Austrian pilot Philipp Zellner is a name XContest fanatics know well. Philipp is an acro ace and professional tandem pilot who spends his winters flying monster lines all over the world. We recorded this interview two days after he broke the FAI record in India with a monster 234km flight in the Himalayas, and then just hours later he broke it again with an even bigger 255km flight. In this episode we discuss Philipp’s zen for going big, being a professional pilot, the importance of having an acro background and acro training, vol biv, and just some good old fashioned storytelling in the highest mountains on Earth. Tuck in for some inspiration!
And Philipp is going to be guiding in and around Bir this next season. Ping him on info@tirolair.com if you’re interested!
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Your host getting a little spring action. Photo Matt Beechinor
This week we dive into spring with the current World Champion and long-time Ozone test pilot Russ Ogden and multiple US National Champion Nick Greece. Year after year we see accidents in free flight spike in spring. Spicy conditions, rusty skills, new unfamiliar gear, heightened stoke, another year behind us, lack of confidence… we explore the many things that might have an impact on why we see the spike and what you can do to make sure you’re not in the data set. Topics include:
Spring conditions in general- sharp, cold, boisterous, quick to change…forecasting?
How to “ease back in”. SIV?
New gear / wing choice. In Spring or after you’re tuned up? What about the new EN C 2-Liners? Are they a game changer or should people still treat them with a ton of respect?
Getting older each year- what should we be looking out for? Dexterity, reaction time, fragility…how to assess where we are NOW?
Getting in the right mindset- how to do it after a long break? How to know what our current “you” is?
Equipment – what should we review/ have in our kit? First aid, inReach, telegram groups, contacts…
Dude, this is brutal and I want to land- but it’s midday!
Taking on launches or landings that are demanding after a lay off for the winter- the need to tune up on the training hill or…?
The value of kiting practice
Hooking in- making sure you are connected to glider and leg straps are all buckled (ie the “4 points”)
Suitable conditions:
blow back, rotor, fronts, etc.
Crowded launch/landing conditions/peer pressure
Flying someplace new without getting an introduction with the local “tribal knowledge”
repack, rigging, accidental deployments, how to throw
Factors that lead to mistakes
rushing, peer pressure to fly, dehydration, distractions, interruptions during setup routine
We also take a look at what the statistics tell us (huge thanks to Chris Santacroce for compiling the data each year!) and the specific recommendations that come out of these reports.
Here’s a nice way to get tuned up this year, Nick Greece is guiding some really cool flying and culinary trips with renowned chef and master pilot Estefano Salgado. You can find their offerings at www.paraglidingguides.com.
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There are times in a pilots career when things do not go according to plan. This is one of those times. Nikolay Lipko had a rather unusual (but not unheard-of) event flying in Chamonix, France that thankfully ended quite well thanks to a successful reserve deployment. As with all incidents, there is hindsight and modifications to how to take to the skies. And if anything else, this story is a case study for why SIV training is so important. In this instance your host and our guest don’t see eye-to-eye on the cause and effect but the take-aways are valuable. Listen and give our chat some thought.
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Our Mayhem editor Myles Connolly is about 350 hours into his flying journey and is leaving soon for an SIV course with Jocky Sanderson in Turkey. We thought it would be fun to connect and have him fire questions at me about all the things he’s currently curious about as his XC skills and training progress. Hike and fly; risk related to big events like the Red Bull X-Alps; how to approach Vol Biv (gear, locations, top landing, distance, etc.); Wing and gear developments and the new 2 liner C wings, gear choices and a lot more. Enjoy!
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Gaspard stylishly launches the Gaisberg, Day 1 2021 Red Bull X-Alps
Gaspard Petiot is a mountain guide and very accomplished pilot who competed successfully in the Red Bull X-Alps in 2015 (5th, Monaco), 2017 (broken wrist, withdrawn after leading day 6) and 2019 (7th, Monaco) despite having very bad knees. In this episode we rewind the clock as we have done with the others in this X-Alps series and hear the behind-the-scenes stories that the fans didn’t see on live tracking. Gaspard was supported by his brother in all three of his campaigns, also a very accomplished pilot and we delve into what made each of their races so unique and so successful. More fun of what goes down behind the veil! Enjoy!
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Manuel Nubel has competed in four Red Bull X-Alps, starting in 2015. On Team USA 1 we call him the comeback kid. He often starts in the middle or back of the pack but gets stronger and more crafty as the race goes on. We rewind the clock to 2015, his first race and find out the back story of landing in a tree on his way to Monaco and the hilarity that ensues, the ups and downs of his campaigns, (for example having to quit due to exhaustion in 2017, and making a series of magical moves in 2021 which saw him climb from 16th to 6th in the final days of the race) and his decision to not compete in 2023, but why we may see him again in 2025. Another super fun talk with another legend of the sport. Enjoy!
