FAQS
General questions
Which course can you come from?
You can start off with the 2 day, 7 day or 12 day, or 15 days + student for life courses depending on the amount of time you can provide to your learning. We recommend the Student for life course for the best progression to your learning curve.
Is paragliding safe?
Paragliding is an adventure driven sport. However it is relatively safe as long as you follow certain safety rules and stay within your skill level, always make progress in your skills under an instructors supervision until the instructor mentions that you can now perform it independently.
What is the age limit to learning paragliding?
You can learn paragliding as soon as you are under a certain weight range that fits the glider classifications. Minimum body weight should be 40Kgs. Age is not a criteria as long as the weight criteria is meet. However in terms of mature thinking development we recommend starting at the age of 18
Do you need any experience before joining our paragliding courses?
No past experience of any flying is required to join our courses from P1 to P3. We start your training assuming you know nothing about the sport.
What do you require to carry to the session?
We recommend carrying long sleeve clothes which cover your hands and legs, and hiking high ancle shoes. Have a look at our blog to get a better idea
Is there any certification for the course?
YES, We can also provide IPPI internationally recognized rating cards which permit you to flu across the world and are also required to take part in competitions like PWC's.
These cards are provided by the Aeroclub of India (ACI) to its members once your school lets them know you have passed the criteria for your level. This card is recognized by the government for India according the NASG 2023, and is now your pilot license to paraglide in India.
Is there any certification for the course?
Yes, we provide a certificate from our school if you want. However no personal certification has much value. We recommend getting your IPPI card. As an affiliated school to ACI we can provide this.
Do we offer advanced training for progression pilots?
Yes, we offer thermal flying and cross country clinincs to those how have completed their IPPI P3 ratings
How long does it take to become a solo pilot?
Each individual learns at different rates. The average time taken is 15 days.
Are any medical conditions an issue to learn paragliding?
Medical issues that involve vertigo, motion sickness, broken collar bone causing movement restriction, or any medication that causes drowsiness should be mentioned to your instructors before the lessons start. Non of these will stop you form paragliding, we simply need to know so that we can alter the learning process to fit your specific needs.
What insurance do you need to paraglide?
We provide access to insurance companies with good deals depending on your course duration.
For short durations we recommend taking ASC360 insurance.
For annual insurance plans - PAI has a partnership deal with the company CARE for its insurance with a variety of offers, this is our most recommended insurance in India. There are more insurances both national and international which you can claim for paragliding as well. However you will require to pay their membership fees of ₹500 per year.
How to book a session?
Best way is to contact us directly on Whatsapp at +91 9820911994 or +91 9821638894.
We will send you a google form to fill up along with a liability release and medical declaration. These forms are also available on the footer of this website and you can fill up the form and submit it directly. Please Whatsapp us if you do not get a received message within 24 hours. After this you will be required to pay the course fees and receive a conformation of the course booking.
Can spectators watch flyight?
You are more then welcome to bring your friends along to watch you Paraglide.
Where do all our courses take place?
Our basic courses P1 to P3 are conducted at Kankeshwar, Mapgoan, Alibaug, Maharashtra. We also conduct more advanced courses in Bir, Nasik, Panchagni, and many more, these courses are conducted after your P3 certification.
Student for life program related questions
What does free instructions for life actually mean?
Whenever Paragliding Bawas is operating at a site- whether that's a weekend session near Mumbai of a fly- camp in Bir - You can join for instruction at no charge. The only thing you pay for after 15days course is your travel accommodation and equipment.
Can I hire equipment after the course?
Yes, when equipment is available. Give us advance notice so we can reserve a wing and harness for you.
Will I get an official paragliding license in 15 days?
Yes, you can. You will require to pass the practical and theory exams to gain the license. You license will reflect your skill level in the sport of paragliding.
Can I join any clinics you are condicting?
Yes, provided you have your own equipment or have rented equipment through us. This option is available when we are already conducting a paid course or clinic, with priority always given to paying participants.
If only our Student-for-Life pilots, request a clinics at a specific location, we can provide significantly discounted rates.
P1 related questions
Will I definitely fly solo on day 2?
