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Here you’ll find the most important answers about Tandemflug Pilatus — from booking and preparation to weather decisions, safety, vouchers, and payment. Use the search to find an answer in seconds, or jump to a category below. You can also browse the full list of questions further down the page.
Tandemflug Pilatus is a local team of experienced tandem pilots licensed by the Swiss Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association. We regularly fly around Mount Pilatus and know the launch sites, landing zones and local weather patterns very well. All pilots hold the required licenses and insurance.
Organisation, communication and execution are handled through a structured booking system so that dates, responsibilities and procedures are clearly defined. For more information about legal foundations and liability please refer to our Terms and Conditions.
Yes, we offer tandem flights all year. The best conditions are usually in spring, summer and autumn, but winter flights are also possible—especially if you want to experience spectacular snowy landscapes. Make sure you dress appropriately for the weather.
If you have a preference, please let us know in advance. We will do our best to accommodate your wish, but we cannot always guarantee it.
Flying is possible for most healthy people as long as height, weight and safety requirements are met. You should be between 1.20 m and 2.20 m tall and weigh between 15 kg and 100 kg. Above 100 kg we can only fly on selected days with strong thermals.
You must be sober and fully responsive. Take‑off and landing require a few brisk steps – anyone unable to do this cannot take off.
There is no fixed minimum age; more important are height, weight and maturity. Children under six years are generally not ideal candidates, but they may be able to fly after individual consultation provided they are at least 1.20 m tall. Minors need written consent from a legal guardian. The ability to follow instructions reliably is essential.
Yes. Many of our guests who are afraid of heights tell us they had unforgettable experiences. The anticipation before take‑off is often the most nerve‑racking part, but once you are in the air the experience feels so unreal that fear usually disappears. In hundreds of flights we have never had a guest who remained anxious after take‑off.
Unlike standing on a ladder or tower, you are moving freely in space without a fixed reference point. If you have a strong tendency toward panic, please weigh the decision carefully.
In some cases—provided that take‑off and landing can be carried out safely. You must be able to run downhill for a few steps. Serious balance problems or acute injuries exclude a flight. We do not offer specialised wheelchair tandem flights.
Please communicate any limitations openly in advance so that we can realistically assess whether a flight is responsible.
The entire experience takes between 1½ and 3 hours depending on the package and weather conditions. Sometimes you may need to wait for the right wind before taking off.
Yes. Passengers are covered under the pilot’s liability insurance. This covers damage caused by pilot error. Personal accidents without third‑party fault are covered by your own accident or health insurance.
In Switzerland, paragliding is not considered a high‑risk sport. International guests should check their insurance coverage.
We fly in the Pilatus region near Lucerne—depending on the conditions either from Pilatus Kulm or from Klimsen. The launch site is chosen based on wind direction, strength and thermal development. Both sites offer spectacular views of Lucerne, the high Alps and Lake Lucerne.
We land in Kriens, which is easy to reach by public transport. The exact meeting point and details are provided with your booking confirmation.
The three offers differ in planned flight time, use of thermals and intensity.
All flights launch—depending on the wind—from Pilatus Kulm or Klimsen and land in Kriens. The actual duration always depends on the weather and safety decisions.
The actual time in the air ranges from 15 minutes to 50 minutes depending on the package, and the overall experience takes about 1½ to 3 hours. Flight time depends on wind, thermals and safety margins.
Additional time is needed for meeting up, briefing, the ride on the cable car and any waiting for optimal launch conditions. Especially with thermal flights it can make sense to wait for the right wind window—safety takes precedence over schedules.
The altitude difference is around 1,200–1,600 metres depending on the launch site—additional height is possible in thermals. Pilatus has impressive topography. From Kulm or Klimsen there is already a large vertical drop down to the landing site in Kriens even without updrafts. In good conditions, especially with the Adler or Drache flights, additional height can be gained.
If the guaranteed minimum flight time of 35 minutes is not reached on a Drache flight, we refund the difference to the Bergdohle price. The guarantee applies only to the Drache flight. If weather forces us to land before 35 minutes, there is an automatic price reduction to the corresponding base offer.
We do not artificially extend flights against nature or at the expense of safety margins. The final decision always lies with the pilot.
The Steinbock Safari combines a guided hike in the Pilatus area with a subsequent tandem flight. This experience is aimed at nature‑loving guests who want more than just a flight. The safari requires sure‑footedness and normal fitness. In good conditions the flight time can be extended to one hour, but this depends on the weather.
Optional add‑ons include photo and video service, premium video, “Fly with a Friend” and fixed time slots.
Add‑ons can be selected during booking or—depending on availability—added on site.
