The Aiguebelette Parapente team: local and dedicated

A team of instructors who are passionate about helping you fly with confidence in Savoie

Based in Novalaise, Aiguebelette Parapente brings together a team of eight people led by Marie and Pierre Pugnot: state-qualified instructors, administrative staff and drivers, each with complementary backgrounds and extensive practical experience, all united by a shared goal: to get you flying in the best possible conditions!

The school’s instructors, all state-qualified

Pierre Pugnot: The technical backbone – serious without ever taking himself too seriously

Pierre is the school’s technical director. He has been flying since 1992 and has been a BEES Level 1 – DEJEPS instructor since 2004. He has also obtained several additional qualifications: UCC Speed Riding Instructor in 2007, UCC SIV in 2008, UCC Hand’Icare Tandem Paragliding in 2010, Tandem Paramotor Qualification in 2007, and Microlight Qualification in 2020. Pierre is incredibly passionate, a keen sportsman and a technician at heart; he is one of those people who ‘see everything’ and who naturally ensure everything runs smoothly, making things easier whilst paying close attention to the smallest detail.

Matthieu Caillot: the king of anecdotes

Matthieu has been flying since 1999; he has been a BEES Level 1 instructor since 2007. Matthieu brings his own unique touch of personality to the team with his quick wit. Behind this warm and friendly demeanour lies an experienced, reliable instructor with a wealth of real-world paragliding experience.

Tanguy Renaud-Goud: the top-level competitor

Tanguy has been flying since 2009; he has been a DEJEPS-qualified instructor since 2021 and a motor skills trainer since 2018. Tanguy is also something of a star at our school, with an impressive track record: a top-level athlete since 2018, he is a Hike and Fly competitor, ranked 9th and 10th in the Red Bull X-Alps in 2023 and 2025, ranked 9th in the Superfinal of the 2025 Paragliding World Cup circuit, and has held the Hike and Fly World Record since 2024. A multi-sport athlete and 100 per cent committed, Tanguy embodies performance and intensity with a touch of simplicity.

Stéphane Angenieux: the all-round mountaineer

Stéphane has been flying since 2016; he has been a DEJEPS-qualified instructor since 2022, a qualified high-mountain guide since 2018, and a pilot (BB licence) since 2008. A proud dad to two little blond-haired girls, Stéphane is an invaluable asset to the school thanks to his dual perspective as both a guide and an instructor: the mountains, the terrain and safety are just as important as the flight itself.

Thomas Serano: the all-rounder

Thomas has been flying since 2005; he has been a DEJEPS-qualified instructor since 2021 and has held the UCC Hand’Icare Tandem Paragliding qualification since 2020. Thomas brings a solid, versatile and dedicated presence to the team, with a genuine ability to support a wide range of participants.

Erwan Chevallier: the energy of the terrain

Erwan has been flying since 2006; he has been a BEES Level 1 – DEJEPS instructor since 2010, and a sports instructor and activity leader since 2012. He also holds specific qualifications: UCC Speed Riding Instructor in 2010, and UCC Hand’Icare Tandem Paragliding Instructor in 2010. Erwan is a well-rounded instructor, at ease with various aspects of teaching and supervision, with practical experience that proves invaluable in the day-to-day running of the school.

The reception, booking and logistics team

Marie Pugnot: the driving force behind the school

Marie Pugnot is the school’s co-founder. She has been flying since 1992 and manages bookings, scheduling, administration and equipment sales. Marie has been part of Aiguebelette Parapente’s growth right from the very beginning. She embodies that reassuring, central presence that holds everything together.

Fanny Pugnot: the creative force of the future

Fanny has been flying since 2014. She handles bookings, scheduling, administration and social media. Fanny is helping to modernise the school’s image whilst remaining firmly rooted in its family-oriented ethos.

Pierre-Yves Barbieri: the expert behind the wheel and a friendly soul

Pierre-Yves completed a training course in 2024. He is a shuttle driver. A former business owner and lorry driver, Pierre-Yves brings his interpersonal skills, his friendly manner and his experience on the road to the school. He helps to ensure that logistics are a truly welcoming experience.

Gérard Cambefort: a calm and reassuring presence

Gérard has been flying since 1989. He works as a shuttle driver. For him, driving is a real pleasure. His presence provides the school with invaluable support in its organisation and ensures a smooth, consistent service for passengers and course participants.

Why does this team make all the difference?

Our team works together seamlessly every day: on the one hand, we have state-qualified instructors with varied and complementary backgrounds; on the other, a reception and logistics team that ensures the experience is simple, smooth and welcoming. Our longevity is based as much on a passion for flying as on the quality of our human connections.