Hooked on a feeling in 2003, Bengt Pettersson has since then dedicated his time to flying and building his business "PBB Paragliding".
How did you get into flying?
"It started 2003 when I was joining a friend for a paragliding course in Åre, Sweden, and after that I was hooked."
What did your career path up to being UP dealer look like?
"The progression was quite slow the first years of flying. But year by year I could put more time into paragliding with travelling, XC-flying and competitions. I took my instructor exam in 2018, and since then it's full time paragliding with flying, schooling, guiding, running our check center and promoting UP Paragliders."
Since when are you connected with UP?
"I tried the TRANGO X RACE in 2020 and since then it's UP gliders for me. So, in 2022, when I was asked to be the dealer in Sweden, the answer was easy."
What’s special and good to know about flying in Sweden?
"Sweden offers everything from mountain flying in the north to soaring at the south coast with mainly easy access to the sites. Åre is our most popular spot for mountain flying. The thermal season starts in April and it's quite special around midsummer when the nights never get dark. Coastal soaring around Kåseberga during May to August, when days are long and warm, is popular and we get visitors from other countries. The flatlands, with small hills and towing fields, offer good XC potential. The Swedish record (297 km) is flown from Ålleberg. In the associations website you find an introduction about paragliding in Sweden and the most popular spots. Don't hesitate to ask local pilots at our flying sites, they are more than happy to give you useful information.
What’s the best general advice regarding paragliding, you’ve ever been given?
"Don't rush progression, take your time and build confidence through repetitions and continuity."
What flying site is your favorite and why?
"That's a difficult question. There are many, but the ones that I have a habbit returning to are Bassano, Algodonales and Roldanillo because they offer good XC-potentail and weather. In Sweden, Ålleberg is my home site, but i always go to Åre in the summer and some trips to the south coast for playing along the beach.
Got some general tips for pilots visiting your country?
"If you're visiting Åre in the summer, mosquito spray is a good idea to bring. From here you find great hiking in a beautiful nature and there are several outdoor activities in the area. Camping is easy in Sweden and the public transport works well unless you go flying in the north wilderness where you need to be prepared for some hiking if landing out."
What’s your plan for the next five years?
"Continue the path promoting UP Paragliders, arranging testivals, developing pilots and of course fly a lot myself."
Have you tried the newest gliders, TORRE & K2 5, or are you still looking forward to it?
"The TORRE arrives end of March and I'm looking forward trying it in the spring thermals and crack some distance flying."
PS: The pictures show the area around Åre, Ålleberg and Kåseberga. And Bengt says "Hälsningar", what means he sends his regards!