Soon, affordable aero sports training in Karnataka

Bengaluru: In a first-of-its-kind initiative in India, Karnataka is planning to launch certified courses for aero adventure sports pilots.

Formal training and certification in aero adventure sports, including paragliding, parasailing, hot air balloon and skydiving, is available only overseas and the cost runs into thousands of dollars, according to the department of youth empowerment and sports.

The state government’s initiative could make training and certification affordable for adventure sports enthusiasts.

“The course fee, together with boarding and lodging in a foreign country, makes the whole programme expensive. We want to make it as affordable as possible,” said Naveen Raj Singh, Principal Secretary, Department of Youth Empowerment and Sports.

Interest in aero adventure sports has increased drastically in India over the last few years. With many tourist spots in the hills now offering such activities, demand for trained pilots has also gone up.

Many tourist places in the Himalayas, Pune and the Nilgiris are seeing a large number of tourists interested in participating in such sports.

Moreover, many youngsters are now looking at it as a lucrative career that also allows them to follow their passion.

The programme will be undertaken under public-private partnership (PPP). While the private partner will provide training, the government will provide the necessary infrastructure at Jakkur aerodrome.

In the initial phase, pilots will be trained in paramotoring, hot air balloon, powered hang glider and parasailing.

The department is awaiting approvals from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and other clearances to begin the process.

An adventure sport
enthusiast who has worked closely with mountaineering clubs said even basic training abroad would cost at least Rs 3 lakh.

“Just one ride costs Rs 70,000. Imagine how expensive the training would be. If the government introduces such programmes, it will definitely be a boon for adventure enthusiasts and make the sports affordable for the general public,” said Varun M, an adventure enthusiast, who is a part of many adventure sport clubs.

The course fee together with boarding and lodging expenses in a foreign country makes the whole programme expensive. We want to make it as affordable as possible: Naveen Raj Singh Principal Secy Dept of Youth Empowerment & Sports