Paragliding pilots being imparted SIV training to enhance safety

In a significant step towards enhancing safety standards in paragliding, the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Mountaineering and Allied Sports (ABVIMAS) is conducting Simulation d’Incident en Vol (SIV) training for licenced paragliding pilots at Govind Sagar lake in Bilaspur district. The aim of the training is to prepare pilots to effectively handle in-flight emergencies, reducing risks and aligning India’s paragliding practices with international norms.

More than 650 licenced pilots from Himachal Pradesh and various other states have already benefited from the specialised SIV program, which is being held in multiple five-day intensive sessions during a 30-day cycle. This year, the initiative has expanded its reach to include 22 pilots from Jammu and Kashmir, a region where paragliding is gaining popularity. Govind Sagar lake has been chosen as the training site due to its ideal environment for controlled water-based emergency landings, an essential component of the programme.

The five-day SIV training module is considered critical for any paraglider pilot aiming to fly safely and confidently. It includes hands-on instruction in advanced in-flight manoeuvers such as wingovers, stalls, spins, spirals and both symmetric and asymmetric collapses. Pilots also undergo training in managing emergency situations like canopy deflations and wing malfunctions, reserve parachute deployment and making critical decisions under stress. Emphasis is also placed on water safety and post-splashdown evacuation, ensuring comprehensive preparedness.

With a rise in paragliding accidents across Himachal Pradesh and other adventure tourism hotspots, the Government of Himachal Pradesh has made SIV training mandatory for all commercial paragliding pilots. The ABVIMAS has taken lead in delivering this training, aiming to reduce accident rate and elevate pilot confidence in real-world scenarios.

Speaking about the initiative, the Director of ABVIMAS Avinash Negi stated that the focus is on building a culture of safety in adventure sports. "This program is not just about flying – it is about flying safely, responsibly and confidently," he said, underlining the institute’s commitment to creating technically sound and mentally prepared pilots.

The ABVIMAS plays a pioneering role in India’s adventure tourism landscape, offering mountaineering, skiing, rafting, trekking and rescue training programs nationwide.