#220, Martin Scheel and 30 years of the Swiss League


Martin Scheel was one of the best climbers in the world when he discovered paragliding and the sky crack immediately became his new passion. His images and videos have entertained and awed for several decades across the free-flight spectrum. In the mid 90’s he helped create the Swiss League and has headed it up since. His collaborative efforts with generations of pilots have helped create some of the most successful pilots on Earth, including Chrigel Maurer, Stephan Morganthaler, Dominik Breitinger, Tim Bollinger, Nanda Walliser and many, many others over the past three decades. Martin organized the Superfinal in Disentis in 2022 and more recently the PWC in Grindelwald last week. He was out flying with the lead gaggle capturing videos of the competition. I sat down with Martin during a weather day to find out about his passions, creating excellence, the past and future of competition flying and a lot more. Enjoy!

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#219 The physiology of Hypoxia, Sleep and Aging with Dr. Bill Beninati

Dr. Bill Beninati has a lifelong love of flying that led him to a career in the Air Force. He served as a physician specializing in pulmonary/critical care medicine, sleep disorders and operational fatigue, and flight medicine focused on medical and physiologic fitness to fly. For 13 years he was physician leader for the Air Force critical care air transport teams, and deployed multiple times to interesting and unfriendly places to do this mission. His civilian career led him to Utah where he is the Intermountain Health chief medical officer for a virtual hospital that includes comprehensive telehealth, advanced clinical command, and patient transport programs. He has an active research partnership with the Stanford Program in AI-assisted Care developing computer vision for patient safety. The not-for-profit air medical team operates over 50 aircraft across the spectrum from wilderness lift-hoist rescue through international critical care transport. They have rescued over 100 free flight pilots! He brings this expertise to the Global Rescue XRedRocks where he helps look after the safety of the athletes. His recreational aviation has included flying sailplanes, paragliders, and speed wings as well as skydiving. Today he is most active flying paragliders and sailplanes in the mountains of Utah.

In this episode Bill takes us on a deep dive into the physiology of hypoxia, sleep and aging and what we can (and should) do to help combat the effects of each when it comes to flying. Hypoxia can greatly reduce our mental acuities, often without our knowledge. It can be sudden and can be radically different from day to day. The bottom line- when operating at altitude even the most prepared and acclimatized need to build in more margin. Come along as we explore three subjects which can really impact our safety and ability in the air.

If you want to take a deeper dive on sleep hygiene Bill gave a very comprehensive talk on the subject for the XRedRocks participants last year. It’s a fascinating talk:

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#218 John Heiney and 45 years of Hang Gliding

John Heiney started hang gliding in 1978 and he’s still going strong today. His photographs of free flight have been on more than 50 magazine covers. He broke the Guinness World Record for looping in 1988. And then he broke his own record again ten years later! He was crowned the world aerobatics champion four times. He’s a machinist; diesel rabbit aficionado (he’s driving his fifth these days); hang gliding instructor, has more than 40 wings in his garage; worked on numerous commercials and films; designed gliders; was a test pilot; stunt pilot and has invented dozens and dozens of camera mounts to capture the magic of flying. His incredible flying stories span over four decades. Grab a cold one and kick back, you’re in for a treat.

Find out more about this legendary pilot on his website UpShots

John would like to thank the following for their contributions to the development of the Predator Glider:

Dick Cheney, Dave Sharp, Dave Chapman, Greg Zoellick, Greg Bain, Aaron Swepston

And that these people who contributed to the development of the Saturn:

Dick Cheney, David Beardslee, Peter Radman, Leon Dauksa, Tom Webster, Paris Williams, Lisa Verzella, Rich Cizauskas

And Joe Spinney for keeping the Predator and Saturn alive.

