At SkySchool, we’ve always offered an overseas training location, in fact, two-thirds of our courses take place outside the UK. The main reason for this is the UK’s inconsistent weather. Back in 2008, we didn’t run any courses in the UK at all! However, as 80% of our students are British and want to learn to fly closer to home, we decided to always offer a UK-based training option.
Photo Above: Flying above Lake Bornos
Both locations follow the same APPI PPG Pilot syllabus, ensuring continuity in training, but they don't necessarily allow people to progress in the same way due to the weather. When there’s a strong high-pressure system, students can achieve a lot in a short amount of time in the UK. Unfortunately, these conditions don’t come around consistently, which often leads to frustration and prompts students to head to Spain to complete their training. This is why we no longer offer the full 12 day training course in the UK and instead allow people to pay as they go after they’ve completed their first solo flight.
Photo above: Flying at Hinton Airfield
Training Locations
Hinton Airfield, Northamptonshire📍UK View on Google Maps
UK courses take place during the summer months (July and August) at Hinton Airfield Skydiving Centre, a central and easily accessible site. This option is perfect for those who want to learn the basics and fly solo without needing to travel abroad. Students can choose either:
- A 6-day intensive beginner course (Saturday to Thursday), or
- A flexible 6-day beginner course spread over weekends and weekdays, depending on the weather.
The flexible format allows students to train around work commitments and take advantage of good weather windows.
Photo Above: Classroom at Hinton Airfield
After their first 6 days of training, having completed their first solo flight, students can either:
- Continue training in the UK as and when it suits them (pay-as-you-go), or
- Head to Spain for a second 6-day block of training, known as the Intermediate Course.
📅 See UK course prices and dates
Lake Bornos, Andalusia, Spain 📍View on Google Maps
Photo Above: Flying on the Beach in Spain
Spain courses run during the spring (April-June) and autumn months (September-October) at Lake Bornos. The site offers consistent weather and stunning flying locations, including the lake and the coast, where the calm onshore breeze and lack of thermals make for smooth flying conditions.
We offer both:
- A 6-day Beginner or Intermediate Course,
- A 12-day Pilot Course that fast-tracks students from complete beginner to qualified APPI PPG Pilot.
Courses are immersive and most students stay onsite in single rooms in shared, air-conditioned bungalows. The travel day is Sunday, with training running from Monday to Saturday.
📅 See Spain course prices and dates
Accommodation, Facilities and Travel
UK: Students can camp or stay in campervans onsite, or book nearby hotels and Airbnbs. There’s also a B&B on site called Walltree House. The DZ café is open during the day (expect Mondays), and facilities include toilets, showers, a classroom behind the drop zone, and a large marquee at the end of the runway for equipment storage, paramotor hang tests, engine run in and theory sessions. The airfield is located near Junction 11 of the M40 and is easy to reach by car. The nearest train station is Banbury, just 15 minutes away by taxi.
Photo Above: Hinton Airfield Camp Site
Spain: Students stay in lakeside bungalows, just a short walk from the training site. The camp is close to restaurants and a supermarket. A classroom on-site is used for lectures, hang tests and equipment storage. The flying site is a 10-minute drive or 25-minute walk away. Students fly into Seville Airport (1 hour) or Malaga Airport (2.5 hours). They arrive and depart on a Sunday. We recommend hiring a car for flexibility and set up a WhatsApp group before each course so students can coordinate shared travel.
Photo Above: The Cabins at Lake Bornos
Conclusion
If you're looking for flexibility, want to test the waters, or prefer to train gradually around your schedule, the UK course is ideal. If you're after a more immersive experience with reliable weather, faster progression, and the chance to become a certified APPI PPG Pilot, Spain is the clear choice. For many, the best solution is a combination of both, by starting their Paramotoring journey in the UK and then, when they’ve caught the flying bug, finishing their training in Spain.
To discuss the best option for you, contact Alex:
☎️ +44 7747 097527
