Volandoo Weekly Roundup: Epic XC Flights from Around the Globe

Welcome to Volandoo, the premier global platform for live tracking and logging paragliding and hang gliding flights. This past week saw an exhilarating 1,139 flights recorded on our platform, showcasing the incredible passion and skill of our soaring community. From spine-tingling free distance adventures to competitive challenges, pilots pushed their boundaries across diverse flying sites worldwide. Dive into this week’s top six flights that truly embody the spirit of cross-country (XC) flight, hike & fly, and competition, highlighting unique locations and a variety of gliding styles.

Patrick Collin – Mastering the Skies at Tacima (PB)

Patrick Collin delivered an extraordinary performance with a Free Distance flight covering an impressive 292.7 km around three turn points over the unique thermal landscape of Tacima in Paraíba, Brazil. Piloting his trusty Willswing T2c, Patrick stayed aloft for nearly 7 hours (6h 59m 16s), expertly navigating 45 thermals to maintain energy and momentum. Tacima’s challenging yet rewarding lift conditions tested his endurance and strategy, making this flight a standout in the XC community. His track is a testament to precise route planning and sheer determination, inspiring pilots worldwide.

Nicolas Aubert’s Epic Hike & Fly Through Gorafe’s High Desert

Demonstrating versatility in the demanding Hike & Fly discipline, Nicolas Aubert completed a phenomenal 204.35 km flight over the rugged terrain of Gorafe, Spain. Combining two hikes with four flights, he leveraged his Pap Paramotors glider to exploit 17 thermals across 6 hours and 45 minutes of air time. The endurance and tactical finesse required to merge on-foot effort with soaring excellence sell this flight as a masterclass in adventure flying. Gorafe’s thermic reliability and mountainous backdrop provided a spectacular setting for this mixed-modes expedition, making Nicolas’s performance a highlight for both hike & fly and XC enthusiasts.

Luis Rosenkjer’s Competitive Campaign at Cerro Arco, Mendoza

Luis Rosenkjer took on the fierce competition at Cerro Arco, Mendoza, with a strategic 111.9 km contest flight piloting the Ozone Lyght. His journey included five key waypoints over a tight 4 hour and 47 minute window, navigating 75 thermals that required acute skill and constant tactical adjustments. Although Luis did not make the goal, his performance underscored the mountain’s challenging conditions and the high-level competitive spirit. This flight exemplifies expert proficiency in managing energy and route choices against a strong field, marking him as a pilot to watch in competitive South American XC scenes.

Eduardo Sanchez Granel & Francisco Mantaras: Cerro Arco’s Dynamic Duo

Competing fiercely at the same Mendoza site, Eduardo Sanchez Granel and Francisco Mantaras showcased remarkable consistency with flights of 110.0 km and 109.5 km respectively. Eduardo in his Ozone Zeno 2 and Francisco on the Ozone Enzo3 demonstrated refined technique tackling five waypoints apiece while managing 48 and 53 thermals in competitive durations under 4 hours 2 minutes and 3 hours 57 minutes. Their flights highlight both endurance and adaptability at Cerro Arco, emphasizing the site’s reputation as a proving ground for advanced XC pilots. These performances bolster community excitement and reflect the depth of talent active on Volandoo right now.

Alvarinho Blas Lucero Pushes Limits on Ozone Enzo 3

Also flying at Cerro Arco, Alvarinho Blas Lucero clocked an admirable 104.7 km competition flight. Flying an Ozone Enzo 3 and navigating four turn points with 56 thermals over 4 hours and 10 minutes, Alvarinho's precision flying and refined thermal strategy stood out on a very competitive day. Though the goal remained just out of reach, his flight demonstrated the evolving skill level among pilots tackling Mendoza’s complex landscape. This track serves as an inspiration for pilots balancing endurance and tactical navigation in intense competitive conditions.

Alvaro Santi’s Soaring Free Triangle at El Mirador De Los Condores

Wrapping up the week’s highlights, Alvaro Santi conquered a challenging 93.99 km Free Triangle flight from El Mirador De Los Condores, a site known for its majestic scenery and dynamic lift conditions. Flying the Nova Menttor 5, Alvaro banked an impressive 87 thermals over 4 hours and 44 minutes to complete his triangle with pinpoint accuracy and endurance. This flight anchors the diverse flying styles celebrated this week, reminding all pilots that technical finesse and patient thermal riding are keys to Free Triangle success.

As the Volandoo community continues to log record-setting flights across varied terrains and conditions, these six stand as testaments to the skill, adventure, and camaraderie that define our sport. Whether you’re a newcomer or seasoned pilot, let these performances inspire you to push your limits and explore new horizons. Stay tuned for next week’s batch of breathtaking journeys through the sky!