DOODLE-BUGGING
What is a Doodle-bug?
 A
Doodle-bug is a hang glider wing, powered by an engine, which is
attached to the pilot's back. The 2-stroke motor provides enough
power to make the take off run just a few paces long. The Doodle-bug
engine/seat unit and hang glider are easily transportable by a normal
car.
Once airborne, you can switch the engine off and fly the wing like
a normal hang glider, using the power of thermals to keep
you aloft rather than the motor. Should you need it, you can
restart the engine to return home. Alternatively you can use
your Doodle-bug for cross-country flights, landing for fuel
(near a petrol station!) when you need to or camp using the
spacious stowage area behind the pilot to store a sleeping
bag , lightweight tent etc. Easy outlandings coupled with
very easy ground handling (for this type of machine) makes
for a realistic bivouac tourer
 In
sensible hands, Doodle-bugging can be amongst the safest of adventure
sports. The expertise you need to keep you safe starts with the
school you learn with. Airways Doodle-bugging School is registered
with the British Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association (school
no. 313). At Airways Doodle-bugging School we aim to equip you not
only with excellent flying skills, but also with the knowledge to
keep you flying safely whilst having maximum fun!
Learning to Fly Doodle-bug
Good hang glider control is essential for safe Doodle-bug flying
and needs to be learned before adding a Doodle-bug to the equation.
We will teach you the hang gliding skills you will need in order
to fly a Doodle-bug.
Airways Doodle-bug School is based at Darley Moor, near Ashbourne,
Derbyshire. The airfield is flat and huge so it will take any wind
direction. You will spend the first couple of days learning how
to handle a hang glider, mastering take offs, turns and landings,
being towed aloft using a winch so there is no need to climb hills
to learn to fly. You will be taught about the techniques of Doodle-bugging
and given a guided tour of your Doodle-bug engine.
Teaching is progressive - once you have acquired the necessary
skill with a hang glider, the motor is added. The take off
technique is practiced with the engine off, and when you have
grasped this, the winch tows you aloft using our 'Dummy' Doodle-bug
instruction unit. This gives you the same feeling as being
under power but without the added complications of having
to deal with a throttle and cut out switch. Only when these
skills have been mastered will you put all your knowledge
together and make your first Doodle-bug flight. Lectures will
cover airlaw, meteorology and flight principles, culminating
in the Foot Launched Powered Aircraft (FLPA) exam. You will
also need to complete a qualifying 30km cross country for
your FLPA certificate. As a member of the BHPA this will automatically
give you £2m of third party insurance cover.
Once you have learned to fly a Doodle-bug, you can use it as you
wish - to enjoy flying in thermals and travel cross country, or
to just get away from it all by watching the sun set from 1,000
feet on a lazy summer evening. You are the pilot. You decide what
you want to do. We will teach you - it is as simple as that!
Doodle-bug
Instruction
Chris Dawes - Chief Flying Instructor
Chris is one of Britain's top paraglider pilots and has been flying
both paragliders and hang gliders for 15 years. He has competed
for several years internationally as a member of the British Paragliding
Team and has won the British Cross-Country Championship. He is one
of the most experienced Doodle-bug pilots in Britain and is a Doodle-bug
display pilot. He has also appeared on ITV's "Don't Try This
at Home", taking a member of the public on a tandem paramotor
for their 'Challenge of a Lifetime'. With his sound communications
skills and dynamic personality he makes a great instructor.
Doodle-bug Courses
Hang glider pilots wishing to convert to Doodle-bugging will, on
average, need 3 days tuition. Learning from 'scratch' requires a
minimum of hang gliding Club Pilot (tow) Certificate, and together
with the Doodle-bugging section of the course, generally involves
8 - 12 days
Doodle-bug Insurance
The British Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association is the governing
body of our sport and membership includes third party insurance
cover. Membership of the Association is compulsory for all students
in the UK. The price for this cover depends on the time scale for
the flying experience you want. We will arrange insurance cover
for you on the first day of your course.
Weather
Good weather is a big factor in learning to fly Doodle-bugs. We
assess the weather conditions the night before a course is due to
start. If, due to bad weather you cannot fly, we will rearrange
your booking as soon as possible. Should the weather interrupt flying
during your course, any unused flying may be taken at a future date
by arrangement.
The choice of payment structure for tuition is yours. By buying
a set course, e.g. CPC + Doodle-bugging, then you are trained to
that level, irrespective of the number of days needed. This puts
the emphasis on Airways to teach you, rather than for you to turn
up and keep paying - makes sense!
Accommodation
The Peak District National Park has plenty of hotels, B & B
and campsites. We have an accommodation list of these if you need
it.
Basic Requirements Doodle-buging
You don't have to be super fit. Your initial training will involve
running around on open ground so bring sturdy footwear (walking
boots will do). In the summer it can get hot so bring lighter clothing
and plenty to drink. If the weather is cool, bring an extra fleece
and lightweight windproofs are advisable. Don't forget the most
important thing of all - a picnic lunch!
Training Costs for Doodle-buging
Minimum training for Doodle-bugging is Club Pilot Certificate (CPC
tow or hill) + Foot Launched Powered Aircraft (FLPA) qualification.
Prices 
Facilities
Our shop stocks a range of Doodle-bugging equipment. We offer a
wide choice of hang gliders, both new and second hand. We stock
Doodle-bugs as well as helmets, harnesses, books, videos, boots,
reserve parachutes, instruments, flying suits and all round cool
clothing. Whatever your budget, our advice and support will always
be available with your safety and fun our prime consideration.
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