• What is your paragliding specialisation, and what drew you to focus on this particular aspect of the sport?
My speciality is aerobatics because I started this sport as a little kid in Ölüdeniz, known as the Disneyland of Paragliding. Ölüdeniz has been ''The Paradise'' for acro pilots since the beginning of the acro discipline. Therefore, I grew up watching the best acro pilots in the world. It was impossible for me not to be interested in acro in this wonderful atmosphere created by the world's best pilots.
• Which wing do you fly, and what makes it special to you? How does it enhance your flying experience?
I fly with the KOOKY 2 13 pro because I think this is the best-balanced wing on the acro market. It does all the newschool tricks which created in recent years perfectly, easily and elegantly. It’s stylish, reliable and easy. I love it!
• What was your first contact with paragliding?
I spent my childhood in the flying environment in Ölüdeniz, and finally, at the age of 13, I made my first solo flight. And since then, I've tried to fly as many times as I can.
• How long have you been flying, and where do you fly the most?
I’ve been flying for 16 years. I have flown in some countries in Europe, Africa and the Balkans, but mostly in Ölüdeniz.
• What is your best flight so far?
Well... It's really hard for me to answer this question since I've done more than 10 thousand flights... I've done a lot of magical flights in Ölüdeniz with clouds at sunset, but I think my favourite flight was with Ondrej Prochazka in La Pena, El Hierro island. There was a magical sunset, and the conditions were great, so we managed to fly all afternoon until the evening and landed on the roof of the restaurant on the edge of the cliff. I'll never forget that flight!
• Have you faced any fears or significant challenges while flying, and how did you overcome them?
Undoubtedly, someone who wants to progress in acro has to accept a very high level of mental difficulty and a high amount of risk. I think one of the things that makes aerobatic flights attractive is the risk behind them. A pilot puts himself in situations that may pose a risk and then remains safe thanks to his skills. This gives a very high satisfaction. Like everyone else, I have encountered risky situations many times. I have had some that scared me and some that I enjoyed. If a pilot knows his own limits well and can manage the risk margin correctly, he can minimise fear and bad outcomes.
• What is the most valuable lesson you’ve learned during your paragliding career?
Over the years, I have come to understand that I should see Paragliding and Acro as a game. The rules are tough, but as long as the rules are respected and played well, it is the most unique game in the world.
• Who or what inspires you to keep pushing boundaries in paragliding?
My motivation for pushing myself in acro has never been inspired by ambition. Almost all of my close friends and fellow acro pilots will agree. I have never trained especially for competition. My goal has never been to push myself to beat this or that person. My motivation for pushing myself is to play the most fun game in the world with the best pilots in the world and enjoy it.
• What inspired you to become a part of the Sky Squadron team, and how does the brand's vision align with your personal goals as a pilot?
I decided to fly with Sky because I love the wing, I love the team, and I know that they care about the team pilot’s wishes and goals.
• Can you share a memorable experience you've had while flying?
I’ve flown in a full moon in Ölüdeniz in 2016 with my good friends during Ölüdeniz Air Games. There were more than 30 pilots, and we flew with lights on the wing and performed some tricks in the dark. That flight was unique.