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#217 Kinga Masztalerz and Going Wild

Kinga Masztalerz gets after it. She picked up paragliding not too long ago, but has been pretty fierce about chasing it hard from the beginning. She’s tackled the Red Bull X-Alps twice, flown all over the world, runs her own hike and fly race in New Zealand, and instructs at home in New Zealand and in places like Bir, India. But her journey has had quite a few scary bumps on the way. We start off with her experience in the X-Alps. She shares her initial excitement and overwhelming feelings during her first race in 2019 and the disappointment of being eliminated and the emotional impact it had on her. Kinga also talks about her injury in 2021 and the challenges she faced in participating in the race. She reflects on the changing dynamics of the Red Bull X-Alps and how her approach to flying has evolved over time. She emphasizes the importance of learning from mistakes, using her own rather scary ones early on as a catalyst towards building confidence as a pilot. Then we get into her coaching journey and the importance of understanding the mental and physical aspects of flying. She shares her experiences with overcoming fear and gaining confidence, and how she developed her coaching program to help other pilots navigate their own flying journeys. Kinga also talks about the balance between turning a passion into a business and how guiding and coaching actually adds to her love for flying. Lastly, she introduces the Wanaka Hike and Fly Race, a fun event that combines adventure, socializing, and flying in the beautiful Southern Alps of New Zealand. Enjoy!

Find our more about Kinga here:

Kinga’s website: https://kingamaszta.com/

Kinga’s coaching: https://kingamaszta.com/coaching/

Connect with Kinga on Social:

Instagram: @kingamaszta https://www.instagram.com/kingamaszta

Facebook: @KingaGoneWild https://www.facebook.com/KingaGoneWild

Wanaka Hike & Fly race: https://wanakahikefly.nz/

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Takeaways

  • Flying progression is not a linear path, but rather a bumpy journey that involves mental and physical challenges.
  • Coaching can provide valuable guidance and support for pilots as they navigate their own flying journeys.
  • Turning a passion into a business can add to the love for the sport, as it allows for sharing knowledge and helping others.
  • Mistakes and failures are essential for learning and improving in the sport of paragliding.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

01:19 Kinga’s Experience in the Red Bull X-Alps

07:25 The Changing Dynamics of Red Bull X-Alps

09:38 Emotional Moments in the Race

13:01 The Shift in Kinga’s Approach to Flying

16:20 Flying as a Reflection of Life

22:35 Learning from Mistakes and Building Confidence

36:15 Coaching and the Journey of Progression

41:30 Passion for Flying and Guiding Others

48:06 Learning from Mistakes and Cheap Mistakes

58:58 Wanaka Hike and Fly Race

#216 Tom Peghiny and Taking the First Leaps into the Unknown

Tom flying the Peregrine

“In comparison [to the flying scene] the rest of my life has been a disappointment.” –Tom Peghiny.

This quote came into my inbox a few months ago from Hugh Miller at Cross Country magazine with the words “you’ve got to interview Tom!” If you’ve seen the incredible film “Big Blue Sky” which documents the early days of hang gliding you’ll recognize Tom Peghiny (if you haven’t- watch it, it’s awesome). Tom started flying hang gliders at the age of 13 in 1969. He was the youngest person to compete in the first US Nationals at Sylmar, CA in 1973. He was the youngest person at the first World’s in Kossen, Austria in 1975. And Tom says he’s even more passionate about flying now in his 60’s than he’s ever been. In this episode Tom discusses his early days in hang gliding, the progression of the sport, the influence of RC flying on his understanding of air, the need for safety and regulations, his experience at the World Championships in Kossen, and the design of the Peregrine, Kestrel, and Merlin wings. Tom shares his experiences flying on Mount Washington and other memorable moments in hang gliding and being a test pilot; and the wonderful and rather incredible history of flight that has absorbed his life, and the transition to paragliding in the past few years which has stoked his passion further. Enjoy this chat with a one of the godfathers of the sport!

