(February 11, 2025) Back in 2018, when aero sports pilot Sukumar Das took off from Chonburi to Pattaya in Thailand on his para motor, he was looking forward to an experience like no other. It turned out to be one, albeit with a deadly twist.
Faced with a technical glitch mid-air, Sukumar had to quickly scout for an appropriate place for emergency landing. His eyes locked onto what seemed like a calm water pond. A safe bet, he thought. As he began descending from over 2,000 feet, something unusual caught his eye. The pond was teeming with crocodiles. “My heart was pounding but instinct kicked in. In a last-minute manoeuver, I veered away, adjusting my course, and made a bumpy but safe landing right in the middle of a pineapple farm,” smiles Sukumar Das, one of India’s top aero sports pilot and entrepreneur, in a chat with Global Indian.
Sukumar Das
In October 2024, Sukumar captured the world’s attention by flying a paramotor adorned with the Indian flag over the majestic Giza Pyramids in Egypt, showcasing Indian talent on an international stage.
A Trailblazer in Aerial Sports
“Egypt was a true test,” recalls Sukumar. The desert’s extreme thermal winds gave him only a small window to fly. He spent nights waiting for the perfect moment, ensuring every check was in place. “But the reward, gliding over the majestic Giza Pyramids was an unforgettable moment of pride,” says the aero sports pilot.
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This remarkable achievement follows his historic flight at the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue in Brazil in 2022 during the World Paramotor championship, making him a pioneer in aerial sports. He was one of the six pilots from India (only one from south India) to be participating in the championship. “Each adventure taught me resilience, and patience, and offered me the sheer joy of embracing the skies,” says Sukumar, who flew in Laos and Nepal among other places within India, and has logged over 1,100 hours in the sky.
He says each hour is a step closer to mastering his craft, but there’s always more to learn and explore. “With the right equipment, regular care, and a relentless passion, I look forward to many more hours of soaring through the skies,” adds Sukumar, who runs his company, Vertical World Aerosports & Adventure, headquartered in Hyderabad.
The Sky as Meditation
For him, flying is like meditation, a dream-like state he wishes could last forever. “Every flight comes with risks, requiring precise calculations, but the sky is my sanctuary, my zone. It’s where I feel weightless, like a free bird soaring without limits,” informs the ace aero sports pilot, who learnt to embrace uncertainty with open arms, thanks to the sport.
His mission is clear — to promote paramotoring and paragliding while highlighting the joys and benefits of being an aero sports pilot.
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Born to Fly: The Independence Day Connection
Born on August 15th, India’s Independence Day, in Hyderabad, the city’s vibrant culture and rich history have always been a part of Sukumar’s identity. Growing up, he loved spending time with his friends at Parade Grounds in Secunderabad. “I made friends with buffalo herders who had access to the Begumpet airport area. Sneaking in through the small walls, I would lie on the grass, gazing up at the sky, watching airplanes take off and land — a sight that fascinated me endlessly.”
An alumnus of Seventh Day School in Secunderabad, he calls himself an average student who thrived as an all-rounder. “I actively participated in sports and science fairs, where I had the opportunity to explore my passion for innovation,” recalls Sukumar. One of his proud achievements was winning a top prize for creating a projector using a simple light bulb, a moment that fuelled his deep interest in science. “My journey has been shaped by the experiences and adventures of my childhood, and those memories continue to inspire me to explore, create, and dream big,” he says.
Taking the Leap: First Steps into Paramotoring
Financial constraints didn’t stop Sukumar from chasing his passion. In 2008, he took his first step by training at Nirvana Paragliding. His first solo flight at Tower Hill, Kamshet (Pune) was magical. “As I soared through the evening sky, with the golden hues of sunset painting the horizon, it felt like I had grown wings,” smiles the aero sports pilot.
His first takeoff was risky, but he embraced the challenge, determined to make his dream a reality. At that moment, Sukumar knew he was born to fly. “My father, a dedicated farmer, and mother, a homemaker, have always been my pillars of support.”