Yes. If a safe start is not possible on Pilatus, alternative flight areas may be considered. Depending on the weather we occasionally switch to other suitable launch sites such as Engelberg, Büehlen or Niederbauen. This decision is based solely on safety criteria. Flight time and experience can vary.
If no suitable flight is possible, the rules for postponement or cancellation according to our Terms and Conditions apply.
Yes, a spontaneous upgrade to a longer package is possible if conditions and time slots allow. For example, if you book a Bergdohle and good thermals are present, the flight can be extended and charged as a Drache. The upgrade takes place situationally during the flight and only if there is time between subsequent flights. There is no guarantee of an upgrade.
You book your tandem flight directly online through our booking system with fixed date selection. In the booking calendar you choose your desired package, date and time slot and pay directly online.
After booking you automatically receive a confirmation email with all information about the meeting point, procedure and the booking‑management function. Available dates are displayed in real time—telephone reservations without booking are not provided because we need binding planning. If you want to fly spontaneously, feel free to contact us; perhaps a pilot is already on Pilatus and has time for another flight afterwards.
No. A reservation without payment is not possible. Your time slot is only firmly blocked after completing the online booking. This prevents double bookings and allows clear planning of the pilots’ schedules. If you are still unsure, we recommend a voucher instead—this keeps the date flexible.
You can change your booking yourself online up to 48 hours before the flight. In your confirmation email you will find the link “Manage booking.” There you can directly reschedule or adjust your appointment.
Shorter‑notice changes are usually no longer possible because pilot assignments and time slots are planned. The provisions in our Terms and Conditions apply.
You can cancel your flight yourself online and receive 95 % of your deposit back or a voucher valid for five years. Cancellation is done directly via the “Manage booking” link in your confirmation email. After logging into our online portal you can cancel the flight yourself.
You will then automatically receive an email with all further information about the refund or the issuance of the voucher. If you choose a refund, 95 % of the deposit paid will be refunded to you. Alternatively we will issue a voucher for the amount paid, which is valid for five years. The provisions in our Terms and Conditions apply.
Yes. You receive an automatic confirmation email immediately after booking. The email contains your booking details, meeting‑point information, instructions for the flight day and the link to manage your booking yourself.
If you do not receive an email, first check your spam folder and add us as a trusted sender. This is especially important so that you reliably receive the final information and weather updates the day before.
Yes. Multiple people can be booked in the same time slot—depending on the number of pilots available. Our system shows you which places are still free. If you add several people individually and see that not enough places are available at the same time, you can still book.
In combination with the “Fly with a Friend” option we try to involve additional external pilots from our pool of around 20 part‑time pilots. There is no absolute guarantee for parallel take‑offs because safety and weather conditions have priority.
The deposit is paid online and the balance can be paid on site. A binding booking requires an online deposit. This is handled through the payment providers integrated in the booking system.
If you do not have a credit card you can, after consultation, pay in advance via TWINT. You can settle the remaining amount on the flight day— we accept common cards, TWINT and prefer cash. Some pilots offer a t‑shirt or stickers as a small thank‑you for cash payment. We continuously optimise our payment system and expand the payment methods offered if necessary.
Yes. You can redeem your voucher directly during the booking process. In the checkout you enter your voucher code and the corresponding amount is automatically credited. If the voucher value is insufficient, the difference can be paid directly online or to the pilot after landing.
The pilot usually makes the final decision the day before, and in uncertain conditions at the latest on the morning of the flight. The decision is based on current forecasts—wind, thermals, cloud cover, fronts—and local experience at Pilatus.
If the weather situation is unstable or borderline, the decision is deliberately postponed until morning because short‑term updates are often more accurate. In this case you will be proactively informed—by phone or message. Safety takes precedence over planning.
We make defensive decisions and only take off in clearly safe conditions. Marginal wind windows, very gusty winds or unstable pressure patterns lead us to postpone rather than to take a “maybe” approach. We calculate with reserves—not with hope. When we do take off, it is with a comfort margin.
Your weight gives us crucial indications of the wind conditions under which we have enough safety margin. The total weight directly affects the glider’s flight speed. A heavier passenger results in a higher base speed, which often allows us to take off more stably in windier conditions because the glider carries sooner. The same passenger, however, can have problems in still air because the necessary take‑off speed can only be reached by running very fast. Conversely, light passengers are more sensitive in strong winds but benefit more quickly from lift in light conditions.
That is why we need your actual weight including clothing. It helps us to plan realistically—not to judge, but to correctly assess take‑off distance, wind windows and safety reserves.
If the flight is not possible due to weather, we postpone it free of charge. The new date is usually set about a month later so that you have enough time to choose a suitable date. Through the link in the email or via your customer access panel you can select another date yourself.