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Takeaways

  • Early hang glider designs were crude but conceptually advanced, and they influenced the growth of the sport.
  • The first World Championships in hang gliding showcased the sport’s potential and led to the establishment of safety measures.
  • Tom Peghiny played a significant role in the development of hang gliding, both as a designer and a test pilot.
  • Hang gliding competitions and the camaraderie among pilots contributed to the growth and popularity of the sport.
  • The transition from hang gliding to paragliding brought new challenges and opportunities for Tom. Paragliding can be a lifelong passion, with individuals getting hooked on the sport and continuing to fly even in retirement.
  • Triangle flying is a challenging goal for many paragliders, as it requires stable conditions and low wind speeds.
  • Memorable flights and competitions can create lasting memories and connections within the paragliding community.
  • Financial stability in paragliding can come from various sources, such as sponsorships, involvement in related industries, and diversifying income streams.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

03:00 Early Days of Hang Gliding

08:03 Progression of Hang Gliding

11:51 RC Flying and Understanding Air

19:08 First World Championships in Cosen

25:03 Tasks and Performance at the Worlds

25:59 Designing the Peregrine Wing

27:41 Early Hang Glider Designs and European Influence

28:30 The First World Championships and Safety Concerns

31:14 The Hang Glider Manufacturers Association and Safety Measures

32:33 Tom Peghiny’s Background and Role in Hang Gliding

34:20 Thermal Flying and Advances in Hang Glider Design

36:33 Flying on Mount Washington and Other Memorable Experiences

41:13 Competitions and the Growth of Hang Gliding

42:45 The Impact of Hang Gliding on Tom Peghiny’s Life

48:50 The Dangers and Safety Concerns in Hang Gliding

52:27 Transition to Paragliding and Initial Apprehensions

54:35 Introduction to Paragliding

55:12 Early Experiences with Paragliding

56:11 Flight Design and Paragliding

57:19 Getting Into Paragliding

58:09 Becoming Hooked on Paragliding

59:09 Goals in Paragliding

01:00:29 Favorite Flight and Craziest Thing Seen in Flight

01:01:27 Paragliding in Retirement

01:02:17 Flying in Different Locations

01:03:30 Hang Gliding and Development Work

01:04:13 Memorable Flights and Competitions

01:06:56 Passion for Flying

01:08:06 Future Goals in Paragliding

#215 CRUSHING with the US Women’s Team

Something pretty special is happening right now in the US when it comes to competitions. This is of course subjective, but in my opinion we have the most dynamic, fun, inclusive comp scene in the world. And it is being led by our women. Our US National Champion this year is Galen Kirkpatrick, who was on the previous show and been lodging some incredible results- 1st, Red Rocks Wide Open (overall), 3rd Chelan (overall), 3rd Monarca (overall); Alexia Fischer is the top ranked PILOT in the WPRS in the United States and just came away with two top ten results overall at the British and Pre PWC in Colombia last month; Violeta Jimenez is currently ranked 3rd in the NTSS (US overall ranking) and is a shoe-in for the podium regardless of the race; and Jenny Oneil has only been in the game a few years and is already competing along with these incredible ladies right now at the Superfinal in Brazil. At the Monarca in January Galen, Violeta and Alexia were all in the top 10- OVERALL. In this conversation, Gavin McClurg talks to our leading US Women’s team members about how they have created this new paradigm. They discuss their backgrounds, breakthrough moments, advice for those interested in competitions, and the formation and goals of the team. The conversation highlights the importance of inclusivity and visibility in paragliding, as well as the progress and achievements of women in the sport. We discuss their future plans and goals for women’s paragliding, and share their experiences of overcoming setbacks and challenges. They also reflect on their personal journeys and triumphs, and express their excitement for the upcoming Super Final. This episode is a blast- enjoy!

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Takeaways

  • Competitions are a great way to learn and improve in paragliding. Even if you’re not ready to win, participating in competitions allows you to fly with experienced pilots and receive immediate feedback on your performance.
  • Focus on performance rather than results. Concentrate on improving your skills, such as climbing and gliding, and the results will follow.
  • The women’s paragliding team aims to capitalize on the current momentum and make their success the norm rather than the exception. They work together to discuss strategies, analyze tasks, and support each other in competitions.
  • The women’s team emphasizes the importance of mentorship and learning from experienced pilots. They encourage aspiring competitors to seek guidance and advice from coaches and more experienced pilots in order to accelerate their learning and progression. Inclusivity and visibility are crucial for encouraging more women to participate in paragliding.
  • Having role models and a supportive community can inspire and motivate women to pursue their goals in the sport.
  • The progress and achievements of women in paragliding are changing the perception of what is possible for female pilots.
  • It is important to create opportunities and support systems for women in paragliding to ensure their continued success and growth.

