Michal Šneiberg is more than just a UP dealer – he was a test pilot in our R&D team for many years. As a friend of the UP family, he is now focusing on his own company “GoParagliding” in Czechia. He remains true to the thrill though, thanks to his own SIV course.
How did you get into flying?
My father was flying paragliders and later also PPG. When I was 12 years old, I start to do groundhandling with him. With 15 I was officially allowed to take part in a paragliding course, so I did not waste any time and got my license.
What did your job in the UP R&D team look like?
I started competing when I was 15 and that's when I met Franta Pavlousek, who back then worked as a designer for Axispara. We went flying together and in time he asked me to try some prototypes. It was good teamwork from the start, and we both enjoyed it. When he left to become Chief Designer at UP, he took me with him. So, from 2010 on, I was his main test pilot and responsible for the thrilling part of any paraglider development: Put an imperfect prototype through all the maneuvers until the jointly agreed changes take effect and a paraglider that is ready for sale emerges. This meant a lot of discussions with Franta, because we both take great care when it comes to good handling, stability and safety. It's a great feeling when a paraglider finally scores well in all maneuvers in the certification process.
What’s the best part about being a test pilot?
The best part is, that I could fly almost every day when it was flyable in any way. You might have noticed by now: flying is my big passion.
When did you start your own business?
I started in 2008 with my own paragliding school and for a few years I was running it alongside my duties as a test pilot. But there was simply not enough time to do both schooling and testing. So, I decided to ditch the school, become full time test pilot, and just stay importer of UP and Woody Valley to Czech Republic. But soon I really missed teaching and started giving SIV courses - which has now become my primary occupation, because I have a feeling, that it is good for our sport. It's so important to know your wing well and keep a cool head in precarious situations. And that's something every pilot can learn.
What’s the best advice regarding paragliding, you’ve ever been given?
Don’t fly for results, but for fun! Simply enjoy every moment in the air. In my opinion, many pilots are pushing for competition, cross-country, distances, you-name-it all life long... but forget the pure joy of flying. Maybe think back to the excitement of your first flights, it might help keeping you humble and happy.
What flying site is your favorite and why?
I like Bassano del Grappa in Italy because it is like my second home. Many pilots visit the site, but as a test pilot, sometimes you basically live there. Bassano offers great conditions almost all year round and you meet nice people from so many different countries. But of course, I also love little flying spots in Czech Republic near my home. Flying in Czechia is technical, by which I mean much more difficult. It's just little hills, you see - or launching by winch tow. But when the weather is good you climb up to cloud base anyway.
Got some tips for pilots visiting Czechia?
Yes sure! Our highest peak named Kozakov is beautiful. But for pilots coming from alps, it will be a shock to see where is possible to fly, because by highest peak I mean 744 m. It's a nice area though called Český ráj (Bohemian Paradise) and the western flank of the mountain has been protected as a national natural monument covering 159 hectares since 1985.
What’s your plan for the next five years?
I would like to focus on family - I have three children - and flying. Time is literally flying by, so it is necessary to enjoy every moment in life. But in terms of work, I will keep my job as SIV instructor, my flight school, sell some paragliders and might join my friends at UP for one project or the other. Stay tuned!