Lasha Japava

Lasha Japava’s paragliding journey began in 2006. His professional career was solidified in 2014 through intensive training in Gudauri under instructor Anatoly Mikhaluta. To refine his skills, he underwent practical training in Annecy and Chamonix, France, and completed SIV (safety) courses twice in Turkey, which serves as a robust foundation for his technical expertise. Professional Activity and Achievements Since 2017, Lasha has been actively working as a tandem instructor in Gudauri. Beyond conducting flights, he initiated a training program for young pilots, significantly contributing to the development of paragliding as both a sport and a sustainable business in Georgia. Institutional Development: In 2018, he was a co-founder of the "Georgian National Paragliding Federation." In 2019, he established "Xcaucasus"—a hub for the development and promotion of paragliding, which became the cornerstone for the formation of the National Association in 2025. Infrastructure Projects: Supported by USAID and the "Enterprise Georgia" agency, he successfully discovered and developed new flight locations: Rustavi, Tetnuldi, Gonio, and Kvariati. Within these projects, Lasha actively taught paragliding to local youth, promoting the field across various regions. Today, these sites are vital for both commercial tourism and professional training. Safety and Standards Implementation: Lasha actively collaborates with government agencies to develop safety regulations and a licensing system for paragliding. He is currently working on an essential textbook for the field and has already submitted a training syllabus for departmental accreditation. Experience and Future Vision Lasha’s professionalism is evidenced by an average of 300 flight hours per year between 2017 and 2022, as well as a 120 km cross-country flight achievement. His next strategic goal is to develop paragliding in Georgia, fostering it as a professional commercial activity, as well as a sport and a recreational pursuit. Lasha Japava’s core mission is to empower local pilots, enabling them to become leaders in the industry and helping to establish international standards within Georgia.