Chapters

00:00Introductions and Backgrounds

19:44Breakthrough Moments

29:28Advice for Those Interested in Competitions

36:55The Women’s Team

37:45Importance of Inclusivity and Visibility

39:00Inspiration and Support for Women in Paragliding

40:27Progress and Achievements of Women in the Sport

44:38Future Plans and Goals for Women’s Paragliding

50:17Balancing Passion and Burnout in Competitive Paragliding

57:50Overcoming Setbacks and Challenges

01:06:37Personal Journeys and Triumphs

01:09:22Looking Ahead to the Super Final

#214, Galen Kirkpatrick and Creating New Lore

Galen Kirkpatrick came into flying just seven short years ago and is the 2023 US National Champion, the first female in the history of paragliding to do so. Not long after her first flights she quit her day job and dove into into the deep end of the paragliding pool. She sought the best mentors, got into acro, became a sought-after tow tech, became and instructor, got into comps and hasn’t looked back. Her story is a remarkable climb to the top against a stiff headwind. It began with a fascination (and considerable fear) of flight, an early tree impact and eventually a complete course correction- in life, and in flying. The result has been an absolutely astonishing year of flying lights-out. After some very nice results in Brazil a year ago Galen headed over to Europe to compete in a world cup in Spain to get warmed up for the Worlds in France. But life had other ideas. Instead of flying in the competition, Galen, in her own words “had a complete break down.” The result? Galen took the pressure off and started writing a new script. One that was based on fun first. One that overcame self-doubt and created space for creativity- in her air game as well as her ground game. Galen was 3rd at US Nationals in Chelan (overall). Then she won US Nationals at the Red Rocks Wide Open (one task was a personal best!). She was 3rd overall at the Monarca last month. She’s on a role, and in this episode we dive into how she’s done it, and the tools she’s built we can all use to succeed.

Follow Galen on Instagram and her guiding adventures @readysetgalen

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Takeaways

  • SIV training is crucial for becoming a safe and skilled pilot.
  • Emotional safety is essential in flying, allowing pilots to be creative and have fun.
  • Creating a new story and believing in oneself can lead to success in competitions.
  • Confidence is an asset in flying, while arrogance is a liability.
  • Applying lessons from flying to life can lead to personal growth and self-awareness. Preparing for competitions requires finding the right emotional space and being self-aware.
  • The US comp scene is experiencing a shift, with more cohesion and support among pilots.
  • The momentum of women in the sport is growing, with a focus on working together and supporting each other.
  • Being yourself and having mutual respect within the community are important for personal growth and success.

