Sri Lanka’s first ‘aviation sports zone’ of skydiving and paramotoring launched

SkY CluB Ltd., with the approval and assistance of the Ministry of Defence, the Civil Aviation Authority and the Sri Lanka Air Force launched South East Asia’s first Aviation Sports Zone in Koggala on Saturday 16 February with an air show of sky diving and paramotoring.  

This is the first time a sport of this nature is being introduced to Sri Lanka and will be conducted by internationally qualified personal for the niche tourist market and the local market.  SkY CluB will be the first skydiving and paramotoring company in South East Asia – a distinction that Sri Lanka can surely be proud of. This venture will surely guarantee an enhanced flow of tourism and also an opportunity for local adventure seekers to experience aviation sports in Sri Lanka.

“The aircraft will be flown at a low altitude and at slow speed ideally enabling us to showcase the beauty of the country which is a breathtaking experience. The flight lasts about 20 minutes but it can seem like a lifetime. This safe sport is under the control of a trained pilot and powered by a machine and flown with the aid of a parachute,” said Suren De Silva, Founder and Director of SkY CluB.

“Initially we will start operations in Koggala and will take this project to cities such as Sigiriya, Puttalam, Trincomalee and Kalutara” Suren added.

Motor-powered para gliding (paramotoring) is the latest in recreational aviation sports. This sport is relatively risk free and is flown by qualified pilots. There are three types of paramotors: the ‘Foot Launch’ – where the pilot straps the motor onto his back; the ‘Solo Trike’ – when the pilot sits in the small aircraft; and the ‘Tandem Trike’ – a two-seater aircraft which carries a pilot and a passenger to give the experience of a ‘discovery flight’.

Paramotors take off, fly and land with the aid of a parachute. It can be operated in a very small area. Paramotors fly at a low altitude and at a slow speed enabling the passenger an ideal opportunity to experience the beauty of Sri Lanka.

Skydiving and similar airborne feats are what enthusiasts would desire to take on as a hobby or even as a once in a lifetime experience. Sri Lanka also proves to be an ideal location for such a venture because the weather plays a significant role in skydiving and paramotoring, unlike many countries that close such operations during winter. Koggala and Galle have been known as tourist destinations given their close proximity to beaches and availability of accommodation, making them the ideal venues for an aviation sports zone with good weather throughout the year. Furthermore, Koggala being accessible from Colombo through the Southern Expressway makes it a convenient location to enthusiasts and visitors. Koggala is also included in the Government’s ‘Ruhunu Open Skies’ policy.

Establishing aero sports in Sri Lanka will make the country an attractive tourist destination for adventure seekers. Planned and carried out under proper procedures and guidance, it will provide a new experience to the local population and adventure activities to suit the foreigners. Proper safety methods and international standards will be adhered to in making aero sports a key activity. SkY CluB will endeavour to create a positive image for the brand both locally and internationally. Motor powered para gliding is the latest in aero adventure. It can be launched into still air from the ground. It is powered by a motor and flown using a parachute. The passenger is able to relax and enjoy the ride piloted by an experienced pilot. Capacity: All Trike Tandems can carry a maximum of two adults (pilot and passenger) at a given time.

Maximum altitude of the flight: To avoid complications the maximum altitude reached will be 1,000 feet.  Certification of paramotoring pilots: Safety wise, all paramotoring pilots have been trained internationally by foreign instructors on identical equipment. Two pilots are qualified instructors.   International paramotoring events: SkY CluB will be hosting international paramotoring events in partnership with the Civil Aviation Authority and Sri Lanka Tourism. Events of this nature are presently conducted around the world.  Para motoring stunts and events: The team of experienced SkY CluB pilots will be able to offer stunts for events and special occasions. The company has invested in a paramotor foot launch and a single-seat craft for demonstrations and stunt flying.