Pilots and profiles

Interviews with paraglider pilots and other free flight gurus from around the world

Toni Bender in January 2026. Photo: Erwin Voogt

Toni Bender: The sport has lost a legend

Tributes have continued to be paid to the legendary free flight pilot, Toni Bender, who died suddenly while camping in the Karwendel mountains
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Dennis Cortella

My Flying Life: Denis Cortella

The designer Denis Cortella looks back on his flying life, sharing the lessons he's learnt after a lifetime in the sport.
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Elisa Deutschmann

The rise and rise of Elisa Deutschmann

Elisa Deutschmann is on the rise. The German pilot shares how she went from illness to winning at X-Pyr and the world cup.
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Colin Rathbun

On launch with: Colin Rathbun

The pilot from the British Virgin Islands shares his journey from first flights in France to becoming a paragliding competition pilot
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Stephan Morgenthaler

My Flying Life: Stephan Morgenthaler

The XC, competition and tandem pilot Stephan Morgenthaler shares some of the highs and lows from his flying career
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Stéphane Grégoire

Coupe Icare 2026: The Man Behind the Magic

“It’s all about trust.” The Coupe Icare’s chief flight director Stéphane Grégoire tells us how he does it
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Romy Sweda hike and fly champion

On launch with: Romy Sweda

The Austrian-Swiss pilot Romy Sweda is a hike-and-fly champion and recent winner of Red Bull X-Alps Challenger. She shares her flying story.
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Rob Mansley

My Flying Life: Rob Mansley

The chief instructor on what matters most
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Hans Petit montage. Photo: Jerome Maupoint

On Launch With: Hans Petit

Hans Petit holds the new Junior FAI Triangle world record for a a 301km flight from Col de l’Izoard, France – and he's just 18
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Flying over olive groves in the PWC Superfinal

15th World Cup Superfinal

Jack Sheard talks to Andy Tallia and Constance Mettetal – the new Paragliding World Cup Superfinal Champions
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