History of Para-Gliding and
Hang-Gliding : Most of us have had dreams of flying at one time or
the other. Psychologists may pose heavy symbolism on such dreams, but how many
psychologist leave their stuffy rooms and offices to give a longing lingering look at the
wind swept hills or watch a hawk soar silently on gentle currents of study winds ? We
contend that an urge to fly and sour high in to blue silky sky is an end itself and
mankind has always had a profound desire to chase the flying birds above.
In times past, this burning usage was thwarted by lack of flying machines, lack of money,
lack of time and zeal. Not any more. We now have new method of taking to the air that
combines latest in technology with low cost and simplicity to bring the reality of flight
accessible to everyone. Paragliders and Hang-gliders have made all this possible and
brought about long cherished flying with in reach of a common man and woman.
We
fly through invisible fluid (Air) that must be understood in order to thoroughly know the
capabilities and limitations of flying wings to gain control. Once one gains the
understanding and masters the beginning skill, he yearns to expand the horizon by flying
higher and further. Thus the newly trained pilot enter the new realms, where the dreams
come true.
Today
the state of Himachal Pradesh is playing a lead role in the field of Paragliding, in our
country. One can see the skies of billing (Kangra), Solang (Manali) and Bandla
(Bilaspur) over cast with colourful butterflies (Paragliders). Joy sides have become great
attractions for tourists visiting the state. The credit goes to the State Government
especially the department of Tourism, which has played a key role in promotion of
Paragliding in the State. Take a look at the comprehensive Paragliding link at
http://himachaltourism.nic.in/parahome.htm |
 Para-Gliding
in Bilaspur : Before the year 1994, there was hardly any para-gliding or
hang gliding pilot in Himachal Pradesh, excepting one, Roshan Lal Thakur from Manali, who
had acquired some skill in flying from foreign pilots, often visiting Manali as tourist.
Mean while R.P. Gautam who had come on retirement from Central Reserve Police Force as
Commandant, visualised the vast potential in paragliding from Bandla mountain. To make his
dream come true, he got in contact with Shakti Singh Chandel, the then Director Tourism
and Civil Aviation, to extend all possible help to promote paragliding not only in
Bilaspur, but also in whole in Himachal Pradesh. The Director Tourism, who himself belonged to
Bilaspur, took keen interest in approving Bandla top as take off site, gave financial
assistance to run para gliding courses for Bilaspur under Himachal Aero Adventure
Institute Bilaspur, which under expert guidance of Mr. Bruce Mills from New Zealand and
Alexi Garisimov from Russia, got the pilots trained. Thus Bilaspur was brought on World
Map in Paragliding.
What
is special about Bilaspur, which is not there in flying sites at other places, is that it
gives you almost eight hours of flying time as against 3 to 4 hours maximum
at Billing or Manali. More over it has vast and safe landing grounds on the bank of Govind
Sagar Lake at LUHNU. From training point of view, Bilaspur
can be considered the best in whole of Asia. It is laid down in the training manual that
training in instability maneuvers during advance pilot course i.e. Dynamic Stall, deep stall, spiral drive, spin
reovery, assymmetric tuck, front tuck and deployment of Reserve Parachute, should be
carried out over a broad base of water for reasons. For this, there is hardly any place,
where there is any huge lake just beside the landing site. Bilaspur has the privilege of
having unique combination of Air Sports in one stretch, which is very rare. |
