Celebrating the Week’s Most Spectacular Paragliding and Hang Gliding XC Flights

Volandoo continues to lead as the premier platform for live tracking and logging paragliding and hang gliding adventures worldwide. This week saw an incredible surge in activity, with 646 flights logged from pilots pushing their limits across some of the most renowned sites. From technical out-and-back challenges to intricate FAI Triangles, this collection of flights showcases the diverse skills and commitment of our soaring community. Together, these pilots highlight not just distance and duration, but a passion for exploration and mastery in XC flying.

Santiago Peñoñori’s Masterful 155.7 km Out and Back at Azul

Santiago Peñoñori took to the skies at Azul with a commanding performance in his Cirrus Standar glider, completing an impressive 155.7 km out-and-back flight in just 3 hours and 30 minutes. Using 30 thermals effectively, Santiago demonstrated superb tactical skills navigating the unique winds and terrain of Azul, a site prized for its challenging thermal activity. This flight not only tests endurance but also requires sharp decision-making to maintain speed and altitude. Santiago’s achievement stands out in the Volandoo community, inspiring pilots who aspire to tackle demanding courses with precision.

Diego Martínez’s Endurance-Fuelled 136.6 km Out and Back from Roldanillo - El Trébol

At the well-known Roldanillo – El Trébol site, Diego Martínez pushed the limits in his Ozone Lyght glider with a demanding 5 hours and 15 minutes out-and-back flight spanning 136.6 km. Navigating through an extraordinary 68 thermals, Diego displayed remarkable stamina and thermal proficiency on one of Colombia’s most dynamic flying sites. The combination of altitude management and route strategy highlights Diego’s growing expertise in marathon cross-country flights, cementing his reputation among the elite hike & fly and XC community.

Horacio Parisi’s Swift 131.2 km Out and Back at Azul in the Szd 48 Jantar Std 2

Known for his exceptional control and tactical finesse, Horacio Parisi executed a fast 2 hours and 55 minutes out-and-back over Azul covering 131.2 km on his Szd 48 Jantar Std 2. Leveraging 40 thermals, Horacio managed impressive glide ratios amid challenging conditions, showing why Azul remains a hotspot for pilots seeking precision and speed. This flight underscores Horacio’s consistent ability to merge technology and skill while navigating complex thermal uplifts and lee zones, strengthening his impact in the local and global XC circuit.

José Battiste’s 130.3 km Free Distance Around 3 Turnpoints at Mendoza Chico

José Battiste showcased endurance and resilience with a 5 hours and 55 minutes free distance flight around three turnpoints covering 130.3 km at Mendoza Chico. Flying his Niviuk Ikuma 3, José navigated a gruelling 116 thermals, a testament to his stamina and thermal finesse on this famed Argentinian site known for its mountainous conditions. His careful turnpoint selection and thorough use of thermalling opportunities highlight a seasoned pilot’s approach to maximising distance while maintaining safety. His flight is a beacon for those committed to long-duration XC challenges.

Nicolas Gonzalez Crespo’s Elegant 128.7 km FAI Triangle at Azul on Janus C 5l

In a stunning display of precision and strategic navigation, Nicolas Gonzalez Crespo completed a 128.7 km FAI Triangle in 3 hours and 49 minutes at Azul flying the Janus C 5l. Utilising 47 thermals, Nicolas sailed through the triangle’s demanding legs, demonstrating excellent understanding of lift sources and energy management. This flight not only emphasises the challenges of perfecting an FAI Triangle but also highlights the finesse required to balance speed, height gain, and route optimisation in competitive and recreational XC flying.

Alejandro Loyarte’s Technical 127.6 km Free Distance Around 3 Turnpoints Over Mateus Leme - Serra Do Elefante

Flying the high-performance Ozone Zeno 2, Alejandro Loyarte completed 127.6 km around three turnpoints at Mateus Leme - Serra Do Elefante in 5 hours and 32 minutes, working through 62 thermals. This exceptionally scenic and technical Brazilian site demands expert climb technique and route planning, both of which Alejandro executed masterfully. His flight highlights the intricate balance between glide efficiency and thermal centring on complex terrain, providing a valuable benchmark for pilots navigating similar conditions globally.