Under the authority vested in 3 V.S.A., Chapter 51, Section
2803,
and 10 V.S.A., Chapter 83, Section 2603, the Secretary of the Agency of Natural
Resources designates the following public lands for use by hang gliders and
paragliders to be effective March 1, 1993.
1. Purpose
Pursuant to to 3 V.S.A. § 2603 and
10
V.S.A. §
2803,
no person may launch a hang glider or paraglider from state land unless such
land has been expressly designated for such use. Public lands as specified or
described in these regulations shall be open for use by hang gliders and
paragliders under the conditions described. Any person may make application for
designation or closure of state land by writing the Secretary, Agency of
Natural Resources, 103 So. Main St., Waterbury, Vt 05671.
2. Definitions
(A) "Hang Gliding" and "Paragliding" means
the act, essentially a sport, of flying through the air utilizing a hang glider
or a paraglider.
(B) "Hang Glider"
(with a rigid wing) and "Paraglider" (with a non-rigid wing) means a
heavier-than-air vehicle capable of being physically carried, launched, flown
and landed by the hang glider or paraglider pilot. These vehicles fall within
the definition of aircraft as determined and administered by the Federal
Aviation Administration and the Agency of Transportation of the State of
Vermont.
(C) "Hang Glider Pilot"
and "Paraglider Pilot" means an individual who participates in hang gliding or
paragliding, respectively.
(D)
"State Land" means real property owned or controlled by the Agency of Natural
Resources.
(E) "Launch Site" means
the location from which a pilot launches the vehicle for hang gliding or
paragliding.
(F) "Secretary" means
the Secretary of the Agency of Natural Resources.
3. Designation of State Lands
After due notice, the Secretary may permit hang gliding and
paragliding from authorized launch sites on state lands and establish
conditions for use of these authorized launch sites. However, if the Secretary
thereafter finds that use of an authorized launch site is causing undue adverse
impact on the environment or on the health, safety, and welfare of the public,
he or she may close all or some of such launch sites for a period not to exceed
thirty-five (35) days and thereafter only upon due notice. Hang gliding and
paragliding from state lands, other than at authorized launch sites, is
prohibited.
4. Safety
Regulations
All flights shall conform to the current "Part 100 - Basic
Safety Regulations" of the United States Hang Gliding Association and/or the
current regulations of the American Para Gliding Association, whichever is most
appropriate. These regulations are attached as Appendix A.
5. Rating System
All Hang Glider Pilots and Paraglider Pilots shall be rated
according to "Part 104 - Pilot Proficiency System" of the United States Hang
Gliding Association and/or the rating system of the American Paragliding
Association, whichever is most appropriate. Only pilots who have qualified for
the required rating may fly from authorized launch sites. These ratings are
attached as Appendix B.
6.
Permit for Use of Launch Sites
Each pilot must receive permission from the designated person
at the site to launch from that site. In order to receive permission the person
must show proof that he or she is a member in good standing of the United
States Hang Gliding Association and/or the American Paragliding Association or
foreign equivalent, and show proof that he or she meets the rating required to
launch from that site. The individual must also sign an annual waiver of
liability, to run from the park opening one year to the park opening of the
next year, saving and holding the State of Vermont and its employees and agents
free from all claims arising from bodily injury or property damage incurred
while participating in hang gliding or paragliding at the permitted sites. On
the specific day of the launch the pilot must sign a log-in and indicate his or
her rating.
7. Payment of
Fees
Pilots shall be subject to the same fees as other persons
using the area at which the launch site is located. Payment of the required
fee, after meeting the requirements of section 6 above, constitute the issuance
of the required permit.
8.
Special Events
Contests, meets, demonstrations, and other special events
will be permitted only by written permission of the Secretary, or the
Secretary's designee.
9.
Site Modification
There shall be no modification of any site without the
written approval of that employee of the Agency of Natural Resources
responsible for the management of that site.
10. Authorized Sites
The following sites are designated as launch sites and may be
used under the conditions described:
(A) Ascutney State Park at points known as
"Brownsville Rock" and "South Peak." These sites may be used by hang glider
pilots with an "Intermediate Rating" or paraglider pilots with a Class III
(Advanced) rating. These sites may be used during the regular park season and
during the off season with a special use permit only.
