+Gordon Kerr Yes. I'm in the U.S. and didn't learn about the rare dual UK glider fatalities until Monday morning. I hope Matt fought fearlessly to recover/survive and took no notice as he switched planes of existence. Having outlived scores of hang glider and paragliding peers for 43 years I've yet to hear of any who loved it quite as much when they left us. God bless Matt for leaving such a wonderful legacy of why we should all live doing what we love. This is my eulogy to a terrific mensch.
chris phillips Thanks. Also a nice tribute in his local press: www.torquayheraldexpress.co.uk/popular-glider-pilot-dies-in-crash-on-dartmoor/story-29958653-detail/story.html
High Flight RIP Balleka. Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of earth, And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings; Sunward I've climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth Of sun-split clouds, --and done a hundred things You have not dreamed of --Wheeled and soared and swung High in the sunlit silence. Hov'ring there I've chased the shouting wind along, and flung My eager craft through footless halls of air... Up, up the long, delirious, burning blue I've topped the wind-swept heights with easy grace Where never lark or even eagle flew -- And, while with silent lifting mind I've trod The high untrespassed sanctity of space, Put out my hand, and touched the face of God.
Shocked and saddened by news of Matt's tragic demise. sympathy and condolences to Matt's family and friends. He was and will always be a massive inspiration to thousands of people and will be missed.
So, this was your last video before you left this world... Rip baleka you will miss us😥... Personally, I m a young glider pilot and it is baleka that inspired me the most and made me start flying... If you would have left something on earth, you did it : it' s motivation and inspiration to a whole generation of pilots. You died as a pilot, is there a best dead for a legend?
I awoke this morning to the sad sad news that Matt died in glider incident on 4th Dec 2016.- As a non pilot but an avid follower of Matts youtube videos I wish to express my deepest sympathies to friends and family . I flew with Matt many times ( if only via his videos.) and his infectious laugh made me smile on many occassions . RIP Matt. Much respect .
.....UHMMMM....(TO ALL VIEWERS OF THIS CHANNEL) I have never been here before, until day or so ago when a friend sent me this link. However, it was back in the '70's, I had the chance to ride as a passenger. :) Matt Wright, after watching this video from start to finish, all I can say is he passed doing what he did best!. Not just he's flying skills, but the immense time he took to making the HD videos on youtube, (and his funny comments). You have really inspired me into this way of flight!!!! R.I.P brother. You enjoyed what you did! with deepest Respect, Mick
So sad that you are gone. But you spent your life doing what you love, and you leave this fabulous legacy behind to inspire and educate pilots for generations to come. Thank you for that.
I wish you were still here Matt... Still watching your video’s regularly. Your early videos always fueled my curiosity for gliding. In 2018 I pulled the trigger on starting to glide myself... now it is one of my greatest passions. Thanks! Stay high and dry up there!
So wonderful to read so many comments. Matt was truly an inspiration to many. We will certainly miss his infectious laughter around the club. I can't quite believe that the last time I saw him was a week ago today when he helped me de-rig. So sad. R.I.P. dude.
R.I.P Matt, the day begin sad to me, i was a trully fan of your videos, you was a great inspiration! Now surf the heaven clouds with the blessing of god!
RIP Matt Wright you will always be seen as a fantastic glider pilot and I aspire to be like you. To have a life like you did flying 747's. I'll never forget you. Thank you
Really? From where I'm from (Finland) it's not that costly. You don't have to own a plane - just join a club. British Gliding Association states a typical costs there are £30/£8 for launch (aerotow/winch) and £20 for hour glider rent. As a 'tech hobby' that is not very much.
Agreed - a relevant point. The total for a glider license here is something around 2500 - 3000 € (depends e.g, on how many flying hours are actually needed above the minimum - if any). I understand that it indeed could prove to be prohibitive. On the other hand - not out of reach for an individual in a day job with average salary. Besides - if you consider that as a one time investment in to a decades long hobby - it might not seem that much?
RIP Matt you were one of the people responsible for getting me into gliding(im 14 and start my learning february next year). Thanks for everything u did for us. You died doing what you loved most which is all any of us could ask for. Fly safe ahead
Just came across this video. It is sad to hear of Matt's passing. It is such a great video and it brought back found memories since Denbigh (Lleweni Parc) is where I learned to fly gliders in the mid-90s while going to UMIST (now part of Manchester University). I don't recall the center strip, just grass with a fun uphill landing at one end. Dave Bullock was my very first instructor there, first seating side by side in the Capstan, then K-13, K-6, ... R.I.P. Mat, enjoy the blue skies.
