OUR team

Kelly Farina - Author of 'Mastering Paragliding,'
Austrian Arena course leader & former British Paragliding Team member.

"After learning to fly in the UK I moved to the Alps in 1995 to learn about Alpine flying and I'm still here. I started Austrian Arena in 2002 when I realized the potential for motivated and recreational pilots alike to enjoy safe XC flights in stunning surroundings.

Since then we went on to expand our areas to include the ultra-reliable Bassano del Grappa back in 2006 & in 2007 the ever-impressive Dolomites joined our range.

After fighting with increasingly difficult conditions suffered by the North side of the Alps I had the easy decision to include Greifenburg to our list of areas in 2013. It has proved each time that we were right to offer it. The potential on even average days has impressed even myself. Adding Feltre to our pallet in 2018, which has become the area I am now most excited about.

Over the years I have worked out that being flexible is the key to success when looking for those extra special long-haul flights over amazing & technical terrain or just to have a fun, relaxing flying holiday away from over crowded skies."

BHPA Advanced Pilot rated with over 3,500hrs, mainly Alpine.

And never forgetting Otto - Forever Our Best friend.

After spending years in a cage, left alone 24hrs a day, Luigi rescued him and he was an integral part of Austrian Arena.

From cruel captivity to the Jet-Set lifestyle, riding shotgun in the van & staying in fancy hotels at 1800m, Otto was the Star wherever he went.

He was a rare breed, a bright light in an otherwise often dark World. Lifting the spirits of everyone his infectious soul touched.

He has gone too soon, but he taught us many things in his short life. How to love unconditionally & live in the moment. Cliches perhaps but Otto was as special as they come.

Sorely missed but we smile when we think of him, always...

 

RIP Otto - you're gone but not forgotten.