We recently spoke with Nagendra Pratap Singh, one of India’s most experienced paramotorists and a representative at the FAI World Paramotor Championship. His journey gives a clear picture of the excitement, discipline and challenges behind this sport that brings personal flight within reach.
The Dream of the Open Sky
Many people grow up wishing they could fly like birds. Paramotoring turns that wish into something possible.
Singh’s interest began after he watched a video from the late nineties that showed a pilot gliding over Lake Coeur d’Alene with feet touching the water. That moment stayed in his mind and inspired him to explore the sport.
Paramotoring places you in an open setup, almost like a light chair rising into the sky. The open air, the calm around you and the clear view create a feeling that frees the mind from daily stress.
Distances shrink quickly. A journey like Dehradun to Mussoorie, which takes more than an hour by road, becomes a 6 minute flight. Even with a modest speed of 35 to 70 km per hour, the straight aerial path shortens the travel time significantly.
Training: Discipline Above All
Singh spent ten years paragliding before he shifted to paramotoring in 2016. The engine removed dependence on hill winds or very specific conditions.
Training demands good physical strength. Beginners must practice handling the paramotor backpack, which weighs 35 to 50 kg with fuel, while running to inflate the glider.
Training usually includes:
- Classroom sessions on weather, glider behavior and engine basics
- Ground runs without the glider to get used to the weight
- Ground runs with the glider to learn control
- Tandem flights with an instructor to build comfort
- Solo flights once the instructor is confident in the trainee
The sport rewards discipline. A pilot must respect weather limits and never push beyond training. In this field there is no second chance for careless actions.
Certification starts with P1, but true independent flying begins at P2 (Semi Expert) and advances to P3 (Club Pilot).
Competitions and India’s Position
Singh belongs to the second generation of Indian paramotor pilots. He has represented India in several world championships including:
• Asia Oceanic Championship in Thailand in 2017
• World Paramotor Championship in 2018 where India achieved Rank 41
He now serves as the team leader.
However, the sport remains small in India with fewer than 100 active pilots. Commercial operators offering tourist rides are more common than competitive flyers.
The Cost Challenge
All paramotoring equipment is imported, which raises the cost because of import duties and shipping.
Approximate cost:
• Solo setup: about 15 lakhs
• Tandem setup: about 30 lakhs
Engines that cost 6,000 to 10,000 dollars abroad carry about 40 percent import duty in India.
Even with these costs, paramotoring is still far more affordable than helicopters or powered gliders.
Regulations and Hurdles
Aero sports in India are overseen by the Aero Club of India (ACI) which functions under the Ministry of Civil Aviation.
Singh is also a Commissioner for Competition in the Micro Light Paramotor Commission of India (MPCI). The commission is preparing a national document covering:
• Safety Norms
• Training Rules
• Equipment Licensing
This will be submitted to the Aero Club of India (ACI) and DGCA.
One major aim is the creation of a National Aero Sports Policy. Without it, local authorities sometimes restrict flying because of unclear rules. A national policy will also allow paramotoring to be added to events like the National Games, which is important for forming teams for larger international events such as the Asian Games.
Misconceptions and Safety Concerns
Paramotoring is often mixed up with:
- Paragliding, which involves hill take-off without an engine
- Parasailing, which involves being towed by a boat or jeep
Paramotoring uses a back mounted engine with a propeller or a trike based setup.
For tandem rides with tourists, the safety rule requires a pilot to have:
• 100 hours solo
• 50 hours flying with a qualified pilot passenger
Many unlicensed operators ignore these rules and sometimes skip even basic gear such as helmets. Singh advises new learners to contact MPCI to find certified schools and instructors.
A Sport That Rewards Respect
Paramotoring offers a sense of open sky freedom that few activities can match. But behind the smooth flight is a world of training, practice and serious responsibility.
Singh’s story shows that the sky is welcoming but demands preparation. Every part of the journey from launch to landing asks for calm judgement, awareness and respect for the air.
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