Volandoo Weekly Flight Highlights: Week of October 12, 2025

Welcome to Volandoo, the premier global platform for live tracking and logging paragliding and hang gliding flights. This week, the community set the bar high with an astounding 445 flights logged worldwide, showcasing breathtaking skill, endurance, and the spirit of adventure. From soaring the thermals over Colonia Josefina to tactical cross-country navigation at Wharton Regional Airport, pilots displayed a rich diversity of flying styles and locations. Let’s dive into the six most remarkable flights that define this week’s soaring excellence.

Sebastian Baggio’s Masterful 164 km XC Around Colonia Josefina

Sebastian Baggio delivered an outstanding Free Distance flight covering 164.05 km flying around three turn points at the scenic Colonia Josefina. Piloting his high-performance Ozone Zeno 2, he expertly worked 13 thermals over 4 hours and 25 minutes, showcasing remarkable altitude management and cross-country strategy. This flight represents a significant achievement in the region, where dynamic landscape and variable conditions demand precision. Sebastian’s venture not only pushed his personal limits but also inspired the community with a brilliant display of technical skill and planning.

Robin Hamilton’s Swift 158 km Soar at Wharton Regional Airport

Known for his consistency, Robin Hamilton stunned again with a 157.9 km Free Distance flight around three turn points at the renowned Wharton Regional Airport. Flying the agile Aeros Combat C 13.5, Robin capitalised on 22 thermals within a compact 3 hours and 28 minutes of flight time, demonstrating efficient energy use and sharp tactical decisions. Wharton’s flatlands challenge pilots to master thermalling precision, and Robin’s performance reiterates his exceptional XC skillset. His flight track adds another milestone to Wharton’s thriving pilot community, motivating newcomers and veterans alike.

Ricardo Amador’s Endurance Flight of 127 km at Covilhã PPD

At Portugal’s picturesque Covilhã PPD, Ricardo Amador embarked on an epic Free Distance flight of 126.87 km flying around three turn points. Soaring with his reliable Flow Xcracer, he orbited 23 thermals over 4 hours and 14 minutes, proving endurance and patience in a challenging mountainous environment. This flight not only adds impressive numbers to Ricardo’s logbook but also highlights Covilhã as a rising hotspot for ambitious XC pilots pursuing long-duration adventure flights. His track serves as an educational example of navigating rugged terrain with smooth and consistent gains.

Luis Marcelo Romero Takes on San Jorge for 110 km XC Challenge

Luis Marcelo Romero embraced the technical demands of San Jorge with his Ozone Zeno, completing a robust 109.7 km Free Distance flight around three turn points. His tactical perseverance shines through as he found and worked 26 thermals over 3 hours and 46 minutes, navigating complex lift zones efficiently. San Jorge’s soaring conditions require keen reading of the sky, and Luis’s flight stands out as a textbook execution of cross-country principles, inspiring fellow pilots in the region to extend their own limits.

Cesar Diaz Zapata’s Smooth 106 km Flight at Patillos

Cesar Diaz Zapata demonstrated finesse controlling his Ozone Zeno2, flying 106.14 km round three turn points at the vibrant flying site of Patillos. With just 8 thermals over nearly 4 hours, his ride was a masterclass in energy conservation and route optimisation. This flight exemplifies how quality soaring can be achieved with fewer climbs, emphasising strategy over sheer thermal count. Cesar's accomplishment encourages pilots to focus on flying smarter, reminding the Volandoo community that every flight can teach something new.

Piotr Josko’s Inspirational 102.7 km FAI Triangle at Bassano - Camillo

Piotr Josko took on the technical challenge of a Free Triangle at Bassano - Camillo, covering 102.67 km with an impressively patient 5 hour 36 minute flight. Flying the trustworthy Ozone Delta 4, he mastered 32 thermals, carefully balancing climb and glide in an area famed for its mountainous ridges and dynamic weather shifts. Piotr’s finesse in completing a demanding FAI triangle underscores the kind of perseverance and precise flying that epitomises XC excellence. His journey uplifts pilots striving for their own official triangle tracks and enriches the vibrant Bassano flying community.

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As each of these pilots push boundaries with their choice of sites, gliders, and flight tactics, Volandoo proudly stands as the platform capturing their journeys in real-time. Whether you’re a beginner dreaming of your first 100km XC or a seasoned pilot chasing efficiency and speed, these flights provide valuable lessons and inspiration. Keep pushing the limits and share your adventures with the Volandoo community—where every flight counts! Fly safe and soar high!