Bonus Segment- Jeff Shapiro and the Thermal Crescendo

April 24, 2019 by Gavin McClurg

We're working on a series of weather shows and Nik Hawks recently jumped on the phone with Jeff Shapiro to talk weather and they headed off into a super interesting direction for about 15 minutes into a talk that Jeff has been giving to his students about how thermals work...and the strategies we need to employ to use them effectively. "Use some fu$%ing discipline!". Find yourself bombing out in comps? Frequently frustrated by a shorter day than you could have gotten? Listen up.

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Episode 90- Threat and Error Management (TEM) and Free Flight

April 17, 2019 by Gavin McClurg

THREATS. Strategies. Resist. Resolve. CONSEQUENCE. ERRORS.

TEM stands for “Threat and Error Management.” It was developed in the commercial airline industry in the early 90’s as a result of a series of accidents that happened because of human error. TEM is a simple system that helps pilots identify threats so they don’t lead to errors which if they multiply could lead to an “undesirable aircraft state.” It’s simply an awareness protocol laid out through a series of checklists and procedures that become built-in threat mitigation. Threats in all forms of flight are ubiquitous- internal and external threats are everywhere. So how can we use this remarkably successful program in free flight to reduce risk? And how can we make safety a bigger part of our free-flight culture? The parallels with commercial flight and free flight are similar and if we as a flying community even have a basic understanding of TEM accidents in our sport would plummet. In this episode we talk about the four basic tools you can develop (avoidance, passive safety, defensive safety, active and reactive safety) to build your resilience to threats and risk; the chess analogy and the Art of War; how understanding TEM consciously will allow our subconscious to keep us safer; the critical phase of flight; the difference between TEM and risk management and a lot more things that you NEED to hear. Listen to this one! Fly safe!

To read all about TEM and get the distilled version go here.

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Show Notes:

TEM- what is it, where it came from and how it helps pilots mitigate risk
The four tools of TEM
The chess analogy- offense and defense
“The chess we play is against mother nature”
“Many threats in our sport are invisible”
The critical phase of flight and the “sterile cockpit” procedure
Using TEM forensically- working the accident backwards
Using TEM on the fly
What’s the difference between TEM and Risk Management?
How can we use this system, and why we need to
Fear and TEM.
Safety audit
Rick Brezina’s Dust Devil and TEM

Mentioned in this episode:

Red Bull X-Alps, Foundation for Free Flight, Rick Brezina, Cross Country Magazine, Matt Beechinor, Nate Scales, Rob Sporrer, Mitch Riley, Chris Santacroce, The Art of War, Kelly Farina, USHPA, Brad Gunnuscio, Reavis Sutphin-Gray

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Raising money for the Foundation for Free Flight with the X-Alps!

April 11, 2019 by Gavin McClurg

Team USA is raising money for the Foundation for Free Flight. You can make a pledge for every kilometer the three US teams cover in the race or just make a simple donation. It’ll make the race a lot more fun to watch and the money will go to a great cause! Click here to find out more.

Episode 89- Travis Burke and believing it’s possible

April 6, 2019 by Gavin McClurg

Travis Burke is an athlete, professional photographer and content creator for some of the largest adventure, commercial and action-sports brands in the outdoor industry. This is a remarkable story told by a very driven and interesting guy who spends as much time as possible slacklining, dropping crazy drops skateboarding, surfing, freediving and recently paragliding who has figured out how to make a living from his hobbies and passions. What kind of leap of faith is needed to make it happen? What does total commitment look like? How do you face your fears and cut the cord? Every once in awhile here at the Mayhem we like to sit down with pilots who are just getting started to get their perspective, and this talk will give you a very different perspective on life. The best kind of talk there is! Enjoy!

Follow Travis on his social media channels for some seriously beautiful images and inspiration:

Travis Burke on Instagram

Travis Burke on Facebook

Travis Burke Photography Website

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Show Notes:

Finding your passion…and making it your life
The art of content creation and how to stand out
From catalyst to success
Wait a minute…there’s a downside here?
#vanlife!!!
The most important trip you’ll ever take
Hard work or talent? How to be at the right place at the right time
How to get the shot, and how much time is shooting vs the computer, editing, planning, etc.
How to stay authentic in the social media madness?
Flying- what to learn early, what to be aware of, how to incorporate flying into your life when you don’t have much time

Mentioned in this episode:

Grind TV and Grind Media, David Hatfield, GoPro, ClifBar, GoalZero, Michael Paul Jones, RED Camera, Jody MacDonald, Jeremy Cannon, Jimmy Chin, Black Diamond, Patagonia, Toyota, Nik Hawks

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Episode 88- Rob Sporrer and building community, risk awareness and focus on fundamentals

March 21, 2019 by Gavin McClurg

Rob Sporrer and Breaking Bad’s Bryan Cranston

“Even the best pilots, when they have accidents, it’s usually because they’ve screwed up something fundamental.” Rob Sporrer is the owner of Eagle Paragliding, one of the largest and most respected flying schools in the world. He’s been in the game for over two decades as an instructor, comp pilot, and respected pillar in the community. This conversation covers a lot of ground- we discuss risk management; the importance of working on the fundamentals no matter where you are in your progression as a pilot; where the sport typically bites and how you can beat the odds; how you can and should develop mental checklists; how to build a thriving flying community; how to support those who support you; the difference in SIV and the real world and a ton more. Don’t miss this one!

