PD Factory Team announces two new members.

Gage Galle (USA) and Julien Guiho (France)

(Read More...)

Parachutist Oct 2010

Cover shot
Tommy Dellibac winning Gold in Zone Accuracy at US Nationals 2010 - Photo by JC Colclasure

The Press-Enterprise - September 8, 2010

Murrieta man takes gold in parachute contest
On Saturday, Jonathan Tagle, 41, won the gold medal in the 2010 National Skydiving Championships of Canopy Piloting in Houston. Read more...

90 Percent - April 2010 Skydive Expo
Photos taken by Bruno Brokken of the PD Factory Team training camp held during the Skydive Expo in Deland,FL.

Skydive The Mag - February 2010

Cover Shot
Ian Bobo of the PD Factory Team swoops the accuracy course at the Golf Cup in Dubai. Photo by Bruno Brokken.
Dubai Golf Cup
Over forty world class swoopers from 15 countries competed for $30,000 in prize money. The battle for tops spots was heated and very close.

Wollondilly Advertiser - February, 17 2010

Sky Is The Limit
Current Australian team member, Wilton resident Michael Vaughan, said competitors had gained much experience from the current canopy piloting world champion Jay Moledzki, who visited the skydiving centre last week. Read more...

90 Percent - February 2010

Dubai International Parachuting Championships
Joanthan Tagle of the PD Factory Team talks about his experience in Dubai and details about the Canopy Piloting event.

90 Percent Web News - February 2010

Cover Shot
PD Factory Team flies with acrobatic airplane over Dubai. Photo by Bruno Brokken
Dubai Parachuting Championships
Detailed results of the Dubai Parachuting Championships are posted along with several photos of PD Factory Team pilots.

Parachutist - December 2009

2009 USPA National Skydiving Championships
Jonathan Tagle and JC Colclasure took Silver and Bronze, respectively in Zone Accuracy. Shannon Pilcher soared for a silver medal in distance. Photos of JC Colclasure, Ian Bobo, Shannon Pilcher, Jessica Edgeington, and Jonathan Tagle
The 2009 Chicks Rock Boogie - Peace and Love
Jessica Edgeington of the PD Factory Team led two Flight-1 Canopy Skills Courses.

Canpara - October 2009

News from the CNTC
Jay Moledzki is presented a hockey style shirt by the CSPA to celebrate his many first overall titles at WAG, WG, WC, and WPC.
World Class Canopy Pilots
Jay Moledzki claims all three elements of canopy piloting in Kaohsiung, Taiwan earning the title of World Games 2009 Overall Champion.

FOX UOMO - October 2009

B.A.S.E. Jump: Volo Illegale
A popular Italian magazine, FOX UOMO, interviews Jonathan Tagle, of the PD Factory Team, about the world of B.A.S.E. jumping and the risks involved in particpating in such a dangerous sport.

Skydive The Mag - October 2009 

World Games
Jay Moledzki was cool and professional, hitting the gates and making all the points he needed and taking him to victory.
CP & Classic Nationals
New member of the PD Factory Team, Brian Vacher wins the silver medal at the UK Nationals held in Germany.

90 Percent - October 2009

World Games 2009, Kaohsiung
Jay "the machine" Moledski, became the man to get close to but none managed. He took control of the meet from the beginning and his incredible level of preparation and knowledge of skydiving’s newest event made sure that he placed first in all three disciplines!

Blue Skies Mag - September 2009

The Flyby
PD Factory Team member, Jonathan Tagle, won first place at the Pink Canopy Piloting Open in Klatovy, Czech Republic.

90 Percent - August 2009

Flygang Molinella
PD Factory team pictoral featuring 3-way swoops and freestyle action on the pond.
World Air Games: Torino, Italy
Jay Moledzki wins at the World Air Games in Torino, Italy. Ian Bobo finishes in a close second with the silver medal.

Parachutist - July 2009

Elsinore Bridges the Gap
Jonathan Tagle of the PD Facctory Team provided video debriefs of landings and gave an informative seminar on effective flaring techniques.

Parachutist - June 2009

Profile - Jessica Edgeington
New member of the PD Factory Team, Jessica Edgeington, talks about her love of swooping and experiences in the sport of skydiving.

Parachutist - April 2009

Factory Team Holds First 2009 Training Camp
In January, The PD Team welcomed its newest members - Tom Dellibac, Jessica Edgeington, Pablo Hernandez, and Brian Vacher - with the first of three early season training camps.

90 Percent - April 2009

Jessica Edgeington Profile
Jessica Edgeington is interviewed about what it means for her to be on the PD Factory Team and her vision of the future of canopy piloting.

Parachutist - March 2009

New Members Chosen For PD Factory Team
The expansion of the PD Team, known as the X-Project, far exceeded the expectations of the 15 candidates and is thought to the first undertaking of it's kind within the skydiving industry.

