Parliament approves amendments for safe paragliding, ultralight aircraft use across country

The Georgian Parliament on Thursday adopted amendments designed to regulate safety standards for paragliding across the country, and including clauses ranging from locations suitable for the sport, certification and more. 

The Ministry of Economy said the popular resort of Gudauri had also been designated as the suitable space for “safe paragliding and ultralight aircraft flights”.

Based on the 1944 Chicago Convention on International Civil Aviation, the amendments were introduced by the Deputy Economic Minister Mariam Kvrivishvili, who explained they had been drawn up to address gaps in regulations for general-purpose, specialised, and ultralight aviation, and provide a regulatory framework for paragliding activities.

She also said the “strict requirements” imposed by the legislation pertaining to ultralight aircraft registration and operation had “hindered” the development of this sector in Georgia compared to European countries.

The Deputy Minister noted the amendments would also address regulation of paragliding flights, establishing “key guidelines” and regulations specific to this activity.

She added theoretical and practical tests for issuing flight licences, scrutineering of suitability of equipment, establishing safe flight areas and certifying operators would all come under the regulations, all to “minimise the risks” associated with the sporting and recreational paragliding activities.