This Kargil hero-led aviation startup assembles and air-tests India's first tandem Gyroplane to promote Aero sports and hobby flying

Ahmedabad-based Avia Litewings, an aviation venture promoted by Indian Air Force veterans and industry professionals, has successfully assembled and air-tested the country’s first tandem-seat gyroplane sourced from Carpenterie Pagotto in Italy.

The aviation startup has taken a big leap toward making hobby flying and lightweight aviation more accessible in India.

Founded in 2019 with a vision to democratise aviation, Avia Litewings focuses on bringing affordable, easy-to-operate aircraft to the Indian market.

The company was established by a team of Indian Air Force veterans, led by Air Marshal P. K. Desai (Retd) serving as the Chairman & Managing Director, Wing Commander Jaydev Desai (Retd), the CEO and Group Captain Kedar Kakade (Retd), the COO.

The startup’s leadership brings together decades of experience in aviation operations, engineering, and training, primarily from the Indian Air Force and the broader aerospace industry.

Their mission is to build an integrated aviation ecosystem that includes aircraft assembly, pilot training, maintenance services, and the promotion of aero sports across the country.

Milestone for India with its first tandem Gyroplane assembly

One of the company’s most notable achievements so far is the domestic assembly and successful air test of India’s first tandem-seat gyroplane.

The aircraft is based on the Brakogyro platform developed by Carpenterie Pagotto, a globally recognised manufacturer of ultralight aircraft and autogyros.

This gyroplane features a two-seat tandem configuration, where the passenger sits behind the pilot, making it ideal for flight training, aerial sightseeing, and recreational flying.

The aircraft is powered by a Rotax engine and is capable of cruising at speeds of around 140 km/h, with a maximum speed of about 170–175 km/h.

With a flight endurance of up to three hours and a range of approximately 450 kilometres, it offers practical performance for both leisure and operational purposes.

The successful assembly and test flight mark a significant step for Avia Litewings as it aims to localise the production and distribution of ultralight aircraft in India.

Through its partnership with Carpenterie Pagotto, the company has also secured rights to distribute these gyroplanes across India and several other international markets.

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What makes Gyroplanes unique?

Gyroplanes, also known as autogyros, are a category of rotary-wing aircraft that combine elements of aeroplanes and helicopters. Unlike helicopters, the rotor of a gyroplane is not powered directly by the engine during flight. Instead, it spins freely due to airflow generated by forward movement, a concept known as autorotation.

This design offers several advantages. Gyroplanes are generally simpler and cheaper to maintain than helicopters, while still providing excellent manoeuvrability and safety.

They also require much shorter runways, often less than 100 meters for takeoff and landing, making them suitable for operations in rural areas or small airstrips.

For aviation enthusiasts and training institutions, gyroplanes represent a practical and affordable entry point into flying.

Expanding into Aero Sports and training

Beyond aircraft assembly, Avia Litewings is developing a broader ecosystem to support the growth of recreational aviation in India. The company plans to offer pilot training programs for gyroplanes and ultralight aircraft, helping build a new generation of hobby pilots and aero sports enthusiasts.

The startup is also exploring opportunities in aerial tourism, flight experiences, and aviation clubs.

With India witnessing rising interest in adventure sports and experiential travel, gyroplanes could become a popular option for sightseeing flights, aerial photography, and adventure tourism.

Training infrastructure, maintenance services, and spare parts support will form key pillars of the company’s operations. By integrating these services under one platform, Avia Litewings hopes to lower the barriers for individuals and organisations interested in entering the ultralight aviation space.

Potential use cases beyond hobby flying

While the company’s primary focus is recreational aviation, gyroplanes have several practical applications. Their ability to operate at low altitudes and from short airstrips makes them useful for aerial surveys, agricultural monitoring, power line inspections, and environmental observation.

Government agencies and private companies may also find value in using gyroplanes for border patrol, coastal monitoring, and disaster management reconnaissance missions. Compared with helicopters, these aircraft offer significantly lower operating costs, which could make them attractive for routine aerial operations.

Vision for India’s light aviation future

India’s aviation industry is typically associated with commercial airlines and defence aviation, but the ultralight aircraft segment remains largely untapped. Avia Litewings aims to bridge this gap by introducing modern gyroplanes and building a community around hobby flying and aero sports.

With its first tandem-seat gyroplane successfully assembled and tested, the startup has demonstrated its technical capability and commitment to developing the sector. 

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