Paragliding in Catalunya Spain - activity holiday

Ordis is a small Catalan village with its own airfield which has a runway length of 350m. During the summer months it is possible to hire micro-light aircraft at the airfield and see your holiday environment from the air.

William Drew tried the experience which he documented for The Sunday Times newspaper.

" The experts recommend a six-day training course before you attempt to fly solo. I’m attempting to pack it into about half the time. Thankfully I’m in the expert hands of Alex Ledger and his team at SkySchool Flight Centre (www.skyschooluk.com), at Aerodromo Ordis, near Figueres, in northeast Spain. Ledger, 25, set up SkySchool in 2004 and is leading the UK campaign to regulate the sport in terms of standardised training and qualifications. We kick off with a run through some basic aeronautical theory and the equipment: a wing of about 280 sq ft attached to a harness from which the pilot hangs, and a 120cc 18bhp two-stroke engine, which powers a propeller measuring about 4ft in diameter strapped to your back. Not to mention the helmet and parachute."

"One heart-stopping moment as the ground races below my feet,

and I’m down, with a big smile of relief and an immediate rush of adrenaline.

Now, of course, I can’t wait to get back up.

Addictive, this flying business."