Category: Uncategorised

The Bill Moyes Flight of the Year Award

In memory of Bill Moyes, founder of Moyes Gliders, we're proud to honour the most inspiring hang gliding stories from around the world. Whether it’s a flight that left you in awe, brought a deep sense of accomplishment, or created an unforgettable moment — we want to hear your story.

Congratulations to our October winner, Pawel Cedro – Poland

This month’s winning entry comes from Pawel’s final competition flight at the Forbes Flatlands 2025 — a day defined by uncertain forecasts, ambitious task setting, and the kind of persistence that separates a good flight from an unforgettable one. Battling low saves, crosswinds, and long glides across the Flatlands, Pawel’s account captures not only the technical demands of competition flying, but the emotion of committing when it matters most. It’s a vivid reminder of why we fly, and a worthy recipient of the Bill Moyes Flight of the Year Award.

Here is his story:

By Pawel Cedro

Last Day at Forbes 2025 – A Flight to Remember

The end of the year is always a good time to look back, and while going through old photos I was reminded of the final day of the Forbes Flatlands 2025 competition. It’s hard to believe that a year has already passed.

The forecast was uncertain, but the task was ambitious: a triangle of over 100km, finishing back at BMIA, with a crosswind component. It was the last day of the competition — there was nothing to do but commit and fight for it.

After towing, there was time to assess the conditions. The climbs were there, but not particularly strong. Everyone was being cautious, trying to stay up and work out what kind of day it was going to be.

I moved away from the airport toward the start gate and found a solid thermal at around 4 m/s. I climbed to the ceiling and decided to go, even though it was the first start gate. I launched early, with Noma as my closest companion.

After two thermals we headed toward the first turnpoint, but things quickly deteriorated. Noma disappeared, I was alone, and losing height fast. Ending the task so early was not an option.

Scanning the ground, I spotted a tractor working a field and dust lifting into the air — a classic Flatlands trigger. I headed straight for it, joined by Peter Burkitt and Scotty Ireland. We were low, around 500 m AGL, which is uncomfortably close to the ground in Forbes. I climbed patiently, metre by metre. My new RX proved its worth, smooth and forgiving in the weak conditions.

Peter eventually gave up and landed. Scotty stayed with me, fighting hard. I climbed to around 1,700 metres and pushed on, encouraged by the first signs of developing cumulus. Under one of them I found a clean climb that took me up to 2,500 m, putting me back in the game.

Approaching the turnpoint, I found myself slightly into wind and struggling to find a decent climb. Then I remembered Scott’s lecture at Corryong: take the turnpoint first, worry about the rest later. I committed, tagged the point, and returned to a previously marked thermal. This time it delivered — a smooth, consistent 3m/s climb to nearly 3,000m.

The long return glide followed. Pilots were scattered left and right, some high, some low, but nothing was clearly working. I made a brief stop, gaining a couple of hundred metres, then pushed on again. After losing over 1,000 metres, I found myself well below cloudbase and searching.

Then I recognised the area — the same tractor was still working the field. I turned toward it, and once again it delivered: a wide, strong, stable 4 m/s climb that carried me up past 3,200 m AGL. Finally, I was in position.

From there, I committed to the glide toward goal. A pilot to my left remained higher, but I stuck to my line. Ahead of me was another glider at a similar height. I slowly reeled him in, still with nearly 40 kilometres to run. Staying high was everything.

Mid-glide, the pilot ahead stopped and climbed. I joined him — it was Noma! Together we climbed again and continued toward Forbes. One final thermal put the goal well within reach.

I left early for the final glide, tagged the point, and headed straight for the finish. The vario suggested an arrival height of around 200 metres — close, but comfortable. With every kilometre, the picture improved, and soon I knew I had it.

Crossing the finish line, I couldn’t believe what I saw.

No one was there.

For a brief moment, I was first to goal.

The feeling was incredible.

Later, Gordon called in from above. He had started later and been well ahead but had to find sink to land!