(B) Darling State Park at points known as the
top of "Doug's Drop" and "Upper Willoughby" ski trail, subject to the approval
and conditions of property lessee, Bear Kingdom, Ltd. These sites may be used
by hang glider pilots with an "Intermediate Rating" and paraglider pilots with
a Class III (Advanced) rating. These sites may be used only when the Toll Road
is open to the public.
STATE OF VERMONT NATURAL RESOURCES AGENCY
By Chuck Clarke, Secretary
Part
100 BASIC SAFETY RECOMMENDATIONS
Section
100 GENERAL
A. USHGA Part 100 is
a set of safety recommendations for hang glider flight operations.
B. Definition - A hang glider is defined as a
glider capable of being carried, foot launched and foot landed solely by the
energy and use of the pilots legs.
C. Hang gliding flights in the United States
are governed by FAR part 103, Federal Aviation Regulation, Ultralight Vehicles,
(except for flights by FAA licensed pilots in FAA registered aircraft which are
governed by FAR Part 61 and FAR Part 91) and may be governed in addition by
other civil laws and regulations. Persons participating in hang gliding
operations under FAR Part 103 are required by law to fly in accordance with FAR
Part 103, and in accordance with any other applicable civil laws.
D. It is further recommended that persons
participating in hang gliding be familiar with:
1. USHGA Part 100 (these
recommendations).
2. USHGA Part 104
(Pilot Proficiency Program).
Section 100.01 OPERATIONS
GENERAL
A.
SITE OPERATIONAL RULES AND STANDARDS - At flying sites where hang
gliding operations are regulated under the USHGA pilot proficiency program,
(USHGA PART 104), pilot proficiency requirements and operating rules and
procedures will be specified by the USHGA Instructor, Observer or Examiner or
other official responsible for regulating use of the site. At sites where the
use is by agreement with a city, county, state or federal agency, certain such
rules and procedures may carry the force of law.
B.
INSTRUCTION - Pilots
flying under the direct supervision of a USHGA certified instructor will have
operating limitations prescribed for them by that instructor.
Section 100.02 UNSUPERVISED
OPERATIONS BY PILOTS BELOW AN INTERMEDIATE RATING
A.
STUDENT PILOTS - It is
recommended that student pilots (without a Beginner rating) not fly except
under the direct supervision of a USHGA Certified Instructor.
B.
BEGINNER PILOTS - It is
recommended that beginner pilots (without a Novice rating) flying not under the
direct supervision of a USHGA Certified Instructor limit themselves to:
1) Winds of 12 mph or less with gust
differential of 5 mph or less.
2)
Altitudes of less than 100 feet AGL.
C.
NOVICE PILOTS - It is
recommended that Novice pilots (without an Intermediate rating) flying not
under the direct supervision of a USHGA Certified Instructor limit themselves
to smooth winds of 18 mph or less and gusty winds of 11 mph or less. It is
further recommended that pilots learning to make 360 degree turns do so:
1) Under the supervision of a USHGA Certified
Instructor
2) With a ground
clearance of not less than 500 feet.
Section 100.03 ALL PILOT OPERATIONS
A. It is recommended that preplanned landings
not be attempted in an area less than 40 feet wide by 100 feet long.
B. It is recommended that all takeoffs be
proceeded by a static harness check.
C. It is recommended that cliff launches in
winds over 15 mph be assisted by at least one wire man.
Section 100.04 PREFLIGHT PROCEDURES
A. It is recommended that prior to flight the
pilot:
1) Determine the appropriate altitude
and surface winds.
2) Plan the
proposed flight, including landing and alternate landing areas.
3) Pre-flight the glider, giving it a
meticulous walk around inspection.
4) Inspect the landing area for
obstructions.
5) Secure the
property owner's permission when using private property.
Section 100.05 TRAFFIC AND RIGHT
OF WAY RECOMMENDATIONS
A. Takeoffs and
landings should be made into any significant wind.
B. When ridge soaring, reversing turns should
be made away from the ridge and into the wind.
C. When ridge soaring, an overtaking glider
should pass between the ridge and the overtake glider.
D. Gliders approaching head on should give
way to the right.
E. Pilots should
avoid flying directly above or below another glider in close
proximity.
