Discover paragliding in a different way thanks to FLY TOPO
Are you ready to experience paragliding in a whole new way? With FLY TOPO, SUPAIR takes you to and guides you through a new playground: bivouac flying.
bivouac flying —what is it?
If you don’t already practice it, you’ve certainly heard of “ bivouac flying.” If not, we can describe it as a form of paragliding that takes place over several days, during which the pilot alternates between hiking and flying while carrying everything needed to spend the night outdoors. To put it simply bivouac flying : you hike up to a launch site, fly (a short or long distance), land, find a nice spot to sleep, and start all over again the next day.
Walking, flying, sleeping… These three steps seem simple on paper, but to carry them out safely, the “ bivouac flying ” actually requires a great deal of preparation—whether in terms of equipment, piloting skills, or knowledge of aerology and topography.
All of this knowledge required for the “ bivouac flying ” can be seen as real obstacles for some pilots. They then describe this practice as “too complicated” or “too technical” for them. However, just as some cross-country flights are easier to complete than others, or some aerobatic maneuvers are simpler to learn than others, the same is true for the “ bivouac flying ”!
It’s important to start at the beginning, and that’s where Supair comes in to help you get comfortable with this activity gradually and safely.
What is Fly Topo?
FLY TOPO is a series of tutorials that presents “ bivouac flying ” routes, explained in great detail, to help you embark on this adventure with greater confidence and without taking any risks.
From the hike to the first takeoff point to the return to the car—including the flight and the night spent camping—our pilots put their experience to work for you to guide you safely through this new adventure.
The tutorials are initially presented in video format. Each episode is divided into 6 parts:
This section outlines the requirements for completing the route and describes the various atmospheric conditions you will encounter during your flights.
The purpose of this weather report is to show you how to identify the right conditions for a safe bivouac flying trip and to help you anticipate and avoid potential risks.
Where to take off, how to get there, which trails to follow—in short… This section will serve as your map of the “ bivouac flying ” to help you figure out where to go with your wing on your back!
In addition to guiding you throughout your expedition, FLY TOPO will feature routes for all skill levels in each episode.
So, paragliding ( bivouac flying ) is no longer limited to pilots flying single-surface wings and using harness-style seats! Even the most accessible routes can be flown with non-lightweight equipment.
This section covers the flight plan, the key stages of the flight, how to position yourself to achieve your objectives, and where to land.
These explanations help people who aren’t familiar with the area get to know it so they can fly there safely. However, this doesn’t prevent more experienced pilots from taking on more challenging routes if they wish; the pilot remains in control and can adapt each flight path to their skill level.
The “Night” chapter introduces you to the terrain and the recommended gear for spending the night outdoors in complete peace of mind.
As the name suggests, this covers everything you absolutely must avoid to ensure that the experience is enjoyable and safe.
Be careful not to put yourself in a tricky situation!
All the tips and tricks you need to know to have a wonderful, safe time!
Each route is presented by an experienced pilot. Their advice is invaluable—it will help you fly safely and make things easier for you! So listen carefully…
Before setting out on a bivouac flying, study the guidebook carefully so you don't leave anything to chance. That's right… A successful adventure takes planning!
You'll then find these video tutorials in print in Parapente Mag! That way, you'll always have them on hand, even when you're offline…
With Fly Topo, Supair is teaming up with experienced pilots to provide you with the basic tools to make paragliding ( bivouac flying ) more accessible to everyone. We hope these tutorials will inspire you to create your own adventure and help you take the leap toward new horizons.
Explore new playgrounds with Supair thanks to Fly Topo!
Episode 1 of FLY TOPO with Clément Latour
