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!