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Debu Choudhury hails from the small village of Manali, India, a gateway to Ladakh and the infamous Karakoram pass. Pilots the world over know the region because of nearby Bir, one of the most reliable big-mountain flying sites in the world. Debu began flying there 29 years ago and chases it just as hard today as he ever has. In the world of paragliding he’s done and continues to do it all. Acro, high-level comps, tandems, guiding, instruction, vol biv and flying huge lines in the Himalaya. A member of the acclaimed “Sky Summits” team, which includes Eddie Colfox, Antoine Laurens, Stefan Bernhard, and the “Himalayan Sky Safaris team”, which included Jim Mallinson and the late John Silvester you’ll find Debu wherever the flying is good wearing one of the most contagious smiles you’ve ever seen. Enjoy this wide-ranging talk with one of our sports true legends.
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I’ve got a head cold and hoarse throat this week which makes interviewing pretty hard, so we’re diving back into the archives to bring you a show that was great then, and better now and an excellent tune-up before spring. “Mastering Autonomy” with Manu Bonte. And a couple important topics in the show opener that I’ve been meaning to hit for weeks. Enjoy!
Manu showing the way in Colombia
Manu Bonte is an APPI Master Instructor and has been guiding cross country instructional tours around the world for over 10 years. A Mechanical engineer, Manu has worked as a test pilot for 8 years in the development team of the French paraglider brand Nervures. Manu is also a journalist and author of the book Parapente Sauvage. The “Flying Frog” is internationally known for his amazing pictures and adventurous journeys around the globe. Manu is president of the educational committee of the APPI, an international education training program that has more than 10,000 members in 134 countries. In this episode we learn about how Manu approaches building autonomy with his students; the importance of the mental side of the sport; finding the equilibrium between motivation and safety; chasing the aesthetic over personal bests and kilometer counting; how to get pilots in a positive state of mind; teaching people to avoid making stupid mistakes; the extreme risk of social media and external motivation and flying; how to free the unconscious mind; the three things that lead to accidents; switching to “autopilot”; where “happiness” lies in flying and a TON, TON more.
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The main goal of APPI is to offer to pilots and instructors a worldwide united education system. Many pilots travel, and APPI gives them the confidence to find consistent, quality education in certified APPI schools all around the world. APPI allows those traveling pilots to progress in the same education system wherever they travel.
APPI education system also features: -Pilot manual -Pilot Logbook where the contents of each level are described. So far this logbook is available in English, Spanish, French, Serbo Croatian, Macedonian, Greek, Persian, Russian, Turkish…. Chinese and Arabic are in progress -Online theory training with a pool of 500 question carefully elaborated and regularly updated -Online Theoretical exam virtual room -Evaluation forms for practical exams -Instructor manual
The education system is regularly evaluated and updated by a cosmopolitan pool of master instructors: the APPI Pedagogical Committee. This allows the system to be in perpetual evolution and incorporate the latest knowledge, which is a major issue when we consider the fast evolution in glider design and its impacts on piloting.
B: a network of APPI certified professional pilots:
The network of tandem pilots, instructors and schools provides a consistent and guaranteed level of quality
C: field pedagogic actions: those actions are performed: -by APPI instructors inside APPI schools -by APPI master instructors for experienced pro pilots (tandem, instructors, technicians) seeking validation or updating of their competence in the APPI system. They are evaluated and validated at the level they deserve in the APPI system.
Actions oriented towards Pro pilots are called Pro-workshop, here is the schedule of coming events, as well as a resume of actions that have been held in the past
-Each key level (advanced pilot, tandem pilot, instructor) requires validation of two different instructors or master instructors. Name of validators is recorded into the APPI system and they may be held responsible for the actions or behavior of their rated pilots in case it is due to a lack in the education process.
-Each member of APPI, whether he is a simple pilot or a master instructor, can report any incidents or unsafe behaviors he may witness.
The Disciplinary & Safety Committee will investigate and evaluate possible actions to take in these instances.
If the issue indicates action against an individual, the disciplinary committee may take action to bring the individual into compliance with the APPI standards. If those actions are unsuccessful, sanctions may been taken up to expel the individual from APPI.
If the incident suggests a change to the training protocol, the Disciplinary Committee will engage the Pedagogical Committee to have the training protocol be revised and evolve.
System update:
The APPI system is driven by a competent and cosmopolitan pedagogical committee: 14 experts showing different backgrounds.
The diversity of countries and expertise enriches our understanding of global issues. One thing they have in common is that all travel the world for their professional paragliding activity.
This committee also relies on a network of well known and respected specialists who help on specific topics. APPI Hall of Fame shows Francois Ragolski, Theo De Blic, Tim Alongi, Franck Coupat (Attaka speedriding school), Kari Castle, Charles Cazaux, Seiko Fukuoka, Pablo Lopez, Bruce Goldsmith, David Eyraud, Fabien Blanco, Mendo Veljanovski, Jordi Marquillas, Marko Hrgetik, Dale Covington, Avi Malik… Among others
APPI and National federations:
− The purpose of APPI is to create a consistent high level of training worldwide, and to build bridges with existing national federations.
− At APPI we are convinced that a strong local federation of pilots in a country is critical for paragliding development, and is key for airspace regulation, national competition, and many other issues.
