




In this episode I speak with Serge Durrant, a former Top Gun fighter pilot turned paraglider, discussing his journey from aviation to adventure sports. We explore themes of mentorship, risk management, and the importance of community in high-stakes environments. Serge shares insights on overcoming fear, the competitive nature of flying, and the mental techniques that have helped him succeed in hang gliding, flying F-18 fighter jets, and paragliding. The conversation highlights the parallels between aviation and paragliding, emphasizing the need for grit and the value of learning from mistakes. Serge discusses the importance of training, mentorship, and the lessons learned from both successes and failures. He reflects on his growth as a pilot, the pressures of competition, and his future aspirations in the sport, emphasizing the unique joy of paragliding and the importance of maintaining a passion for flying.
In the episode we speak about Serge’s book “Fighter Pilot.” It’s a hoot and can be found here.
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Takeaways
- Serge started flying at four years old.
- He was flying jets by 21.
- The aviation environment is incredibly competitive.
- Mentorship plays a crucial role in pilot training.
- Serge buried five good mates during his career.
- He had a fear of the wind while paragliding.
- Every flight is an opportunity to learn.
- Grit is essential for success in paragliding.
- Mindset shifts can significantly improve performance.
- Serge won the master’s division in a recent race. Risk management is crucial in paragliding, especially in challenging conditions.
- Training should include SIV (Simulation of In-Flight Situations) to build confidence.
- The psychological aspect of flying can be as challenging as the physical demands.
- Having a mentor can significantly enhance a pilot’s skills and confidence.
- Experiencing fear is normal, but it shouldn’t be debilitating.
- The thrill of paragliding comes from the unique experience of flight.
- Competition can push pilots to their limits, revealing their true grit.
- It’s important to have multiple goals to avoid a midlife crisis in sports.
- The journey of growth in paragliding is continuous and rewarding.
- Appreciating the ability to fly is essential for maintaining motivation.
Sound Bites
- “I started flying at four years old.”
- “I was flying jets by 21.”
- “It was incredibly competitive.”
- “I buried five really good mates.”
- “You’ve got to have some grit.”
- “Every flight’s a training flight.”
- “I had a fear of the wind.”
- “I was on the verge of not handling it well.”
- “I woke up on day four and said, you’re an absolute pussy.”
- “I got seventh outright, won the master’s division.”
- “I actually considered quitting the sport.”
- “I was ready to sort of say this sport’s not for me.”
- “I love the hike and fly of not really knowing where I’m going.”
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
03:08 Aviation Journey and Early Experiences
05:54 The Competitive Nature of Aviation
09:01 Mentorship and Learning in High-Stakes Environments
11:52 Paragliding: Transitioning from Aviation to Adventure
14:56 The Importance of Community and Celebrations
17:54 Risk Management and Learning from Mistakes
20:53 Overcoming Fear and Mental Barriers
23:59 The Role of Grit in Paragliding Success
27:04 Choosing the Right Mentor for Growth
30:11 Mindset Shifts and Performance Improvement
32:50 Navigating Fear and Risk Management in Paragliding
38:48 Lessons from Experience: The Importance of Training
46:11 The Psychology of Competition and Grit
56:01 The Journey of Growth: From Novice to Competitor
01:00:24 Future Aspirations: Balancing Passion and Pressure
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:25:43 — 117.7MB)
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