History Channel's The Works - March 2009

The Works
Jay Moledzki, Ian Bobo, and JC Colclasure demonstrate high performance canopy piloting and explain the risks involved in flying such small parachutes.

Parachutist - February 2009

Records and Champions
2007 World Cup winner, Jay Moledzki, took first... The only canopy pilot to be called World Cup Winner and World Champion at the same time. The Championships were held in Pretoria, South Africa.

90 Percent - February 2009

CP World Championships
An outstanding performance by Jay Moledzki of the PD Factory Team leads to a victorious win as the World Champion of Canopy Piloting.
Jay Moledzki Profile
Jay Moledzki answers questions about how he began swooping; his training habits; and the future of canopy piloting.

Skydive The Mag - February 2009

Canopy Piloting World Championships
Jay Moledzki wins gold at the Canopy Piloting World Championships in South Africa. Several photos feature Shannon Pilcher swooping the accuracy course.
X-Rated
After the intensive week of the PDFT X-Project try-outs, four candidates were indeed chosen and they included our own top canopy guru Brian Vacher.

;Skydiving Magazine - January 2009

Canada's Moledzki Overall Champ of Cnaopy Piloting World Meet
Jay Moledzki was named overall champion at the 2nd FAI World Parachuting Championships of canopy piloting, held November 19-23 in South Africa.

90 Percent - December 2008

Swoop Week
The PD Factory Team competed against the USA's top pilots during the Swoop Week canopy piloting event at Mile Hi Skydiving in Colorado. Shannon Pilcher won the silver medal in the overall.

Parachutist - November 2008

Cover Shot
Photographer J.C. Colclasure captured a shot of Jonathan Tagle throwing the peace sign under canopy during Swoop Week at Mile-Hi Skydiving in Colorado.
Making A Run For It
Shannon Pilcher clinches three medals at the 2008 USPA Nationals of Canopy Piloting.

Skydive The Mag - October 2008

G'is a Job!
The PD Factory Team has kicked off what it calls the X-Project, a five month quest to select additional team members. Approximately 36 candidates will be chosen to submit a video interview. Of those, around 15 will be invited to attend the PDFT try-outs in January 2009. Up to four pilots will be invited to join the team.

Parachutist - October 2008

PD Factory Team Accepting Applications
The PD Factory Team has kicked off it's "X-Project", a quest to hand select additional team members.
Centerfold Photo
Ian Bobo of the PD Team, skims the pond during a competition round at Mile-Hi Skydiving in Longmont, Colorado.

ABC World News - September 18, 2008

Swooping: Not Your Grandfather's Skydiving
New Extreme Sport Bring Excitement and Exhilaration to the Skies. Read more...

90 Percent - August 2008

Flygang Event II
For the second year running PD Factory Team’s Shannon Pilcher, Ian Bobo and Jonathan Tagle, are back in Italy visiting Molinella’s Flygang. The team shared knowledge and gave feedback to competitors of the Italian Swoop Tour.

90 Percent - June 2008

World Air Games in New Zealand
PD Factory Team members JC Colclasure and Jonathan Tagle participated in canopy piloting and speed flying events during the World Air Games in New Zealand.

The New York Times - April 2008

New Direction for Skydiving: From Vertical to Horizontal
With small, agile parachutes, canopy pilots fly at high speeds and low altitudes, performing maneuvers sometimes just a few inches from earth and water. Read more...
Swooping In for a Landing
Swoopers, or canopy pilots, have made the all important landing in skydiving into a new sport of agility. Watch the video...

Skydive The Mag - February 2008

Canopy Piloting World Cup
Jay Moledzki stormed forward for an undeniable victory. Jonathan Tagle was straight in second and Ian Bobo pipped Fastrax member Brian McNenney to the post and took bronze. Three PD Factory Team members stood on the podium proving once again that they are the best in the world.

Parachutist - January 2008

4th World Cup of Canopy Piloting - 2007
Jay Moledzki, undoubtedly one of the most accomplished canopy pilots in the sport, won first overallwhile earning world records for distance and speed. Jonathan Tagle and Ian Bobo followed closely, earning the silver and bronze overall, respectively.

90 Percent - February 2008

World Cup of Canopy Piloting
Jay Moledzki won the combined World Title. He looked on top of the world as he received his medals at the ceremony. Jonathan Tagle came 2nd and Ian Bobo 3rd. A sweep of the medals by the PD Factory Team.

Skydiving Magazine - December 2007

Moledzki Triumphs at World Cup
Jay Moldezki of Canada won first overall at the World Cup of Canopy Piloting, held November 7-11 in Sydney, Australia.
Moledzki Wins Canopy Meet in Brazil
Jay Moldezki won the Swoop Tournament last September at "Gui's Farm" in Brazil.
Jonathan Tagle Performs Three-in-One Stunt for TV Show
PD Team members Jonathan Tagle performs a swoop, cutaway and BASE jump at the Foresthill Bridge in Auburn, CA for an episode of Discovery Channel's "Stunt Junkies."