F. Pilots entering
a-thermal should circle in the direction established by the first glider to
begin circling in the thermal, without regard to the-relative altitude of the
gliders in the thermal.
Section
100.06 EQUIPMENT
A.
THE
GLIDER
1. No glider should be
delivered for the purpose of unsupervised use to anyone who has not
demonstrated the ability to use the glider safely.
2. It is recommended that all gliders flown
meet or exceed HGMA specifications as published for that category.
B.
OTHER
EQUIPMENT
1. It is recommended that
pilots wear adequate protective clothing.
2. It is recommended that pilots wear
protective headgear.
3. It is
recommended that pilots utilize flotation gear when there is any likelihood of
landing in water.
4. It is
recommended that pilots wear or utilize a reserve parachute for flights at
significant altitude in which there is any significant chance of a structural
failure, a midair collision, or a medical emergency.
Section 100.07 TWO PLACE FLIGHTS
A. Hang glider flights conducted under FAR
103 are restricted by federal aviation regulation to single place operations,
except where they are conducted under the Tandem Exemption granted to the USHGA
by the FAA. Such operations conducted under the Tandem Exemption are required
by the terms of the exemption to be conducted under the applicable rules and
procedures of USHGA Part 104 and its supplements.
Section 100.08 AERO TOWING OPERATIONS
A. Aero towing flights in hang gliders which
are not conducted under FAR Part 61 and FAR Part 91 are conducted under the FAA
Towing Exemption. Such operations are required by the terms of the exemption to
be conducted under the applicable rules and procedures of USHGA Part 104 and
its supplements.
United States Hang Gliding Association, Inc.
Standard Operating Procedures - 12-1
Part 104 PILOT
PROFICIENCY SYSTEM
Section 104 INTRODUCTION
USHGA pilot ratings are issued to reflect completion of
WTTNESSED tasks. Some tasks may require excessive precision to minutiae, but
the practice preparing for them will prove beneficial. A rating gives a pilot
an introduction to local people at a different site. Flying sites are labeled
according to the approximate skill level required to fly there safely. A pilot
may fly the hill only if the local people feet he is capable of doing so.
It is recommended that all pilots maintain a flight
log.
Section
104.01 ADMINISTRATION
A.
Administration Procedures
1) Flights offered
in evidence of a skill must have been made in accordance with regulations and
requirements of the USHGA in effect at the time of the flight.
2) Ratings shall be obtained in order,
starting with the Beginner Rating, and each assumes the applicant has the
ability to perform the tasks required by all lower ratings. Beginner and Novice
ratings may be issued simultaneously.
3) Ratings Beginner and Novice shall be
issued by USHGA Basic or Advanced Instructors. They shall provide applicant
with a rating application and a temporary rating from the application. The
applicant shall send the signed application to USHGA Headquarters and a
permanent rating shall be issued. Beginner rating is free. Novice application
fee is $ 7.50.
4) Ratings
Intermediate and Advanced shall be issued by USHGA Observers and Advanced
Instructors. They shall provide applicant with a rating application and a
temporary rating from the application. The applicant shall send the $ 7.50
rating fee and signed application to USHGA Headquarters and a permanent rating
shall be issued.
5) Master ratings
shall be issued by USHGA Regional Directors. The applicant shall send the $
7.50 rating fee and signed application forms to USHGA Headquarters and a
permanent rating shall be issued.
6) Examiners may recommend applicants for the
Instructor Certification Program, may appoint Observers and may recommend
Advanced Pilots for the Master Rating. All recommendations are submitted to the
USHGA office.
7) All pilots
applying for ratings MUST be current Full Members of USHGA.
8) All pilots who have been an inactive USHGA
member for two consecutive years, must demonstrate for a qualified
Observer/Instructor the flying skills consistent with their previous skill
level in order to retain their rating. A new rating slip must be submitted to
USHGA for reinstatement of the rating. There is no additional charge for
reinstatement.
6.02
Recommended Operating Limitations for Novice Pilots
A. 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.
B. It is highly
recommended that all flights be made under the direct supervision of a USHGA
Certified Basic or Advanced Instructor or Observer.
C. Should fly only in smooth winds of 18 mph
or less and gusty winds to 11 mph.
D. If footlaunching, should launch only on
slopes 2:1 to 7:1, where wind is within 25 [degrees] of being straight up the
slope.
