This course is designed for experienced pilots who wish to perform non-commercial flights (such as flying with friends or family members). Prerequisites: A minimum of a P4 (Advanced) level license and flight hours (typically 100-200 hours). Training Focus: Specifics of tandem paragliding equipment. Passenger communication and pre-flight briefing. Launch and landing techniques under dual-load (increased weight) conditions. Restriction: The pilot is not authorized to accept monetary compensation for flights.
6 modules • 25 lessons • 16 h 30 min
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The T1 (Tandem Pilot Level 1) course is a critical transition stage where a pilot evolves from an individual athlete or hobbyist into a professional with high legal and ethical responsibility. At this level, the primary focus shifts from personal flying enjoyment to the rigorous management of passenger safety.
4 min
The role of the SIV (Simulation d'Incidents en Vol) course in T1 retraining is not just additional training—it is the science of survival. In tandem piloting, where the system’s mass and inertia are doubled, any aerodynamic incident (collapse, rotation) develops much more aggressively and rapidly than in solo flight.
4 min
The description and objective of the T1 Course serve as the foundation upon which a professional tandem pilot's career is built. This is not merely an "additional certification"; it is a profound mental and technical transformation of the pilot.
4 min
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 200 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.