Pilots never die, they just fly higher. Rest in peace. You're videos were just awesome to see and even as I didnt know you I cant believe you are not flying under us anymore. Fly high
Thank you so much for everything Matt. You were and still are my prime inspiration for following my love and goal for aviation. You will be missed very dearly by all... Thank you, fly onwards. R.I.P Matt Wright - Balleka.
So sad to hear about his accident, Balleka or Matt Wright was a huge inspiration for me and i really enjoyed watching his videos. I remember watching one of his first videos the same day that i was going to take my first glider lesson. R.I.P Matt Wright
RIP Balleka. You have been a true inspiration to me. Your videos made me want to learn to fly too. Thoughts and sympathy to family and friends. Keep soaring.
I was shocked to hear the news of Matts death. His videos were a true inspiration to me and I am sure thousands of glider pilots both new and old. Thank you for all that you shared with us. RIP Balleka
Dear Matt! Your videos inspire hundred of pilots, because you had the sense for the epicness and beauty of flying. When I heard about your accident I was shocked. I wish you that it is as beautiful as here were you rest now and that you can find your own peace. Plesse be a guardian angel for all pilots in the world an beware us from deadly mistakes during flight! R.I.P
Terje Lindtveit it is so sad....just wanted to read the his article about his crash in 2013 and then I saw that....RIP thank you for your great Videos....
Wow, I thought I was alright until I started typing, now I'm crying. Matt thank you for all the videos you took the time to make and share with us. You will be missed. R.I.P. Balleka
Breathtaking. wish it was under happy circumstances I found about about your channel however. Now you will forever soar above the clouds. Rest in peace Mr Wright.
Matt, I just discovered your wonderful videos. Sorry to hear about your crash. RIP, see you next go-around... glad you had a great life, sorry for your family it ended unexpectedly.
Having earned diamonds in the past, it was a very special treat to enjoy this flight with you. What a rare and wonderful treat. Now I have just realized what the other posts below were about. God speed Matt, you gave much to the sport of glider flying throughout the world.
I am no pilot, just crazy for aviation. Been following Balleka over the years. Watched this video now and it made me cry when he landed. RIP, condolences to the family and friends.
I was here to ask why you stopped making your inspiring videos. And sadly I ended up reading the comments here. RIP Captain, and thank you for inspiring me, and a whole lot of true Aviators worldwide.
A casi un año me vengo a enterar del fallecimiento de Balleka. Amaba sus videos. Descanse en paz. Saludos y resignación a su familia. Dios lo tenga en su gloria.
Simply Epic... Beautiful footage and outstanding scenario! Some guys have the luck, skills and the ability to acomplish their greatest dreams!!! Congrats for this personal achievement 👍👍👍 Me, just fly fc planes for some years and started to fly RC gliders one year ago and I'm loving it 😉 But what you do in the sky is just a dream... All the best, Pedro
Another awesome clip - So good👍🏻 I'm watching your videos for over 2 years now and you were defenitly my inspiriration to mount my GoPro into my cockpit and start creating gliding clips. Keep on posting and greetings from Germany.
"Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of Earth And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings; Sunward I’ve climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth of sun-split clouds, - and done a hundred things You have not dreamed of - wheeled and soared and swung High in the sunlit silence. Hov’ring there, I’ve chased the shouting wind along, and flung My eager craft through footless halls of air.... Up, up the long, delirious, burning blue I’ve topped the wind-swept heights with easy grace. Where never lark, or even eagle flew - And, while with silent, lifting mind I've trod The high untrespassed sanctity of space, - Put out my hand, and touched the face of God." John Gillespie Magee Jr. RIP Balleka.
So I haven't seen this channel in a while and thought I wonder if he has any 747 video's up by now. So I checked and saw the last video was 9 months ago and I seriously thought "God, I hope he didn't die". What the hell, fly save up there Matt
Terrible terrible news today. It must have been some very strange situation for such an experienced pilot to have a problem on a simple winch launch. Will be sadly missed.
R.I.P. Matt. You were an inspiration to many around the world.
+Gordon Kerr
Yes. I'm in the U.S. and didn't learn about the rare dual UK glider fatalities until Monday morning. I hope Matt fought fearlessly to recover/survive and took no notice as he switched planes of existence. Having outlived scores of hang glider and paragliding peers for 43 years I've yet to hear of any who loved it quite as much when they left us. God bless Matt for leaving such a wonderful legacy of why we should all live doing what we love. This is my eulogy to a terrific mensch.
