After all the preparation the Flight Culture Expedition Team will meet in Argentina this Sunday and the latest attempt on the Paragliding Open Distance World Record will begin.
The final team have faced various hurdles along the way including injuries and very tight training schedules but the most commited have come though and we all stand on the start line proud of the attempt we have put together.
The Flight Culture Expedition Team:
John Welch CFI
John is a chief flying instructor (CFI) registered with the British Hang gliding & Paragliding Association (BHPA) & founder of Flight Culture. John began paragliding in 1987 while living in the French Alps and it was in France that he began instructing. Returning to England in 1994 he went on to gain his UK instructor and tandem rating and worked for two schools in the south of England before setting up Flight Culture in 2000.
John is an instructor examiner, serves on the BHPA executive committee as well as being the safety officer for his local club.
In addition to his paragliding qualifications, John is a PADI diving instructor and a qualified First Aid trainer
Tom Hassall
Tom brings a colourful array of experience to the team. His sporting prowess includes representing Great Britain in Kayaking. Tom has flown cross-country at numerous sites throughout Europe, including the UK, Southern Alps, the Pyrenees and the Canaries. After competing in Greece in 2004, Tom quickly established himself as a competitor locally. Tom also instructs for Flight Culture. A professional paramedic, Tom ia also the Team Medic.
Neil McCain
When you've been paragliding, you know why birds sing. That's how I feel about this amazing sport, anyway! I took it up in 1995, after seeing a kids' programme that featured brave souls running off mountain tops under day-glo coloured wings. It seemed that the sport was for adrenaline junkies only then, and I had my fair share o f hair-raising adventures! These days, paragliding has matured into a thrilling sport for everyone, where the safety of the gliders and the quality of the teaching has improved immeasurably.
Cat Hassall
Cat has been a serious snowboarder for many years and recently turned her eyes to the sky. A dedicated and focused individual, Cat brings alot to the team not least her always usefull medical knowledge and ability to stay calm when things get "interesting?!?".
Along side this UK team we will fly with some of Argentinas top pilots.
The team will be keeping this page updated regularly so add us to your fav's page and wish us all luck...
