Shimla, Oct 11 (IANS) It’s now time to fly high in the skies of Himachal Pradesh. More than 100 pilots from across the globe will participate in the five-day pre-world cup paragliding championships to be held at Bir-Billing in Kangra district from Oct 16.Bir-Billing is considered to be one of the finest aero sports sites and its name has been included in international paragliding circuits.

The take off site at Billing, situated at a height of 2,290 m, offers an opportunity for high-altitude and cross-country flying in the Bir valley.

The valley, located at a height of 1,480 m, is surrounded by tea gardens and majestic Dhauladhar hills. The road distance between the two locations is 14 km.

“More than 100 pilots, including 48 foreigners, have got themselves registered for the championship. The participants include 10 women pilots,” Tourism commissioner Manisha Nanda told IANS.

“We have framed aero sports rules as per international guidelines,” Nanda said.

A technical committee, comprising members of the Aero Club of India and the France-based Paragliding World Cup Association, would inspect the equipment being used by the participants to ensure that it is as per international standards.

A world record was made at Bir-Billing in 1992 by French pilot Xavier Remond, who flew 130.9 km to set the “out and return world record”.

The Federation Aviation International (FAI) recognises the pre-world cup and has granted it a ‘Category-II Status’ in the international ranking.