Advance have announced the launch of the Omega 8 in a few weeks time.

Advance invited Hugh Miller out to Thun, Switzerland, to find out more about the Omega 8’s development. He talks to Thomas Ripplinger and Kari Eisenhut, and finds out the story behind the high performance paraglider. They explain the initial brief, the 72 point checklist, and the exacting standards they set themselves.

The next day, Andy Aebi and Thomas Ripplinger head off to test the final prototype. Hugh Miller joined them. They launch in the morning from Murren and flew some spring thermals over the snow-capped peaks in front of the Jungfrau.

Check the audio from his first flight on the Omega 8 prototype on which the serial glider is based. Audio file as mp3

After landing, Thomas quizzes Hugh on how the glider felt. Hugh talks about the glider’s forward flying position, its direct handling, and its feedback.