90 Percent - December 2007

CPC & PST Championships
The PD Factory Team's Jonathan Tagle and Shannon Pilcher competed at the PST Championships in Colorado.
European Swoop Tour
Ian Bobo of the PD Factory won the overall canopy piloting event in Bussloo, Netherlands.

Parachutist - November 2007

2007 USPA Nationals: A Shot at the Title
In the Open division, Shannon Pilcher once again becomes the overall national champion of canopy piloting. Teammate Ian Bobo placed second.
Colorado Swooping
This year's competition had many top canopy pilots including PD Factory Team members, Shannon Pilcher and Jonathan Tagle. Tagle placed second winning $1,500 and a glass trophy.

Skydiving Magazine - November 2007

Factory Team Roams the World to Teach Canopy Skills
The Performance Designs Factory Team has long excelled in competition and now it's raising the canopy pilot training bar too.
Results: U.S. Nationals of Canopy Piloting
Shannon Pilcher won the overall title at this year's U.S. Nationals of Canopy Piloting. PD teammate, Ian Bobo placed second overall.

Wollondilly Advertiser - November 13, 2007

Sky Sports: World Cup Winner Jumps For Joy
The maple leaf of Canada was flying high last Sunday when Canadian Jason Moledzki won the Canopy Piloting (parachuting/skydiving) World Cup at Picton. Read more...

Skydiving Magazine - October 2007

Pro Swooping Tour Championships
Jonathan Tagle was second overall and collected $1500. Tagle finished first in Accuracy, second in Distance, and sixth in Freestyle.

Parachutist - September 2007

Pro Swooping Tour Returns To Longmont
Jay Moledzki of the PD Factory Team emerges as the overall winner of the meet taking home the Canopy Piloting Cup and $3,250 in prize money.

90 Percent - September 2007

Swoop in Voss
The PD Factory Team's primary objective of a two-week, action packed adventure was to compete in the European Swooping Tour, one of the many sports showcased on the Extreme Week billet.

LatiNation TV - August 2007

Jonathan Tagle Featured on LatiNation TV
PD Factory Team's Jonathan Tagle talks about how he began skydiving and encourages people to try it at least once. Watch the video...

Skydiving Magazine - August 2007

Moledzki Wins Colorado Canopy Swoop Meet, Sets Distance Mark
Florida based skydiver Jay Moldezki led from the front and set a new distance record to win the overall title at a June swooping competition in Colorado.

90 Percent - July 2007

Speed Cypres: Collaboration Between Airtec And The PD Factory Team
Many of the products used by skydivers the world over are the result of research and development by various companies working on the advice of athletes, teams and test jumpers of international fame.
PD Factory Team Visits Molinella, Italy For New Pond Grand Opening
Team members Ian Bobo, Jay Moledzki, and Shannon Pilcher offered advice on the challenges of adding a swoop pond to an already small landing area.

Parachutist - July 2007

Swooping Into Paradise
PD Factory Team pilots Jonathan Tagle and J.C. Colclasure joined FasTrax members Isaiah McCauliffe and Scott Roberts to do formation swoop landings for large crowds gathered at three distinct beaches in Ecuador.

Stunt Junkies - May 2007

Jonathan Tagle Performs 3-in-1 Stunt
To go from a high speed swoop to a BASE jump PD Factory Team's Jonathan Tagle is going to have to cut-away his parachute. Watch the video...

90 Percent - April 2007

PD Factory Team Cover Shot
PD team members tracking in freefall over DeLand, FL. Photo by J.C. Colclasure.

Parachutist - April 2007

Livin' on the Edge
The PD Factory Team trekked to one of America's greatest treasures, the Grand Canyon, for a chance to make a few skydives above and below ground level. Swooping through the canyon's breathtaking rims delivered some incredible photo opportunities, but it wasn't the sort of expedition you can just throw together.
Centerfold
PD Factory Team members blaze a trail of smoke across the Grand Canyon in Arizona.

Auburn Journal - March 25, 2007

'Stunt Junkies' stages bridge feat
By Gus Thomson

Stunt athlete Jonathan Tagle, a world champion two years ago in canopy parachute piloting, was the "Stunt Junkies" star - attempting a death-defying drop that started 4,000 feet in the air from a helicopter.

Tagle's job was to "swoop" his chute for a landing on the bridge, discard the rigging, jump off the bridge for a free fall and then open a second BASE-jumping chute for a landing on the American River canyon floor about 730 feet below. Read more...

Parachutist - March 2007

Swooping the Shore - 2007 PD/Fastrax Challenge
The PD Factory Team joined 25 more competitors to swoop on the beaches of Sebastian, Florida for the PD/Fastrax Challenge. Jay Moledzki took first place with Marat Leiras in second and Shannon Pilcher in third.

