Soaring High: This Week on Volandoo's Global Paragliding & Hang Gliding Stage

Welcome to another thrilling edition from Volandoo, your leading live tracking platform connecting the worldwide paragliding and hang gliding community. In the week of November 9, 2025, pilots completed 110 inspiring flights showcasing remarkable skill, endurance, and strategy. This week's featured flights highlight some of the most impressive cross-country (XC) adventures, from challenging FAI Triangles over the flatlands of Rafaela to dynamic free distance flights at Wharton Regional Airport. These flights demonstrate the rich variety of flying styles and terrains that make our global community so vibrant and passionate.

Juan Martin Cornejo’s Record-Breaking 217 km FAI Triangle at Rafaela

Juan Martin Cornejo soared to new heights with a commanding 217.464 km FAI Triangle flight from Rafaela, Argentina. Completing this vast triangle in just under 5 hours (4h 46m 32s), Juan demonstrated exceptional mastery of thermals, logging 23 climbs that enabled him to maintain optimal altitude throughout. Flying his reliable Schempp-Hirth Cirrus Std Ge, a classic glider known for smooth handling and efficiency, Juan's flight combined strategic waypoint navigation and endurance. This feat adds an inspiring chapter to Rafaela’s history as a site for record XC flights, inspiring community members to chase their own milestones.

Nicolas Pizzolante’s Seamless 187 km FAI Triangle Mastery at Rafaela

Not far behind, Nicolas Pizzolante carved out an impressive 187.293 km FAI Triangle flight in Rafaela, completing it in under 4 hours. Piloting his ASW 20 Lq, Nicolas skillfully relied on 22 thermal lifts to maintain altitude and velocity, showcasing expert navigation over Argentina’s sweeping plains. The flight reflects the rising competition and camaraderie in this region, setting a high bar for local and international pilots chasing XC records. His smooth execution encourages pilots to refine their thermal centering and route planning.

Robin Hamilton’s Dynamic 170.6 km Free Distance Around 3 TPs at Wharton Regional Airport

The Texas skies were alive with excitement as Robin Hamilton embraced the challenge of a free distance flight around three turn points (TPs), covering 170.634 km in just under 4 hours. Flying the high-performance Aeros Combat C 13.5, Robin executed 26 thermal climbs, deftly weaving the dynamic lift patterns unique to Wharton Regional Airport. His flight captures the essence of strategic decision-making in free distance tasking, balancing speed and altitude while adapting to shifting thermals. Robin’s success builds enthusiasm in the North American community, highlighting Wharton as a premier XC spot.

Jorge Rosa’s Consistent 164 km FAI Triangle at Rafaela with Expert Thermal Use

Jorge Rosa added a standout performance from Rafaela with a 163.9 km FAI Triangle flight flown in 3h 52m 55s. Using the venerable Rolladen-Schneider LS3a, Jorge maximized 29 thermals to keep his glide rate optimal throughout the long triangle. His steady flight exploits Rafaela’s favorable soaring conditions and reflects the enduring appeal of classic gliders in competitive XC challenges. Jorge’s achievement underscores the intersection of pilot skill and equipment synergy, fostering dialogue about optimal glider choices for varying weather.

Miguel Martinez Boero’s Rapid 153 km FAI Triangle Flight from Rafaela

Miguel Martinez Boero displayed soaring finesse with a 153.316 km FAI Triangle in just over 3 hours (3h 10m 7s) at Rafaela. Flying the ASW-20 CR, Miguel capitalized on 20 thermals, leveraging his glider's excellent glide performance to swiftly close the triangle. This flight demonstrates a masterful balance of energy management and tactical route selection under Rafaela’s characteristic flatland thermal conditions. Miguel’s performance continues to elevate the region’s reputation for producing technically proficient XC pilots.

Junior Adrover’s Tactical 122 km Free Distance Flight at Rafaela with 29 Thermals

Closing this week’s top flight list is Junior Adrover, who completed a 122.146 km free distance flight around three turn points at Rafaela, spending 3h 16m 44s in the air. Flying a classic PZL SZD-55, Junior executed an impressive 29 thermal ascents, showcasing exceptional patience and skill in efficiently utilizing every lift opportunity. This flight reflects a deep understanding of local meteorology and tactical flying strategy, inspiring newer pilots to focus on thermal centering and decision-making under pressure.