Paragliding World Distance Record

Sebastien Kayrouz set a paragliding world distance record in Texas on 20 June 2021, with the first 600 km flight by paraglider.

The actual distance and records are still to be ratified by the FAI but the claims submitted are;

Sub-class: o-3/Paragliders

Type of record: Free Distance

Course/location: Del Rio, TX (USA)

Performance: 610,00 km

Pilot: Sebastien Kayrouz (USA)

Aircraft: Enzo 3/Ozone

Date: 20.06.2021 and

Sub-class: o-3/Paragliders

Type of record: Straight distance to a declared goal

Course/location: Del Rio, TX (USA)

Performance: 555,00 km

Pilot: Sebastien Kayrouz (USA)

Aircraft: Enzo 3/Ozone

Date: 20.06.2021 and

Sub-class: o-3/Paragliders

Type of record: Free distance using up to 3 turn points

Course/location: Del Rio, TX (USA)

Performance: 610,00 km

Pilot: Sebastien Kayrouz (USA)

Aircraft: Enzo 3/Ozone

Date: 20.06.2021

Sebastien winch tow launched his Ozone Enzo wing, and flew north for nearly 11 hours, his track log showed an average speed of 61.39km/h.

He flew a similar line to that Dustin Martin set the hang gliding world record of 761kms in July 2012 but started further west and north of Zapata, just east of Del Rio. It was the “classic” west Texas line as he passed just west of San Angelo and just east of Big Spring, east of Lubbock and landed just southeast of Amarillo. He also claimed these flights as North American records.

On the day, there were early thermals with beautiful clouds, base altitudes were between 1500 and 2000m and a constant, but by no means “Brazilian” tail wind.

Last year, Sebastien caused a sensation in the US aviation scene when he broke the 500 km mark

World Paragliding Distance Record

for the first time, also in Texas. On that flight, he foot-launched from a small hill. - Cross Country magazine, FAI, Oz Report, Lu Glidz

Sebastien interviewed by Elena Filonova from FAI CIVL on 26 June 2020 after just flying 500 km.

We asked Sebastian how he prepared for this record attempt.

How long have you been doing free flight sport?

I have been flying paragliders since 1996. I started at the age of 16.

What made you begin?

I have always been passionate about all forms of flying. I started paragliding because it is the most accessible form of flight and it became a big passion of mine. I am now a commercial airplane pilot and rotorcraft pilot but I enjoy flying paragliders far more than I enjoy flying anything else.

Who were the people that inspired you in your life and sport?

When I started flying, John Silvester created great videos from his flights in the Himalayas. That was a decade before YouTube so these videos were so rare and highly inspiring. They had a great impact on me. Today we have so many great pilots but Chrigel Maurer is the best of the best and watching him fly always leaves me in awe.

What are your achievements before breaking the record?

Last year I set 2 state records, the Oklahoma State record (232 km), and that record is for both hang gliding and paragliding, and the NY State record after it stood for 18 years.

Why did you decide to break that very record in that very place?

I live in Texas and wanted to attempt to break my home state’s record. Living in the state allowed me to prepare extensively.

What is the previous record and where?

The previous record was set in Texas from the City of Hebronville on July 4th 2014 by Luc Armant. That record was 463 km.

What flying conditions make your record different from the previous one?

On the day I flew there was a convergence that formed from tropical Storm Cristobal from the East and a dryline from the West. The convergence combined with good wind direction and speed, the adequate height of the boundary layer, good thermals, and clouds allowed me to achieve this flight. Everything came together during the longest days of the year.

How long did preparation take?

I started actively preparing for this attempt 13 months ago.

Who helped you most to get prepared?

I had support from my local flying club, family and friends. In the end, such an undertaking requires a significant amount of personal initiative and commitment.

Who worked with you during preparation (any team)?

My friends and primarily my fiancé (in photo). She handled all the logistics throughout my preparation. She has been instrumental and without her, I would not have been able to prepare so diligently and attempt this flight.

What was the most tricky thing in breaking this record?

Continues on page 16

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