Chennai: Skydiving instructors insist that the sport is taking wing in the country with more thrill-seekers looking for another kind of high. On the other hand, several skydiving academies have shut shop across the country. Further, there are no rules governing the sport.
Instructors and enthusiasts say that most people prefer to try their hand at the sport outside the country as it is less expensive and perceived as safer. A number of skydiving centres in south India and one in Aamby Valley in Pune have closed down.
Retired army officer and freelance skydiving instructor A K Sharma says there is no "school of skydiving in India". Most places that offer the sport do so in collaboration with an aviation academy in the region.
Clarity also seems to be lacking on rules and regulations for the sport. DGCA does not have specific rules and only says the jumpers must get clearance from the aviation authority at the Centre and the local airfield. Most instructors follow guidelines of United States Parachute Association.
31/01/14 Times of India
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Instructors and enthusiasts say that most people prefer to try their hand at the sport outside the country as it is less expensive and perceived as safer. A number of skydiving centres in south India and one in Aamby Valley in Pune have closed down.
Retired army officer and freelance skydiving instructor A K Sharma says there is no "school of skydiving in India". Most places that offer the sport do so in collaboration with an aviation academy in the region.
Clarity also seems to be lacking on rules and regulations for the sport. DGCA does not have specific rules and only says the jumpers must get clearance from the aviation authority at the Centre and the local airfield. Most instructors follow guidelines of United States Parachute Association.
31/01/14 Times of India