Chapters

00:00Introduction and Syncing Up

00:28Background and Flying Career

03:03Transition to Making a Living from Flying

04:51Teaching and Training

06:33The Importance of SIV

07:06Willful Ignorance and Risk Tolerance

08:35Creating a Safe Cross-Country Pilot

09:52The Midair Incident in Turkey

11:15Will Gadd’s Mindset and Risk Assessment

12:11The Concept of Willful Ignorance

16:20Applying Flying Lessons to Life

19:03The Relationship Between Flying and Life

21:21Getting Into Competitions

22:21Becoming the National Champion

26:59The Spain Experience and Creating a New Story

27:12Course Correction and Self-Reflection

30:48Creating Emotional Safety in Flying

37:18The Importance of Confidence

39:20Creating a New Lore and Emotional Safety

46:00The Importance of Fun and Creativity in Flying

49:22Dealing with Mistakes and Emotional Exhaustion

50:10Preparing for the Super Final

56:05The Momentum of Women in the Sport

01:02:06The Shift in the US Comp Scene

01:06:36Being Yourself and Mutual Respect

#213 Pierre Carter and Into Thin Air

Pierre flying off Everest

South African pilot and adventurer Pierre Carter has been at this game for a very long time, and he hasn’t wasted any time chasing thin air dreams. Pierre has been knocking off the world’s seven summits for nearly 20 years (some of them several times), and has flown off all but Denali (because it’s illegal) and has only Antarcticas Mt Vinson remaining. In between his efforts to summit and fly off the worlds highest peaks (including Carstensz Pyramid in Papua New Guinea) Pierre competed in the Red Bull X-Alps three times, organized the X-Berg hike and fly race in South Africa and most recently had a bit of an epic in Pakistan. Come along for an amazing ride with a very special gentleman.

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Takeaways

  • Pierre Carr has a passion for paragliding and mountaineering, which has defined his life and career.
  • Flying off the Seven Summits is a challenging and rewarding adventure that requires permission and careful planning.
  • The Red Bull X-Alps is a thrilling race that combines paragliding and hiking across the Alps.
  • Flying off mountains like Kilimanjaro and Denali requires skill, experience, and favorable weather conditions. Flying in the Dolomites can be challenging and requires knowledge of the area.
  • Food poisoning can have a significant impact on performance in the X-Alps.
  • Support teams play a crucial role in the success of athletes in the X-Alps.
  • Knowing the Alps well is essential for navigating the X-Alps effectively.
  • Knee replacement surgery can improve mobility and allow for continued adventure.
  • The Red Rocks race and the X-Berg Challenge offer unique and exciting opportunities for paragliding and adventure sports.
  • Climbing Denali and Carstensz Pyramid are challenging and rewarding mountaineering experiences. Flying in Papua New Guinea can be challenging due to difficult terrain and unpredictable weather conditions.
  • Obtaining a permit to fly off Mount Everest is a complex process, but it opens up the opportunity for a unique and iconic flight.
  • Flying off Mount Everest is a surreal and emotional experience, despite the short duration of the flight.
  • Pierre has future plans to climb and fly off Mount Vincent, as well as other 8,000-meter peaks. Methodical review helps in organizing and understanding the content of a conversation.
  • Identifying principal themes allows for a more structured and cohesive presentation.
  • Consolidating subtopics under primary themes provides a comprehensive exploration of the conversation.
  • Creating fewer, more expansive chapters enhances the listener experience.

