Celebrating the Finest XC Paragliding and Hang Gliding Flights of the Week

Welcome to Volandoo, the world’s premier live tracking platform for paragliding and hang gliding enthusiasts. This past week, our vibrant community soared to new heights with a total of 411 flights logged across diverse locations worldwide. From precision FAI Triangles to challenging Out and Back courses, pilots demonstrated remarkable skill, endurance, and passion for cross-country (XC) flying. Join us as we spotlight six standout flights that exemplify the spirit and expertise that make our community vibrant and inspiring.

Andrea Cecchetto – Mastering the Skies with a 206.73 km FAI Triangle at Galliera Veneta

Andrea Cecchetto delivered an extraordinary performance with an impeccably flown 206.73 km FAI Triangle at the iconic site of Galliera Veneta, Italy. Piloting the agile Photon, Andrea completed this ambitious route in just over 4 hours and 12 minutes, expertly navigating seven thermals that shaped the flight’s success. This flight highlights the precision and endurance required to link multiple waypoints while optimizing climb efficiency. Andrea’s smooth transitions and strategic thermal usage set a high benchmark for XC pilots striving to push the limits of FAI Triangle flying.

Jorge Rosa’s Impressive 147.7 km Out and Back at Zárate – A Test of Stamina and Skill

At Zárate, Jorge Rosa showcased endurance and tactical brilliance with a challenging 147.719 km Out and Back flight completed in 3 hours and 16 minutes aboard a vintage yet reliable Rolladen-schneider Ls3a. The flight featured a staggering 42 thermals, proving Jorge’s ability to efficiently climb and maintain momentum on a demanding route. His flight demonstrates how combining classical gliders with modern XC techniques can yield remarkable results, inspiring both traditionalists and contemporary pilots alike.

Silvio Gean Parapente’s Endurance Showcase: 123.19 km Free Distance Around 3 TPs at Barra Bonita

Silvio Gean Parapente impressed the Volandoo community with a long, steady 123.193 km Free Distance flight around three turning points at Barra Bonita, Brazil. Flying for over 4 hours and 27 minutes in a Davinc Mambo glider, Silvio engaged in an intense thermal hunt with an outstanding 78 climbs, demonstrating patience and tactical navigation. This flight is a vivid example of coordinating multiple waypoints in complex airspace, a challenge that heightens a pilot's route planning and real-time decision-making skills.

Pablo Lopez Pushes Limits with a 122.34 km FAI Triangle at El Mirador De Los Condores

In Argentina’s breathtaking El Mirador De Los Condores, Pablo Lopez completed a meticulous 122.335 km FAI Triangle lasting more than 5 hours aboard the dynamic Niviuk Artik 7 P. This flight required 54 thermal climbs, emphasizing not only Pablo’s physical stamina but also his sharp thermal detection and exploitation skills. The site’s demanding conditions and long duration make this achievement a testament to both pilot perseverance and soaring technique mastery, inspiring pilots to embrace challenging thermal mountain flying.

Miguel Angel Pujol Navigates 119.31 km Free Distance Over Three TPs at Barra Bonita

Flying another highlight at Barra Bonita, Miguel Angel Pujol completed a smooth 119.306 km Free Distance flight around three key turning points in just under 4 hours, navigating forty-plus thermals with grace aboard a Sol Lt2 glider. Miguel’s flight exemplifies strategic waypoint selection and efficient climbs, balancing speed with climbing efficiency in a highly competitive flying area. His achievement enriches the community’s understanding of flexible XC tactics in tropical soaring environments.

Mario’s Swift 114.8 km Free Triangle with Minimum Thermals: A Lesson in Efficiency

Mario’s standout flight, covering 114.767 km in an impressively brief 2 hours and 30 minutes, highlights efficiency and smart energy management with only 4 thermals recorded. Flying a Davinci Mambo glider, Mario accomplished this Free Triangle from an undisclosed site, demonstrating that careful route choice combined with skillful glider handling can drastically reduce climb dependency while maximizing speed. This flight offers valuable lessons in minimalist XC tactics and speed soaring strategies for intermediate pilots eager to optimize their flying style.

The diversity and accomplishments highlighted this week at Volandoo demonstrate the thriving global paragliding and hang gliding community’s dedication to pushing boundaries. Whether pursuing long FAI Triangles, technical Out and Back routes, or multi-turnpoint free distance flights, these pilots exemplify the skill, determination, and joy that define our shared passion.