Christian Fernandez. Photo: Ole Dolen
Flying Culture,  Pilots and profiles

On Launch With: Christian Fernandez

"We did our first flights, almost all successful..." Meet the tandem pilot who has flown more than 30,000 passengers

19 January, 2026, by Tarquin Cooper | Photo: Ole Dolen

I’m originally from Mexico but I’m Spanish now. For the past 17 years I’ve been based on Gran Canaria. I don’t think there are many people out there with more tandem flights than me. Normally in winter, I’m doing 15 to 20 on one day, an average of 2,500 flights per year. I believe I’ve completed over 30,000 flights.

When...

Join us and enjoy the full article

Now is the very best time to subscribe. Be in with a chance of winning your dream wing in the Subscribers’ Prize Draw. Closes 6 February 2026.

Subscribe Already a Subscriber? Sign in here.

You may also like

Rachelle McEwen speedriding. Photo: Hugo Lami / SkiAndFly

Women of Speedflying

From Instagram to IRL – Women of Speedflying is championing female pilots in this male-dominated sport. By Jack Sheard
Read More
AirDesign paraglider

AirDesign moves to Switzerland

Austrian company AirDesign is to move to Switzerland with Eigertour director Michael Witschi taking over at the helm.
Read More
Paragliding Valle de Bravo Nicole Holmes 3

Learning to fly in Temascaltepec

"This was not just a community but a thriving ecosystem." Hanna Klingbeil Canale explores how free flight has transformed a community
Read More

Premium Articles

Allen Weynberg discusses race tactics

Head in the clouds: Race tactics at the weightless

Spinning smoothly, my view is a series of thin blue strips. A watercolour-world of washed-out hues – a distant line of cumulus to the west...
Read More
Le Petit Combin paragliding climb and fly adventure by Tim Rochas

Adventure Mode: Combo flying Le Petit Combin

The Petit Combin is a beautiful 3,672m peak standing between the Val de Bagnes and the valley leading up to the Grand Saint-Bernard Pass
Read More
Andrea Cecchetto

True North: Andrea Cecchetto

Join Andrea Cecchetto on his journey to winning gold at the World Paramotor Championships and discover the secret weapon that helped him win
Read More