Ep. 010 Alex Amplatz

Follow Alex on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@alexamplatz

Instagram: @alexamplatz

In this episode, the Speed Vector Podcast hosts Alex Amplatz, a prominent figure in the speed flying community. They discuss the accessibility of speed flying, the importance of safety, and the learning curve associated with the sport. Alex shares his personal journey into speed flying, including the challenges and injuries he faced. The conversation also touches on the risks of downsizing wings too quickly, the evolution of wing technology, and the influence of social media on the sport. They emphasize the importance of proper training, community support, and the need for a cautious approach to progression in speed flying. In this conversation, Alex Amplatz shares his journey into speed flying and content creation, emphasizing the importance of safety gear and the value of visual learning in the sport. He discusses the growth of speed flying as a community and the necessity of using airbags and reserves for safety. The conversation also touches on the future of speed flying, the challenges of safety gear, and the role of content creators in educating and inspiring new pilots.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Speed Flying and Community

06:46 Personal Experiences and Injuries in Speed Flying

15:28 Injuries and Recovery in Speed Flying

24:33 The Importance of Proper Progression

30:23 Social Media Influence on Speed Flying

38:52 The Journey of Learning and Mastery

54:08 Safety and Risk Awareness in Speed Flying

01:01:45 Understanding Wing Control and Maneuvering Techniques

01:12:56 The Passion Behind Content Creation

01:18:58 The Evolution of Learning in Speed Flying

01:25:43 Finding Peace in the Air

01:32:08 Airbags vs. Reserves: A Discussion

01:40:56 The Need for Better Airbag Solutions

01:48:57 The Future of Airbag Technology

01:56:16 Harness Technology and Airbag Safety

02:04:07 Choosing the Right Reserve for Speed Flying

02:12:02 Future of Speed Flying and Accessibility

02:18:00 Personal Aspirations in Speed Flying

02:24:59 Passions Beyond Speed Flying

Key Takeaways

Speed flying has a low barrier to entry, but safety is crucial.

Learning from crash compilations can enhance safety awareness.

Injuries can happen quickly and unexpectedly in speed flying.

Progression in speed flying should be gradual and well-considered.

Downsizing wings too quickly can lead to serious accidents.

The technology of speed wings has evolved significantly in recent years.

Social media can influence perceptions and behaviors in speed flying.

Proper training and experience are essential for safe flying.

Using brakes effectively is vital for control during landings.

Community support and knowledge sharing are important in the speed flying world. Alex's YouTube journey began with a video on rear riser flying.

Visual learning is crucial for understanding flight dynamics.

The speed flying community is growing rapidly.

Safety gear, like airbags and reserves, is essential for pilots.

Many pilots still fly without airbags despite their benefits.

The importance of community support in speed flying.

Content creation can significantly impact the sport's growth.

There is a need for better safety gear options in the market.

Experience can lead to overconfidence in safety practices.

Alex plans to continue creating valuable content for the community.