On the 10th of October 2019 Glauco Pinto (Brazil) flew his epic flight in Tacima - Paraíba (Brazil) on his Laminar 14 Icaro 2000, breaking several records for HG with a rigid primary structure. On considering the applications FAI has ratified the following records:

• World record of Free distance using up to 3 turn points  - 630,9 km
• Worlds record of Straight distance to a declared goal - 615,4 km
• South-American Straight distance  record: 620,3 km

We have contacted Glauco to get more information about his career and to hear the story of the record itself.

How long have you been doing free flight sport?

I learned to fly in 2003.

What made you begin?
I saw some hang gliders passing over the farm where I worked, on the route to Brasilia, during the Pre World Championship in 2002.

Who were the people that inspired you in your life and sport?

In life, Ayrton Senna (who inspired me to believe in your path and dreams), in sport, Ricardo Ortega (who taught me to fly), André Wolf (with who I learned a lot flying together XC, and more, competing with him), and the legend Manfred Ruhmer (no comments needed).

What are your achievements titles before breaking a record?

8th place Individual Overall (2011 World Championship -Italy), some previous records (2013, 2015, 2016), National Championship (2018), Silver medal with Team (2019 World Championship - Italy).

Why did you decide to break that very record in that very place?

Simple life, friendly people, incredible landscapes...It's a place that I just like to be. Especially in the air!!

What is the previous record and where?

Previous was 612 km (2016) at the same place, flown by me and André.

What flying conditions make your record different from previous ones?

Basically strong winds all day long.

How long did preparation take?

Usually the previous 2 or 3 months, during the spring flight season.

Who helped you most to get prepared?

My great friend and retrieve José Moisés (Zeca).

Who worked with you during preparation (any team)?

Some years I fly with others, mostly on my own.

What was the most tricky thing in breaking this record?

To leave the comfort zone.

Tell us about those who supported you on the way (friends, NAC, trainer, local pilots etc)

Zeca (thanks a lot for your companionship!!), Dioclécio Rosendo (FAI observer - thanks for your serious work and guidelines for setting records!!), the paragliding team, captained by Rafael Saladini (thanks for sharing your XC knowledge and experience!!), all the local pilots and people, for their invaluable welcome!!

  Special thanks for my supporters: ROTOR family (Nenê and sons), Icaro 2000 (C. Ciech and M. Ruhmer).

  

Tell us how it was to break the record. What was the most difficult? Decisive? Unexpected?

It was a great day flying from the sunrise to the sunset, without those boring worries of everyday life. Most difficult was to drive back 800 km on the day after, watching a spectacular sky going on over my head!! Decisive was to choose to keep going or to land because of few clouds on the first hour of flying. Unexpected was how the day developed after this!!

Any advice to pilots, interesting notice, some share of experience that you gained while breaking this record?

Just one advice, notice and experience to share: Leave the comfort zone!! Good and Safe flights folks!!