104.13 BEGINNER PARAGLIDING RATINGS

General Description
A Beginner pilot has the knowledge and basic skills necessary to fly and practice under direct instructor supervision and within significant operating limitations. The pilot understands the USHPA paragliding rating systems and recommended operating limitations.

13.01 Beginner Rating - Foot Launch - Required Witnessed Tasks

A. Attends and completes a basic ground school.

B. Layout and preflight of canopy and harness.

C. Demonstrates canopy handling skills sufficient to launch from a training hill under control.

D. With each flight, demonstrate method(s) of establishing that pilot is properly connected to the canopy, with cleared lines and risers, just prior to inflation. >

E. Launch unassisted showing:

Aggressive inflation and run.
Pendulum control during launch.
Directional control.
Smooth transition from running to flying, during launch.
F. Airspeed recognition and control,

Two flights, predetermined to show:

a. Constant airspeed.
b. Smooth straight flight.
c. Safe, smooth landing, on feet, into wind.

2. Two flights, predetermined to show:

a. Confident, slight variation in airspeed showing awareness of control inputs and pendulum control.
b. Smoothly increasing airspeed, and smoothly slowing airspeed showing good control.
c. Safe, smooth landing, on feet, into wind.

G. Shows the ability to recognize and understand how different wind conditions at this site will affect their flights.

Wind direction.
Wind velocity.
Terrain shape.
Obstructions.
H. On each flight, demonstrates proper post-landing procedure, to include, but not limited to:

Canopy deflation.
Canopy immobilization.
Checking traffic.
Removal of canopy from landing area.
Disconnection from the canopy.
I. Demonstration of understanding of the importance of proper packing, storage, and care of the canopy.

J. Has read and understands USHPA statements regarding good judgement and maturity.

K. Must pass the USHPA Beginner Paragliding written exam.

L. Must agree to all the provisions of the USHPA standard waiver and assumption of risk agreement for the Beginner rating and deliver an original signed copy to the USHPA office.

13.02 Beginner Rating - Tow Launch - Required Witnessed Tasks

A. Must demonstrate the above-mentioned (13.01) Beginner paraglider rating foot-launching tasks except 13.01.C,E.

B. Must demonstrate system setup and preflight, including a complete discussion of all those factors which are particular to the specific tow system used and those factors which are relevant to towing in general. Must demonstrate complete understanding of both normal and emergency procedures, including checklists for normal procedures and the indications of an impending emergency and convince the Instructor of his ability to recognize and execute emergency procedures.

C. Demonstrates successful, confident, controlled launches and flight under tow to release at altitude, with a smooth transition to flying, with proper directional and pitch control resulting in proper tracking of the tow line and appropriate maintenance of proper tow line tension and airspeed. Such demonstrations may be made in ideal wind conditions.

D. Demonstrates understanding of all Beginner-level Paragliding Tow Discussion Topics.

E. Must agree to all the provisions of the USHPA standard waiver and assumption of risk agreement for the Beginner rating and deliver an original signed copy to the USHPA office.

13.03 Recommended Operating Limitations for Beginner Pilots:

A. Should exceed these limitations only after demonstrating complete mastery of the required Beginner paragliding tasks (above), and only after acquiring a full understanding of the potential problems and dangerous situations which may arise from exceeding these limitations.

B. All flights be made under the direct supervision of a USHPA Certified Basic or Advanced Paragliding Instructor.

C. Should fly only in steady winds of 12 m.p.h. or less.

D. Should footlaunch only on slopes of 3:1 - 4:1, where wind is within 15 of being straight up the slope.

E. Should launch only when there are no obstructions within 60 to either side of the intended flight path.

F. Should fly appropriate sites for this skill level.

G. Should fly a canopy recommended by the manufacturer as suitable for Beginner or Novice pilots.

104.14 - NOVICE PARAGLIDING RATING
General Description
A Novice paraglider pilot has the knowledge and basic skills necessary to fly and practice without direct instructor supervision but within significant operating limitations. The pilot understands the USHPA paragliding rating systems and recommended operating limitations.

The pilot shall use good judgement and have a level of maturity commensurate with the rating. Pilots must demonstrate Beginner level skills and knowledge before obtaining the Novice rating. All witnessed flights must be pre-planned by the pilot and discussed with the Instructor or specially qualified Observer.