If you agree with the proposed replacement date and make no changes, you will receive the automatic confirmation email from the pilot the day before. In this case we assume the date suits you, plan the pilot accordingly and the flight is considered binding for that day. If the replacement date does not suit you, please actively select a new date. Only this avoids misunderstandings in planning.
Yes—you can specify your preference for postponement, an alternative area or a refund when booking. We take your preference into account as best we can. Depending on the weather situation, another flight area may be sensible, a postponement may provide better quality or—if desired—a refund may be issued. Operationally, safety conditions on site always decide, but your preference is factored into the solution.
No. We do not send regular updates or advertising. You only receive an email when we expect very good flying conditions on Pilatus. Our goal is quality, not frequency.
That depends strongly on the season. In stable high‑pressure phases there can be several very good days in a row. In changeable periods there are fewer ideal conditions. We always inform you the day before and, when possible, combine several good subsequent days into one email.
The flight‑weather alert is sent the day before whenever the forecasts indicate very good conditions for the next day. This gives you enough time to book spontaneously—especially if you are flexible.
No. We provide an informed assessment based on weather data and experience. Nonetheless, flight weather is natural. Conditions can change at short notice and we may land early or not start at all.
If you want maximum security, we recommend the Drache flight with a flight‑time guarantee. Should our forecast deteriorate significantly and we only achieve a short flight time, you will receive the difference to the Bergdohle price back.
The meeting point is specified when booking—either in Kriens at the valley station or on top of Pilatus Kulm in front of the hotel. In Kriens you meet us at Schlossweg 1 (Pilatus cableways). If you choose the meeting point on top of Pilatus Kulm, the meeting time is 30 minutes later than in Kriens. Anyone travelling up on their own should plan enough buffer time as there can be long queues at the valley station depending on the day.
Plan about three hours—better four hours so that there is no time pressure. This allows time for the cable car, possible delays and waiting for a better weather window if necessary. This makes the day more relaxed and helps you and the pilot to make safe decisions without stress. In the fastest case it takes about 1½ hours.
Your weight directly affects take‑off behaviour, flight speed and safety reserves. Body weight gives us a crucial indication of the conditions under which a safe launch is possible. A higher total weight (passenger + pilot + equipment) increases the glider’s flight speed, which often allows more stable take‑off in stronger winds. In no wind or very weak wind the same weight can mean you have to run much faster – which is not always sensible or safe.
Honest weight information helps us to plan the right pilot, the appropriate wing and the suitable conditions. Safety starts not on the launch site but already during booking.
Closed shoes with good tread are essential—dress in layers, better one too many than too few. This is especially important if we have to descend to the alternative launch site at Klimsen: we need sure‑footed shoes for this. Better an extra layer for wind and temperature than too little. If you arrive in sandals and a start is not possible we charge the flight.
Yes—a small backpack is possible, but take only what is necessary. The lighter we are overall, the more room we have (among other things for staying aloft longer in suitable conditions). Pack minimally: valuables, perhaps a jacket or gloves, and small personal items.
We usually land in Kriens on the meadow right behind the Pilatus cableways valley station. The flight day ends there most straightforwardly because meeting point, pick‑up and onward travel are easiest.
The remaining amount is paid to the pilot after landing—minus your online deposit or if you have already paid with a voucher. Add‑ons can also be added on the flight day depending on the pilot and are then settled through the pilot.
You can eat normally but you should be sober and not have consumed alcohol or other substances. You know your body best—heavy meals directly before are often not a good idea, but there is no need to fast. People who get motion‑sick quickly sometimes find it helpful to take an appropriate medication about an hour beforehand; most people do not have any problems.
Yes—you can specify when booking whether you prefer postponement, an alternative location or a refund in case of bad weather. We consider your preference as best we can. Depending on the weather it may make sense to choose another flight area, a postponement may bring more quality or—if desired—a refund. Operationally the safety situation on site always decides, but your preference is incorporated into the solution.
After meeting we ride up together (depending on the meeting point) and walk to the launch site, where your pilot prepares everything and briefs you. Depending on the situation—meeting at the bottom or top—the ride on the cable car is included.
At the launch site the pilot lays out the glider, fits your equipment (helmet, possibly gloves or jacket), adjusts the harness and gives you the start and safety instructions. If anything is unclear, ask immediately before we take off.
Yes. At Pilatus Kulm there can be waiting times because only a limited number of gliders can launch at the same time. That is part of the real process on the mountain: you wait until the window and space for launching are suitable.
Yes, if conditions permit. In turbulent conditions it can be too risky because quick reactions are required—in such situations the pilot controls fully.
Acrobatics are only available on explicit request and only if conditions and the pilot allow, which is almost always the case.
In that case the pilot may abort at short notice—safety always comes first. Especially in summer thunderstorms can form; then an abort may even be necessary at the launch site. Please respect this decision—it is part of the professional procedure.
