Samson Dsilva
Chief Flying Instructor (CFI)
Virar is the place where paragliding started in 1995 where he picked up his basics. Before getting into airsports Samson worked for 10 years in corporate world. During his initial days of paragliding he also tooK up many assignments as consultant in organisations like Della Adventure, Business India group etc.
He ventured into teaching paragliding in 1998 by assisting in other clubs. The excitement and joy on the students face after their first flight was enough to take a decision of starting Space Apple, his own club.
He also picked up skills as a winch operator and started training using a winch.
Paramotoring, power kiting, parasailing, aero modeling are few other skills he developed over a period of time and added these activities to his club. Assisting in an established Aero modeling venture of his school mate came naturally. The enjoyment and satisfaction in making model planes which could glide and soar kept him busy in his free time. It was natural for him to spread this hobby to young generation through aviation workshops. Other activities such as making fabric kites, taking children for treks and camps followed over a period of time. Today with over 27 years of experience in this field he makes sure his students get the best value for their money.
Siddarth Dsilva
Instructor And Tandem Pilot
As a child he often accompanied Samson on various adventures trips. At the age of 13 he showed interest in learning paragliding and became one of the youngest people in India to fly on regular basis. He started guiding students for perfecting their landings. It was natural for him to assume the role of instructor whenever he was on the field. He gives tandem joyrides from hills , winch and on paramotors.
Cycling tours is his new hobby.
Rashmi Dsilva
Assistant Instructor
The woman behind the success of Space Apple. Her first experience of paragliding was in 1997 when she got her first lessons and a solo flight from a bunny hill. Other commitments and priorities had kept her away from the sport. Be it helping in preparing for the workshop or stitching parafoil kites, she participates whole heartedly.
In late 2006 she has returned back to the sport and her log book has started looking impressive. She regularly joins the team on the training field and actively assists in ground handling as well as flying sessions. Being a women her observations are very useful during briefing sessions.