In the final results, I finished fourth behind Gordon, Olav, and Attila, all of whom took later start gates.

It didn’t matter.

Only six pilots made goal that day, and the memory of being first across the line — even briefly — is something I’ll never forget.

The final turn above Bill’s hangar at BMIA was the perfect way to end not just the task, but my Australian hang-gliding trip.

It was a truly unforgettable flight.

How to Enter:

• Write about your most inspiring flight (minimum 250 words).
• Include photos or videos to bring your story to life.
• Submit via the Dropbox link below:
• https://www.dropbox.com/request/hYqCEArKJSzSjaS2qcYK
• or email to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
  Note: Your flight must have taken place in this calendar year.

Prizes:

• Monthly winners will receive a $200 voucher and entry into the grand final.
• The grand final winner will get a $1000 voucher and their name engraved on the Bill Moyes Flight of the Year trophy!
• The winners will be chosen by the Moyes family. The monthly winners will be announced in the first week of each month, and the grand final winner will be revealed in January.

We can’t wait to see your stories! Fly high, share your journey, and celebrate the spirit of flight with us!

Category: Uncategorised

The Bill Moyes Flight of the Year Award

In memory of Bill Moyes, founder of Moyes Gliders, we're proud to honour the most inspiring hang gliding stories from around the world. Whether it’s a flight that left you in awe, brought a deep sense of accomplishment, or created an unforgettable moment — we want to hear your story.

Congratulations to our October winner, Jeremy Soper – UK

This month’s winning entry comes from high in the heart of the French Alps, where Jeremy embarked on a spectacular adventure across rugged peaks, glacier-lined horizons, and vast blue skies. Capturing the spirit of mountain flying in its purest form, Jeremy shares his experience not only through stunning photography but also through a beautifully crafted, poetic retelling of his journey.

His words carry you directly into the alpine air with him—feeling the terrain rise beneath your feet, the thermals lifting your wings, and the quiet awe of standing alone with the mountains.

Here is his story:

By Jeremy Soper

I've seen things you people wouldn't believe.

Col d'Izoard: 2361 m, striking lunar landscape reminiscent of the Dolomites. Start high to start early. Short, steep carry up the dazzling white scree. Launch down a SE chute funnelling the wind, scuttle around to the south face house thermal. Beam up into a naked blue sky. Long morning shadows still linger on rocky fingers. Chase the paragaggle to the Italian border. Watch a few stragglers get flushed – ensure to stay atop the ridge. Bag one more peak to peek down into the broiling cauldron of clouds smothering Italy. Oops, drop below the ridge. Stay the course and slither along until hoisted back up by a bubble. Cross to the Écrins. The glaciers are calling.

Top of the Barre; top of the world. No pause for breath. Work the spine. Clouds starting to sprout. Pick a transverse ridge, run it to the end. The Dévoluy is enticing but that's for another day. Take a good look around the Écrins before crossing Serre Ponçon in a flotilla of sailplanes. Dormillouse out & return though in reverse. The clouds are spreading now. Shade on the ground and cloudbase is evasive. Turn for home at Le Cheval Blanc. Is there enough daylight remaining?

Drift over the back of Morgon with meagre height. Escape the lee. Flop onto the next 4 parallel ridges in this undignified manner. The dying embers of sunshine squeeze a final thermal out of Eygliers; smooth and purposeful up to summit height once more. Only one more hop to return to takeoff. Alas, the ridge isn't cooperative. Push in deep hoping for another gasp. None forthcoming: twilight has arrived. Just as hope is waning, the discovery of ridge lift on the next spur provides just enough elevation to sneak over the last pass and into goal under cover of darkness. Nil wind upslope tippy toed flare. Mission accomplished beyond wildest expectations.

How to Enter:

• Write about your most inspiring flight (minimum 250 words).
• Include photos or videos to bring your story to life.
• Submit via the Dropbox link below:
• https://www.dropbox.com/request/hYqCEArKJSzSjaS2qcYK
• or email to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
  Note: Your flight must have taken place in this calendar year.