Our tandem pilots meet the official Swiss requirements for commercial tandem flights. Before a pilot is admitted to the tandem training program, they must have at least 200 solo flights, cross‑country flights and completed a safety training.
This is followed by the four‑stage training program with three practical exams on different days, a course and an extended theory exam. The qualification is reviewed and assessed annually. Only those who continue to meet these requirements are allowed to fly passengers commercially.
The insurance covers accidents caused by the pilot’s fault as well as damage to third parties on the ground. This means that both passengers and uninvolved persons are insured if a pilot error causes damage.
With some pilots an extended accident coverage can be booked in addition. This can be particularly relevant for guests outside Europe because not every international health insurance automatically covers all services in Switzerland.
Whether a flight takes place is decided situationally and with safety in mind by the pilot. The decision is based on weather forecasts, current measurements and experience on site. Because forecasts do not always match the conditions at the launch site precisely, the final assessment is made immediately before take‑off.
In case of doubt we wait or cancel the flight defensively. Safety always takes precedence over execution.
Every tandem pilot is equipped with a tested reserve parachute. Should a safety‑relevant incident occur in the air, an additional safety system is available.
In Switzerland there is also the advantage of very fast air rescue by organisations such as Rega. This means rapid medical care is possible in an emergency.
All vouchers are valid for five years. In the booking system you can choose from which date the voucher should be valid. This is particularly useful for gifts so that the recipient can benefit from the full period. The validity begins from the selected start date and lasts five years. After this period the entitlement expires.
Yes. Vouchers are freely transferable. The voucher code is not tied to a specific person and can be passed on at will. The code functions like cash. In case of loss, transfer or misuse it cannot be replaced or reissued.
You redeem the voucher directly when booking online. During the booking process you can enter the voucher code in the corresponding field and the stored value is automatically deducted from the total amount.
If the voucher value is higher than the price of the booked flight, the remaining amount remains as credit and can be used for a later booking within the five‑year validity. Vouchers can also be sent physically by mail as a gift version; however, the code stored in the system is legally binding.
If a physical voucher for a specific flight type is issued and gifted, it can be redeemed for that specific offer within two years of issue without extra charge. Thereafter the stored value remains valid until the end of the five‑year total validity. The price valid at the time of redemption applies.
All vouchers are technically stored as value vouchers. Even if a specific flight is selected when purchasing or mentioned on the physical voucher, a monetary value is stored in the system.
The voucher amount can be used for any available offer. If a higher‑value flight is booked, only the difference is paid. For physically issued gift vouchers there is a two‑year price protection on the specific offer designated; after this period the voucher value remains redeemable until the end of the five‑year total validity.
Yes. All vouchers can be used flexibly as value vouchers. Even if a specific flight category was chosen when purchasing, the voucher is technically stored as a value voucher. If a higher‑value flight is booked, only the difference is paid. Price changes or upgrades are therefore possible at any time.
Yes. Vouchers can also be sent physically by post. The physical voucher serves as a gift version, but remains a digital value voucher with a five‑year validity. If a specific flight is gifted and handed over physically, it can be redeemed for the originally selected offer within two years. After that the stored value remains valid.
When booking, a deposit is paid online. We accept common debit and credit cards (including Maestro) as well as valid voucher codes. Vouchers can also be purchased by bank transfer; the code is sent after payment has been received.
The remaining amount and optional extras are paid directly to the pilot after the flight—card, cash or Twint. This means you only pay if the flight actually takes place.
All prices—flight packages, deposits, extras and vouchers—are listed in Swiss francs (CHF). We operate exempt from value‑added tax, therefore the prices shown do not include VAT. There are no hidden additional costs except for optional extras or external services such as cable‑car tickets.
You redeem the voucher directly during the online booking: enter the voucher code and it will automatically deduct the value. If the voucher value is higher than the flight price the remaining credit can be used later. Physical vouchers can be mailed; there is a two‑year price guarantee for the specified flight; after that the value remains valid. The voucher stored in the system is legally binding.
No. The deposit is always made online when booking. It secures your date and allows us to allocate a pilot. The remaining amount is paid directly to the pilot after the flight. Full payment exclusively on site is not provided.
We prefer instant bank transfer or cash because no credit card fees are incurred. Card payments cost us around 2 % in fees. Some pilots have a small gift for cash payment. Of course, we still accept all common cards—however instant payments or cash are preferred.
If you want to cancel your flight, you can do so yourself via the link in your confirmation email in the online portal. The refund is made according to our Terms and Conditions. Generally 95 % of the deposit paid is refunded, less any fees.
Alternatively a voucher can be issued for the amount paid. The binding rules can be found in our Terms and Conditions.
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