Volandoo Weekly Flight Highlights – Week of October 19, 2025

Welcome to Volandoo, the world’s premier live tracking platform for paragliding and hang gliding pilots eager to push their limits and share their adventures. This week, the Volandoo community soared high with a total of 1030 flights logged worldwide, showcasing extraordinary skill, endurance, and passion. From the soaring skies over Wharton Regional Airport in the US to the challenging thermal conditions at Iquique - Alto Hospicio and the dynamic flying sites of Tacima (PB) in Brazil, our pilots demonstrated a stunning range of flying styles and breathtaking cross-country achievements. Let’s dive into the top six most remarkable flights that truly captured the spirit of our global flying family.

Robin Hamilton's Monumental 225 km XC Around Wharton Regional Airport

Robin Hamilton sets the bar high with an awe-inspiring Free Distance flight around three turn points at Wharton Regional Airport, covering an impressive 224.995 km in just over 5 hours. Flying the agile Aeros Combat C 13.5, Robin skillfully tackled 38 thermals, expertly navigating complex lift zones to maintain an optimal glide. Wharton’s expansive flatlands demand precise thermal centering and strategic route choices, which Robin masterfully executed, pushing his limits and inspiring everyone in our community. His flight exemplifies the perfect blend of endurance and strategy in hang gliding.

Carlos Alfredo Araneda Cifuentes Triangulates 128.65 km at Iquique - Alto Hospicio

In the windswept coastal skies of northern Chile, Carlos Alfredo Araneda Cifuentes completed a demanding Free Triangle flight covering 128.647 km on his nimble Ozone Zeno2. The coastal dynamics of Iquique require pilots to combine savvy understanding of sea breezes with terrain-induced lift, and Carlos’s 11 thermals during this 5-hour flight reveal his excellent use of these conditions. His triangle skillfully passed key waypoints, showcasing both tactical planning and resilient flying—earning him a standout spot on this week’s leaderboard. This performance not only highlights technical prowess but also the expanding reach of South American XC flying.

Thalis Pacheco Blazes Through Tacima (PB) Covering 116.8 km Free Distance

Brazil’s Tacima hills witnessed Thalis Pacheco’s thrilling Free Distance around three turn points, achieving 116.795 km in under two and a half hours—a remarkable speed for the terrain. Piloting his Willswing T2c, Thalis capitalized on 18 well-executed thermals, emphasizing both aggressive climb tactics and smooth glides. This site is known for quick, dynamic thermal cycles and strong ridge lifts, demanding high pilot adaptability, which Thalis demonstrated with finesse. His flight also energized the local community, raising Tacima’s profile as a premier XC destination.

José "monacho" García’s 116.18 km Triangle Mastery in Iquique - Alto Hospicio

Demonstrating tactical genius and endurance, José “monacho” García completed a challenging 116.178 km Free Triangle over Iquique - Alto Hospicio while flying his reliable Niviuk Ikuma 3. Soaring for nearly six hours and working through 20 thermals, José navigated shifting coastal winds and thermal strength with methodical patience. His steady climb rates and smooth transitions emphasize deep familiarity with the site’s micro-meteorology, essential for consistent cross-country success. This flight not only added to José’s growing logbook legacy but also inspired many new pilots tracking his journey.

Thalis’s Second Strong Showing: 106.5 km Around Tacima (PB) on Wills Wing T2c

Thalis returned to the skies of Tacima for another impressive Free Distance around three turn points, this time covering 106.524 km in just 2 hours and 41 minutes aboard his Wills Wing T2c. Completing 15 thermals, he demonstrated consistent flight tactics, capitalizing on both thermal and ridge lift with smooth precision. This back-to-back showcase of form highlights Thalis’s deep understanding of local conditions and his glider’s performance envelope, encouraging pilots to refine their technique for quicker, safer XC flights in this demanding region.

Thalis Pacheco’s Tactical 105.64 km Flight Completing 3 Turn Points at Tacima (PB)

Adding to his streak, Thalis Pacheco chalked up a 105.642 km flight around three turn points in Tacima, clocking 2 hours and 52 minutes on his Wilswing T2c. Facing a lower thermal count of 6, this flight showcases his ability to efficiently manage energy and choose optimal glide lines—key skills as soaring pilots strive for longer, higher-quality flights. This performance rounds out a stellar week for Thalis, underlining the vital role of experience and glider familiarity in tackling South America’s challenging XC terrain.