Windsports Soaring Center- Hang gliding at its best.

Pilot Proficiency System TOC (pg 3)

104.16 - ADVANCED PARAGLIDING RATING
General Description
The pilot has the knowledge and skills to fly technically demanding sites in strong soaring conditions, and to judge when the site and conditions are within the pilot's skill, knowledge, and experience level. The pilot understands the USHGA paragliding rating system and recommended operating limitations, and the FARs and other flying rules applicable to his/her flying.

The pilot will fly using good judgement and have a level of maturity commensurate with the rating.

16.01 Advanced Rating - Foot/Tow Launch - Required Witnessed Tasks

A. Logged Requirements

250 flights.
Must have made 5 flights at each of 5 different sites in Intermediate level conditions, of which 3 were inland.
Must have logged a minimum of 80 flying days.
Must have at least three, 1-hour flights in thermal lift without sustaining ridge lift. Flights must originate from at least two different sites in Intermediate level conditions.
Must have at least one, 1-hour flight in ridge lift without sustaining thermal lift.
Must have logged a minimum of 75 hours total airtime, with no more than 25 of these hours to be tandem. Of these 75 hours, 25 must be in thermal lift, with no more than 10 of these 25 hours to be tandem flights.
Must have flown a minimum of 5 different canopies.

B Demonstrated Skills and Knowledge

Preflight of the harness, canopy, and backup reserve parachute.
Verbal analysis of conditions.
Flight plan.
With each flight, demonstrates a method of establishing that the pilot is properly connected to the glider, with cleared lines and risers just prior to launch.
All inflations/launches should be aggressive, confident, and with a smooth transition from running to flying. Flights with slow, unstable inflations/launches will not be considered adequate as witnessed tasks.
All landings must be safe, smooth, on the feet and in control.
Demonstrate ability to allow clearance when doing 360o turns by demonstrating figure eights:

a. In a wind sufficient to cause drift, two points will be selected on a line perpendicular to the wind.

b. The pilot will fly along a line parallel to that joining the pylons, slightly downwind of the pylons, toward a point midway between them. During the crosswind leg, the pilot will establish the degree of wind drift. At the midpoint between the pylons, the pilot will make a smooth, deliberate upwind turn and enter a figure eight course consisting of smooth turns of constant ground track radius around the pylons (centered on the pylons) with straight segments at the midpoint between the pylons.

c. The pilot must complete two consecutive figure eights in which the airspeed, bank angle, and turn rate are altered smoothly around the course such that the proper ground track is held and the drift is compensated for, without overcompensation or hesitation.

8. Demonstrate three consecutive spot landings within 10' of a target after a flight which requires turns on approach. In smooth conditions, the spot location should be changed by the Observer, for each of the three flights. Flights should be a minimum of one minute and 200' AGL.

9. Demonstrate smooth coordinated 360o turns in both directions, with reversal at various speeds and bank angles appropriate to the rating level.

10. Demonstrates significant asymmetric wing collapses (50% of the wing span) with directional control.

11. Demonstrates complete understanding of all Paragliding Tow Discussion Topics (for Tow rated pilots only).

12. Must pass the USHGA Advanced Paragliding written exam.

13. Must convince the Instructor or Observer that he can check in and fly Advanced rated sites without endangering spectators, other pilots, or jeopardizing the site.

14. Must agree to all the provisions of the USHGA standard waiver and assumption of risk agreement for the Advanced rating and deliver an original signed copy to the USHGA office.

16.02 Recommended Operating Limitations for Advanced Paraglider Pilots

A. Should not fly within 30' of another glider in smooth air, or within 100' of another glider in moderately turbulent air.

104.17 - MASTER PARAGLIDING RATING
General Description
For pilots who wish to further diversify their skills in the sport of paragliding, and to recognize the achievement of the expert skilled pilot who has experience beyond the Advanced level, there is a designation of Master Pilot. No site will be designated as requiring Master skills. The pilot will fly using good judgement and have a level of maturity commensurate with the rating.

17.01 Master Rating - Foot/Tow Launch - Required Witnessed Tasks

A. Logged Requirements

Must be a current USHGA Full Member.
Must have all Special Skills witnessed except Para Ski (PS).
Must have a minimum of 1,450 points in at least 6 categories (see chart below). Must have a minimum of 400 hours airtime with at least 200 hours in thermals, and at least 500 logged flights.
Must obtain at least 3 letters of recommendation from USHGA Paragliding Observers or Examiners who will attest to the flying requirements and especially the good judgement and maturity of the applicant. If these officials have not seen the applicant flying for this 3 year period, additional letters of recommendation must be presented so that the 3 year block of time is covered.
Must possess the Bronze Safe Pilot Award (100 flights; there are no points given for this).