Creating India’s Aero Sports Hub
In 2019, Sukumar Das launched Vertical World Aerosports & Adventure which offers training in motored gliding, hang gliding, hot air balloon flights, and the operation of manned/unmanned aerial vehicles. “I did not want my experience to go to waste, which inspired me to create something bigger. That’s how the idea of a flying school took flight.” He is now building a dedicated campus for aspiring pilots, where true passion meets skill.
Trainees not only gain knowledge but also master the art of paramotoring through hands-on practice. “The sky is calling, and we’re making sure more dreamers get to answer it.”
Sukumar says the campus is more than just a paramotoring school, it’s an aero sports hub. “Along with paramotoring, we offer training in remote-controlled aircraft and microlight aircraft, giving aviation enthusiasts a complete flying experience. It’s a space where passion for the skies takes wing in every form.”
Merging Tradition with Innovation
Over the years, his company has organised and participated in more than 50 events in Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, and Rajasthan during various prestigious cultural and social events. He fondly recalls the “Bathukamma” festival in Telangana and Dasara celebrations in Mysore.
“Both the cultural festivals attract large crowds, making them perfect platforms to raise awareness about aero sports, especially in rural areas,” says Sukumar, whose goal was to introduce the sport to a broader audience and even invited aero pilots from 22 countries.
“It was a perfect blend of tradition and innovation, bringing people together to embrace something new while honouring our rich cultural heritage,” says Sukumar who was honoured with the “best concept” award by the Telangana Tourism department.
The Cost of Chasing the Skies
Financing his aero sports activities has been a blend of passion and practical planning. “While it’s undoubtedly an expensive sport, the thrill of flying makes every investment worth it,” says the pilot, who currently uses two top-of-the-line pieces of equipment, both from Italy. However, he has made some modifications to ensure they fit his needs perfectly. “These modifications, combined with proper maintenance, help extend the shelf life of the equipment, which typically lasts for about 10 years,” he says.
So how does one overcome the fear of flying?
“Start small, lower altitudes and smooth glides help build confidence. With time, as you get comfortable, you can gradually take on greater heights,” says Sukumar, underlining that the key to mastering flying is patience, practice, and trusting the process, which makes the sky feel like home.
A Deep Connection with Nature
Sukumar describes himself as a deeply spiritual person, who loves spending time with his pets and is a nature lover. “I’ve cultivated a small garden filled with unique plants I collect from my travels around the world,” says Sukumar, who is an avid reader.
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When he is not soaring through the skies or immersed in nature, Sukumar can be seen riding across India. Beyond biking, he is passionate about rock climbing and trekking activities that push his limits and connect him with the outdoors. “Every adventure is an opportunity to challenge myself, make memories, and embrace the beauty of the world around me,” he smiles.
The Future of Aero Sports in India
Aero sports have been taking off across the world—what was once a niche hobby has turned into a full-fledged adventure sport, drawing thrill-seekers and professionals alike. Countries like France, the US, and Brazil have embraced it with open arms, building top-notch training centers and hosting high-profile competitions like the FAI World Paramotor Championships and the Red Bull Air Races. But beyond the adrenaline rush, aero sports are proving to be more than just a spectacle. They’re being used in search-and-rescue missions, eco-tourism, and even environmental research. Back in India, where the sport is still finding its wings, Sukumar is leading the charge. He isn’t just flying — he’s building something bigger. Through Vertical World Aerosports & Adventure, he’s training the next generation of pilots and making aero sports more accessible.
Sukumar Das feels aero sports in India has untapped potential, with raw talent waiting to be discovered. “However, finding and nurturing this talent requires dedicated effort. Unlike other countries where flying is a year-round activity, in India, we only have a window of about six months to take to the skies,” says Sukumar, pointing out that the limited flying time, combined with inadequate infrastructure, outdated equipment, and a shortage of skilled instructors, creates major hurdles for the industry.
To truly excel, he says, there is a need for better support systems, more training opportunities, and improvements in our flying facilities. “With the right investments and focus, India could become a global leader in aero sports,” adds Sukumar.
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