Professional Paragliding Pilots in Georgia

The Beginning: First Steps in Paragliding Tornike Zakaidze began his journey into the art of paragliding in 2018. His first steps in the sport are closely linked to the development of paragliding in Gudauri, where he first spread his wings as one of the local pioneer pilots. Qualifications and International Safety Courses After successfully completing Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced training courses with professional and experienced Colombian instructors in Gudauri, Tornike focused on professional development and the highest standards of safety, for which he completed a specialized SIV (Simulation d'Incident en Vol) safety course. Since 2019, Tornike has been one of the key activists who contributed significantly to the establishment of the "Paragliding Development and Popularization Association – Xcaucasus." 2024 Training and International License Tornike Zakaidze is committed to continuous professional growth. In 2024, he completed a specialized tandem paragliding training course organized by the Paragliding Federation of Georgia. Upon successful completion, he was awarded a Tandem Pilot License by the Federation. In 2026, the Paragliding Federation of Georgia became a member of the FAI (Fédération Aéronautique Internationale), and consequently, it is working diligently to implement international standards within Georgia. Professional Activity and Commercial Flights Following his international training and official recognition, Tornike has been actively involved in instruction. He possesses years of experience flying at various commercial locations across Georgia: Gudauri: His primary and permanent flight location (especially during the winter and summer seasons). As a leading local pilot, Tornike has completed over 10,000 solo flights and 6,000 tandem flights. Adjar-Sea Region (2020–2021): He actively operated in the vicinity of Batumi, specifically in the coastal flight zones of Gonio and Kvariati. Regional Reach: He has also conducted numerous flights in Tbilisi, Rustavi, and various picturesque flying locations across the Kakheti region. Today, Tornike Zakaidze is an experienced, internationally certified, and highly qualified tandem pilot who offers passengers safe and unforgettable flights across Georgia’s most extreme and beautiful landscapes.

Irakli Khvistani – Paraglider Pilot and Tandem Instructor Early Career and Professional Development Irakli Khvistani’s journey in paragliding began in 2019 after meeting Lasha Jafava. Under Jafava's instruction, Irakli completed a comprehensive paragliding course between 2019 and 2020, covering Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced levels. In 2024, he further enhanced his qualifications by participating in a specialized tandem paragliding training course organized under the auspices of the Paragliding Federation of Georgia, subsequently earning his Tandem Pilot License. Work Experience and Projects Irakli Khvistani’s professional career is diverse and extensive: Svaneti: Since 2020, he has been actively involved in commercial tandem flights alongside Lasha Jafava, particularly during the winter seasons at the Tetnuldi ski resort. During this period, he also participated in a project funded by the EU and USAID, which aimed to train and mentor local youth in Svaneti in the art of paragliding. Adjara: During the summer seasons of 2022–2023, he actively conducted commercial tandem flights in the coastal flight zones of Gonio and Kvariati. Gudauri: Since 2023, he has been collaborating with the company "Tatra," operating and conducting commercial tandem flights in Gudauri under its banner. Entrepreneurship and Activism Irakli Khvistani is a leading activist for the "Paragliding Development and Popularization Association – Xcaucasus" and has been deeply involved in the organization’s work since 2019. In parallel with his professional growth, he established his own company, "Paragliding Georgia." To attract tourists, he developed a personal website and is registered on various international platforms. Current Activities Today, Irakli Khvistani is a leading tandem pilot, providing professional-grade services to both local and international clients. In addition to his work in Gudauri and Svaneti, he regularly conducts commercial flights in the Tbilisi and Rustavi regions.

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.

Nodar Beroshvili – Paragliding (Tandem) Pilot & Instructor 🚀 How It All Began: First Steps in Paragliding Nodar Beroshvili discovered the art of paragliding in 2016. His journey into aviation began after meeting Lasha Japava, who introduced him to the Paragliding Federation of Georgia. It was under the Federation's guidance, around the Tbilisi Sea area, where Nodar took his first flights and mastered the fundamentals of piloting. 🎓 Qualifications & International Safety Training After successfully completing his basic and Intermediate courses, Nodar focused heavily on professional growth and the highest standards of flight safety: 2017–2018: He visited the world-renowned flying destination of Ölüdeniz, Turkey twice, where he successfully completed full, advanced safety training courses (SIV – Simulation d'Incident en Vol) both times. 🎖️ 2024 Certification, Insurance & Safety Standards Nodar continuously invests in refining his skills and safety protocols: International Licensing: In 2024, he completed a specialized tandem paragliding training course organized by the Paragliding Federation of Georgia. Upon successful completion of the course, he was awarded a tandem pilot license by the Paragliding Federation of Georgia. In 2026, the Paragliding Federation of Georgia became a member of the FAI (Fédération Aéronautique Internationale) and is now working to implement international standards within the country. Third-Party Liability Insurance: To ensure maximum peace of mind, Nodar holds comprehensive third-party liability insurance for all his passengers. Strict Safety Protocols: He actively and strictly adheres to all local and international aviation safety regulations and procedures. 🏔️ Professional Career & Commercial Flights Equipped with international experience and official certifications, Nodar operates as a highly active tandem instructor. He works extensively in Gudauri during both the winter and summer seasons. Over the years, he has built a vast operational geography, successfully flying at major commercial locations across Georgia: Gudauri: Primary and permanent flight hub (active in both winter and summer). Adjara (2020–2021): Actively operated coastal flights near Batumi, specifically in the scenic areas of Gonio and Kvariati. Svaneti: Mestia and Tetnuldi. Eastern Georgia: Tbilisi, Rustavi, and various picturesque flying sites throughout the Kakheti region. Today, Nodar Beroshvili is an experienced, internationally certified, fully insured, and highly skilled tandem pilot, dedicated to providing passengers with safe, secure, and unforgettable flying experiences over Georgia's most breathtaking landscapes.