Weekly XC Flights Recap — November 16, 2025

Welcome back to Volandoo, the world’s leading platform for live tracking, logging, and connecting paragliding and hang gliding pilots worldwide. This past week saw an impressive total of 491 flights recorded across a variety of iconic soaring destinations, showcasing a rich blend of free distance, FAI triangles, and out-and-back adventures. Pilots from diverse backgrounds demonstrated exceptional skill, patience, and strategy, highlighting the vibrant community’s dedication to the sport. From the thermal-rich valleys of Argentina to the dynamic slopes of Brazil and Colombia, this week’s featured flights reveal incredible XC flying at its finest.

1. Mano Carlignak’s Masterful Free Triangle at Despegue SAT

Mano Carlignak delivered one of the most remarkable performances of the week with his 136.8 km Free Triangle flight from the legendary Despegue SAT site. Flying a nimble Ozone Photon, Mano spent nearly 6 hours (5h 50m) soaring through 93 thermals to complete this challenging triangle, a feat that demands both endurance and precision in task strategy. Despegue SAT’s complex terrain requires expert thermal centering and route choices, making Mano’s consistent cloud-to-cloud maneuvers a true demonstration of advanced XC proficiency. His track has sparked conversation in the Volandoo community about efficient speed-to-fly tactics on triangles.

2. Thalis Rockets Over Tacima with a 105 km Free Distance Flight

Thalis piloted his hang glider Wills Wing T2c to an extraordinary 105.2 km flight around three turnpoints in Tacima (PB), Brazil. Completing the course in under 2.5 hours, this flight was marked by a decisive 15 thermal climbs that showcase Thalis’ ability to maintain height efficiently at speed. Tacima’s reliable thermic activity is well-known among the community, but Thalis’ flight is exceptional for the razor-sharp execution and tactical navigation that kept him ahead of challenging conditions. His achievement highlights the exciting potential for hang gliding XC in northeastern Brazil’s soaring hotspots.

3. Joaco López’s Steady 91 km Around Three TPs Flight at Pedernera

Joaco López demonstrated remarkable consistency and patience in his 91.2 km Free Distance flight from Pedernera, Argentina. His ride aboard the Skywalk Chili 5 stretched over 4 hours and 16 minutes with 27 thermals climbed, reflecting commendable skills in thermal hunting and route optimization. Pedernera’s mountainous setting requires calculated decisions on turning points, making Joaco’s strategic pacing and energy management inspirational for pilots aspiring to tackle longer XC flights here. His journey enriches the Volandoo community’s understanding of regional XC dynamics and equipment performance.

4. Sergio Orellano’s 88 km Free Distance Clash at Zenón Pereyra

In a stunning sortie from Zenón Pereyra, Sergio Orellano flew 88 km around three turnpoints in just over 3 hours, showcasing flawless thermal centering and route tactics on his Ozone Zeno 2. Completing 37 climbs, Sergio leveraged precise decisions in one of Argentina’s classic XC zones where lift can be patchy and terrain challenging. His performance is inspiring for pilots balancing speed and altitude optimization amidst variable thermals, reinforcing why Zenón Pereyra is a coveted site for ambitious cross-country flights.

5. Sebastian Baggio’s Swift 87 km Circuit in Zenón Pereyra

Flying the high-performance Ozone Zeno 2, Sebastian Baggio completed an 87.2 km Free Distance flight around three turnpoints at Zenón Pereyra, Argentina. Covering ground in under 3 hours with 64 thermals climbed, Sebastian’s flight stands out for its dynamism and technical flair. His aggressive but smooth thermal centering and effective transitions made this effort a benchmark example of speed-to-fly finesse at a site known for challenging soaring conditions. Sebastian’s flight is already boosting morale and technique discussions across the Volandoo community.

6. Maximo Cardenas Conquers Villa Lago Meliquina with Over 86 km Soaring

Maximo Cardenas put in a marathon effort from Villa Lago Meliquina, Argentina, flying 86.1 km around three turnpoints over more than 6 hours of flight time. With 30 thermals climbed aboard his Ozone Lyght, Maximo combined endurance, tactical finesse, and deep knowledge of this scenic alpine site to sustain climb and glide efficiently. The site’s varied microclimates make long-distance flights especially challenging, and Maximo’s accomplishment is a tribute to both pilot determination and advanced glide technology. His feat enriches Volandoo’s repository of inspiring alpine XC flights.

As the vibrant Volandoo community continues to push boundaries in diverse locales, these six flights shine as benchmarks for skill, strategy, and endurance. Whether you’re a seasoned pilot or just getting started, may these tales of triumph inspire your next thermal climb and cross-country venture. Don’t forget to explore the live trackers, heart the flights you admire, and share comments to connect with fellow pilots across the globe. See you soaring next week!