Imagine : Climbing in the Himalayas with a flying machine weighing less than 20 kgs in your backpack, you find a likely spot, feel the wind in your face , set up your equipment in less than ten minutes, do your checks and are airborne. The closest that man has come to flying free like the birds. Welcome to the world of Paragliding.    

History : The sport took root in 1980 in the French and Swiss Alps when a small group of pilots, similar to the Hang Gliding pilots , started using Ram air parachutes to fly down from steep mountains. Today, it is the fastest growing aero-sport in the world, thanks to ease of learning, reasonable cost, portability and safety.

What do you need : A paraglider (Ram air wing, harness and carabiners), a suitable helmet and sturdy Boots and wind.

Where you can do it : From hills and Mountains, from plains using a winch towing system, on a beach with a ridge behind it . You can use lift to fly from either thermals or ridges or a combination of the two.

Who can do it : Preferably people over 18 years of age , there is no upper limit as long as you are fit and are inclined towards outdoor activities.
  
Indian Scenario : Since 1990 we have been paragliding in India and presently there would be about 20 sites all over India where paragliding is taking place. 
Also a number of foreign Paragliding pilots visit some of our internationally recognized paragliding sites annually. Tandem (joy rides, a great way to get your first feel of paragliding) are offered at some tourist destinations but the quality of the equipment, pilot capabilities are questionable. There is a lot of scope to set up commercial operations - Schools, Tandem joy rides and bringing in foreign groups.
  
Cost : A certified new imported Paraglider (wing, harness and Carabiners) will cost between Rs80,000/- to Rs1,50,000/- depending on the level and accessories.
  
Safety : This is not a "do it yourself sport" . A proper training course is required even though it is easy to learn under the supervision of a qualified instructor and ideal conditions. No compromise should be made on the equipment , training and site suitability while learning the sport. Only certified Paragliders should be used.

Permission:You may require permission/security clearance/ Licensing etc. Please check with your local authority before commencing any activity especially any form of Aero activity

For more information please check www.apcoaviation.com