We aim for a solo flight on day 2 when weather allows. Paragliding is a weather dependent sport, so if conditions are not safe, we don't fly. You can book the optional extra day a a discounted cost of ₹4,000/- to get your flight within 7 days
Is P1 course part of an official rating system?
Yes, P1 is your first step in your paragliding journey. Ratings go from P1 -P5 for solo pilots. after which there are tandem and commercial ratings.
What is the difference between P1 and tandem?
A tandem flight is passive- you're closely harnessed and carried by an tandem pilot through the flight. The P1 course makes you an active pilot. You control the glider yourself understand the theory, and fly solo under instructor supervision. It is a completely different experience and is the foundation for continuing to learn.
P2 related questions
What is the total cost of P2?
P2 is a 7 days course and is priced at a rate of ₹7,000/- day which gets the total up to ₹49,000/-. This covers all equipment and training requirements for the course.
Is the P2 certificate internationally recognized, and what does it mean?
Yes, the P1 IPPI rating is internationally recognized. However what it means that you are at a level where you require the inputs of a instructor in order to fly, and will require to go to a certified school.
What happens if the weather prevents flying on a day?
Ground theory and simulator sessions as conducted when the weather is not supporting safe flying operations. Further if you get too unlucky we will reschedule with you and get you the flying time you desire and so you can complete your licensing course requirements.
P3 related questions
What certificate do i need before starting p3
You do not need any certification before signing up for P3. However as part of the course we will be giving you the P2 examination before starting your p3 traning
What can i do with P3 certification?
With P3, you can fly independently at your home site without direct instructor supervision. You'll fly alongside P5-rated pilots who keep a safety watch. P3 also qualifies you to join the Thermalling and Cross-Country clinic - the next step where you learn to soar in thermals and fly between destinations.
Are big ears and collapses dangerous to practise?
These maneuvers are practiced at safe altitude with full instructor radio guidance. Basic safety maneuvers are trained before any long or high-altitude flights. Big ears increase your rate of decent along with increasing glider stability. The goal is to make these responses automatic and relaxed, so that you can use these skills to stay safe, this way you react calmly and correctly rather than with panic.
Why does ParaglidingBawas train at two different sites for P3?
Kankeshwar and Murud-Janjira each provide distinct flying conditions that match specific parts of the P3 syllabus. Kankeshwar's terrain is used for precision landings, advanced meteorology reading, and emergency landing judgement. Murud-Janjira's coastal air is smooth and predictable, making it the ideal environment for safely practising big ears, asymmetric collapses, and spirals.
Training at both sites means you develop real-world competence across varied conditions -not just familiarity with one site.
Is the P3 certification recognised internationally?
Yes. The IPPI P3 rating license(International Pilot Proficiency Information) Level 3 and is recognised at paragliding sites internationally. It is the standard qualification required by most flying clubs and tour operators worldwide.
Thermal flying and XC clinics
Who can join the thermal flying and Cross-country clinics?
Any pilot who has completed P3 and is confident to land in a wide field on their own. The Thermal flying Clinic must come first — you build your thermal flying skills there before moving to the XC Clinic. There is no fixed
Do these clinics give me P4 or P5 ratings?
No — and that's by design. The clinics are dedicated skill-building programmes, not examinations. They develop the airmanship, flying hours, and situational awareness you need to sit your P4 and P5 exams confidently at a later date, on your own timeline. Think of them as serious, structured practice — the foundation on which your exam performance is built.
What is the difference between thermal clinic and XC clinics?
The Thermalling Clinic is entirely focused on finding lift, staying in it, and flying efficiently within thermals — the skill that transforms a recreational glider into a pilot who can go wherever the sky allows. The XC Clinic builds on that foundation: it covers route planning, line selection, weather reading for distance flights, retrieve logistics, and the real-time decisions that define cross-country flying. They are designed to be done in order.
Is equipment provided, or do i need my own?
School-grade intermediate wings, helmets, and radios are available for rent with prior notice. You will be required to travel with the equipment yourself and will be responsible for its safety. We strongly recommend attending with your own equipment if you have one (we can also help you purchase equipment) - flying familiar equipment in challenging conditions accelerates learning considerably. All equipment must be within its service life and carry a valid certification sticker.