E. Should maintain heading
within 90 [degrees] of directly into wind, and within 45 [degrees] of directly
into wind below 60' AGL.
F. Flight
speed. Should not attempt to fly slowly when encountering lift, but instead,
concentrate on maintaining attitude, heading, and airspeed. Slow flight must be
preceded by stall experience 500' from any object.
Section 104.07 INTERMEDIATE RATING
Foot/Tow Launch Required Witnessed Tasks
A.
The pilot shall use Good Judgement and have a level of Maturity commensurate
with the rating.
1. Must have held a Novice
rating for at least four months.
2.
Must have logged a minimum of 30 flying days.
3. Must have logged a total of at least 90
flights.
4. Must have logged a
minimum of two hours of solo airtime.
5. Has received and understands the
importance and/or significance of:
a) Right
of way rules.
b) FAA Regulations,
sectional charts.
c) Airspeed
control, stalls, spins, and adverse yaw.
d) Glider owners manual.
e) USHGA Accident Report results currently in
print.
6. 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 can have on intended flight path and turns.
7. Must give verbal flight plan for each
observed flight.
8. Must show
thorough preflight of harness and glider, and a parachute.
9. With each flight,
demonstrates method of establishing that pilot is hooked in just
prior to launch.
10. All
takeoffs should be aggressive, confident and with a smooth transition to
flying. Flights with slow unstable launches will not be considered adequate as
witnessed tasks.
11. For witnessed
tasks, all landings must be safe, smooth, on the feet, and in
control.
12. Demonstrates the
ability to differentiate airspeed from ground speed.
13. Demonstrates linked 180 [degrees] turns
along a predetermined ground track showing smooth controlled reversals and
proper coordination at various speeds and angles of bank.
14. Explains stall warning
characteristics.
15. Has practiced
and demonstrates gentle stalls and proper recovery under the direct supervision
of an instructor or qualified observer, at least 500' from any
object.
16. In 8 to 15 mph wind,
demonstrates the ability to maintain airspeed at or near minimum sink during
crosswind and upwind legs, without any evidence of stalls.
17. Demonstrates ( * three consecutive spot
landings) within 50' of a spot after flights requiring turns on approach.
* Refer to 1043.01
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. Must pass USHGA Intermediate written
exam.
B Recommended
Operating Limitations for Intermediate Pilots:
1. Should fly only in winds of 25 mph or
less, with gust differential of 10 mph or less.
2. Should initiate downwind turns only with
500' of clearance outward from the hill or ridge in winds above 18 mph, and
300' of clearance in winds above 10 mph.
3. Upon mastering the above skills, an
Intermediate Pilot should pursue new maneuvers, sites and conditions with the
guidance of a USHGA Certified Advanced Instructor or
Observer.
Section
104.08 ADVANCED RATING Foot/Tow Launch Required Witnessed Tasks
A. The pilot will fly using Good Judgement
and have Maturity commensurate with the rating. The following logged
requirements must be met:
1. Must have held
an Intermediate rating for at least eight months.
2. 250 flights.
3. Five flights at each of five different
sites in Intermediate level conditions, of which at least 3 were
inland.
4. Eighty flying
days.
5. At least one, 1-hour
flight.
6. At least one 30-minute
flight in thermal lift without sustaining ridge lift.
7. Must have logged 75 hours total airtime
with no more than 25 of these hours to be tandem with a Certified Instructor
who holds a tandem rating. Twenty-five of these 75 hours must be in thermal
lift, with no more than 10 of these 25 hours to be tandem with a Certified
Instructor who holds a Tandem rating.
Section 104.14 PARAGLIDING RATINGS
A. CLASS I Certification
Class I certification teaches the student skills necessary to
launch and flying low-moderate, non-turbulent wind conditions at sites with
appropriate glide ratio, and opten launch and landing zones. Time required to
obtain certification will depend on conditions, site availability, student
aptitude, and course size. Listed below are the minimum requirements an
instructor should teach.
1.
SITE: Site Layout, choosing launch and landing areas. Site
Protocol.
2.
EQUIPMENT: Introduction to equipment and
terminology.
3.
GROUND
CREW: Briefing and duties for ground crew.
4.
PRE-FLIGHT CHECKS: Canopy
connections, rigging, and control lines, harness, helmet.
