Ivan Altunin is a current graduate student of physics at the University of Nevada Reno. He is also a glider flight instructor based out of Minden and Truckee. He served as an intern on the Perlan II 2023 Argentina Campaign.
Ivan Altunin
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Team Member Bios
Mathew Scutter
Matthew Scutter came to the Perlan Project through the popularity of his wave forecasting service, SkySight, which is designed for recreational glider pilots. He has adapted and extended his models to predict the unique stratospheric wave conditions sought by Perlan....
Arne Vasenden
Coming soon.
Dr Roberta Vasenden
Coming Soon
Kristina Messner
Kristina Messner is CEO of Messner Media Group LLC, a full-service strategic communications firm specializing in aerospace, transportation, technology, and defense. With over three decades of experience guiding communications for startups, global corporations, and...
Doug Perrenod
Former Board Member
Preston Michie
Preston served as Corporate Counsel and Board Secretary/Treasurer.
John Kregl
John Kregl became involved with the Perlan project when the team asked him to fabricate numerous parts including the simulator fuselage and associated fittings. He is a small business owner specializing in hydraulic component repair and metal part fabrication. Other...
Bennett Diamond
Bennett Diamond is beginning his fourth year in Aerospace Engineering at Cal Poly SLO. He plans to merge his interests in space weather, flight test, and soaring while assisting with the Perlan Project. He is a member of Akaflieg SLO where where he works on Paulo...
Loris Gliner
Loris Gliner was part of the Perlan team in El Calafate during the 2017, 2018 and 2019 campaigns. He developed the Perlan Virtual Cockpit, a website that displays the Perlan 2 glider’s position and telemetry data. Loris is currently working at Joby Aviation, focusing...
Recent Posts
Perlan Flight #74 – Weak Wave
Flight #74 – Weak Wave On August 30, 2023 the forecast wave conditions had improved marginally from dismal to merely difficult. But the support teams had worked hard on various squawks from the previous flight. Perlan 2’s wings were removed to check the full travel...
Team Egrett Makes It Possible
For Airbus Perlan Mission II, the Egrett team makes it possible to soar to record heights. The Perlan Project was organized to investigate stratospheric waves above 35,000 feet. Below that altitude, the tropospheric wave has been much more explored and understood....
Perlan Flight #73-60,300 ft
Flight #73 – Perlan Soars to 60,300 Feet On August 23, 2023 Airbus Perlan Mission II had the potential for a high flight. Conditions were nowhere near ideal, but had some forecasted hot spots that might connect for extended climbs. Part of our mission is to validate...
Perlan’s Sponsors Enable Us to Fly High
As a non-profit aviation organization The Perlan Project is “highly” appreciative of all our in-kind sponsors over the years. In 2022-2023 we received new support from earlier sponsors and brand new support. The list is so impressive for our non-profit organization...
Perlan 2 – Soars over Patagonia 2023
On 11 August 2023 Perlan 2 took to the skies over Patagonia. We were prepared to soar high - if the forecasts were wrong about no soarable lift until 60,000 feet. Well, we proved the forecasts were correct. Best achieved lift was only 3 knots for only a few minutes....
Communications Exercise Drill
When you are in a remote location communication devices don't always work as expected. That's why some Perlan Project team members have worked several days to understand the idiosyncrasies of emergency communications for 2023 (if ever needed). Thanks to Sandra, Tago,...