MAXIMUM

CATEGORIES	POINTS	POINTS ALLOWED
Airtime (min. 400 hrs.)	1 pt./hr.(beyond 400 hrs required airtime)	350
No. of flights (Min. 500 flts. 250 must be foot launched)	1 pt./flt.(beyond required 500 flts)	250
Altitude Gains (Only one altitude gain may be used from each flight)	10 pts./2,000' gain 15 pts./3,000' gain 20 pts./4,000' gain 25 pts./5,000' gain 30 pts./6,000' gain	350
Cross Country(10 mi. min. flts.)	1 pt./mi	350
Number of different sites flown	10 pts./site	300
Number of different gliders flown	5 pts./glider	150
Competition	10 pts./fifth 100 20 pts./fourth 30 pts./third 40 pts./second 50 pts./first	100
Tandem (As pilot in command)	10 pts./flight	100
Towing (Payout Reel, Static Line, Stationary Winch)	5 pts./flight	100 (50 pts. in each of the possible categories)

B. The pilot is to present documentation of flight experience, to meet the 1,450 point minimum, to his Regional Director, who confirms completion of the requirements. The Director then approves or denies the application. If the application is denied, the pilot may appeal the denial to the USHGA Board of Directors. A two-thirds vote of the Board is required to uphold the appeal. A Regional Director's award of a Master designation may be rescinded by a two-thirds vote of the Board.

C. Must agree to all the provisions of the USHGA standard waiver and assumption of risk agreement for the Master rating and deliver an original signed copy to the USHGA office.

104.18 - PARAGLIDING SPECIAL SKILL ENDORSEMENTS
A. Special Skills attainable by Novice and above.

1. Ridge Soaring (RS):

a. Demonstrates the ability to kite and launch safely on a slope producing sustainable ridge lift.

b. Demonstrates the ability to fly a standard traffic pattern in both isolated and traffic conditions, illustrating the ability to communicate properly with other pilots in the pattern.

c. Demonstrates the ability to soar in a crosswind without stalling on downwind legs, and demonstrates the ability to fly at minimum sink without stalling in turns.

d. Demonstrates the ability to perform consistent and safe top landings.

2. Light Wind Cliff or Ramp Launch (CL):

a. Demonstrates the ability to launch safely from a shallow slope ramp or non-abrupt or overhung cliff top, where running room is severely restricted, drop off is steep, and wind is 5 m.p.h. or less, such that positive attitude control and strong, aggressive sprinting starts are required. Stalled, falling/diving launches are not acceptable demonstrations, even if flight is achieved.

3. Flat Slope Launches (FSL):

a. Demonstrates ability to launch in less than 10 m.p.h. wind from slopes which approach the maximum L/D of the glider.

4. Restricted Landing Field (RLF):

a. Demonstrates a landing using a downwind leg, baseleg, and a final leg approach where the entire baseleg, final, and landing occur within a 100' square.

b. Demonstrates the ability to plan and execute consistent and controlled side hill landings on various slopes.

c. Demonstrates the ability to plan and execute consistent and controlled top landings from various approaches.

5. Turbulence (TUR):

a. Demonstrates controlled and unpanicked flight in conditions requiring quick, deliberate, substantial, and correct control application to reduce pendulum motion.

b. Demonstrates proper directional control and correction of full (i.e., 50% of the wing span) asymmetric collapses.

c. Demonstrates sustained flight in moderate thermal conditions without the aid of ridge lift.

d. Demonstrates smooth and correctly timed surge control.

e. Must have logged five 30 minute thermal flights without sustaining ridge lift.

6. High Altitude Launch (HA):

a. Demonstrates the ability to launch unassisted with strong, running forward-inflation launches in winds less than 5 m.p.h.

b. Demonstrates launches from sites with density altitude of 6000' or higher.

c. Demonstrates understanding of high altitude conditions (e.g., air density, cloud suck, anabatic and catabatic conditions, hypoxia, hypothermia).

B. Special Skills attainable by Intermediate and above.

1. Assisted Windy Cliff or Ramp Launch (AWCL):

a. Demonstrates ability to launch with assistance in windy conditions from a non-abrupt or overhung cliff or ramp that exhibit strong lift at takeoff. Must show proper use of release signals and confident, aggressive launch.

