Wings of Nadaun: Himachal’s first para motor glider pilot soars into history

Rahul Gadhwal of Nadaun has etched his name in Himachal Pradesh’s aviation history by becoming the state’s first licensed Para Motor Glider Pilot (PMGP). The Department of Tourism and Civil Aviation recently awarded him the first PMGP licence, marking a significant milestone for adventure sports in the region. The licence was formally presented to him by Nadaun MLA Sanjay Rattan at a special ceremony.

Congratulating Rahul, Rattan said, “This isn’t just a licence to fly — it’s a symbol of a new era in adventure sports in Himachal.” He expressed hope that Rahul’s achievement would motivate youth across the state to take up sky-bound careers.

Speaking to The Tribune, Rahul recalled his journey, which began in 2007 at Solang Nallah near Manali, where he received paragliding training under instructor Budhi Prakash. After becoming proficient, he scouted locations closer to his hometown Nadaun. He identified promising take-off sites like Sujanpur Hills, Solasinghi Dhaar (at the Hamirpur–Una border) and the hills near Jawalamukhi in Kangra. However, it was the vast open area along the Beas near Nadaun that ultimately inspired him to shift to motorised paragliding.

The transition wasn’t easy, but with strong encouragement from his mentor, Col (retd) Neeraj Rana—former Director of Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Mountaineering and Allied Sports—Rahul stayed the course. He invested around Rs 10 lakh in equipment and trained at both ABVIMAS in Kullu and NIMAS in Arunachal Pradesh.

After completing the required 300 hours of solo flying, Rahul finally earned his PMGP license. He now aims to promote adventure sports in Himachal, calling it both thrilling and financially rewarding.

Himachal Tribune