We have a great reason to celebrate our former student and start leader Mike!
Having earned his pilot's license just over a year ago, Mike loves flying his Advance THETA ULS and WEIGHTLESS in the Zurich Oberland and Ticino. On May 1st, he achieved his first 100-kilometer flight with an extraordinary flight across the main Alpine ridge: an impressive adventure that only a few pilots are privileged to experience. Mike flew in a straight line from Mornera near Bellinzona across the main Alpine ridge to Arth Goldau. A route where everything has to be just right for it to be successful!
From idea to reality
It all started with a simple question from a friend: “Have you ever thought about flying home from Ticino?” An idea that initially sounded crazy – but quickly developed into an irresistible challenge.
After intensive planning and consultation with other pilots, it became clear to me: This could actually be doable. However, I decided not to fly all the way home, but only to Arth-Goldau. This way, I could drive to the train station in the morning and take the train to Ticino – a hassle-free journey that saved time and stress.
The weather forecast promised good thermals and a light southerly wind – both sounded promising. However, overdevelopment was also predicted on the southern side of the Alps.
On the way to the train station, I couldn't really imagine that later that day I would be paragliding back across the Alps.
In the air, the forecast overdevelopment quickly became noticeable, and I had to adjust my originally planned route. I flew directly towards Matro to cross the Alps as early as possible and avoid the gathering clouds. I almost missed the Lukmanier Pass – I had to fly back and gain altitude to complete the crossing.
Beyond the pass, the conditions were more challenging than expected: the southerly wind was stronger, and the thermals near Disentis were initially weak and displaced. But they were enough to give me new hope and gain enough altitude to cross the valley. From Disentis onward, the flight became more relaxed: I climbed to 3,300 meters and set a course over the snow-capped Alps toward Central Switzerland.
As I circled above the Fronalpstock in the thermals and had Arth-Goldau in sight, it dawned on me: You fucking did it!
An indescribably emotional moment. I glided to Arth-Goldau and landed as planned – the end of an extraordinary day of flying.