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Show Notes:

How is flying and learning different now than 20 years ago?
What attracts people to this sport…and why is it skycrack to some but not to most?
“Support those who support you”
Risk Management- at every level. How can you beat the odds?
Where do pilots get hurt? How to greatly reduce accidents.
How to land safely
How to launch safely
How to build a thriving community that stresses optimism, positivity, and encouragement
Working on the basics- EVERYONE needs to!
Reserve practice- you HAVE to practice!
Mental checklists and when you shouldn’t fly
Glider choice
Keep the fundamentals polished
Red Bull X-Alps

Rob Sporrer in Colombia on the Niviuk IcePeak 6

Mentioned in this episode:

Pete Thompson, Dave Hanning, Tom Truax, Cedar Wright, Dave Turner, Little John, Reavis Sutphin-Gray, Marty Devieti, Cody Tuttle, Mitch Riley, Jeff Shapiro, Aaron LaPlante, Mike Harrington, Will Gadd, Chris Santacroce, Randy Campadore, Nick Greece, Greg Babush, Kevin Bernanke, Logan Walters, Steve Kroop, Garmin, Recaps, Patagonia

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Episode 87- Paul Guschlbauer and the Ultimate Adventure

March 5, 2019 by Gavin McClurg

Paul and his SuperCub bush plane that he flew from the northern tip of Alaska to the southern tip of Argentina

Paul Guschlbauer and his wife Magdalena have just completed a proper awesome adventure- flying his supercub two-seater bush plane from the northern tip of Alaska to the southern tip of Argentina, across thirteen countries. The journey took six months and took them slowly and usually at very low altitudes over the mountain ranges of north and south America all the way to Patagonia. “Project Overland” was the ultimate flying adventure – in search of mountaineering, paragliding and wild traveling experiences along the way. Paul’s plane, a 1956 Piper Supercub, was built to land and take off almost anywhere – mountaintops, valleys, beaches and jungles. Come along for one of the most inspiring journeys that has ever happened.

See more of Paul’s amazing videos, photos and stories from the expedition at the Overland Expedition website

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Show Notes:

The genesis of the project. Why a Supercub? What did he have to learn in advance, what were the main difficulties
The list- what needs to happen to make it happen?
The major stresses and challenges
What was the scariest experience?
The most memorable experiences
How did the paragliding go?
The crossover to paragliding
How did it shift and change their lives?
What’s next?
A look at Paul’s 5th Red Bull X-Alps

Oh the places you will land!

Mentioned in this episode:

Jake Soplanda, Ken MacDonald, Jody MacDonald, Magdalena, Hugh Miller, Ed Ewing, Salewa, Red Bull, Andy Hediger, Red Bull X-Alps, Piper Cub, Cross Country Magazine

Paul finds some interesting places to fly along the way…

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Episode 86- Annalena Hinestroza and managing a passion for flight

February 20, 2019 by Gavin McClurg

Annalena, Lukas and Ernesto Hinestroza

Annalena Hinestroza was introduced to paragliding in 2007 when she lived in Merida/Venezuela for a university exchange and met her future husband, Ernesto, a name all World Cup pilots of course recognize. The couple have traveled the world together chasing airtime, competitions and the flying life. Annalena has been working with UP Paragliders since 2011 and has won the German Championships in 2015 and 2016. Their son Lukas was born last year, which hasn’t seemed to alter their lifestyle too much but has changed the way Annalena approaches flying. In this wide-ranging episode we discuss women in the sport, the importance of getting solid foundational skills, gear and why people choose the wrong equipment for their skill level, how to get into comps and how to be an efficient pilot, why learning slowly is so important, and why flying a more reasonable glider well is about the most rewarding thing you can do. We recorded this episode live in Colombia- enjoy!

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Show Notes:

The magic flights
Meeting Ernesto and seeing the world
Mentors, obsession, and backing off- managing the arc of a flying career
Flying around the world
The comp arc- you get a taste, you get addicted, then it fades…but is there a hurry?
Would you encourage your child to fly?
How does flying change after you have a child?
How do you fly with more safety in mind- where to focus?
How to be “careful with your emotions”
How does flying differ between men and women?
Wing choice and moving up too fast
Flying good lines
What are the foundational skills you need to focus on?
Comps- what to look out for and the danger of wanting to win
The importance of learning slowly and focusing on the ENTIRE flight- it’s done til you’re on the ground
Know when to land and know when to stop the day- recognizing when you are worn out
Annalena’s favorite places to fly

Mentioned in this episode:

