Catching Up With Matt Leonard

If you’ve been paying attention lately, you’ve probably been seeing a rise in canopy flying events and have heard the name Matt Leonard. With over 8,000 jumps and a deep background in engineering, Matt co-founded Momentum, an initiative built around expanding what’s possible in canopy flying, especially in group dynamics and nontraditional environments. He’s been quietly pioneering mountain flocking, exploring speed riding, and taking canopy flying into more technical, and creative places. We caught up with Matt to learn more about what’s behind the ideas, the movement, and what keeps him pushing forward…

You started in engineering and shifted into full-time skydiving. What was it that inspired that big change?

I liked the job itself and had a great team around me, but I wasn’t a fan of the work or the company culture. I moved quickly into management, but the environment didn’t align with what I valued long term. Outside of work, I was getting more and more drawn to teaching and canopy flight. The biggest challenge in making the switch was financial, but I knew I wanted to pursue something I genuinely cared about and could build into something meaningful.

When did you start flying canopies more intentionally – what sparked that passion? 

I was originally drawn into skydiving by teams like the PD Factory Team and competitive swooping. I was watching their videos before I even made my first jump. Seeing them fly through the Swiss Alps and build formations lit the fire early on and made me want to be part of that world. After spending time in the competitive scene and traveling, that passion started to shift. Over time, it evolved into a deeper focus on team-based flying, not just speed, but control, precision, and progressing together.

How did Momentum come to be?

The idea for Momentum started after a training camp with Max Manow in Austria. We wanted to fly in bigger, more intentional formats, but there wasn’t a consistent community we could do that with. Most events at the time were focused on stunts or performance, not flying together with cohesion and the kind of dynamic group flying we were looking for.

So we started building it ourselves. The first camp in 2019, with Tom Baker and Mike Brewer, was the beginning of just that, and it was called Flock n Flow. A camp that was the first of its kind. Our second camp in 2020 at Skydive City is what really set the stage for what would become Momentum.

Fun fact: Momentum came from Max brainstorming names and the short version we use (MMT) is all our our Initials (M)att (M)ax (T)om.

What’s evolved since you started it? What’s stayed core to your vision?

When we ran the first Flock & Flow, just getting two trails of canopies to fly by each other was the peak, that was our “banger,” the moment we built everything toward. Back then, a flyby under canopy felt like the holy grail of dynamic flying. Now, it’s something we can do with the right people on day two of a camp.

That shift in what’s considered “normal” has been wild to witness. The skill level has grown, the flying has gotten more technical, and we’ve kept pushing into new terrain… literally and creatively. But the core hasn’t changed. It’s still about building trust, flying as a team, and creating a space where real progression happens.

You’ve created something really unique with Momentum. What’s the deeper intention behind it, beyond just flying well?

It’s about fostering strong team dynamics. Momentum isn’t just focused on individual skill, it’s built around learning and flying as a group. The real growth happens when pilots come together, building trust, communication, and team cohesion. It’s not just about flying well as an individual, it’s about elevating each other as a team, which is where true progression lies.

What kind of learning or growth are you most excited to see when someone shows up to one of your events?

When people start to think and act as a team, not just trying to “fly well,” but supporting and syncing with the group. That mindset shift is where the most meaningful progression happens.

How do you personally stay in “student mode”? What keeps you evolving?

It’s tough when you’re coaching a lot, but staying curious helps. Lately, I’ve been digging into wingsuiting and Mutant flocking. Both have pushed me to stay humble and keep learning. The process reminds me why this is still fun and keeps me wanting to do it more and more.

Has there been a moment recently that reminded you why you love doing this?

The Momentum team retreat last year was definitely one of those moments. Every time we get together, fly something tight and clean, or come up with new ways to move as a team, it brings the purpose back into focus. Seeing people step up, problem-solve together, and create something as a group, that’s what keeps me motivated. It reminds me that this is bigger than just flying well. It’s about what we build together.

What do you think people misunderstand about canopy flight at a high level or about the way you approach it?

A lot of people used to think high-level meant “just go fast.” But real skill is knowing how to fly your wing across the full control range… fast, slow, precise. It’s not about being flashy or bringing all the heat on landing; it’s about being a complete pilot. The way I like to think of it is like being like the Blue Angels. Precision and teamwork over low and fast.

Is there a future project that you’re really excited about that you can share?

The Athlete Lab in July is going to be huge. All of our coaches and some invited athletes are coming together to push the edge of what’s possible. And we’ve got some mountain flying work in Europe that’ll take things into some really technical, creative spaces.

What’s the most underrated canopy advice/skill that you wish more people would pay attention to/know?

Flying your wing with someone else across the full control range, not just relying on wing loading to match. That, and the concept of levels. Everything in skydiving comes down to levels, and it’s one of the most underused tools in teaching and safety. #LevelsMatter

What’s something you used to believe about progression, performance, or leadership that you see differently now?

That performance was about the individual. Now I think it’s about how you show up for the team, how you lead without ego, and how you make everyone around you better.

Is there a book, concept, or habit outside of skydiving that’s shaped the way you approach flying or coaching?

Books like The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, Start With Why, and Jocko Willink’s work on leadership definitely shaped how I think. But honestly, my time in engineering taught me how to guide people through problems, and that’s been huge in how I coach. Everything I do now is rooted in teamwork. It comes down to asking: how can we utilize everyone in our circle to make the team better?

Is there anything you do for cross training that complements flying? 

I see “air sports athlete” as a real title, and the “athlete” part matters. Staying fit, functional, and healthy outside the sport makes you more capable in the air. Physical and mental health are part of the job. Strength training and running help keep us sharp and in the game, and continuing to read and learn keeps the brain just as dialed in.

Who are your sponsors?

Performance Designs / Sun Path Products / SSK / L&B / Cookie / DEEM

Where can people find you?

Instagram’s the best way  @matt.leonard. Or check out momentumflight.com for our events and projects