Weight, age and health — the real eligibility rules

Weight limits — the certification window

Most tandem operations in India accept passengers roughly between 20 kg and 95 kg. The range isn't arbitrary: every wing has a certified load window, and below or above it the glider's handling changes in ways the certification doesn't cover.

Operators at busy sites sometimes run different wings for lighter and heavier passengers — the exact limits vary by operator. If you're near the edges of the range, confirm before booking rather than discovering a problem at the site.

Age limits

Tandem minimum is typically 12 years with a guardian's consent; there's no hard upper limit if you're mobile enough to jog 10 metres and stand a landing.

For courses, schools usually want 16+ for P1. Upper age limits for training are rare — fitness and learning pace matter more than the number.

Health conditions that rule you out

The honest rule: if you have anything that could become an emergency at altitude, disclose it. A good operator will tell you no kindly — a bad one will take your money anyway.

• Heart conditions, uncontrolled blood pressure
• Recent surgery or injuries affecting the back, neck or joints
• Pregnancy — universally excluded
• Epilepsy or conditions causing sudden incapacity
• Vertigo/balance disorders — disclose and let the instructor judge

Fitness — the actual bar

Tandem passengers need to jog 10 metres at launch and stand a landing. That's it. You don't need strength or endurance — the pilot does the flying.

Course students need more: carrying a ~15 kg pack uphill, sustained ground-handling sessions, and enough stamina for multiple launches a day. Not athletic — just functional.

Frequently Asked Questions