14.01 Novice Rating - Foot Launch - Required Witnessed Tasks

A. Logged Requirements

Attends a minimum of 8 hours of ground school.
25 flights.
5 flying days.
B. Demonstrated Skills and Knowledge

1. Demonstrates layout and preflight of the canopy, harness, and backup reserve parachute.
2. Gives a reliable analysis of general conditions of the site and self, and a flight plan including flight path, areas to avoid in relation to the wind flow, and obstacles to stay clear of.
3. Demonstrates 5 consecutive forward inflations with a visual check of the canopy each time.
4. Demonstrates 5 consecutive controlled reverse inflations with proper surge dampening.
5. Demonstrates controlled kiting of a glider overhead for 2 minutes in a steady wind.
6. Demonstrates 2 clean, smooth reverse inflations/reversals prior to launch.
7. 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 inflation.
8. Demonstrates 2 successful, aggressive, confident inflations/launches, where the wind is at least 15 cross to straight up the hill in wind not exceeding 5 m.p.h.
9. Demonstrates 2 no-wind (0-5 m.p.h.) inflations/launches.
10. Demonstrate how to brief and instruct a ground crew and explain when an assisted launch is necessary.
11. Demonstrates 2 high-wind (10-15 m.p.h.) inflations/launches.
12. Demonstrates flight with smooth variation in airspeed, from above minimum sink to fast flight, while maintaining a heading.
13. Demonstrates flight showing the ability to comfortably and precisely slow the glider to minimum sink and smoothly increase to normal airspeed while maintaining a heading. The pilot should not slow the glider to near the stall speed.
14. Demonstrates flight(s) along a planned path alternating 'S' turns of at least 90 change in heading. Flight heading need not exceed 45 from straight into the wind. Turns must be smooth with controlled airspeed, ending in safe, stand up landings on a heading.
15. Demonstrates hands-off flying, weight-shift turns, and rear-riser turns.
16. Demonstrates the ability to judge and allow for proper clearance from a ridge and other aircraft.
17. Demonstrates 5 landings within 25' of a target, safe, smooth, on the feet and into the wind. The target must be sufficiently close to launch such that turns are required to set up an approach and avoid overflying the target. The target should be at least 100' below the launch point.
18. Explains proper strong wind landing procedures and how to keep from being dragged back.
19. Explains correct canopy maintenance.
20. Explains how to lengthen and shorten the flight path.
21. Explains the right of way traffic rules.
22. Demonstrates reserve deployment while hanging in a harness in simulated turbulence or malfunction conditions.
23. Gives a thorough verbal demonstration of knowledge of how to:
    a. Maintain directional control during and correct for an asymmetric wing fold of 25% of the wing span.
    b. Fly at minimum sink while precluding any chance of inadvertent stall or spin.
    c. Increase descent rate and/or forward speed.

24. Demonstrates proper and effective PLF technique.

25. Must pass the USHPA Novice Paragliding written exam.

26. Must agree to all the provisions of the USHPA standard waiver and assumption of risk agreement for the Novice rating and deliver an original signed copy to the USHPA office.

14.02 Novice Rating - Tow Launch - Required Witnessed Tasks

A. Must demonstrate the above-mentioned (14.01) Novice paraglider rating foot-launching tasks except 14.01.B (demonstrated tasks 8 - 11).

B. Must demonstrate system setup and preflight, including a complete discussion of all those factors which are particular to the specific tow system used and those factors which are relevant to towing in general. Must demonstrate complete understanding of both normal and emergency procedures, including checklists for normal procedures and the indications of an impending emergency and convince the Instructor of his ability to recognize and execute emergency procedures.

C. Demonstrates successful, confident, controlled launches and flight under tow to release at altitude, with a smooth transition to flying, with proper directional and pitch control resulting in proper tracking of the tow line and appropriate maintenance of proper tow line tension and airspeed.

D. Demonstrates understanding of all Novice-level Paragliding Tow Discussion Topics.

14.03 Recommended Operating Limitations for Novice Paragliding Pilots

Should exceed these limitations only after thoroughly mastering all required tasks, and after acquiring a full understanding of the potential problems and dangers involved in exceeding these limitations.

A. Maximum base wind of 12 m.p.h.

B. Maximum peak gusts to 15 m.p.h.

C. Maximum gust rate of 5 m.p.h. in 5 seconds.

D. Should not fly in thermal lift where peak climb rates exceed 200 fpm.

E. If foot launching, should launch only on slopes steeper than 4:1, where the wind is within 25 of being straight up the slope.

