Soaring Highlights from Volandoo: Week Commencing 22 February 2026

Welcome to Volandoo, the premier live tracking platform connecting paragliding and hang gliding pilots globally. This week, our community soared to new heights with an incredible 990 flights logged across diverse terrains and soaring styles. From the rugged Australian ranges to the soaring peaks of Granizo and Villa Ruiz, pilots pushed their limits with exhilarating cross-country (XC) adventures. Join us as we celebrate six spectacular flights that epitomise skill, endurance, and passion within the XC flying community.

Mitch Butler – Mastering the Air with a 333.8 km Out and Back at Manilla, Mt Borah (NSW)

Mitch Butler delivered a breathtaking performance, soaring an impressive 333.8 km Out and Back flight over the iconic Mt Borah in New South Wales. Flying his trusty Moyes Rx3.5, Mitch faced a formidable 7 hours and 36 minutes challenge, climbing an astonishing 122 thermals to navigate this demanding route. This flight not only tests pilot stamina but also strategic decision-making, as Mount Borah is renowned for its complex thermal systems and rugged landscapes. Mitch’s achievement stands as a testament to his expertise and high-level XC tactics that inspire the Manilla community and beyond.

Sergio Campos – Dynamic Soaring with 216.4 km Out and Back at Granizo

At Granizo, Sergio Campos showcased a remarkable blend of speed and precision executing a 216.4 km Out and Back flight in just over four and a half hours. Utilizing the high-performance Schempp-Hirth Ventus C glider, Sergio conquered 91 thermals, mastering the complex air currents typical of this soaring hotspot. Granizo’s dynamic weather conditions demanded rapid tactical adjustments, and Sergio’s flight exemplifies the synergy between pilot skill and cutting-edge paragliding technology. His feat energises the XC community eager to take on challenging flights in variable climates.

Rich Reinauer – Tactical Mastery on a 212.6 km Free Distance with 3 Turnpoints, Manilla

Rich Reinauer carved a tactical masterpiece over Mt Borah with a demanding 212.6 km Free Distance flight around three turnpoints. Piloting the Moyes Rx 3.5, Rich capitalised on 70 thermals during his 4 hours and 20 minutes journey. Navigating between multiple strategic waypoints, his flight highlights technical savvy and mental endurance, smarter route choices, and consistent altitude management in challenging Australian conditions. This performance cements Rich’s reputation as a top XC tactician and invites pilots to explore innovative flight planning.

Christian Cid – Precision and Persistence in a 151.3 km Free Triangle at Vizcachas

Equally thrilling was Christian Cid’s 151.3 km Free Triangle at Vizcachas, flown in just under five hours. Equipped with the agile Willswings T2c, Christian exploited 75 thermals to complete a technically demanding closed course that tested both pilot navigation and soaring technique. Vizcachas’ unique terrain offers notoriously challenging air, and Christian’s flight demonstrated remarkable mastery of thermal cores and flight discipline. This achievement adds a compelling chapter to the South American soaring scene and motivates pilots to refine their triangle-flying skills.

Mitch Butler – Consistent Excellence with 133.7 km Free Distance at Manilla

Returning to Mt Borah, Mitch Butler put in another impressive performance, completing a 133.7 km Free Distance flight around three turnpoints in just over three hours. Flying the familiar Moyes Rx3.5, he worked 30 thermals to maintain efficient climb and glide patterns. This flight underscores Mitch’s remarkable ability to combine endurance and strategic waypoint navigation across varying conditions, reinforcing his status as a formidable pilot within the Manilla flying community.

Rich Reinauer – High-Speed Precision: 131.5 km Free Distance Around 3 TPs at Manilla

Rich Reinauer completed his second highlight-worthy XC, flying a 131.5 km Free Distance, once again circumnavigating three critical turnpoints at Mt Borah. Clocking in just shy of three hours, Rich’s flight demanded sharp decision-making and flawless piloting in his Moyes Rx 3.5 glider, gaining altitude on 24 distinct thermals. His consistency and fluid control create an encouraging benchmark for pilots who aspire to blend speed and efficiency in competitive and recreational cross-country flying alike.

These flights illuminate the vibrant XC flying culture thriving on Volandoo, where pilots continuously push boundaries and share their passion. Whether you’re a seasoned pilot or just starting, the stories and tracks here offer valuable insights and inspiration to elevate your own soaring adventures.