Andalucia enjoys a dry climate with the air being of low humidity, it enjoys warm temperatures and the winds in the region are generally light. These local climatic conditions allow us to offer considerably more training days each year to our students and customers (estimate 250 flyable days per year). As a result we have been able to adapt, and extend, our methods of training to maximize training time. In particular, we are have enhanced our already successful tow training methods by incorporating tandem flying and hill lunching techniques into our courses as appropriate.

The Spanish seem devoted to flying, along with all kinds of other sporting activities. In particular, this enthusiasm was recently demonstrated with the region playing host to the 2001 World Air Games.

The opportunities Andalucia offers pilots to broaden their range of skills and flying experiences is enormous, the tow launching of hang gliders and semi-rigid wings, FLPA flexwing flying, microlighting, mountain flying on hang gliders and paragliders offering huge cross country potential lists just a few.

The gently sloped foot hills towards Algodonales provides ideal conditions for a beginners 'first day' training, after which, the flatland area around Villa Martin provides for continuation training using winching and aerotow techniques. For the more experienced pilot, we can easily progress to more advanced tow training or mountain flying, as required.

We have five main mountain launch sites, within 40km of our base, suitable for pilots of all levels of experience, these sites enjoy good access to launch point and a number of these enjoy special meteorological effects such as convergence and sea breeze effects that often provide lift to 3000 meters in the late evening.

In addition to the range of flying activities we offer, Andalucia is well worth a visit in its own right. Occupied by the Moors for many years there is a great deal history attached to the region, in and around Ronda there is interesting evidence of occupation by the ancient Roman empire. Andalucia also offers some breathtaking scenery with a stark contrast between its mountainous and flatland regions, lakes and caves abound and we are not to far from the Costa del Sol. In fact the region boasts many activities in addition to flying that make it ideal for a family holiday, horse riding, swimming in the lakes, fishing, water sports, climbing, caving, walking, mountain biking and motorcycling to list just a few.

Andalucia provides some great flying opportunities, one of the best is to soar or thermal with a flock of 'Buitres', these Griffon Vultures have an incredible 9ft wingspan and are not afraid to fly really close to you, alternatively, you may be fortunate and fly with a flock of 'Cequenos storks' as they practice their own flying techniques in preparation for their annual migration to the African continent.

Extra Curricular Activities
When the conditions are not flyable there are many other things to do and places to see, a sample of which is listed below...

• Horse riding around the lake: Contact Hanna on 0034160329146 she speaks English to arrange a time for riding. It is best to ring the day before and she lives not far from Algodonales towards Zahara. It is not easy to find but she will arrange to meet you to help with your navigation.
• Mountain Biking: Howard has two or three bikes he will hire you so talk to him on [??????]. He will show you the routes to ride, one of which is along the disused railway line from Olveria to Porte Serano. Before Franco was deposed there was a rail link reom Jerez to Ronda where the track was never laid but the tunnels and path are still there to this day and make excellent walks or rides.
• Tours, driving by car: A route that is spetacular and worth a day out is from Algo go west to Villa Martin and turn left to Pra Del Rey on to El Bosque Here there is a popular flying site. Then turn up into the mountains on the back road to Zahara. Each of these little white villages are worth visiting and all have cafes and restarants. If you have time then up the steep mountain to Graselema which is one of the highest villages in Europe. Then down to Ronda with its deep gorge in the centre of town. Breath taking to stand on the bridge to look down at this very old moorish arch. The bull ring has a museum worthy of time to look around. The Spanish are very proud of there bull fighting and Ronda is well known and famed. This is a big tour so do not hurry may be its worth a second trip to finish.
• Visit Seville: So far my knowledge of this fine historic town is limited but I am told it is to much for a day so choose what you wish to see and do not try to do too much. Take care not to get lost in the busy traffisc that exists there.
• Go Karting in Conil de Frontera: This is a great track and a very exciting time can be had here as a diversion.
• Visit Gibraltar: A good day out if you want a taste of England while you are on Holiday.
• Wind Surfing and Kite Surfing: Terifa is the centre for these two sports and a worth while visit.
• Caving: There are big caves to walk in in the vacinity of Ronda . Exact directions and information about this excersion will appear later in future updates.
• Canoes and Water Craft: Paco at the Alberge hostel has a range of boats and things for use on the beautiful resovior of Zahara.
  

How to get to us in Andalucia

Malaga is our nearest international airport, it is a common destination for many airlines throughout europe.

Once you've arrived in Malaga you'll need to travel by road to our location in Andalucia, but, before you set off in your vehicle here are a few pointers...

• Roughly, Algodonales, our main base, is located 100 miles NW of Malaga
• When driving, make sure you are wearing seatbelts and do NOT exceed speed limits, otherwise you will be liable for significant 'on the spot' fines by the Spanish police.
• If you are hiring a car at the airport, make sure you thoroughly inspect your vehicle with the hire rep. and make sure all defects and damage are recorded before you accept it.
• During the summer it is hot, if hiring a car we recommend you consider one with air conditioning fitted as the roads are very dusty and it's more comfortable to drive with the windows closed.
• Whilst it is warm for 10 months of the year, January and Febuary are cold! During this cold spell you will probably find Lejair operating in Lanzarote

The Route(s)

• The Easy Route:
  • Go west out of the Malaga airport and head along the coast towards Gibralter, It is a motor way and quite a fast road.
    At St Pedro take the road north to Ronda. This is a good road but very twisty up through the mountains. The road by passes the town of Ronda so there is no need to go in to town. This road should be sign posted to Cadiz, Jerez and Seville just follow for Seville and it takes you directly to Algodonales. It is 100 miles and takes just under two hours.
    
• Alternative Route:
  • Do not go into Malaga, but leave the airport and head NW along Autoroute (E15) towards Granada, Antequera and Seville
  • As you leave Malaga behind, concentrate or you will easily miss your turning and head off to the east.
  • You need to turn north onto the motorway (331), taking you over the mountains, towards Antequera (60km)
  • Where route (331) joins route (A92), you need to head west, towards Sevilla, for about 5km
  • Turn left off the (A92) joining route (382) heading towards Olvera, 74km
  • Continue along (382), which takes a southerly route around Olvera, for a further 25km, until your reach Algodonales
  • When you arrive in Algodonales find a side street off the main square to park your vehicle, then give me a call.
  • Note: The last 40km of this route are rather hilly but the road surface is good.