Wingsuit Flying in Norway: Espenfadnes' Adventure

Wingsuit flying takes daredevils to new heights — literally. 865 metres above sea level, at the Loen Skylift in Norway, a wingsuit pilot soars over lush valleys and rugged cliffs, showcasing what this extreme form of human flight can look like. The escape velocity of sports is accelerating. While the Norwegian cliff is an ideal playground for this sport, wingsuit pilots can find great challenges in other areas across the globe.

The Art of Wingsuit Flying

The wingsuit, essentially a high-tech jump suit, hangs from the user — either on a parachuting jump, or off a stationary platform like a cliff. The suit's wings create up to 99% of the lift. This means a skilled pilot can launch themselves off a cliff, fly through dense valleys, and land miles away. There has been debate, even among seasoned pilots, about whether it is possible to safely control a wingsuit in flight. The brief discussion comes down to the degree of experience the flyer has and what kind of conditions they fly with. The Loen Skylift is an ideal wingsuit launch site. With steep cliff facades and a vertigo-inducing cable car lift, it’s no surprise BASE jumpers and wingsuit pilots flock to the dramatic setting. The flight is typically performed in two key stages: JUMPING and FLYING. This is not a casual activity; wingsuit pilots typically need special training to safely navigate the physics of high-speed flight. While the wingsuit itself is a distinguishing feature, wingsuit flying at Loen Skylift is made distinctive by the natural beauty of the cliff face and the scenic fjords which frame it. It’s the Norwegian landscape itself that provides the backdrops which make the jumps so beautiful and memorable. The skylift propels daring pilots to heights of 1,011 meters, offering a breathtaking vantage point before the descent and flight. Loen attracts many such pilots from around the globe, who appreciate the unique combination of geographical beauty and safety protocols. The safety protocols were a significant factor in the video.

A New Generation of Adrenaline

Wingsuit flying is part of a broader trend of adrenaline-fueled adventure sports, pushing both technology and human limits. Already a niche, global wingsuit competition is growing — and so is the competition for the most dramatic flight. Social media is a big part of the reason why this kind of adventure sport has grown in popularity. While hobbies used to be passive, they have become more extreme. Adventurers are seeking the thrill of human flight along the steeply vertical cliff of Loen Skylift. Competitive pilots find they’re competing not just against each other, but also against the landscape itself. The combination of breath-taking Norwegian cliffs and daring wingsuit pilots has been the backdrop for more than a few high-profile flight demos.

The Loen Skylift Launch Pad

The Norwegian Cliffs

The Loen Skylift itself offers unparalleled access to the stunning fjor, and allows pilots to take off from a platform 1,011 meters in the air and offers a breathtaking view of the landscape. The cliff, untouched by man, has grown to be a natural ramp for daredevils to indulge their adrenaline. The cliffs are steep, dramatic, and provide the perfect slope for pilots to soar towards the fjord in a fluid transition. The backdropped landscape is serene and lush, and the cliff’s geology offers a perfect incline for a wingsuit pilot to launch.

The wingsuit

The wingsuit pilot wears a specialized suit that allows for horizontal flight. Wingsuits create approximately 99% of their lift from their wings, and the remaining 1% from their wingsuit shape. This allows pilots to glide in the air for extended periods, manipulating their body position to control direction and speed.

Risk and Skill

The cliffs at Loen Skylift offer an incredible flying experience, but the inherent risk is part of the appeal. The skill required involves more than just the wingsuit and physical ability. The pilot must understand how to control the descent, recovering from knob switchers, and re-establishing lift. Wingsuit flying at Loen combines extreme technical skill with a deep respect for the unpredictable variables of the natural world — and the cliff offers no mercy to overly ambitious pilots.

Launching in Norway

The Ascent

To reach the launch site, adventurers ride a steep cable car that ascends 1,011 meters. The ascent itself is a thrill, providing a panoramic view of the Norwegian fjords and valleys. The cable car, and the islands in between. The cable car is equipped to carry up to 45 people. It is built with a combination of steel and concrete. The car travels through two different zones: the green valley and the mountains are the two key zones. The valley is dense and green, filled with pine trees, while the mountains are bare.

Fashionable Daring

Wingsuit pilots at Loen Skylift are able to easily glide towards the fjord. The flight typically involves a brief period of freefall as the wingsuit pilot launches from the cliff and then glides towards the fjord. The cliffs themselves have a distinctive formation, with a gradual incline towards the cliff edge. Wingsuit pilots can fly horizontally, and need to be careful to maintain a steady speed. The final point of the flight is to transition back onto the earth, a maneuver that requires careful planning. Once the flight is complete, pilots land safely on the ground.

Winging Your Way to Adventure

To take up wingsuit flying at Loen Skylift, start with the basics. Only attempt the sport if you have enough experience making skydives. There is nothing like wingsuit flying, and finding a good experienced instructor is essential. The certification process requires you to have completed 200 jumps.

• Instructor: Find an experienced instructor. Training will typically cover the basics of how the wingsuit works, including how to control its flight and how to transition from freefall to flight.
• Equipment: Rent wingsuit equipment. New wingsuits can run up to $2,000.
• Ground School: For the actual jump, you will spend time on the ground before attempting to practice on the cliff. You must learn to understand the terrain.
• Jumping: Jump from a height of 1,011 meters. You must be able to safely land.
• Practice: Practice your landings. The goal is a safe, controlled landing. Some people refer to wingsuit flying as the ultimate form of human flight, offering an exhilarating blend of speed, skill, and natural beauty.