Pontecagnano Faiano native Mario Fattoruso and Team FlyX secure the Italian Indoor Skydiving title, setting their sights on the upcoming World Championships in the United States.
A Triumph in Milan
Mario Fattoruso, a distinguished skydiver from Pontecagnano Faiano, has added another accolade to his impressive career by clinching the Italian Indoor Skydiving Championship in the 4-way formation category with Team FlyX. The competition took place at Milan’s Aerogravity wind tunnel, where Fattoruso and his teammates—Giuseppe Cossu, Chiara Brunetti, and Federico Angillotti—demonstrated exceptional skill and coordination. Their victory not only earned them national recognition but also qualified them for the 5th FAI World Indoor Skydiving Championships, scheduled for April 8-13, 2025, at Paraclete XP in Raeford, North Carolina, USA.
Fattoruso’s journey to this achievement was marked by resilience. He recently sustained a hand injury during the Canopy Piloting World Championships in South Africa. Despite this setback, he approached the ten rounds of the indoor competition with unwavering determination, showcasing his dedication to the sport. This perseverance is a testament to his passion for skydiving, a fervor inherited from his parents, Nuccio and Maria, who are also deeply connected to aviation.
Reflecting on his accomplishment, Fattoruso expressed a desire to inspire: “I hope to encourage young people to pursue what brings them joy, even if it seems crazy or impossible.”
A Decorated Career
Born in 1986, Fattoruso embarked on his skydiving journey in 2002 and has since accumulated over 7,500 jumps. His home drop zone is Skydive SKYTEAM CREMONA in Milan. As a member of the PD Factory Team and an instructor at Flight-1, he holds various licenses and ratings, including AFF Instructor, Formation Skydiving Coach, and Tunnel Coach.
Throughout his career, Fattoruso has achieved significant milestones:
- World Record Holder: Set the speed canopy piloting world record with a time of 1.943 seconds, reaching approximately 148 km/h.
- National Champion: Secured multiple Italian championships in both canopy piloting and formation skydiving.
- International Success: Earned a bronze medal at the Indoor Skydiving World Cup in Bahrain with Team Amnesya.
Looking Ahead to the World Championships
With the national title in hand, Team FlyX is preparing for the global stage at the 5th FAI World Indoor Skydiving Championships. The event will feature disciplines such as 4-way Formation Skydiving (Open and Female), 8-way Formation Skydiving, and 4-way Vertical Formation Skydiving. The competition is set to take place at Paraclete XP Indoor Skydiving in Raeford, North Carolina, a premier facility known for hosting international skydiving events.
The Rise of Indoor Skydiving
Indoor skydiving, performed within vertical wind tunnels, has revolutionized the sport by providing a controlled environment for training and competition. This innovation has made skydiving more accessible, allowing enthusiasts to experience freefall simulation without the need for an aircraft. Facilities like Aerogravity in Milan and Paraclete XP in North Carolina have become hubs for both amateur and professional skydivers, fostering a growing community and advancing the sport’s development.
As Team FlyX prepares for the World Championships, their journey underscores the dedication and passion that drive the skydiving community. Fattoruso’s leadership and resilience serve as an inspiration to aspiring skydivers, exemplifying the heights that can be reached through perseverance and teamwork.