Vicarious Icarus devonsomersetgc.blogspot.co.uk/2016/12/matt-wright-sunday-4th-december.html?m=0
chris phillips
Thanks. Also a nice tribute in his local press: www.torquayheraldexpress.co.uk/popular-glider-pilot-dies-in-crash-on-dartmoor/story-29958653-detail/story.html
What a sad news guys.... RIP Balleka
RIP Balleka
So sad Matt. You will live on through your amazing videos. RIP. I salute you.
Pleas tell me what happend
@@rcaviationswitzerland186 gliding accident
FatWongBig Puff oh no 😢
6 years :( still watching.
fitting last vid where u rise above the grey to a stunning view..
RIP Matt you really inspired me to fly gliders. You will forever be flying high and the flying shark will live on.
I was just thinking about you today and how I loved your videos. I came back to have a look... You are missed my friend.
High Flight
RIP Balleka.
Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of earth,
And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings;
Sunward I've climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth
Of sun-split clouds, --and done a hundred things
You have not dreamed of --Wheeled and soared and swung
High in the sunlit silence. Hov'ring there
I've chased the shouting wind along, and flung
My eager craft through footless halls of air...
Up, up the long, delirious, burning blue
I've topped the wind-swept heights with easy grace
Where never lark or even eagle flew --
And, while with silent lifting mind I've trod
The high untrespassed sanctity of space,
Put out my hand, and touched the face of God.
RIP Matt you inspired all of us! :-(
Matt who?
Shocked and saddened by news of Matt's tragic demise. sympathy and condolences to Matt's family and friends. He was and will always be a massive inspiration to thousands of people and will be missed.
After four years, I am still watching his recordings of flights.
I think I'll download all his movies to disk.
Wir werden ihn vermissen. Ein toller Pilot mit dem Händchen unseren Sport attraktiv in Szene zu setzen
So, this was your last video before you left this world...
Rip baleka you will miss us😥...
Personally, I m a young glider pilot and it is baleka that inspired me the most and made me start flying...
If you would have left something on earth, you did it : it' s motivation and inspiration to a whole generation of pilots.
You died as a pilot, is there a best dead for a legend?
Rest in Peace, fly safe out there in heaven
hahaha.... i bet he is. What a brilliant dude!
I awoke this morning to the sad sad news that Matt died in glider incident on 4th Dec 2016.- As a non pilot but an avid follower of Matts youtube videos I wish to express my deepest sympathies to friends and family . I flew with Matt many times ( if only via his videos.) and his infectious laugh made me smile on many occassions . RIP Matt. Much respect .
.....UHMMMM....(TO ALL VIEWERS OF THIS CHANNEL)
I have never been here before, until day or so ago when a friend sent me this link.
However, it was back in the '70's, I had the chance to ride as a passenger. :)
Matt Wright, after watching this video from start to finish, all I can say is he passed doing what he did best!.
Not just he's flying skills, but the immense time he took to making the HD videos on youtube, (and his funny comments).
You have really inspired me into this way of flight!!!!
R.I.P brother. You enjoyed what you did!
with deepest Respect,
Mick
R.I.P. Balleka. Your passion for flying will continue being an inspiration. My condolences to all family members and friends.
Rest in peace Matt, cleared for westbound departure, fly safe out there.
Thank you Matt for sharing your love of flight with the world...you have and will continue to inspire us for years to come. RIP.
Literally just today found your channel, and found out you passed away. RIP Matt, these videos are amazing.
All the pilots flying now under you. R.I.P ;(
Un grand passionné du vol à voile nous a quitté, repose en paix Matt, tes vidéo qui sont connues mondialement m'avaient toujours inspirés..
R.I.P.
I was always very inspired by your videos!
All the best to his family.
So sad that you are gone. But you spent your life doing what you love, and you leave this fabulous legacy behind to inspire and educate pilots for generations to come. Thank you for that.
I wish you were still here Matt... Still watching your video’s regularly. Your early videos always fueled my curiosity for gliding. In 2018 I pulled the trigger on starting to glide myself... now it is one of my greatest passions. Thanks! Stay high and dry up there!
Rest in Peace. You were an inspiration for so many people. Thank you. And now you can surf the clouds all day long.
So wonderful to read so many comments. Matt was truly an inspiration to many. We will certainly miss his infectious laughter around the club. I can't quite believe that the last time I saw him was a week ago today when he helped me de-rig. So sad. R.I.P. dude.
R.I.P Matt, the day begin sad to me, i was a trully fan of your videos, you was a great inspiration! Now surf the heaven clouds with the blessing of god!
Rest in peace dude:( Gonna miss your videos..
RIP Matt Wright you will always be seen as a fantastic glider pilot and I aspire to be like you. To have a life like you did flying 747's. I'll never forget you. Thank you
The world lost a great pilot yesterday. Thank you for the inspiration and rest in peace.