2. Cross Country (X-C):

a. Must hold A.4 and A.5 above.

b. Demonstrates ability to recognize a safe landing area from the air and determine and execute a safe approach and landing, accounting for wind direction, rotors, obstacles, power lines, ground slope, vegetation, etc.

c. Demonstrates significant altitude gains (1000' or greater) above launch.

d. Demonstrates flight at a site where the landing area is not visible from launch, is not the normal landing area, and cannot be reached in a glide. The flight must demonstrate the pilot's ability to locate and link thermals to reach a destination.

e. Demonstrates knowledge applicable to cross-country flight (e.g., downwind rotors, cloud streets, detecting wires and other obstructions from the air, advancing storm fronts, convergences and shears, etc.).

3. Para-Ski (PS)

a. Must hold A.4 andA.6 above.

b. Demonstrates the ability to correctly set up and self launch with skis on. This is a no wind skill. Pilot must have the ability to inflate the canopy in forward launch position first try.

c. Explains conditions, weather, equipment and protocols peculiar to flight in a ski area environment.

d. Demonstrates light wind, high altitude launches and landings with skis.

104.19 - PARAGLIDING TANDEM REQUIREMENTS

19.01 Administration

A. The USHGA has established a 3-tiered system of requirements for tandem ('two-place' or 'dual') flying: Tandem 1 and Tandem 2 for recreational tandem flying, and Tandem Instructor for instructional tandem flying. These requirements are in addition to those established by the Federal Aviation Administration tandem exemption.

B. All necessary information will be distributed and administered by designated USHGA Tandem Administrators and Tandem Instructors. Tandem Administrators are appointed by the Tandem Committee. A study guide and both flight and written examination requirement information packages are available from the office of the USHGA.

1. New appointment requests for Tandem Administrator shall be recommended and presented to the Tandem Committee by the applicant's Regional Director.

2. Regional Directors may not issue Tandem ratings unless the Regional Director is also a Tandem Official.

C. The Tandem 1 rating involves minimal requirements and regulation, as this form of flying takes place between qualified and consenting USHGA rated pilots. This rating is authorized by Tandem Instructors after administering the written examination and witnessing the proper flight skills utilizing the designated launch method.*

1. Attendance in a tandem training program or USHGA Tandem Certification Clinic is mandatory.

D. Tandem 2 rating requirements are much more stringent, and require a substantial amount of tandem experience, as they allow flights with USHGA Student rated passengers of limited experience, who have in their possession a 'laminated' USHGA Student Membership Card. This rating is authorized only by the office of the USHGA, after the applicant pilot submits proof of complying with all requirements.

Tandem 2 rated pilots may not accept any form of remuneration for their flight service.

E. Tandem Instructor Rating requirements include those requirements for a Tandem 2 rating as well as specific written approval from the applicant's Regional Director and a Tandem Administrator for the Tandem Instructor rating.

1. Tandem Instructors may charge fees for lessons. Tandem Instructors may issue Student ratings and Tandem 1 ratings.

F. USHGA Tandem Instructor Certification Clinics shall be administered by designated Tandem Administrators, trained in USHGA clinic procedures, and using text, study, and examination materials provided by the USHGA. Tandem Administrators are appointed by the Tandem Committee, with the approval of their Regional Director.

G. The designated launch methods will be Foot Launch (FL) or Platform Launch (PL). All Tandem pilots, Tandem Instructors, and Tandem Administrators qualified in one launch discipline will operate only in that discipline for which they are rated.

* Designated launch method is the term given to the 'footlaunch' sign-off (FL) and the 'platform launch' sign-off (PL).

H. All Tandem ratings are valid for 3 years from the date of issuance.

1. Tandem 1 rating renewal requires that the pilot either:

a. submit documentation (to their Regional Director or a Tandem Instructor) showing a minimum of 10 flights of 2 minutes duration or longer per year over the previous three year period; or,

b. take and pass a check flight exam with a Tandem Instructor.

2. Tandem 2/Tandem Instructor rating renewal requires that the pilot obtain Regional Director approval for the renewal, and, either:

a. submit documentation (to their Regional Director) showing a minimum of 10 flights of 2 minutes duration or longer per year over the previous three year period; or,

b. take and pass a check flight exam with a Tandem Administrator.

I. NOTE: The USHGA has a procedure to rescind a Tandem rating.

19.02 Pilot Rating Requirements

A. Tandem 1:

1. Current USHGA Advanced Rating, Turbulence sign-off, AND;

2. Minimum 200 hours of logged airtime, OR 100 hours with 500 flights of at least 500' vertical descent, OR 100 hours with 500 flights of 2 minutes or longer.

3. Ability to consistently perform zero-wind and light crosswind launches, and zero-wind and light-wind landings culminating in zero ground speed at the moment of the flare and when the pilot's feet first contact the ground.

