The Sky Has Never Been So Crowded
Babadağ turned into a massive “aerial carnival” throughout the event. Sharing the airspace with over 900 pilots from more than 50 countries was an incredible feeling. In this massive organization where approximately 2,000 flights took place daily, we had the chance to watch not only paragliding but also Base Jumping, Skydiving, Wingsuit flights, and breathtaking acrobatic displays. Even the slight tension caused by the intense takeoff and landing traffic couldn’t overshadow the joy of flying one of the world’s top 5 paragliding sites.
Old Friends and Meaningful Coincidences
One of the best surprises of the festival was running into my first paragliding instructors, Tuğcan İstim and Abdullah Yıldız from Fenomen Air Sports. Meeting the mentors who laid the foundations of my flying journey in such a professional atmosphere was both deeply meaningful and a humbling moment of gratitude.
From “P3” Room to “P4” Goal
I checked into a hotel completely by chance, with no official connection to the festival. The reception staff didn’t know me, but they pulled off a brilliant coincidence: they assigned me a beautiful room right by the pool. When I spotted the “P3” sign on my door — which represents the “Intermediate Pilot” rating in paragliding — I couldn’t help but smile. My goal is clear: Next year, I’m aiming for the “P4” room! 😋
While waiting for the municipal shuttle buses by the beach… we were gearing up for the ride up to the 1,900-meter takeoff zone.
The Moment When Patience Is Tested: “Parawaiting”
Flying at Babadağ requires not just courage, but a lot of patience. Waiting for the ideal wind at the 1,900-meter Patara takeoff… this is what we call “Parawaiting.” This term, a clever play on “paragliding,” describes a pilot’s wisdom to cooperate with nature rather than fight it, waiting out the perfect window. They say some pilots achieve the serenity of a dervish while waiting — and they’re absolutely right! 🙂
Babadağ: Comfort and Development Potential
Currently, three main launch sites are operational at Babadağ. The 1,700-meter takeoff offers excellent comfort with its paved runway and the scenic terrace café right beside it. However, I hope the 1,900-meter north summit launch will eventually receive a similar upgrade. Levelling the takeoff area and installing live weather station camera systems to monitor wind speed and direction from the landing zone would greatly boost Babadağ’s reputation as a world-class flying destination. When the wind dies down at 1,900 meters, we head to the 1,700-meter south launch, and vice versa.
Flight Logs from the Sky
Without further ado, I’d like to share the unforgettable footage from my launch at the 1,700-meter takeoff. Enjoy the video!