5.
EMERGENCIES: Briefing on
emergency procedures: drag back, low turns, slope landings, tree and hazard
landings.
6.
LAUNCH
PRACTICE: Preparation, inflation, launch practice on gentle slope
progressing to take-offs. Stop-launch and practice canopy collapse. Static
flying to practice canopy control.
7.
STRAIGHT FLIGHTS &
LANDING: Take-off and straight-ahead flights in low-moderate wind with
stand-up landings.
8.
CANOPY CONTROL FLIGHTS: Flights with "S" turns, stall and
recovery procedure, minimum sink flying.
9.
RULES OF THE AIR:
Briefing on rules of the air and conditions for use of ridge. Collision
avoidance. Relationship with other air users.
10.
THEORY: Basic theory of
flight and airflow. Importance of airspeed. Soaring sites: area of lift/sink,
curl over, rotors, eddies, etc. Matching canopy and pilot weight/skills to wind
speed.
B. CLASS I
Required Witnessed Tasks
All witnessed flights must be pre-planned by the pilot and
discussed with the rating instructor. All flights must be self-launched and
include proper canopy setup for conditions. Demonstrate the following:
1. Preflight while explaining what to look
for.
2. How to brief and instruct
ground crew, and explain when assisted launch is necessary.
3. Clean launch with each flying task (i.e.,
tight lines, riser control, proper stance, smooth transition from running to
flying, etc.)
4. Two straight
flights, launching and landing into the wind on feet.
5. Three flights with S-turns 30 degrees off
wind line following a straight line path ending with a controlled landing on
feet into the wind.
6. One flight
with at least two 180 degree (figure 8) turns.
7. Two no-wind launches, two moderate-wind
launches, two high-wind launches (10-15 mph).
8. Five spot landings within a 50 ft.
diameter circle.
9. Hands-off
flying, front riser use, and mild stall and recovery (above 500').
10. Two cross wind launches approximately 30
degrees off wind line.
11. Smooth
airspeed control ranging from minimum sink to fast conditions.
12. Standard aircraft landing procedures and
how to keep from getting dragged back.
13. Proper strong wind landing procedures and
how to keep from getting dragged back.
14. Demonstrate and explain correct packing
procedure, canopy care and maintenance.
15. Pass APA Class I oral/written
exam.
C. CLASS II
Requirements
1. Must have completed Class I,
or Foreign equivalent, plus I year logged air time.
2. Must have logged at least 150 flights plus
30 hrs. airtime.
3. Must have
logged flights from at least 5 different sites.(1 at sea level-1 above 5000 ft.
asl)
4. Must have logged at least
80 flying days.
5. Must have logged
at least 5 flights of 30 min. or longer duration, with at least 1 one hour
flight in thermal lift, without ridge lift, and at least 5 ridge lift flights
of 30 min. or longer.
6. Must have
logged at least 10 flights from a launch over 1000' above the landing
zone.
7. Must have flown at least 3
different types of canopy.
D. Class II Required Witnessed Tasks
1. Smooth coordinated 360 degree turns in
both directions, with reversal at various speeds.
2. Three consecutive spot landings within an
8' diameter circle.(turns are required to set up an approach)
3. Demonstrate side hill landings.
4. Full stall and recovery above 500
ft.
5. Negative turns, flat spin,
spiral dive.
6. Successful
completion of Class II written exam.
American Paragliding Association Class III Rating
-ADVANCED PILOT-
Rating Classification:
A Class III Pilot has an advanced level of knowledge and
skills and is capable of flying technically demanding sites in strong
conditions. More important, he or she has the ability to judge when the site
and conditions are within the his or her skill, knowledge, and experience
level. The pilot understands the APA rating system and recommended operating
limitations and the FAR's and other flying rules applicable to his flying
(ridge rules, thermal right of way, FAR 103, sectional use, restricted airspace
avoidance, etc.).
Prerequisite: APA Class II Rating
Minimum logged requirements:
* 500 flights
* 150 hours logged airtime
* 2 years logged flying experience with the last 12 months
injury free (an injury is defined as what would cause a prudent person to seek
licensed medical attention)
* 200 flying days
Skill Demonstration:
* All advanced maneuvers
* Pass written exam (80% required)