Prizes:

• Monthly winners will receive a $200 voucher and entry into the grand final.
• The grand final winner will get a $1000 voucher and their name engraved on the Bill Moyes Flight of the Year trophy!
• The winners will be chosen by the Moyes family. The monthly winners will be announced in the first week of each month, and the grand final winner will be revealed in January.

We can’t wait to see your stories! Fly high, share your journey, and celebrate the spirit of flight with us!

Category: Uncategorised

The Bill Moyes Flight of the Year Award

In memory of Bill Moyes, founder of Moyes Gliders, we're proud to honour the most inspiring hang gliding stories from around the world. Whether it’s a flight that left you in awe, brought a deep sense of accomplishment, or created an unforgettable moment — we want to hear your story.

Congratulations to our September winner,  Brianna Piazza - Australia

The Forbes Team Challenge 2025 delivered some incredible moments—especially for pilots taking their first steps into cross-country flying. With guidance from dedicated team mentors, many “new-to-XC” pilots achieved personal bests and memorable flights. Among them was Brianna, experiencing a new personal best gain of height, but also flew in a team, made goal, and proudly ticked off her very first cross-country flight.

Her story captures the nerves, the learning, the joy—and the magic—of stepping beyond your comfort zone.

Here is her story:
By Brianna Piazza

My first XC Flight at Forbes

Hang-gliding competitions and cross-country flying have never really been on my radar. I’ve usually been content to fly at my own pace, enjoy the views and land safely. That’s always felt like enough to get my flying fix while making conservative decisions. But I’ve recently realised that staying too comfortable doesn’t grow your skills – and without improving, you don’t actually become a safer pilot.

For years, other pilots urged me to “come to Forbes”, and this year I finally made it. As someone new to these beginner-friendly events, I can honestly say I learned more in a few days than in many years of on-and-off flying. It was an opportunity to learn from experienced pilots and receive guidance from some of the best in the country.

Before Forbes, I had never landed outside the airfield, so my expectations were low. A pilot told me that leaving the airfield is a mental decision – one you have to make before you launch, or you’ll never leave the paddock. So I tried to get into that mindset. For my first XC attempt, my only goal was to be brave enough to land somewhere new, with no windsock and no familiar markers… and, of course, have fun. I’d heard some pilots say their best flying has been when they were simply having fun and not taking it too seriously, so that would be my approach too. A quick crash course in SeeYou Navigator before take-off was also invaluable. With just a glance, I’d be able to see my distance to goal and know whether I’d make it or need to find lift.

After launching, I focused on staying high (although, as our team leader Steve had cautioned, it’s not always necessary to ride a thermal all the way to the top) and enjoying myself. When I heard over the radio that our team was going for it, my first thought was, I’m not ready. But I made the decision to follow the team away from the paddock and not look back. I tried to stay in the gaggle and stay aware of who was near me at all times.

Exhausted and having forgotten to pack water that I could access (a tough lesson), I found some gentle lift above the landing area and I used it to take a brief break before setting up my approach. I watched a couple of pilots land and followed their path. My flare was a little late and others encountered some large rocks further into the field. A few cuts and grazes served as a reminder of why sharing information about landing zones with fellow teammates matters.

In just a few days, I gained a huge amount of confidence with my flying thanks to a supportive, friendly environment and a wealth of knowledge to draw on. It made stepping into the “unknown” far less daunting. I also realised that having fun is the beginning of the magic, and you really can surprise yourself with what you’re capable of.

How to Enter:

• Write about your most inspiring flight (minimum 250 words).
• Include photos or videos to bring your story to life.
• Submit via the Dropbox link below:
• https://www.dropbox.com/request/hYqCEArKJSzSjaS2qcYK
• or email to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
  Note: Your flight must have taken place in this calendar year.

