About Us
Crickhowell Paragliding is a BHPA approved school, run by Chief Flying Instructor, and former Royal Navy SAR pilot, Alistair Andrews.
We offer bespoke paraglider training for discerning student pilots, tandem paraglider flights, bespoke Cross Country fly guiding and Performance Coaching services based out of South Wales.
As the UK’s Pro Partner with FLARE, we’re also the only place in the UK offering training on the incredible FLARE Moustache to qualified paraglider pilots.
We also provide reserve repacks, paraglider trimming and porosity checking, and offer bespoke, high end paragliding and speed flying holidays and camps overseas. Alistair started flying paragliders at the age of 18.
Having been an air cadet, Alistair was lucky to have already flown solo in a sailplane, and a Cessna by that age, and having represented GB at a European Championship for RC Model Gliders at 18, once he started University, he put the transmitter down and his lasting obsession with paragliding began.
He was lucky to survive these first steps in the sport and eventually was taken on by a local school who converted his self taught skills into a BHPA Club Pilot rating, and he hasn’t looked back!
Joining Southampton University Air Squadron late in 2003, Alistair was very lucky to do some more powered flying with the RAF, but he eventually put on a dark blue uniform, starting at Dartmouth in 2006 to become a Royal Navy Officer within the Fleet Air Arm.
After 11 years within the FAA, including tours flying Sea Kings as a Search and Rescue pilot and Radar Surveillance pilot, Alistair left the Navy to start his own paragliding school in Wales.
Over 20 years on, with a wealth of experience in military aviation and having flown paragliders all over the world, Alistair now uses his experience in cross country paragliding and instruction as well as his skills gained in military aviation to help you progress safely to the highest levels of cross country flying in this challenging, rewarding and addictive sport.
Our other instructors are all former military pilots, and, or parachutists and combine the professionalism of their background, with their love and passion for paragliding to deliver you some of the very best training available.
Andy Reid – Paragliding Instructor at Crickhowell Paragliding
With a lifelong passion for aviation and over a decade of teaching experience, Andy brings a wealth of knowledge and skills to his role as a paragliding instructor at Crickhowell Paragliding. Throughout his career, he’s had the privilege of guiding and instructing pilots at various levels, focusing on CP and CP+ students, particularly during training courses in the breathtaking landscapes of the Italian Pre Alps.
Andy’s expertise extends beyond paragliding. As a former team captain of the Army Air Corps Skydiving Team, he spent over 10 years of his military career as a skydiving instructor, honing teaching and leadership abilities while guiding both novice and advanced jumpers.
In addition to paragliding, Andy is skilled in teaching advanced disciplines such as speed flying and para kiting, helping pilots push their boundaries safely while exploring new and exhilarating aspects of flight.
With a background as a military photographer and videographer, he brings a unique perspective to flight, combining technical instruction with the ability to showcase the beauty and thrill of aviation through visual storytelling. As a certified First Aid Instructor, Andy prioritizes safety and ensures students are well-prepared to handle any situation confidently.
Andy Macdonald – AAC Apache Instructor, now teaching new military pilots as a civilian. Andy is also the BHPA’s Airspace Consultant.
Aaron Binks – An expert skydiver, Aaron is our go to guy for advice on Emergency Parachute Systems and a very keen speed flyer and cross country paraglider pilot.
Oli Fisher – Alistair’s best mate from school, and best man! A former RAF flying instructor and now British Airways A380 pilot, Oli loes to get out tandem flying with our clients and has really loved the lightest form of aviation since the age of 18.
Cam Cannings – Our youngest instructor, and is always keen to get out teaching, flying cross country, or soaring his mini wing.