Thank-you for all you have done for the Soaring Community Matt. Your videos were among many that got me into soaring.
RIP and Blue Skies.
Rcbif that "got you into soaring"??? U must be fucking loaded no normal person can afford this hobby
Really? From where I'm from (Finland) it's not that costly. You don't have to own a plane - just join a club.
British Gliding Association states a typical costs there are £30/£8 for launch (aerotow/winch) and £20 for hour glider rent. As a 'tech hobby' that is not very much.
Eneri Giilaan that's actually really cool, but don't need a pilots license to for these?
Agreed - a relevant point. The total for a glider license here is something around 2500 - 3000 € (depends e.g, on how many flying hours are actually needed above the minimum - if any). I understand that it indeed could prove to be prohibitive. On the other hand - not out of reach for an individual in a day job with average salary. Besides - if you consider that as a one time investment in to a decades long hobby - it might not seem that much?
RIP Matt you were one of the people responsible for getting me into gliding(im 14 and start my learning february next year). Thanks for everything u did for us. You died doing what you loved most which is all any of us could ask for. Fly safe ahead
Just came across this video. It is sad to hear of Matt's passing. It is such a great video and it brought back found memories since Denbigh (Lleweni Parc) is where I learned to fly gliders in the mid-90s while going to UMIST (now part of Manchester University). I don't recall the center strip, just grass with a fun uphill landing at one end. Dave Bullock was my very first instructor there, first seating side by side in the Capstan, then K-13, K-6, ...
R.I.P. Mat, enjoy the blue skies.
I am speechless and very, very sad .... we all don't will forget his laughing and his joy in flying.RIP Matt
Rest in peace. You inspired me to start flying, If i did not find your videos Im not sure i would be were i currently am.
RIP Matt, you have been an inspiration, and I will deeply miss your always enjoyable contributions.
Very sad news. Condolences to family and friends. Fly safe up there. x(
Fly in Peace, Balleka
Pilots never die, they just fly higher. Rest in peace. You're videos were just awesome to see and even as I didnt know you I cant believe you are not flying under us anymore. Fly high
RIP mate, You were doing something you loved.
Thank you so much for everything Matt. You were and still are my prime inspiration for following my love and goal for aviation. You will be missed very dearly by all... Thank you, fly onwards.
R.I.P Matt Wright - Balleka.
R.I.P. Now, you'll be in the sky forever..
Thanks for give us oportunity to know this sport, and live the sky.
So so sorry to hear the news. R.I.P. You inspired many in ways you will never know.
RIP Balleka. Was a nice pilot. Big inspiration.
Now you fly with the angels. Thanks for everything, you have been a great inspiration for me. R.I.P.
Thanks for the great videos. Sorry there won't be any more. :(
RIP Matt, I didn't know you personally but at the same time your flying was truly inspirational
So sad to hear about his accident, Balleka or Matt Wright was a huge inspiration for me and i really enjoyed watching his videos.
I remember watching one of his first videos the same day that i was going to take my first glider lesson. R.I.P Matt Wright
RIP Balleka. You have been a true inspiration to me. Your videos made me want to learn to fly too. Thoughts and sympathy to family and friends. Keep soaring.
I was shocked to hear the news of Matts death. His videos were a true inspiration to me and I am sure thousands of glider pilots both new and old. Thank you for all that you shared with us. RIP Balleka
RIP Matt...
I was inspired by you to start the flying career, thank you so much.
You will be forever Soaring, Matt. We will miss your superb Videos.
RIP Matt! You'll be remembered, even in the Netherlands.
Dear Matt! Your videos inspire hundred of pilots, because you had the sense for the epicness and beauty of flying. When I heard about your accident I was shocked. I wish you that it is as beautiful as here were you rest now and that you can find your own peace. Plesse be a guardian angel for all pilots in the world an beware us from deadly mistakes during flight! R.I.P
Blue sky for ever Matt, Rest in peace .........
Blue Sky Matt :( We will miss You :( RIP
Jarosław Hasior what happened?
if you haven't noticed he died in a gliding accident just a few days ago.
Terje Lindtveit it is so sad....just wanted to read the his article about his crash in 2013 and then I saw that....RIP thank you for your great Videos....
RIP. Thank you very much for all the great video's and inspiring us with your enthousiasm. You will be missed.
Wow, I thought I was alright until I started typing, now I'm crying.
Matt thank you for all the videos you took the time to make and share with us.
You will be missed.
R.I.P. Balleka
Breathtaking. wish it was under happy circumstances I found about about your channel however.