Prizes:

• Monthly winners will receive a $200 voucher and entry into the grand final.
• The grand final winner will get a $1000 voucher and their name engraved on the Bill Moyes Flight of the Year trophy!
• The winners will be chosen by the Moyes family. The monthly winners will be announced in the first week of each month, and the grand final winner will be revealed in January.

We can’t wait to see your stories! Fly high, share your journey, and celebrate the spirit of flight with us!

Category: Uncategorised

The Bill Moyes Flight of the Year Award

In memory of Bill Moyes, founder of Moyes Gliders, we're proud to honour the most inspiring hang gliding stories from around the world. Whether it’s a flight that left you in awe, brought a deep sense of accomplishment, or created an unforgettable moment — we want to hear your story.

Congratulations to our August winner, Grant Crossingham from the UK!

After the intensity of the World Championships in Àger, the British and Italian teams weren’t done yet. Their next challenge awaited in Monte Cucco, Italy, where both nations held their National Championships. It was Task 4 that proved to be the turning point for Grant — the day he soared ahead of the field, outflew the Italians on their home turf, and secured the crucial points that would lead him to his 10th British title.

Here is his story:

Flying to Victory on the RX 3.5 Pro – A Memorable Task at Monte Cucco

Task 4 of the Italian and British Nationals at Monte Cucco was one of those flights you remember for a lifetime — a day that reminded me how much the right glider, and the right decisions, can make all the difference.

It was a typically stable morning at Monte Cucco North launch. I didn’t leave early, spending some time navigating the busy launch line, but once in the air, I began climbing steadily through the pack and soon found myself comfortably on top of the gaggle.

Flying my new Moyes RX 3.5 Pro, I had that extra edge in climb and glide that I’ve been enjoying all season. Starting the race from the top of the stack, I joined a small leading group — Francesco on another RX 3.5 Pro, Marco on his Laminar, and a couple of rigid wings. We quickly opened a gap of several kilometers, leaving the main gaggle behind, and pushed the course efficiently, always staying one thermal ahead. For much of the task, we stayed just above the mountain tops, making the most of every climb.

The decisive moment came on the return leg toward take-off. To reach the final two turnpoints in the southern valley, we had to climb back over the Monte Cucco ridge. Many pilots didn’t make it, landing out at the base of the hill. Thankfully, Francesco, Tim King on his rigid wing, and I found the lift we needed to top out. After splitting from Francesco, I stayed patient, carefully working the lift until my final glide numbers were perfect — a decision that allowed me to reach the last turnpoints and head straight to goal without another climb.

Crossing the line, I realized I was the first — and only — pilot in goal. Tim arrived shortly after, while Francesco fell just short. It wasn’t about dramatic cloudbase climbs or sweeping scenic views that day; it was a flight of precision, patience, and performance. My RX 3.5 Pro gave me the confidence and handling I needed to stay in control all the way.

The flight put me in first place heading into the final task and ultimately secured my 10th British National Champion title, a victory over the Italians in their own country. Making the moment even more special, my wife and two sons were there supporting me throughout the competition, cheering me on and watching as I was crowned champion.

A huge thanks to Moyes for building a glider that delivers when it matters most — and to my family, whose support made this victory truly unforgettable.

How to Enter:

• Write about your most inspiring flight (minimum 250 words).
• Include photos or videos to bring your story to life.
• Submit via the Dropbox link below:
• https://www.dropbox.com/request/hYqCEArKJSzSjaS2qcYK
• or email to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
  Note: Your flight must have taken place in this calendar year.

Prizes:

• Monthly winners will receive a $200 voucher and entry into the grand final.
• The grand final winner will get a $1000 voucher and their name engraved on the Bill Moyes Flight of the Year trophy!
• The winners will be chosen by the Moyes family. The monthly winners will be announced in the first week of each month, and the grand final winner will be revealed in January.

We can’t wait to see your stories! Fly high, share your journey, and celebrate the spirit of flight with us!