desert thermals.

Home         Top of the page

@Association Midi Pyrénées MotoPlaneur (MP)²