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Please note: Only in German available

Dual World Championship Kössen–Fiesch 1989

Two Skies, One Turning Point

In 1989, two world championships took place side by side – paragliding in Kössen (Austria) and hang gliding in Fiesch (Switzerland). Many hang glider pilots still smiled at the newcomers with their simple fabric wings, unaware that these “rag flyers” would soon redefine the future of free flight.Only a few – like John Pendry and Robbie Whittall – recognized the great potential of paragliding. Yet, as favorites, they chose to compete in Fiesch.

My film captures this pivotal moment of transition – the last major, superbly organized hang-gliding world championship before paragliding took over the skies. Two world championships in one film – a story that helped pave the way for the acceptance of paragliding and marked the beginning of a new era of free flight.

Digitally restored from original 16 mm footage

Running time: 40 minutes

Language: German