− APPI’s goal is to promote and strenghten paragliding worldwide. If we can help any federation or local authority with our experience and training program to build a synergy, we do so enthusiastically.
On the field how does it work?
Some countries use the APPI system as their official system. They like the quality of the contents, the fact that its a ready to use solution with documentation and educational support. Also they like the possibility to call external experts to validate the pros levels which eliminates conflicts of interest.
In some countries where an historic educational system exists APPI certifications are recognized besides the local historic system. APPI functions in a supportive role, and is mainly used when local pilots travel abroad, or for an easy integration of incoming foreign pilots.
There are countries that do not recognize APPI yet, and we work on building a trustfull relationship with them.
APPI and FAI
APPI is recognized by FAI as a trustfull entity. FAI asked APPI to work on the renewal of Parapro system (Safe pro 2017), FAI allows APPI to issue FAI IPPI levels in certains countries, standart procedure requires local NAC autorization.
Pilots that are APPI certified have their certification recognized in countries that recognize APPI certification.
Insurance:
We are working on providing worldwide insurance at a decent rate and very good coverage to all our pilots and professional pilots. We have already succeeded for European citizens (even living abroad) and European residents. Our insurance company is working to extend the offer worldwide
Manu Bonte
President of APPI educational committee
Show Notes:
Finding the equilibrium between motivation and safety
Becoming autonomous
Teaching people to avoid making stupid mistakes
Mental, mental, mental- you gotta feel good in the air
Identifying behaviors that betray nervousness
disconnecting the piloting from the vision- going into autopilot
improving technique for thermalling
work on strategy- identify the simple rules and follow them- free your unconscious mind!
The four cores: Mental, technical, energy, and strategy
The three things that lead to problems- 1) external motivation. 2) ego. 3) incorrect vision of progression- exposing yourself to too much risk. Work the technique, improve your mental skills, pound the fundamentals and you will get good, you don’t need to push hard to get good
Paragliding is dangerous. Accepting that it is the first step in the right direction.
What makes a good paragliding pilot? What makes a great flight?
Adapt- manage your level of exposure
Connect your happiness to improvement, not numbers
Your goal should be to fly safely and making smart decisions. Fly for the aesthetic. If your stories include tons of low saves and surviving sketchy decisions then that’s not cool. Who’s the better pilot- the pilot who flies all day without a low save, or the pilot who has 5 low saves?
The importance of Analyzing your flight to find weaknesses. There are four parts: climbing, transition, the line, and the searching.
How to exit a thermal
The importance of Margin
Are you having fun or are you looking for recognition?
Aligning probability with risk and the severity of the consequences
APPI and creating a syllabus and education system for the world
This episode was first scheduled as a quick primer to be released on the front of a “normal” podcast interview, but as we began recording it became clear it could stand alone as a show on its own. The World Cup is as high as it gets in competition hang gliding and paragliding. For many it is the ultimate goal in cross country flying. But getting an invitation to fly in the world cup isn’t very straightforward. First there are the many organizations- the FAI, CIVL, PWCA, and a nations flying organization (USHPA, BHPA, etc.). What’s the difference between Cat 1 and Cat 2? What is the WPRS and how does it play into selection? What are letters and why are they important? How do you make the World’s team and how is that different from a world cup? The road to a world cup isn’t very straight, but with a little clarification of the acronyms, and an understanding of how it all works together you can navigate the process quite easily. I sat down with Bill Hughes, who is the treasurer for the PWCA, is on the board at CIVL and USHPA and also works with the FAI to take us through the ABC’s of flying the highest level comps there is. If you have a goal of competing on the world cup this show is for you.
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If you like what you hear, please consider becoming a subscriber to ensure our high-quality content continues. You can also help contribute to a healthier, greener planet through my partnership with Our Forest.
A common question we ask on the Mayhem is “what would you do if you could rewind the clock to your 50 hour self?” One of our listeners reached out awhile back and wanted to know what we should tell our zero hour selves. When we first begin we know absolutely nothing other than we want to fly! But getting into the sport is daunting. How do you pick the right instructor? What qualifications or qualities should we look for? Should we consider connecting with a club and mentors BEFORE signing on with an instructor? What are the RIGHT questions new pilot students should be asking so we don’t turn off potential mentors. How ALONE you are in the air but how big and friendly and helpful the PG community is (ESPECIALLY for women). What SHOULD we be spending money on initially? How flying is an addiction and how it might affect relationships. How learning is a “Long and Winding Road” and how limited you are in your abilities as a P2. (Note to self, you are not a YouTube worthy pilot as a P2!). How important it is to be social so you can connect with the right people and how social media can help with that. Why it is important to connect with local flying clubs and pay dues. That it’s going to cost a lot more in travel time, Gas and mileage than you think! I reached out to Greg Hamerton to ask these questions and a lot more and we had a blast. I found a lot here that is applicable to pilots at any level. Check out Greg’s website and incredible courses at FlyWithGreg.com.
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If you like what you hear, please consider becoming a subscriber to ensure our high-quality content continues. You can also help contribute to a healthier, greener planet through my partnership with Our Forest.
