P4 – Fortgeschritten

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Experience and Education Lasha Japava’s journey in paragliding began in 2006, followed by professional certification in 2014 in Gudauri under the mentorship of the renowned instructor Anatoly Mikhailuta. To further refine his expertise, he pursued international practice in Annecy and Chamonix (France) and mastered critical flight safety skills through intensive SIV (Simulation d'Incidents en Vol) courses in Turkey. Professional Career and Industry Contribution Since 2017, Lasha has been operating as a Tandem Instructor in Gudauri. Concurrently, he established training programs for local youth across various regions of Georgia, significantly contributing to the popularization of paragliding as both a sport and a sustainable business. In 2018, he co-founded the National Paragliding Federation of Georgia, and in 2019, he established the "Xcaucasus" Association for Paragliding Development and Promotion. Innovation and Location Development With the support of the European Union and the Ministry of Economy of Georgia, Lasha successfully pioneered and developed new flight sites in Rustavi, Tetnuldi, Gonio, and Kvariati. These locations now play a vital role in both commercial tourism and specialized safety training. Academic and Regulatory Activities Lasha is currently collaborating closely with the government to establish safety regulations and a robust certification system. He is the author of a digital paragliding manual and has developed comprehensive training syllabi currently submitted for departmental accreditation. Achievements and Future Vision With extensive experience that includes 120 km Cross-Country (XC) flights and an average of 500 flight hours per year, Lasha’s future goals focus on the global promotion and development of Georgia’s paragliding locations. He is dedicated to empowering the next generation of Georgian pilots to become leaders in the international paragliding industry.