Valentin Gilet
professional paragliding instructor and technical expert
My name is Valentin Gilet, a lifelong paragliding enthusiast, and today a state-certified paragliding instructor. Through AirVal, I offer a unique approach combining private lessons, mental coaching, and personalized support to help each pilot progress effectively, even with limited flight time.
🎯 My journey: from elite sports to teaching
🎓 Paragliding Talent Center in Font-Romeu (2 years)
Top-level training in a performance and excellence environment. Dedicated coach for access to competition from a young age.
🏆 Top-level athlete
National and international competitions, including participation in the World Cup circuit. Cross-country racing as well as hike and fly. French Youth Sport Champion (EN-C) in 2017
Winner of Pont du Fossé in 2019
🪂 Test pilot at BGD
Valuable experience in the detailed analysis of sails and piloting, strengthening my technical expertise. Full member of the R&D team. Expertise in design as well as certification, training at AirTurquoise
👨🏫 Instructor at Cumulus (Vosges) for 4 years
Hundreds of students trained summer after summer, always in an atmosphere that is both serious and friendly. I am still available there during the summer for personalized coaching. This school allows for a great deal of pedagogical freedom, which has enabled me to develop my own approach.
🔑 My teaching approach
Excellence technique
- Precise work on active piloting, management of complex conditions, personalized exercises.
- Ability to quickly detect a pilot's areas of progress.
Coaching mental
- Trained in mental preparation tools and attuned to “brain frequencies”, I offer a unique approach to managing stress, overcoming blocks and regaining confidence.
Great atmosphere and the pleasure of flying
- Efficiency should not preclude enjoyment. I ensure that each course is serious, motivating, and inspiring.
📍 My playgrounds
Paragliding is a wonderful excuse for me to travel! Don't hesitate to contact me for coaching requests anywhere in the world!
I mainly teach in the PACA region, at iconic sites:
- Gourdon (French Riviera, a reference site for progression),
- Roquebrune Cap Martin (flights over the sea, exceptional setting),
- Saint-André-les-Alpes (a renowned location for motocross and advanced riding),
- All the other sites nearby! … but also in the Vosges with the Cumulus school, where I regularly offer summer coaching.
✨ The AirVal spirit
You will experience a tailor-made adventure, designed as a meeting point between luxury, pleasure and technical excellence.
- Luxury: individual or small group coaching, 100% dedicated to your driving and mental well-being. A rare, high-end service where every detail matters.
- Pleasure: flying should remain a powerful and unique experience. I help you rediscover the pure joy of flying, without stress, using a supportive teaching approach.
- High standards: inherited from my background as a high-level competitor, I set the bar high to bring you to your full potential.
- Progression: each session, each flight, each mental tool is designed to help you progress quickly and safely.
With AirVal, you are guaranteed exceptional coaching, where seriousness and efficiency blend with the emotion and pleasure of flying.