Matt Alarie
OutspireX Legacy Pilot #001
Years Active: 2020–Present
PILOT STORY
TELL US ABOUT YOUR FIRST FLIGHT. WHAT DID IT FEEL LIKE?
My first flight was on my third day of class. It was a perfect summer day at Torrey Pines, not for flying, unless it was for your first flight. Anyone who has done a relatively no-wind sledder at Torrey knows that it is one of the most beautiful sixty seconds a person could ask for. Like many pilots, my first flight happened while I was still wrestling with ground handling. But in that moment, everything clicked: a clean inflation, a smooth run, and a fully loaded wing. The moment I left the ground, I felt two things: “I am so happy I don’t have to ground handle right now” and “wow, that’s pretty”.
I don’t remember the exact pattern, maybe just three or four turns, but it was an uneventful flight in the best possible way. I remember taking a moment midair to look around—to reap the reward of the effort I’d put in and to realize I’d just crossed the first real milestone. I was ecstatic. Ever since, the hike back up has never felt like a chore—just the cost of admission.
WHAT STORIES DOES YOUR GLIDER HOLD? ANY SPECIFIC FLIGHTS OR TURNING POINTS IN YOUR FLYING CAREER?
I had this glider longer than most people hold onto their first glider. Almost every major milestone occurred on it. I did my first SIV in Mexico on it. Took it to Utah and checked a bunch of boxes there. It has brought me a lot of joy with a perfect amount of passive safety. If I had to pick one most memorable flight, it would have to be my Point of the Mountain flight in Utah. I was at the end of my short 3 day trip to Utah. After watching a friend sink out, I thought that I had missed my opportunity to bench up and have the full flying experience on the North Side. But then a light breeze came in and I noticed one pilot staying up in the lift. I threw my gear on and launched immediately. The timing was perfect. I followed the instructions I had received to a T. I waited for the shadow of a lingering cloud to pass before I made my move to bench up and everything connected perfectly. Shortly after I made it up the mountain, the lift shut down below and the rest of the pilots after me were grounded. I had the entire airspace to myself with the exception of 2 or 3 other pilots for an hour and a half. I felt incredibly lucky. The trip brought me closer to new friends and the sport and was a nice big last hurrah for my wing.
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HOW DID IT FEEL TO SEND YOUR GLIDER OFF FOR A NEW LIFE?
I make it a practice to not hold sentimental value in my possessions. However, handing it over was bittersweet. So many adventures and emotions experienced under that wing.
DO YOU FEEL MORE CONNECTED TO THE PLANET BECAUSE OF FLYING?
I feel more connected to nature but slightly less tethered to the planet.
WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO THE PERSON WHO ENDS UP WEARING A PIECE OF YOUR STORY?
“That bit of fabric has brought me more joy than I can begin to express.”
WHAT'S ONE WORD YOU'D USE TO DESCRIBE YOUR GLIDER? WHY?
Safe. That word might sound boring but this glider let me progress, make mistakes, and remain unbroken. My confidence grew because of the safety properties of the Tequila.
THIS GLIDER AVOIDED THE LANDFILL AND BECAME PART OF A MOVEMENT.