F. Visual contact with the landing zone.

G. Avoid application of either brake beyond 2/3 of the way from slack to stall position.

HI. Limit turns to 30 of bank, limit speed in turns to 1.5 times the straight line, brakes off, cruise speed, and smoothly exit any spiral turn which shows a tendency to steepen or accelerate.

I. Should fly a canopy recommended by the manufacturer as suitable for Beginner to Intermediate pilots.

104.15 - INTERMEDIATE PARAGLIDING RATING
General Description
The pilot has the knowledge and skills to fly most sites in mild to moderate soaring conditions, and to judge when the site and conditions are within the pilot's skill, knowledge, and experience level. The pilot understands the USHPA paragliding rating system as recommended operating limitations, and the FARs and other flying rules applicable to his/her flying (ridge rules, thermal right of way, FAR 103, aircraft sectional use and regulated airspace avoidance, etc.).

The pilot shall use good judgement and have a level of maturity commensurate with the rating.

15.01 Intermediate Rating - Foot/Tow Launch - Required Witnessed Tasks

A. Logged Requirements

Must have logged a minimum of 30 flying days.
Must have logged a total of at least 90 flights.
Must have logged a minimum of 20 hours of solo airtime.
B. Demonstrated Skills and Knowledge

1. has received training in and/or understands the importance and significance of:

a. Right of way rules.

b. FAA Regulations and aircraft sectional charts

c. Airspeed control, stalls, spins, and turbulence-induced collapses and recoveries.

d. Canopy owners manual.

e. USHPA Accident Report results currently in print.

2. Can give verbal analysis of conditions on the hill, demonstrating knowledge of wind shadows, gradients, lift, sink, laminar air, turbulence and rotors, and the effect these items have on an intended flight path and turns.

3. Must give a verbal flight plan for each observed flight.

4. Must show thorough preflight of the harness, canopy, and backup reserve parachute.

5. 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.

6. 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 for witnessed tasks.

7. For witnessed tasks, all landings must be safe, smooth, on the feet, and in control.

8. Demonstrates the ability to differentiate airspeed from ground speed.

9. Demonstrates linked 180 turns along a predetermined ground track showing smooth controlled reversals and proper coordination at various speeds and bank angles.

10. Demonstrates 360 turns in both directions, and at various speeds and bank angles.

11. Demonstrates symmetric and asymmetric tip folds (25% per side, 50% total) or some other method of canopy reduction for increased descent rate.

12. Demonstrates one method to increase forward speed.

13. Demonstrates proper surge control of canopy using properly timed brake application.

14. Gives a thorough verbal description of how to maintain directional control during and correct for an 50% asymmetric wing collapse.

15. Explains characteristics of impending stall and impending spin.

16. In 8 to 15 m.p.h. winds, demonstrates the ability to maintain airspeed at or near minimum sink during crosswind and upwind legs, without any evidence of stalls.

17. Demonstrates 5 landings within 10' of a spot after flights requiring turns on approach.

18. Demonstrates proper airspeed control on landing approach when descending through a gradient.

19. Demonstrates proper airspeed for maximum distance flown into a significant headwind.

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

21. Must pass the USHPA Intermediate Paragliding written exam.

22. Must agree to all the provisions of the USHPA standard waiver and assumption of risk agreement for the Intermediate rating and deliver an original signed copy to the USHPA office.

15.02 Recommended Operating Limitations for Intermediate Paraglider Pilots

A. Maximum base wind of 15 m.p.h.

B. Maximum peak gusts to 18 m.p.h.

C. Maximum gust rate of 5 m.p.h. in 5 seconds.

D. Avoid steep turns close to the ground.

E. Avoid application of either brake beyond 3/4 of the way from full off to stall position.

F. Limit turns to bank angles recommended by the manufacturer, limit speed in turns to 2 times the straight line, brakes off, cruise speed, and smoothly exit any spiral turn that shows a tendency to steepen or accelerate.

G. Should initiate downwind turns only with 300' of clearance outward from the hill or ridge in winds above 15 m.p.h., and 200' of clearance in winds above 10 m.p.h.

H. Should not fly in thermals where peak climb rates exceed 500 fpm or where significant vertical cloud development exists.

I. Upon mastering the above skills, an Intermediate Paragliding Pilot should pursue new maneuvers, sites, and conditions with the guidance of a USHPA Certified Advanced Paragliding Instructor or Observer.