The 'Sertao', or 'back-country' of North-East Brazil barely needs an introduction to most cross country pilots. Many of the FAI distance records have been set here, originally from foot-launched sites like Quixada and in more recent years, from tow-sites such as Assu.

The weather in this part of the world is what allows big flights to be done on the regular. The sun is much more concentrated the closer to the equator you are, and this means the thermal cycles start working early, and replenish much quicker than higher latitudes. Add in the consistent Easterly wind, and you have a recipe for flying big distance.

Between the end of September and middle of November is the best time for flights here, within the area's dry season.

The biggest misconception about the area is that there is howling wind. It can be strong, but not un-manageable. The thing to note is that many videos that you can see online are from pilots struggling on the take-off, which can be thermic on top of the meteo wind, which is typically 15-25km/h. The safest thing to do is pick a good moment and have solid ground handling skills.

Tow launches are seen to be safer too than hill launching from sites such as Quixada or Patu, as there's no venturi effect when taking off, and this has increased the popularity of sites such as Assu and Caico.

To see all the flights made from Assu on Xcontest click here (opens in new window)

A typical day starts with breakfast at 05:30, going to the launch around 06:15, and beginning towing from 07:00. It is possible to relaunch as many times as you wish until 09:15-09:30 when the tow operators finish and start heading off to retrieve their own pilots.

If it's your first time in the area, then it can pay off to wait a little bit for conditions and cloudbase height to improve. It's unlikely to make 500km if you take-off at 09:00, but maybe the objective is your first 200 or 300km flight.

Relaunches are also possible if you land-out 'over the back' and we can get you back to the launch before 09:00-09:15

October 2024 will be our 3rd year in the Sertao, with 1 x 3 week trip.

As in previous years, we will have a dedicated retrieve coordinator, that is fluent in both Portuguese and English. The work they do is often invaluable in communicating between pilots/drivers. There is no mobile signal in large areas of the Sertao - so helping the drivers find the pilots once they've landed helps speed up the retrieve process.

To get the most out of the trip, pilots should:

- Be self-sufficient in setting themselves up on tow / already have some towing experience

- Have reasonably solid ground handling and piloting skills

- Be motivated, focused and well prepared 

- SPOT or InReach Satellite device with active subscription and preferably with 2-way     messaging (there is no phone signal outside towns/villages) 

 - VHF Radio

 - Smartphone (we provide a Brazilian SIM card with data)

- Tow Bridle

- Water bladder (& electrolyte tablets are a good idea)

- Anything else you need for regular XC flying

21 Night trip

Hotel accommodation in Assu

Breakfast

Transfers from Fortaleza before 2pm on arrival day / returning for 12 midday on departure day

18 days towing (min 2 rest days to take when you wish)

Dedicated Tracking & Retrieve Coordinator

Unlimited Distance Retrieves

Local SIM card with data

Skygods T-Shirt

$18,000 BRL

Please contact us if you wish to book, a deposit is payable to secure your place.

If you have any questions at all, please do get in contact with us.