My name is Robert Smith.  I started paragliding in 1992, and have over 3,500 hours airtime, including more than 600 flights from Fiesch.  I retired from work in 2011, and divide most of my time between the UK and the Alps, skiing in the winter and flying in the summer.  I am not an expert pilot, and have no coaching, instructing, or guiding credentials, but I usually learn something every time I fly from Fiesch, which I aim to pass on in this website.

I first flew in Fiesch in 1994, and continue to do so regularly, recording most of my flights on XContest, usually with a commentary and pictures, and I have a live tracking facility.

In 2015, I became the only pilot to have ever won the UK overseas league on an EN-B glider, but have entered no competitions since the 1990s.  My attitude towards flying prioritises enjoyment over performance numbers, which is reflected throughout this website and in my choice of equipment.

I have written several articles for Skywings, the magazine of the British Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association.

I would be very grateful to be told immediately about any technical problems with the site, e.g. links that don’t work, so that I can put them right without delay!

I am also keen to hear from any pilots who know Fiesch well and disagree with anything here, particularly if they feel it’s dangerous.