Celebrating Exceptional Paragliding and Hang Gliding Flights – Week of September 8, 2025

Welcome to another exciting roundup from Volandoo, the foremost live tracking platform connecting the global paragliding and hang gliding community. This past week, pilots logged an impressive 334 flights, showcasing a remarkable blend of skill, endurance, and passion across diverse flying styles and soaring destinations. From breathtaking long-distance cross-country (XC) expeditions to competitive challenges, the variety and depth of these flights reflect the dynamic spirit driving our airborne community. Here, we spotlight the six most outstanding flights that caught everyone’s attention this week, inspiring pilots both new and seasoned alike.

Robin Hamilton: Masterful 265.1 km Free Distance Around 3 TPs

Robin Hamilton delivered a stunning performance piloting an Aeros Combat C 13.5 in an unknown location, conquering a 265.113 km flight spanning over 6 hours and 7 minutes. Tackling 37 thermals along the way, this endurance-fuelled journey completed a challenging three-turnpoint course with precise navigation and tactical flair. Robin’s flight not only highlights top-tier cross-country skills but also the capability of the Aeros Combat C 13.5 to perform in demanding conditions. The flight ignited substantial admiration within the community for sustaining focus and energy, setting the bar high for XC pilots worldwide.

Glauco Pinto’s Triple XC Triumphs with Icaro2000 Laminar

Glauco Pinto’s flying prowess came in strong with three remarkable Free Distance flights, all around three-turnpoint courses at unknown sites. The standout was a 221.394 km flight accomplished in 5 hours and 38 minutes on the Icaro2000 Laminar 14.1, crediting 33 thermals for sustained altitude gain. Another impressive outing covered 212.538 km (thermal count: 31) with an unspecified glider, followed by a 196.546 km flight, again on the Icaro2000 Laminar 14.1, logging 37 thermals. Glauco’s consistent high-performance across these long distances exemplifies mastery over both tactical decision-making and endurance, encouraging pilots to push personal boundaries.

Eduardo Fernandes Soars Over Vale Do Paranã

Eduardo Fernandes showed impressive handling of the dynamic Vale Do Paranã site, achieving a notable 137.2 km Free Distance flight around three turnpoints. Flying an Icaro Laminar, Eduardo stayed aloft for nearly 4 hours, effectively utilising 26 thermals to manage lift and maintain speed. This flight is a fine example of making the most from a technically interesting site with varying thermal conditions, offering lessons in strategic climbing and route planning. Eduardo’s flight highlights not only personal skill but also the stunning landscape that adds unmatched beauty and challenge to the experience.

Robert Cooper’s Tactical XC Flight at Cove (Richfield-Monroe)

Navigating the thermals with precision, Robert Cooper completed a 128.24 km Free Distance flight around three turnpoints at Cove (Richfield-Monroe), flying a Ww T2 glider. Spanning just over 3 hours, he efficiently worked 21 thermals to maintain strong momentum. This flight speaks to effective energy management and smart route choices in a competitive-like setting, inspiring pilots to consider how tactical flying complements raw distance endurance. Robert’s achievement reminds the community that every flight presents unique challenges to conquer, sharpening skills with every launch.

Jorge Mora’s Five-Hour Glide from Bototillo

Jorge Mora embraced the skies above Bototillo with a strong Free Distance flight of 114.054 km around three turnpoints, flying a Swing Sfera glider. This extended 5-hour journey included 34 thermals, showing remarkable patience and skill in thermal centering to maintain altitude over a lengthy course. Jorge’s accomplishment in balancing duration and distance emphasizes the art of persistence and steadiness in XC flying, valuable inspiration for pilots growing their cross-country experience.

Ataulfo J. Fernandez Montero Pushes Limits in Algodonales De Sur Competition

In a competitive flight from Algodonales De Sur, Ataulfo J. Fernandez Montero flew an Icaro2000 Laminar aiming for goal with two waypoints and a demanding course challenge. Covering 82.882 km in just under 3 hours and 24 minutes, he skillfully handled 20 thermals but narrowly missed goal completion. This flight reflects the razor-edge precision required in competition flying, balancing risk and reward. Ataulfo’s strategic thermal use and persistence resonate strongly with the racing community and those aspiring to sharpen their competitive edge.

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These flights underline the relentless passion and soaring achievements that fuel the Volandoo community week after week. Whether pushing distances, refining competition tactics, or mastering local sites, every flight adds to the collective knowledge and excitement. Join us at Volandoo to track your flights live, log your personal milestones, and celebrate the indomitable spirit of paragliding and hang gliding worldwide.