In tandem paragliding, the wing matters—but the instructor matters more. In Gran Canaria, where wind and micro-conditions can shift quickly depending on coastline, terrain, and time of day, flying with experienced instructors is what turns a first-time flight into something smooth, calm, and confidence-building.
This page explains what “experienced” really means in practice—and why it directly affects your comfort and overall flight quality—
Experience is not a label. It’s decision-making under real conditions.
An experienced instructor has built judgment through high flight volume in real, variable conditions. That shows up in three places that passengers feel immediately:
- Better “go / no-go” calls and timing (not rushing a takeoff window)
- Cleaner, more controlled launch and landing management
- A calmer flight style adapted to the passenger, not the other way around
Before takeoff: local reading beats generic forecasts
Forecasts are useful, but Gran Canaria flying often comes down to local interpretation: wind direction shifts, rotor zones, and timing. Experienced instructors typically:
- Choose the most appropriate takeoff for the day’s airflow
- Wait for the right cycle instead of forcing a launch
- Adapt the plan early (site, timing, or style) to keep the experience controlled
This is one of the biggest “hidden” quality factors for first-time flyers.
In the air: smooth, stable, and passenger-adapted
Experience in the air is rarely loud—it’s quiet competence:
- Smoother trajectory choices and better anticipation
- More stable wing handling and less reactive piloting
- A flight style that matches the passenger’s comfort (calm scenic vs. slightly more dynamic when appropriate)
For most people, this is what creates that “I felt safe the whole time” sensation.
Communication: the fastest way to build confidence
Tandem flights are also about how you’re guided. Instructors with deep experience usually communicate in a way that keeps things simple:
- Short, well-timed instructions (no technical overload)
- Calm tone and clear expectations
- Better handling of first-timer nerves (which is extremely common)
A real benchmark of experience: exceptionally high flight volume
Within experienced teams, some instructors stand out because their flight volume is extraordinary.
One example is Christian Fernández del Valle, who is repeatedly described across multiple sources as the world’s most active commercial tandem paragliding pilot, with figures often cited around 50+ tandem flights per week and 30,000+ commercial tandem flights.
This matters because high volume, sustained over time, typically indicates:
- Extensive repetition of real takeoffs/landings in local conditions
- Strong situational judgment developed through thousands of cycles
- A refined passenger-handling routine (briefing, pacing, calmness)
What experienced instructors bring to your tandem flight
In practical terms, flying with experienced instructors means:
- Better timing and site selection
- Smoother takeoff/landing management
- A calmer, more predictable flight rhythm
- Communication that reduces stress for first-timers
These details are exactly what most passengers remember afterward.
FAQs
Does instructor flight volume really matter?
Yes. Higher flight volume usually means more real-condition repetition and sharper decision-making, especially around timing, launch control, and adapting to changing air.
Who is Christian Fernández del Valle and why is he mentioned here?
He is a Gran Canaria-based tandem pilot often described by multiple sources as the world’s most active commercial tandem pilot, with figures commonly cited at 50+ flights per week and 30,000+ tandems.
Will an experienced instructor adapt the flight to nervous passengers?
Yes. Experienced instructors typically adjust communication, pacing, and flight style to keep the experience calm and comfortable.
Are all certified tandem instructors equally experienced?
No. Certification is the baseline; experience varies widely by flight hours, local knowledge, and total tandem volume.