Skydiving Magazine - January 2007

Combo Top-Skin BASE Canopy Shows Staying Power
Jay Moledzki shares his experience with several different BASE canopies and compares them to Consolidated Rigging's ACE and Black Jack, which he says are far and away the best all around performers he has ever flown.

TC Palm - December 30, 2006

Hundreds of skydivers ready to soar in Sebastian
By DAN GARCIA

SEBASTIAN — Professional skydiver Jay Moledzki of Toronto can travel almost 100 mph after free-falling out of an airplane, and zoom 80 mph while hovering 5 feet above the ground and covering a distance of two football fields. Read more...

Skydive The Mag - December 2006

PD Team on Tour
This year the Performance Designs Factory Team have visited Italy, France, Spain, Switzerland, Austria, Sweden, and Norway. Shannon Pilcher shares his thoughts on how it feels to fly so close to such beauty...
Wingsuit Crew
J.C. Colclasure filmed Jonathan Tagle of the PD Factory Team flying his wingsuit past a diamond stack during a CReW skills camp at Perris Valley.

Parachutist - December 2006

Perfect Timing
Jonathan Tagle catches a flying disc while landing at Skydive Elsinore in California. Photo by Bryan Harrell
Photo Finish
Jonathan Tagle pilots his wing suit past a 16-way CReW diamond over Perris Valley Skydiving in California. Photo by J.C. Colclasure

Parachutist - November 2006

In the Heart of Austria by Shannon Pilcher
Downtown Vienna, Austria hosted the first World Parachuting Championships of Canopy Piloting August 24-27.
International Exploration: Advice for the World Traveling Skydiver - Part II
Members of the Performance Designs Factory Team - Ian Bobo, Jay Moledzki, Shannon Pilcher, and Jonathan Tagle - fly over the Dolomite Mountains in Italy. Photo by J.C. Colclasure.

Parachutist - October 2006

Profile: Jonathan Tagle
Afte leaving his nine-to-five work week to become a full-time skydiver, Jonathan Tagle has taken the canopy piloting community by storm.
International Exploration: Advice for the World Traveling Skydiver - Part I
Members of the Performance Designs Factory Team, make their mark across the Muga River during a swoop competition at Skydive Empuriabrava in Spain.
The Quest for Gold - World Parachuting Championships - Germany

Skydiving Magazine - October 2006

Tagle is King of Swoop (and Richer)
Jonathan Tagle from the U.S. earned this years King of Swoop title. Tagle - during multiple rounds of accuracy, distance, and speed - out-swooped a field of 28 jumpers and won 4000 euros for his effort.
Pilcher Wins Weather-Plagued 2006 Canopy Piloting Nationals
Shannon Pilcher won the 2006 U.S. National Skydiving Championships of canopy piloting, held in early September at a popular recreational beach in Wildwood, NJ.

Skydiving Magazine - September 2006

Competition Canopy Team Broadens Its Focus
PD canopy team members take time out for some cliff jumps during the Extreme Week in late June to early July in Norway.

90 Percent - November 2006

PD Factory Team Cover Shot
PD team members flying in the Dolomites of Northern Italy. Photo by Jay Moledzki
Shannon Pilcher
A 90 Percent exclusive, Emanuele Bielli interviews Shannon Pilcher of the PD Factory Team. Shannon talks about winning the World Championships, his relationship with his team mates, safety related to canopy progression, and upcoming projects.

90 Percent - August 2006

Jonathan Tagle Cover Shot
PD team member Jonathan Tagle over Empuriabrava, Spain. Photo by Max Heim
European Swoop Tour: Kolomna
1st Jay Moledzki, 2nd Shannon Pilcher, 3rd Ian Bobo
King of Swoop
Jonathan Tagle, the 2006 King of Swoop, gladly accepted his title and 4,000 euros.
The 1st Canopy Piloting World Champioships

Skydive The Mag - August 2006

European Swooping Tour - Voss
Every summer thrill-seekers from around the globe make the annual pilgrimage to Voss for Extreme Week. Jonathan Tagle, Jay Moledzki and their new camerflying JC Colclasure, all from the PD Team, were in town fresh from filming some spectacular mountain flying scenes.

Skydive The Mag - April 2006

Boost Your Confidence by Jonathan Tagle
Champion Swooper Jonathan Tagle describes how to improve confidence. His excellent advice applies to every area of skydiving.

Skydiving Magazine - March 2006

Ian Bobo, Shannon Pilcher: 2005 Skydivers of the Year
Ian Bobo and Shannon Pilcher have been selected as the 2005 Skydiver of the Year. The two men each earned the award for his achievments in two top-draw competition events, 4-way formation skydiving and canopy piloting.