Interview: From Paragliding Hobbyist to Professional Pilot

Catching the paragliding bug can happen fast. For Daniel, it started with a tandem flight while vacationing in the Alps. "The moment my feet left the ground, I knew this was more than a one-time thing," he recalled. Back home, he signed up for beginner courses, spending every free weekend practicing takeoffs, landings, and learning to read the air. What began as casual weekends soon turned into an obsession. “I was working a corporate job during the week and chasing thermals on the weekends," he said. Within two years, Daniel had completed his basic certifications, but he wanted more. He pursued advanced courses, including cross-country navigation, acrobatic flying, and meteorology. "Understanding the weather is everything in paragliding," he explained. "You’re not controlling the sky—you’re working with it." Transitioning to a professional career wasn’t easy. Daniel invested in better equipment, logged hundreds of solo flights, and completed rigorous safety and instructor certifications. Financially, it meant sacrifices: less travel, fewer luxuries. But each step felt closer to the life he wanted. His first paid jobs were small—teaching ground handling skills, assisting more experienced instructors—but they built his confidence and reputation. Today, Daniel works as a tandem pilot and instructor in Switzerland and Italy, guiding tourists on breathtaking flights and mentoring new students. "Every flight is different," he said. "Conditions change, people react differently. You have to stay 100% present." One of his favorite parts of the job is seeing someone experience flight for the first time. “When their fear turns into pure joy—that moment never gets old.” Daniel also spoke about the challenges. Weather cancellations, equipment maintenance, the physical toll of hiking to launch points with heavy gear—it’s not all glamour. But for him, the rewards far outweigh the struggles. "You live according to nature’s rhythm. You stay humble. You feel alive." He encourages hobbyists thinking about going pro to be patient and focus on safety and skill-building before chasing income. "The mountain doesn’t care about your ambitions. Respect the learning curve," he said. Platforms like Crion.org have helped pilots like Daniel connect with clients, find work opportunities, and build a professional profile among travelers seeking authentic outdoor adventures. His journey from hobbyist to professional pilot is a reminder that dreams don’t have to stay dreams. With dedication, courage, and a willingness to learn from both failures and successes, it’s possible to carve a life from the very winds that first lifted you into the sky.