4. At least 2 logged tandem flights as a passenger with a USHGA Tandem rated pilot using the designated launch method.

5. 4-10 flights as pilot in command with a current USHGA Tandem Instructor as passenger. Flights must originate from a minimum altitude of 500' AGL or a minimum duration of 2 minutes. These flights should include one light wind (0 - 5 m.p.h.) launch using a forward inflation, one high wind (10 - 15 m.p.h.) launch using a reverse inflation, and landing.

6. Successful completion of a flight skills test to be administered by the USHGA Tandem Instructor. This test will include, as a minimum, a passenger briefing, a successful tandem launch and a successful tandem approach and landing with the candidate as tandem pilot in command, observed by a USHGA Tandem Instructor (who must be the tandem passenger on this flight) utilizing the designated launch method. The Tandem Instructor then signs off the pilot for the flights in (4) and (5) on the application form.

7. Successful completion of a written test administered by the USHGA Tandem Instructor.

8. Neither flight skills (and test) or written test is to be administered prior to completion of pilot rating requirements.

9. Must agree to all the provisions of the USHGA standard waiver and assumption of risk agreement for the Tandem 1 rating and deliver an original signed copy to the USHGA office.

B. Tandem 2:

1. Current USHGA Tandem 1 rating

2. At least 25 logged tandem flights of at least 500' vertical descent or at least 2 minutes duration as pilot in command using the designated launch method.

3. Successful completion of a 1-2 day tandem exam clinic and pass a written exam and flight test with a Tandem Administrator. Attendance in the exam clinic cannot precede the requirements above.

4. Endorsement by the candidate's Regional Director.

5. Must agree to all the provisions of the USHGA standard waiver and assumption of risk agreement for the Tandem 2 rating and deliver an original signed copy to the USHGA office.

C. Tandem Instructor:

1. A current Tandem rating.

2. At least 25 logged tandem flights of at least 500' vertical descent or at least 2 minutes duration as pilot in command using the designated launch method.

3. Successful completion of a 1-2 day tandem exam clinic and pass a written exam and flight test with a Tandem Administrator. Attendance in the exam clinic cannot precede the requirements above.

4. Endorsement of the candidate's Regional Director.

5. Must agree to all the provisions of the USHGA standard waiver and assumption of risk agreement for the Tandem Instructor rating and deliver an original signed copy to the USHGA office.

19.03 Operating Restrictions and Limitations

A. Tandem 1:

1. May fly tandem recreational flights only with passengers in possession of a current laminated USHGA Beginner Rating (or higher) card, and utilizing their designated launch method (FL or PL).

2. Maximum allowable wing loading must be within the placards of the glider.

B. Tandem 2:

1. Pilot may offer recreational tandem flights only, utilizing their designated launch method (FL or PL).

2. Pilot may not accept any form of remuneration for his/her services.

3. Passenger must have in their possession a current laminated USHGA Student (or higher) rating card. Temporary rating forms are not acceptable.

4. Maximum allowable wing loading must be within the placards of the glider.

C. Tandem Instructor:

1. May offer recreational or instructional flights, utilizing their designated launch method (FL or PL).

2. Student must have in their possession a USHGA Student rating (or higher).

3. Maximum allowable wing loading must be within the placards of the glider.

D. Prior to all tandem flights, the passenger or student must be informed that such flights are conducted under an exemption granted by the FAA, and that the ultralight vehicle does not meet aircraft certification standards set forth by the FAA.

E. When present at a flying site, a Tandem Paragliding Instructor shall personally ensure that all tandem flying requirements and the site requirements are being strictly followed. He shall personally inspect the USHGA ratings of both tandem passengers and pilots, and shall have the authority to halt those tandem flights that are in non-compliance. Noncompliance shall be reported to the Regional Director.

F. Possession of the FAA's Part 103, FAR Grant of Exemption #4271 is mandatory while flying tandem.

G. This exemption expires on October 31, 1998 unless sooner superceded or rescinded.

H. All tandem accidents should be reported by the tandem pilot involved and any other tandem pilot aware of the accident.

19.04 Equipment Requirements

A. The glider is recommended by the manufacturer for two-place flight.

B. At least one backup reserve parachute rated for the gross load being flown is required on flights where any possibility of successful deployment exists.

C. Appropriate helmets are required for both occupants during flight.

D. Suitable harness on both people.

E. Hook knife on pilot.

F. Although choice of other equipment is up to the individual pilot-in-command, ankle supporting boots, knee pads, gloves, and clothing appropriate to the site conditions are recommended.

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