This course is designed for those who wish to fly long distances (Cross-Country - XC) and participate in competitions. Key Stages: Thermal Flying: Learning how to locate rising air currents, how to "center" within them, and how to reach maximum altitude effectively. Route Planning: In-depth study of meteorology — reading clouds, calculating wind drift, and constantly searching for "escape" options. Using the Accelerator: Learning how to fly fast and safely in turbulent air using the accelerator (Speed Bar). XC Flights: Completing your first 20, 50, or 100 km routes under the guidance of an instructor (via radio communication).
7 modules • 28 lessons • 16 h 30 min
+2 more modules
View Full SyllabusThe XC Performance (Cross-Country) course daily schedule is an intensive process where theory, practice, and analysis alternate seamlessly. This is not just flying; it is a full working day aimed at developing a pilot's strategic thinking.
4 minXC (Cross-Country) paragliding requires equipment that allows a pilot to remain in the air for hours, cover vast distances with minimal energy loss, and maintain maximum control in turbulent conditions. For competitive or sport flying, "standard" gear is insufficient—the focus here is on technological superiority.
5 minA Performance/XC (Cross-Country) Training Course is the "intellectual" peak of paragliding. While Acro is about physical dynamics, XC is chess in the sky—a discipline where the pilot learns to harness the energy of nature to cover hundreds of kilometers.
5 min
Anatoly Mikhailuta: A Pioneer of Georgian Paragliding Based on records from Sky Atlantida and historical data of Georgian aviation, Anatoly Mikhailuta is recognized as one of the founding figures and most highly qualified instructors in the country’s paragliding history. His career spans decades and has been fundamental in establishing a professional flight school in Georgia. 1. Pioneering and Early Career Anatoly Mikhailuta has been a prominent figure in the paragliding industry since the 1990s. He was among the first pilots to explore and map the terrain of Gudauri, identifying its potential for both commercial tandem flights and professional pilot training. His experience is backed by thousands of flight hours in diverse alpine conditions. 2. Founder of Sky Atlantida He established "Sky Atlantida," one of Georgia's most prestigious paragliding clubs and schools. Under his leadership, the school moved beyond recreational flying to adopt an academic approach, training students according to rigorous international standards (such as APPI). 3. Educational Impact and Mentorship Anatoly is renowned for his systematic and disciplined teaching style. His contribution to education includes: Training Future Instructors: He has mentored generations of pilots who are now leading instructors across Gudauri and other regions of Georgia. Comprehensive Methodology: His curriculum integrates deep theoretical knowledge—covering meteorology and aerodynamics—with intensive practical training. 4. Safety and SIV Expertise His name is synonymous with a high-level safety culture. He possesses expert-level knowledge in SIV (Simulation d'Incidents en Vol), enabling him to teach pilots how to manage wing collapses and recover from extreme flight configurations safely. 5. Legacy in Georgian Aviation Site Development: He played a crucial role in popularizing Gudauri as a world-class paragliding destination. Regulatory Advocacy: Anatoly has been a consistent advocate for implementing official safety regulations and certification frameworks within the Georgian paragliding community.