Chapters

00:00Introduction and Appreciation

01:48Early Years and Introduction to Paragliding

04:27Career and Seven Summits

06:36Paragliding as an Ascent Tool

10:29Denali and Flying Restrictions

13:05Flying off Kilimanjaro

15:00First Three Summits: Elbrus, Aconcagua, Kilimanjaro

23:00Red Bull X-Alps 2009

29:00Crash Landing and Injury

32:14Flying off Kilimanjaro and Red Bull X-Alps 2011

34:50Adventure in the Dolomites

36:20Falling asleep in the air

37:19Food poisoning in the X-Alps

38:43The role of support teams in the X-Alps

39:36Different strategies in the X-Alps

40:03The challenges of the X-Alps

41:06Goals in the X-Alps

41:34The importance of knowing the Alps

42:38The X-Alps experience of other athletes

43:08The impact of illness on the X-Alps

44:30The recovery process after the X-Alps

45:27Knee replacement surgery

47:09The decision to have knee replacement surgery

48:57The Red Rocks race

49:18The X-Berg Challenge

52:26Climbing Denali

56:40The challenges of Carstensz Pyramid

01:03:26The adventure of Carstensz Pyramid

01:07:54Flying in Papua New Guinea

01:08:54Challenges of flying in Papua New Guinea

01:09:23Flying off Mount Cook

01:10:19Flying off Mount Everest

01:14:10Obtaining a permit to fly off Mount Everest

01:16:13The experience of flying off Mount Everest

01:25:02Flying off Mount Vincent

01:37:23Future plans for climbing and flying

#212 The Most Important Flight with Marcus King

Marcus King has been flying pretty much full time since 1991. He spent many years with the early Ozone team and has been on the design team with Cross Country Magazine for ages. All those gear and wing reviews you see in the magazine (and a TON of the photos!) are compliments of Marcus. In this chat Marcus shares his background in paragliding, his work in the industry, the rise of the sports class competitions, his involvement in the Red Bull X-Alps, and his passion for flying in the French Alps. And then we switch to a very unfortunate totally benign day back in September when Marcus hit the ground hard. Marcus shares his experience of the accident, the rescue operation, and the injuries he sustained and of course the 20-20 hindsights that are always a part of the forensics of making mistakes. He emphasizes the importance of wearing proper safety gear such as an EN certified flying helmet; always communicating with folks before you head out so people know where you are; having all your emergency gear even for the “easy” flights; and the need to respect the risks involved in paragliding with every single flight you take. Marcus discusses his rehabilitation and recovery process, highlighting the mental challenges and coping strategies he employed. Marcus also explores the impact of the accident on his family and the decision to fly again. Important lessons for everyone to hear. Enjoy!

Takeaways

  • Wearing proper safety gear, such as an EN certified flying helmet, is crucial in minimizing the risk of injuries during paragliding accidents.
  • Rehabilitation and recovery from paragliding injuries require patience, mental strength, and taking one day at a time.
  • The paragliding community provides valuable support and inspiration for pilots recovering from accidents.
  • Respecting the risks involved in paragliding and maintaining a cautious mindset is essential for safe flying.

Chapters

00:00Introduction and Background

07:21Flying in the French Alps

15:35Wing Testing and Gear Reviews

20:06The Rise of Sports Class Competitions

25:13The Red Bull X-Alps Experience

32:38The Accident and Rescue

37:37The Accident and Rescue

39:05The Importance of Proper Safety Gear

40:02Injuries and Hospitalization

44:20Rehabilitation and Recovery

45:02Mental Challenges and Coping Strategies

46:24Lessons Learned and Safety Precautions

49:12Guilt and Support from Family

50:59The Decision to Fly Again

52:23Prognosis and Recovery

53:37Previous Accidents and Lessons

54:17Mixed Emotions about Returning to Flying

56:11Finding Hope and Inspiration from Other Pilots

01:01:13The Importance of Respecting the Risks

01:04:49The Desensitization to Accidents in the Paragliding Community

01:06:24The Illusion of Safety in Familiar Environments

01:09:07The Flow State and Risk Management

01:12:18The Importance of Tracking Devices

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#211 – Jake Holland and the New Way Up

Jake Holland is a British filmmaker and adventure pilot based in Chamonix. In this episode we discuss his totally wild experiences this season and last in Pakistan with professional climbers Will Sim and Fabi Buhl, and pilots and adventurers Aaron Durogati, Antoine Girard, Veso Ovcharov and others, and the challenges of capturing these high altitude adventures on film. We discuss the mission of using paragliders as an access tool to explore remote mountains, the economics of filmmaking in the paragliding industry, and the risks and safety considerations involved. Jake shares his background in flying and filmmaking, as well as the logistics of traveling with heavy equipment. We touch on the impact of paragliding on the climbing community and the accessibility of paragliding adventures in Pakistan. Jake discusses various themes related to adventure flying and filmmaking. We discuss the importance of understanding the sky and weather conditions and the importance of backcountry knowledge. The conversation touches on Jake’s Tanzania trip with Tom de Dorlodot and Horacio Llorens, as well as the challenges of filmmaking and maintaining creative control, and the difficulties and rewards of flying in Alaska and Pakistan. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the value of slowing down and embracing the adventure of being out in nature. Enjoy!

