The View From Here: Paragliding Edition

Sierre, Switzerland — November 2026

Today, we're diving into an adventure sport: paragliding.

Here in the Swiss canton of Valais is where Eversys was born, where our coffee machines are engineered, and where our people are deeply rooted. But for our team, the Swiss Alps are also an incredible outdoor playground as well as a world-renowned destination for paragliding. We caught up with David Constantin, R&D Engineer at Eversys, to learn what it takes to soar above the Alps. 

Let’s dive into the heart of this adventure sport!

1. Can you explain to our readers what paragliding is?

It’s free flight (without an engine) using a flexible wing. You don’t jump into the void; you take off smoothly from a slope. It is the closest experience to flying like a bird: fluid, natural, and often paired with an exceptional view.

2. How long have you been paragliding, and what did you feel during your very first flight?

I’ve been flying since June 2024. My first solo flight came quickly, after just three days of training focused on inflating the wing on the ground and doing tiny 15-second hops.

I was taking off for the Vercorin–Chalais run. The launch is impressive because there is a cliff right behind it—suffice it to say I had quite a bit of apprehension! But the moment the wing lifts you, fear fades away, replaced by an immense feeling of freedom and an extraordinary view over the Rhône valley. The landing is less intimidating, but it requires complete concentration.

3. What made you want to start paragliding?

My brother was already flying and shared his passion with me enthusiastically. On top of that, I wanted to conquer my fear of flying in planes, which has caused me anxiety since childhood. Paragliding turned out to be wonderful therapy. In paragliding, you learn to tame the air and navigate turbulence instead of merely enduring it. That helped me tremendously.

4. What is your best flying memory or anecdote?

Without hesitation, flying wingtip-to-wingtip with an eagle right above me. In paragliding, birds are our best guides: when you see them circling, it’s a sign of a rising column of warm air (a thermal) to gain altitude. They sense it instinctively and show us the way. Flying alongside them is pure magic.

5. What is the best place you have flown, and what is your dream location?

I especially love flying in winter on skis: takeoff is very easy, and you can have fun doing "touch-and-goes" on the snow. My fondest memories remain flying over the Moiry Dam and the Aletsch Glacier. My ultimate dream would be to fly around our famous “national rock”: the Matterhorn!

6. What would you say to someone who wants to try paragliding but is afraid to take the plunge?

I’d advise them to try a tandem flight first. As for the fear of falling: with properly checked weather conditions, inspected gear, and a sensible approach, it’s not an uncontrolled high-risk sport. You just need to follow the rules.

7. How do you prepare before a flight? What emotion takes over right before takeoff?

Preparation is essential. You shouldn't rush; you must thoroughly check your gear and stay focused to avoid mistakes. Right before launch, a slight dose of adrenaline always takes over—a healthy tension that keeps you 100% focused.

8. What do paragliding and the working world have in common? What parallels can be drawn between them?

You can draw great parallels between the two:

• Rigor: The pre-flight checklist is just like validating a design or mechanical assembly. Skipping a step out of haste can quickly cause problems.
• Adaptability: In flight just like on a project, conditions change fast. You need to keep calm, stay flexible, and adjust your course in real time.
• The reserve parachute (Plan B): Every pilot carries a carefully packed reserve parachute, hoping never to use it. That’s the very foundation of risk management: having an alternative ready allows you to move forward with peace of mind.

9. What have you learned about yourself through paragliding that serves you in your work today?

In paragliding, once you are airborne, there is no turning back—you have to fully own every decision. This practice taught me to stay calm when faced with the unexpected, to make fast, clear-headed choices, and above all, to know when to call it off on the ground if conditions aren't right. Finally, just like in mechanical design, I’ve developed the habit of debriefing after every flight to analyze what happened and keep improving.

10. Commuting to the office by paraglider: for or against?

100% in favor! It would undoubtedly be the most enjoyable, eco-friendly, and exhilarating commute of the day. All that’s left is convincing management team to set up a landing zone on the Eversys roof 😉.

‍

— The Eversys Team

‍