Introduction
The LLSC has been in existence since 1975. We are a BHPA member and also a member of the SHPF. Hang gliding and Paragliding clubs are different to other sports clubs in that we are not able to provide training - that is the role of the licensed schools. However, we do provide support for newly qualified pilots to develop their skills, and for more experienced members, we provide all the other aspects of typical sports club membership.
Officers
There are no paid officers of the club. All Committee members are volunteers, giving up their time freely. The Club has a very varied membership with a huge variety of skills - give volunteering as a Committee member a go yourself! The committee members with links can be contacted via a form (click the link)
- Chairman - Ben Johnson
- Secretary - <vacant position>
- Safety Officer - Chris Sangwin
- SHPF Liaison Officer - Alistair Bowman
- Treasurer and Membership Secretary - Ian Kennedy
- Website Officer - Mark Bradley
- PG Chief Coach - Fred Robinson
- Hang gliding Officer - <vacant position>
- Power Paragliding Officer - Bruce Barrack
- Forestry Officer - Alistair Bowman
- Sites Officer - Kevin McGrath
- Trophies' Custodian - <vacant position>
- COVID officer - <vacant position>
Club House
We don't have a "club house" - the hills from which we fly provide that function for us. With modern communications, it is relatively easy for several pilots to arrange to meet at the most suitable flying site for their skills, experience and the weather conditions on the day. In addition, local informal groups of pilots organise both flying days and evening meets in pubs.
Coaches
The principle means of supporting recently qualified - and less recently - pilots is via our coaches. Again, HG and PG club coaches differ from most other sports in that they are not allowed to provide formal training, but are themselves trained to provide appropriate coaching and guidance for developing member pilots at almost all levels.
Events
The Club runs at least one social event a year, most recently as a late summer barbecue and overnight camp - a great chance to exchange "there I was...." type stories. Other events might include first aid training, coaching to pass post-CP BHPA exams or similar such activities.
Meetings
In the winter months, the club organises monthly (usually) meetings in a convenient location, normally a pub - of course - with a function room or other suitable space. At these meetings, members or invited guests with specialist flying-related knowledge give a talk on a topic. Less formally, there a often regular social meets in pubs for pilots in the Glasgow and Edinburgh areas.
Projects
Occasionally the Club will become involved in one-off projects. Notable examples of this include supporting the development of a national pilot development software service (the Pilot Development Scheme - PDS) and support of a scientific research project relating to design and human factors of emergency reserve parachute deployment.