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Takeaways

  • Paragliders can be used as an efficient and lightweight tool to access remote mountains and explore new lines.
  • Filmmaking in the paragliding industry can be challenging due to the economics involved, but there are opportunities to collaborate with outdoor brands and create marketing films.
  • Paragliding adventures in Pakistan offer unique flying conditions, with high cloud bases and the potential for long-distance flights.
  • Flying with skis and landing in high-altitude environments requires careful piloting skills and consideration of the weather conditions.
  • Traveling with heavy camera gear and equipment can be a logistical challenge, but airlines like Turkish Airlines offer free ski bags for international flights. Understanding the sky and weather conditions is crucial for adventure flying.
  • Backcountry knowledge, especially about snow conditions, is essential for safe flying.
  • Drones have revolutionized aerial filming, providing filmmakers with unique perspectives.
  • Adventure flying is gaining popularity, attracting more people to explore remote and challenging locations.
  • French pilots are known for their daring and innovative approach to adventure sports.
  • Filmmaking in remote locations requires careful planning and balancing creative control with budget constraints.
  • Flying in Alaska presents unique challenges due to unpredictable weather and flying conditions.
  • Pakistan offers incredible flying opportunities, but conditions can vary, requiring adaptability and patience. Unplugging from technology and immersing oneself in nature and community can be a deeply fulfilling experience.
  • Exploring the Grand Canyon during the winter offers a unique and less crowded experience.
  • The Grand Canyon offers a wide range of activities, including hiking, camping, and whitewater rafting.
  • Dreaming and planning for future adventures can bring excitement and anticipation.

Chapters

00:00Introduction and Background

02:58The Mission and Filmmaking

05:27Using Paragliders as an Access Tool

08:01Personal Flying Background

10:09Transition to Filmmaking

12:20Economics of Filmmaking

13:56Risk and Safety in Paragliding Filmmaking

16:06Collaboration and Project Development

19:08Impact on the Climbing Community

21:06Flying Conditions in Pakistan

23:00Top Landing and Challenges

25:07Gear and Equipment

28:32Flying with Skis and Challenges

31:44Logistics and Traveling with Equipment

35:04Risk Factors and Accessibility

38:28Understanding the Sky and Weather

40:09Backcountry Understanding of Snow

41:32Flying and Filming with Drones

45:19Increasing Interest in Adventure Flying

47:17The French and Dreaming Big

49:19Tanzania Trip with Tom and Horacio

51:47Filmmaking Challenges and Creative Control

56:59The Challenges of Filming in Alaska

01:01:46Balancing Filming and Flying

01:06:45The Struggle to Complete the Alaska Expedition

01:10:05Unpredictable Flying Conditions in Alaska

01:13:39Flying Conditions in Pakistan

01:14:32Flying in Pakistan and the Potential for Bigger Flights

01:15:38Conditions for Cross-Country Flying in Pakistan

01:16:38The Potential for Even Bigger Flights in Pakistan

01:17:11Flying in Remote Areas of Pakistan

01:17:52Future Plans and Exploring New Possibilities

01:19:17Use of Oxygen in High-Altitude Flying

01:21:16Closing Remarks and Appreciation

01:21:25Final Question: What Wasn’t Covered in the Conversation

01:21:46Discussion on Filmmaking and Future Projects

01:22:19Working with Pablo and Filming in Alaska

01:23:17Flying with Oxygen and Acclimatization

01:24:17Flying in National Parks and Emergency Landings

01:25:42Future Project Ideas and Flying in the Rangel Range

01:27:04Comparing the Rockies Traverse and Flying the Length of the Alps

01:28:21Using a Helicopter for Filming and Logistics

01:31:33Kenny’s Role as a Bush Pilot Mechanic and Recovery Specialist

01:37:19Appreciating the Slower Pace of Filmmaking and Enjoying the Wilderness

01:40:41The Value of Slowing Down and Embracing the Adventure

01:44:05Desire for a Raw and Less Polished Film

01:45:06Enjoying the Experience of Being Out in Nature

01:45:50The Joy of Unplugging and Connecting with Community

01:46:02The Grand Canyon Special

01:47:01Dreaming of the Grand Canyon

01:47:30The Magic of the Grand Canyon

01:47:58Parting Words and Future Adventures