Mastering the Skies: Our Masterclass at the 18 Bends
Turning “Weathered Out” into “Powered Up”
They say a great pilot isn’t just made in the air, but in the moments of preparation and study on the ground. This past week, our association had the distinct honor of hosting Jean Francois Thurel, a world-class professional instructor from FLYAPPI, for an intensive masterclass at Sri Lanka’s legendary 18 Bends location.
While the tropical rains kept us grounded for much of the workshop, the energy indoors was electric. Adverse weather didn’t stop the learning; it simply shifted our focus to the critical technical skills that separate the amateurs from the pros.
From our freshest beginners to our seasoned experts, the room was a mix of focus and flying spirit. We were proud to have a dedicated cohort present:
- 1 New Beginner (Welcome to the skies!)
- 1 Training Pilot
- 1 Intermediate Pilot
- 2 Expert Pilots
The Art of the Save: Rescue Parachutes & Physics
For the beginners in the group, the highlight was undoubtedly the hands-on “Save Your Life” sessions. We spent hours practicing rescue parachute deployment and the meticulous art of folding the rescue. Seeing the canopy unfold across the room gave everyone a new level of respect for their gear.
Jean Francois also took us on a deep dive into the “why” behind the “how,” covering:
- The Physics of Flight: Breaking down how wind interacts with our wings.
- The Venturi Effect: Understanding how terrain—like the 18 Bends—compresses air and changes its velocity.
- Expert Tips: Pro-level insights that you simply can’t find in a manual.
Technical Note: Understanding the Venturi effect is crucial at the 18 Bends, where the geography creates natural funnels that can significantly alter wind speeds.
Join Our Community!
Whether you’re looking to take your first steps as a Trainee Pilot or you simply want to experience the thrill of the 18 Bends from the best seat in the house, we want you here.
- Become a Pilot: Start your journey with our structured training programs.
- Tandem Rides: Not ready to fly solo? Take a tandem flight with one of our club experts for a high-altitude adventure with zero pressure.
Ready to lift off?
Contact us today to join the next session or book your tandem experience.
Workshop Gallery
Pilots practicing the split-second timing of a rescue deployment.
The emergency Parachute after full deployment, being inspected and prepaired for folding.
Jean Francois Thurel explaining the science of flying.