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 his 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!