Now you will forever soar above the clouds. Rest in peace Mr Wright.
Matt, I just discovered your wonderful videos. Sorry to hear about your crash. RIP, see you next go-around... glad you had a great life, sorry for your family it ended unexpectedly.
Having earned diamonds in the past, it was a very special treat to enjoy this flight with you. What a rare and wonderful treat.
Now I have just realized what the other posts below were about. God speed Matt, you gave much to the sport of glider flying throughout the world.
RIP legend, forever chasing diamonds…
I wish you a nice last flight Matt. Thanks for your inspirational dedication to this amazing sport. R.I.P.
I am no pilot, just crazy for aviation. Been following Balleka over the years. Watched this video now and it made me cry when he landed. RIP, condolences to the family and friends.
Rest In Peace matt, you've inspired so many young people to get into gliding
Rest in Peace man!!! Awesome pilot!!!!!!
RIP Matt & M5. Blue skies forever...😢
Only heard of your passing today , your videos were always inspirational . RIP Captain Matt 😢
It was your videos, that made me fall in love with flying. I was devastated when I saw the news. Fly high and safe ❤
We'll miss you, Matt.
RIP Balleka. Hope you're getting some solid flight time now. Thanks to you for all the videos I have enjoyed
RIP, Always looked forward to your videos.
Thank you for everything Balleka. You were truly an incredible pilot that inspired me and many others I am sure to take up flying. You will be missed.
RIP We all will miss your videos!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :(
I was here to ask why you stopped making your inspiring videos. And sadly I ended up reading the comments here. RIP Captain, and thank you for inspiring me, and a whole lot of true Aviators worldwide.
RIP Mr. Wright and keep chasing the diamonds.
Watched this again today in full. Absolutely beautifully epic ride above the clouds.
A casi un año me vengo a enterar del fallecimiento de Balleka. Amaba sus videos. Descanse en paz. Saludos y resignación a su familia. Dios lo tenga en su gloria.
Simply Epic... Beautiful footage and outstanding scenario! Some guys have the luck, skills and the ability to acomplish their greatest dreams!!! Congrats for this personal achievement 👍👍👍 Me, just fly fc planes for some years and started to fly RC gliders one year ago and I'm loving it 😉 But what you do in the sky is just a dream... All the best, Pedro
:(
Keep on soaring for eternity, thank you Matt for inspiring us
Another awesome clip - So good👍🏻
I'm watching your videos for over 2 years now and you were defenitly my inspiriration to mount my GoPro into my cockpit and start creating gliding clips. Keep on posting and greetings from Germany.
Still can't believe this inspirational soul is gone, at the club I fly at too:( rip you were an idol
R. I. P. to the one artist and pilot who brought me to gliding
R.I.P Matt, loved your videos.
I've just seen the news. I'm so sorry to hear of the passing. fly high in the sky!
Just heard about the accident, RIP!! I will be taking gliding lessons in BGGC soon for the first time, I can't wait!
Carry on chasing diamonds Matt.
from winch launch to FL160... no words. Thanks for sharing :)
R.I.P Thanks for the amazing vids.
Thanks for this video. I haven't flown in 15 years and I thoroughly enjoyed this!
A man who's RUclips videos inspired me to glide at Benalla, Victoria AU this year. Now I have the bug.
"Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of Earth
And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings;
Sunward I’ve climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth
of sun-split clouds, - and done a hundred things
You have not dreamed of - wheeled and soared and swung
High in the sunlit silence. Hov’ring there,
I’ve chased the shouting wind along, and flung
My eager craft through footless halls of air....
Up, up the long, delirious, burning blue
I’ve topped the wind-swept heights with easy grace.
Where never lark, or even eagle flew -
And, while with silent, lifting mind I've trod
The high untrespassed sanctity of space,
- Put out my hand, and touched the face of God."
John Gillespie Magee Jr.
RIP Balleka.
the amazing beauty of soaring captured forever, thanks so much, you will inspire many to come into the beautiful sport of gliding.
RIP Matt.Sincere condolences to your family and friends :(
So I haven't seen this channel in a while and thought I wonder if he has any 747 video's up by now. So I checked and saw the last video was 9 months ago and I seriously thought "God, I hope he didn't die". What the hell, fly save up there Matt
Such a sad news... RIP Matt!
Really beautiful above the clouds. Thanks
R.I.P Matt. such sad news
Rest in peace!
Great, flight full of emotions. Fantastic movie- Thank you!
Terrible terrible news today. It must have been some very strange situation for such an experienced pilot to have a problem on a simple winch launch. Will be sadly missed.