Quixada, Brazil XC

Time to go for big flights in the superb flatlands of Quixada!
With relatively calm winds in December, as opposed to the famous super-strong winds, launches are easier and yet there is potential to do 200-300km flights.

Trips run every Dec

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Quixada needs no introduction, and we are very proud to be presenting it on our calendar for 2022. In the northeast of Brazil, it is famous for the long distance flights that always occur in the period from September to early November. However, from mid-November to early February the conditions get relatively easier, and this is the period we are choosing for our group of pilots. We took a group in 2019 and it was a huge hit, with pilots flying PBs ranging from 100km to 300kms !

Come join us on this epic flying tour of the famous flatlands, ready to fly hard and far every day.

Flying Conditions

Nov / Dec : By late November, the wind speeds are usually between 25-30 kmph. In December, the wind speeds are usually between 20-25 kmph.

Flying starts early, at around 7am in the morning. We takeoff in smooth laminar conditions, even though the wind may be strong. This allows us a safe window to launch and we then soar and thermal locally, waiting for the cloudbase to rise. Once the base rises, typically around 9am, we go on our first XC glide downwind.

Strongest hours of the day are between 12pm to 4pm, where thermals are strong and so is the potential to be caught out by thermic gusts while landing.

Travel

We will be flying into Pinto Martins – Fortaleza International Airport, which is about 180kms away. One way airport transfer is about 80 euros, although we will try to get a minibus for the entire group if we are arriving together.

Accomodation

We will be staying at the lovely Pedrados Ventos resort which was built for the free flight and stands on a stone mountain with a panoramic restaurant where you can see a whole beautiful valley and take a caipirinha in the late afternoon by the pool. The hotel has 2 takeoff ramps and is about 10km away from the official ramp of Quixadá.

Large comfortable and air-conditioned rooms are available on a twin sharing basis or a single supplement. And sumptuous breakfasts are included in the package to fuel your long day.

Fees & Dates

Fees : £1,700

includes XC guidance, airport transfers, accommodation on twin sharing basis with breakfast, daily mountain transport and a full retrieve service, no matter how far you fly each day

Duration : 10 days
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Dates : Dec 1 - 10, 2022
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Guides : Debu, Stefan & Geordie
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Pilot Level & Suitability

Our aim is to have everyone getting personal bests and making the most out of the conditions, on a quest for multiple long distance flights !! This XC trip is all about flying far and fast, with a group of good pilots who know each other's flying styles well, and can make the most of flying together in close gaggles. We are taking only a small group of pilots on this trip, who have been flown with us long distances regularly and we are aware of their skills and capabilities.

Please be aware of your own physical and mental limits throughout the tour and on each flight. We aim to do a lot of flying and this can be tiring, especially in heat that you may not be used to, so please be realistic and fly within your comfort and skill levels, landing early if you feel tired, or selecting more relaxing flatland flights, if you feel you have had too much of the mountain conditions.

This XC trip is for expert pilots only flying EN C/D wings. If you are a confident pilot, flying an EN B wing, we recommend you email us with your experience and discuss the trip further.

Typical Routes

The predominant wind is Easterly in Nov/Dec. Depending on the conditions, there can be a slight southerly or northerly influence to this, which determines the route choice.

It is important to know that the retrieves are very long and arduous, with many hours spent in the car over dusty roads. It is usual to get back to the hotel late in the night or early mornings, and this affects flying for the next day. Also the harsh terrain and hot dry weather increases fatigue levels, which require adequate rest days to recover.

302 km flight from Quixada 223 km flight from Quixada 100 mile flight from Quixada

Trip Checklist

01.

Flying Kit

We assume that you will arrive with a functional paraglider, harness and reserve parachute. You will also need a vario with GPS and a 2m radio.

For this trip, it is important and highly recommended to have an InReach/Delorme with an active plan.

It is very hot and dry, so make sure you carry light thin jackets and thin gloves to keep yourself covered in flight and prevent sun-burn.

02.

Insurance

It is essential that you have travel insurance which covers you in the following :
1. Medical treatment
2. Medical repatriation
3. Search & rescue by helicopter

We will hand out a central grab sheet form, where we would like all pilots to fill in their emergency contact details, insurance policy and contact numbers.

This grab sheet also mirrors all the Risk Acceptance sign offs that are a part of this document. Please give it a good read and make sure you understand and accept the risk involved.