Pilots launch into a blue sky in Billing, India. Photo: Ed Ewing
New procedures for paragliding at the Indian site of Billing have been announced. From 15 February paraglider pilots will have to show a licence and proof of insurance every week and get them validated by Indian authorities.
Bruce Mills, a New Zealander who lives in Bir said: “Pilots will need to produce a valid paragliding licence and proof of insurance, and take these to the ‘tourist information officer’.
“He will take the papers to the ‘technical officer’. When these are approved they will be taken to the nearest town where the magistrate will sign a permit, which you will receive the next day.”
Bruce said the cost of this process will be R350, about €5.50, for a one-week permit to fly.
The new procedures have not gone down well with all local pilots. “There is no rescue service so insurance is a bit of a moot point. And the valid licence and insurance requirement has made it difficult for Indian pilots too.”
There is no Indian paragliding or hang gliding association, which means Indian pilots can’t get official licences or insurance.
Visiting pilots meanwhile will have to renew their permit every seven days. “After a week you will have to go through the procedure again – though you can usually still fly while you waiting for your permit,” Bruce added.
“To make sure you have complied with this procedure your car will be stopped at the bottom of the hill by police every morning and your papers checked.
“Another on take off will sometimes double check before you take off.”
The move to regulate Billing in northern India comes after a difficult season last year where two Russian pilots died and many others had serious accidents.
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