Experience the Thrill of the Week’s Best XC Paragliding and Hang Gliding Adventures

Welcome to Volandoo, the premier global platform dedicated to live tracking and logging of paragliding and hang gliding flights worldwide. This past week saw an extraordinary surge in activity, with 646 flights soaring through diverse skies, showcasing the soaring passion within our vibrant community. From ultra-distance Out and Back routes to challenging FAI Triangles, pilots tested their skill and endurance across some of the most iconic and demanding sites on the planet. Join us as we celebrate six remarkable cross-country (XC) flights that embody pilot determination, precision, and the spirit of adventure.

Leonardo Palmieri’s Epic 191 km Out and Back at San Andrés De Giles

Leonardo Palmieri delivered a masterclass in stamina and strategy flying an Out and Back course at San Andrés De Giles. Covering an impressive 191.05 km in just under 4 hours (3h 53m), Leonardo navigated 46 térmicas using the agile and reliable Centrair Pegase glider. San Andrés De Giles, known for its varied terrain and tricky lift conditions, proved a formidable challenge, making this flight a testament to Leonardo’s precision in thermal centering and energy management. His track stands as inspiration for pilots aiming for long, technical distance flights.

Jose Guadix Estepa’s Technical 165.6 km FAI Triangle at Santaella

Jose Guadix Estepa carved an outstanding FAI Triangle spanning 165.56 km over the scenic backdrop of Santaella. Flying the Ozone Viper 5 XC, a glider prized for its high-performance XC capabilities, he mastered térmicas with impressive efficiency, completing the course in 3 hours and 30 minutes with only 18 thermal stops. Santaella’s dynamic soaring conditions demand sharp navigation and flight planning—Jose’s achievement highlights his calm decision-making and advanced skillset. His flight uplifts the community, demonstrating the thrill of precision triangle tasks.

Agustín García Tini’s Long Endurance Free Distance at Pedernera

In a breathtaking display of persistence, Agustín García Tini took off from Pedernera and completed a Free Distance flight rounding three turnpoints totalling 146.63 km. Lasting over 5 hours, Agustín demonstrated exceptional endurance and tactical skill, engaging in 65 térmicas with the trusted UP Sumit glider. Pedernera’s mountainous landscape requires nuanced understanding of local lift and weather patterns, which Agustín harnessed skillfully to maintain a consistent climb rate and navigate fluidly through variable conditions. His contribution enriches the Volandoo community’s XC narrative.

Peter Burkitt’s Masterful 140 km Free Triangle at Dalby

Peter Burkitt’s free triangle flight at Dalby is a perfect example of hang gliding finesse covering 140.26 km in just over 4 hours. Flying the Moyes RX5 Pro, a top-tier hang glider renowned for its agility and speed, Peter executed 49 térmicas with remarkable control. Dalby offers varied thermic conditions and tight lift windows, making this an achievement of both physical and mental agility. His precision flying and route choice resonate strongly within the XC community, propelling Dalby further into the spotlight as a premier flying site.

Patrick Collin’s 120.9 km Free Distance Soar at Tacima (PB)

Patrick Collin pushed limits over the renowned Tacima (PB) site with an expertly flown Free Distance around three turnpoints amounting to 120.92 km. Using the Willswing T2c glider, Patrick completed the flight in under 2 hours 34 minutes, managing 36 térmicas with swift circling and clean transitions. Tacima’s strong tropical térmicas and diverse terrain make it a hotspot for XC pilots seeking speed and distance. Patrick’s flight underscores the vibrant flying culture and gains traction among pilot peers eager to emulate his focused approach.

Claudemir Souza Bezerra’s High-Performance 118 km Flight at Tacima

Claudemir Souza Bezerra showcased remarkable endurance and technical skill flying a Free Distance around three turnpoints at Tacima, clocking 118.03 km in just under 3 hours. Piloting the Wills Wing T2c, Claudemir leveraged the potent thermal activity with 61 climb cycles, optimizing speed and altitude to maintain consistent forward momentum. His performance highlights the tactical refinement achievable at Tacima, reinforcing its status on the global hang gliding and paragliding circuit. The flight’s impact strengthens community enthusiasm for ambitious, tight-turnpoint challenges.