#238 Acro, Test flying, SIV, Instruction, Meteo and Comps with Karlis Jaunpetrovics

Photo Marcus KingLatvian APPI instructor, XC hound, comp organizer, acro aficionado, and former BGD test pilot Karlis Jaunpetrovics discovered flying in Taiwan of all places in 2012. After the bug bit hard Karlis moved heavily into acro flying in Nepal which eventually brought him to the doorstep of BGD in France where he became a test pilot for a few years. Karlis mentored SIV instruction under the boys at Flyeo (Malin and Fabien) and now has his own instruction company founded on progression called “Flying Karlis“. In this episode we talk about his journey to becoming an instructor, the challenges and intricacies of test piloting, his passion for acrobatics, his experiences flying in Taiwan, and the vibrant paragliding community he has encountered along the way. Karlis shares his passion for cross-country flying and the importance of mentorship in paragliding. He discusses the significance of finding the right instructor and community, as well as his transition into teaching SIV training, the 4 fundamentals of SIV, and how progression works when it works well. Additionally, we touch on the complexities of weather prediction in paragliding, highlighting the blend of art and science in understanding micro-meteorology. Karlis shares his journey in organizing local paragliding events, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and mentorship. He discusses the critical role of safety in competitions, including the implementation of strict safety regulations and communication protocols. The conversation also touches on the challenges faced during his X-Alps adventure supporting Theo De Blic, highlighting the camaraderie and respect developed among pilots in extreme conditions.TakeawaysKarlis moved to southern France in 2016 and has been a test pilot for BGD.The interview process for becoming a test pilot was extensive and involved flying.Test piloting requires a unique skill set that is not taught in schools.Karlis found it challenging to suppress his instinct to control the wing during tests.Flying in Taiwan offered a friendly community and unique challenges.The paragliding community in Taiwan has grown significantly since Karlis’s time there.Karlis transitioned from acrobatics to cross-country flying for more variety.The repetitive nature of test piloting led Karlis to seek new challenges.Landing in beetle nut plantations poses serious risks in Taiwan.Karlis’s journey reflects the evolution of his passion for flying. Cross-country flying is about connecting mountain ranges.Mentorship is crucial for growth in paragliding.Finding the right instructor can enhance learning.Repetition and practice are essential in paragliding.Pre-course knowledge significantly improves training outcomes.Visualization techniques can aid in skill acquisition.Situational awareness is vital for safety in flying.Micro-meteorology plays a key role in weather prediction.Community involvement can help introverted pilots find mentors.Understanding the fundamentals is critical for advanced maneuvers. Organizing events requires a strong team and mentorship.Safety regulations in competitions are crucial for pilot protection.Communication protocols can significantly enhance safety during events.Grounding a pilot is sometimes necessary for safety reasons.Radio checks are essential for ensuring effective communication.Pilots must take responsibility for their own safety in competitions.