Cross Country Issue 263: February 2026
From high altitude wave flying to soaring on the latest crop of EN As – we've got it covered
19 January, 2026, by Cross Country and contributors
Get out and fly
The new year arrives with a promise of new ambitions, horizons and expectations. We can put last year’s flying year to bed and look towards the next.
For many it will be a time to regroup, re-think and re-commit. For others it will be a time to dive into a new world as they head off to Mexico, Colombia, South Africa…
For those in the southern hemisphere the season is in full bore, the long days, long distance and big commitment of flying in Manilla or Wilderness putting all the skills to the test. Talk of dust devils and 200km flights, pushing for 300 on the best days for the best pilots, learning about flatlands, gaggle flying, dealing with overdevelopment, gliding into the sunset. In the mountains of New Zealand they’ll be plotting out triangles and vol-biv adventures, watching the weather and waiting to grab the perfect day.
On the not so perfect days, it’s a chance to try out parakiting in the strong wind at the beach, swapping big wing for small, going barefoot and dragging toes through the sand.
For those in the north it’s time to shake off the winter blues with a blast of blue sky and winter sunshine in near freezing temperatures, or an opportunity to skin up on skis and fly down, or finally do that speedriding course you’ve promised yourself. Can you really carve your way down through the snowclad mountains like a snow leopard leaping from boulder to boulder?
Yes is the answer, you can, but it will take time, effort and hard work. Like everything we do nothing comes easy, you have to put in the hours, make those goals, set out a path, clear everything else off it, and then set off down it, a step at a time.
If you are a pilot there is no month or season when flying can not be part of your life or routine. No reason to let those skills start to rust up, or that glider gather dust.
Wherever you are and whatever stage you are at in your flying journey, this time of year is perfect for that sort of thinking. “Where do you want to be this time next year? What do you want to have achieved with your flying?”
Write the answer to that down and stick it to your fridge. Now get your gear ready and go out and fly!
Ed Ewing, editor
Features
Winter Wave
Adi Geisegger and friends connect with winter wave in the northern Alps for an unforgettable flight
Pyramids by Night
Tom de Dorlodot and Horacio Llorens reunite for a night flight over the ancient Pyramids of Giza
Valle de Bravo
Hanna Klingbeil Canale explores how flying has changed life in Temascaltepec – for the better
Parakiting in Qatar
Just south of Doha is a strip of desert where the sea meets the sand – and it’s perfect for kiting
Women of Speedflying
We talk to two pilots championing women who love speed but want to progress safely
In the Core: People, news and insight
Aconcagua Calling
Climbing and flying from South America’s highest peak on a near-perfect day
On launch with: Christian Fernandez
“I believe I must have flown more than 30,000 tandems!”
Flying IQ: Helping you fly better
The Fundamentals: Dealing with motion sickness
Mike Vergalla on how not to get sick in the air
The Head Game: Where’s your head at?
Mental coach Benjamin Gaudry explains how to work out what you’re feeling
Why cyclones are getter… wetter
Recent tropical storms have not been dangerous because of their winds – but because they of their ultra intense rainfall
Paragliding: 101 Ways to Fly Better
One of the sport’s best-loved books has been completely updated.
Head in the Clouds: Race tactics at the Weightless
“I’m descending, pushing bar, gripping the risers tensely.” Australia’s Allen Weynberg goes for goal
Destination: Panchgani
The flying can be brilliant and adventurous at this site in south India – go from November to March
Kitlist: Design insight
Design Insight: The A-Team
The EN-A class has developed – a lot. Bastienne Wentzel uncovers the latest generation of EN-A+ gliders
Design insight: Apco Lightning
Apco’s Lightning PM paramotor harness is a “super-light” design in a “minimalist and aesthetic” package
AirDesign’s latest move
AD are off to Switzerland – new partner Michael Witschi explains the change of direction