Why do the clinics run in October specifically?
October at Bir Billing is the sweet spot: the post-monsoon air is clean, thermals are strong and well-formed, cloud bases regularly exceed 4,000 m, and wind speeds are predictable. It's the same window used by competitive advanced pilots chasing personal distance records — which means it's also the best environment to learn in.
What if weather prevents flying on some days?
Bir Billing rarely has consecutive no-fly days in October. On marginal days we run extended ground school, Skew-T analysis workshops, GPS track reviews, and kiting practice. Every hour on the ground builds skills that make the flying days more productive.
If we do get constant days of no flying we can extend the trip. Plan 2-3 extra days for your course.
About our team
Who are the Instructors a Paragliding Bawas?
Paragliding Bawas is founded and run by Naasha Pithawalla and Khushroo Pithawalla, both ACI (Aeroclub of India) certified paragliding instructors. We also hold HPAC instructor certifications (Hang-gliding and Paragliding Association of Canada). They bring combined experience in coastal soaring, mountain flying, cross-country navigation, and equipment maintenance.
Are Paragliding Bawas instructors internationally certified?
Yes, both Naasha and Khushroo are certified By ACI / IPPI / HPAC which is one of the most respected international standards for paragliding instruction. You can verify their certification directly on the HPAC website and have a look at their IPPI/ACI instructor cards.
HPAC website
IPPI instructor cards
Where is Paragliding Bawas located?
The school is based in Alibaug, Maharashtra, Just a ferry ride away from south Mumbai.
It's one of the few paragliding schools in India offering training and certification right from P1(first solo) to P5 (advanced Pilot). The school also runs flying holidays to Bir Billing (Himachal Pradesh), Panchagni, Nasik and Goa.
What courses do Naasha and Khushroo teach?
Together they cover the full certification pathway: P1 Introductory (2 days), P2 Student Pilot, P3 Novice Pilot, Thermal & Cross-Country, Coastal Flying, Advanced P4/P5
Examination, and personalized 1-on-1 training. They also run equipment maintenance workshops and a kiting course.
Can i contact the instructor's directly?
Absolutely. You can reach Naasha by email at naasha@paraglidingbawas.com or via WhatsApp on +91 98209 11994, And you can reach Khushroo via via WhatsApp +91 9821638894. The team is very responsive and happy to advise on the right course for your level and goals.
1 Day kiting
What is a kiting course in paragliding?
A kiting course in paragliding is a ground-based training where you control a paraglider wing while staying on the ground, building the skills needed to control the glider in order to launch, fly and land safely. It is one of the key aspects to wards becoming a safe independent pilot.
Do I need my own eequipment?
NO. New pilots get full equipment and instructions included. Is you are a solo independent pilot who has your own equipment its is always best to kite on your equipment since you learn your own gliders behavior.
Who should take this course?
Anyone curious about paragliding, and also licensed solo pilots who want to refine launch control and fly more confidently.
1- on - 1 training
What is 1-on-1 paragliding training?
1-on-1 training is a private, fully personalized paragliding lesson with one instructor focused entirely on you. Unlike group courses, the session is built around your current skill level, so progress is faster and more targeted.
Who is 1-on-1 training for?
It's designed for individuals who want to start paragliding and also for pilots who already have some paragliding experience and want to fast-track specific skills — whether that's launching, glider control, landing, thermal flying, reading terrain, weather and air movement, cross-country flying, or hike and fly.
How is 1-on-1 training different from our regular courses?
Regular courses (P1–P3) follow a structured group syllabus toward a licence. 1-on-1 training is flexible and skill-specific — an instructor identifies what's holding back your flying and works on exactly that, at your pace.
Do I need to book in advance?
Yes. Availability depends on weather and instructor schedules, so we recommend contacting us ahead of time to check available dates before booking.
Where does 1-on-1 training take place?
1-on-1 sessions run at Paragliding Bawas's regular training sites near Alibaug, Maharashtra, and can also be arranged during flying holidays such as Bir Billing, depending on instructor availability.
How quickly will I see improvement?
Because the entire session is focused on your specific weak points with constant instructor feedback, pilots typically see noticeably faster improvement than in group settings — some skills can improve dramatically within a single session.