Our Team
Samson D’silva
- Chief Instructor
Virar is the place where paragliding started in 1995 where he picked up his basics. 10 years of working in an organization, respectable post, good salary, furnished accommodation in Mumbai all this could not match satisfaction of flying like a free bird. 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 his own club SPACE APPLE. 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 25 years of experience in this field he makes sure his students get the best value for their money.
Rashmi D’silva
- 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.
Siddarth D’silva
- Instructor
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 as well as on a winch. He does paramotoring and is quite good with power kites as well. Cycling tours is his new hobby.
His academic priorities keep him away from the sport on and off, but he continues to be an inspiration to the students of Space Apple.
M Johnwin
- Dreamer and Motivator
Throughout his school and college life he enjoyed being on the playgrounds than in classrooms. Samson and Johnwin bonded together in college because of sports. Innovative ideas, a dreaming mind, team leadership, influential contacts and concern for people are his admirable qualities. Though Johnwin ventured into various businesses and became successful, his heart was always into sports. When he heard about Samson and his plans of starting an adventure sports club he was more than happy to get involved. He is the true promoter of the club.
Business commitments did not allow him to get into paragliding initially, but the desire was always there. He picked up the basics as and when he could, took his time to master ground handling skills. Today enjoys the company of birds and fellow pilots on weekends
Hiren Shah
- Core Team Member
An engineer by profession who likes to get involved deeply into anything that interests him. After aeromodelling and astronomy he got interested in paragliding. His capacity to recall what he has read is commendable and he is ever willing to share his knowledge with anyone who expresses genuine interest.
Though he is a very safe pilot he has been soaring and exploring all the flying sites he can visit. A regular club pilot of who is always ready to assist and guide new students.
Vasant
- Assistant Instructor
Vasant has joined as an assistant in 2008. He picked up most of the skills on the field while watching the training sessions. Shy by nature he is quick in winning admiration of students with his ground handling skills and helpful attitude. He enjoys his work and has used this opportunity to master the skills of paragliding. He also gives tandem joyrides.
Along with paragliding he has picked up other sports as well and has become an indispensable team member of Space Apple.
Deepak
- Assistant
Deepak has joined Space Apple in 2010. He is the youngest member in the team and a fast learner. He has already picked up the basic skills and got his paragliding wings. Deepak loves to be in the wild and unlikely to stick to regular monotonous job.
Trekking in forests, fishing, climbing trees are his favorite pastimes. He is very agile and loves climbing coconut and palm trees.