COMPLETE mastery of the air is an impossible skill to achieve for hang glider and paraglider pilots.

There is always room for improvement, though, and Simulated Incident in Flight (SIV) courses form part of paraglider pilots’ progression.

SIV flights are made over water with sufficient height to allow the various manoeuvres to be completed. The UK is not blessed with the terrain or the weather for SIV training so Ölüdeniz in Turkey has become one of the premier locations for this activity.

This beach resort in the south west of the country sits at the foot of Mount Babadag; towering more than 6,400ft above the sea below, the mountain peak is perfect for paragliding and SIV. Petersfield pilot Martin Ayers was joined by fellow Sky Surfing Club member Henry Saunders on an SIV course at Ölüdeniz.

Henry and Martin booked on a course run by Toby Colombo of Passion Paragliding, where the SIV elements were tailored to the needs of the individual. Henry said: “There were a large range of wings and abilities.

“The aim was to drill situations to enhance our safety when flying at our local hill or on a cross-country flight.

“We were exploring frontal collapses, symmetric collapses and rapid descent techniques.

“We learnt our canopies are incredibly safe and we – the pilots – are the weakest link.

“It was a thoroughly enjoyable week, well worth doing.”

Brian Parkins