Ozone, Niviuk, Greg Hammerton, FlyBubble, British Open, Adel Honti, Ernesto Hinestroza, Carlos Cordido, John Sylvester, Eddie Colfax, Jim Mallinson, Isabella Messenger, Jamie Messenger, UP Paragliders, Josh Cohn, Xevi Bonnet, Jessica Love

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Episode 85- Mark Watts and letting your subconscious do the work

February 6, 2019 by Gavin McClurg

Mark Watts in Sussex just after breaking the UK out and return record (120K) with Hugh Miller. Photo Hugh Miller

Mark Watts is one of only a very few UK pilots to have won the British Championships, a PWC, the UK X-Contest League, AND held the open distance record (at 275 km, which held until 2017). He has been on the British team many times, currently shares the out and back record in the UK with Hugh Miller and has been competing for over 25 years. Relentlessly fast, tactical, and consistent whenever Mark shows up at a comp you’ve got a formidable opponent. Mark has been one of the most-requested guests we’ve had because he avoids the spotlight, so while his flying resume speaks for itself not much is known about what makes him tick. In this episode we rewind the clock to learn about his father, another UK legend and the rather unique steps he laid for his son to take up flying; how he got into comps and how he views them now; the personal costs of pursuing flying; suggestions for finding the headspace required for winning; being honest about the risks; and some rather sobering advice from someone who’s never really been hurt but has seen an awful lot and how we can do a better job at playing the long game. I felt honored to have been able to have this conversation, it really made me think and…you’re going to dig it!

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Show Notes:

Mark recounts how his Dad got into flying and some rather remarkable incidents he and Mark had in the early days
Learning flying from building top end paper airplanes
Learning, teaching, and flying in the early days
The comps start and mentors
Sponsorship and learning from the legends
Keeping the passion alive…at what expense?
Chelan
Sun Valley
Crushing comps- the headspace to seek and why not caring about the result helps achievement
Flying tactics- Joe Jitsu strategies for every pilot. Hold everything- stay in the air!
Equipment- what Mark uses and why
Looking back- the moments you’ll never forget
Bucket list/ must hit spots to fly in the world
Rewind the clock- what would you do differently?
Advice to lower hour pilots and playing the long game. Let’s be honest about the risks.
It’s going to happen to you. Don’t be fooled.
“We’re flying around in the sky looking for patches of turbulence. How is that being careful?”
Is it worth the risks?

Mentioned in this episode:

Guy Anderson, Lucho Jimenez, Air Nomads, Koni- XCTracer, Rogallo, Nate Scales, John Pendry, Robbie Whittall, Bruce Goldsmith, Fly Sussex, Gin, Ozone, Brad Gunnuscio, Bill Belcourt, Russ Ogden, Adam Hill, Seb Ospina, Gradient, Hugh Miller, Godfrey Wenness, Matt Dadam, Matt Henzi, Nick Greece, Craig Morgan, Fly Sussex

Mark Watts. Photo Hugh Miller

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Episode 84- Adrian Garza and Chasing thin Air

January 24, 2019 by Gavin McClurg

After getting his novice sign-off in Mexico (30 flights) under the instruction of 2019 Red Bull X-Alps pilot and recent podcast guest Marko Hrgetic Hrga, for his very first solo flight (flight 31) Adrian Garza hiked up one of the highest volcanoes in North America and flew off. And it’s been all volcanoes since. Adrian is an experienced high-altitude mountaineer and when his wife showed interest in paragliding he thought he might as well give it a shot as well. It’s been a year since he got his license but work, living in Mexico city, and having a new baby has made it difficult for Adrian to chase cloudbase as much as he wants so he’s taken a very non-standard route to getting airtime. Finding the biggest volcanoes in Mexico and flying off! What’s possible with a wing and a ton of desire? Have a listen- this is super, super inspiring!

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Show Notes:

InReach best practices
Winter flying- what to look out for
Flying the right wing to match your skill level
SIV vs a real situation
Adrian takes his 31 st flight, his first solo off one of the biggest volcanoes in Mexico.
Dealing with altitude, especially as a new pilot
Training for high altitude and the risks of flying at high altitude
How to speed up high altitude acclimatization in advance of the trip
How to assess flying a volcano- weather, route, where to launch, the ascent, landing…
Baby on board! How having a baby has impacted Adrian’s flying
Equipment Adrian uses to fly off the volcanoes
Preparing for the Red Bull X-Alps

Mentioned in this episode:

Marko Hrgetic Hrga, Red Bull X-Alps, Matt Henzi, Miguel Gutierrez, InReach, Reavis Sutphin-Gray, David Wheeler, Valle De Bravo, XCSkyRace, Cedar Wright, Jeff Farrell, Matt Wilkes, Tom De Dorlodot, Triple Seven, Anneka Herndon

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North of Known- Some new shots!

January 15, 2019 by Gavin McClurg

A little visual teaser for our subscribers of shots from North of Known not many have seen!

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