AFS-12-320-E May 16, 2012

Exemption No. 4144O Regulatory Docket No. FAA-2002-12590

Mr. Martin Palmaz Executive Director United States Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association, Inc. P.O. Box 1330 Colorado Springs, CO 80901

Dear Mr. Palmaz:

This letter is to inform you that we have granted your petition to extend Exemption No. 4144, as amended. It explains the basis for our decision, describes its effect, and lists the conditions and limitations.

The Basis for Our Decision By letter dated March 24, 2012, you petitioned the Federal Aviation Adm inistration (FAA) on behalf of United States Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association, Inc. (USHGPA) for an extension of Exemption No. 4144, as amended. That exemption from §§ 91.309 and 103.1(b) of Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) allows USHGPA members to tow unpowered ultralight vehicles (hang gliders) using powered ultralight vehicles.

In your petition, you indicate that there has been no change in the conditions and reasons relative to public interest and safety that were the basis for granting the original exemption.

The FAA has determined that good cause exists for not publishing a summary of the petition in the Federal Register because the requested extension of the exemption would not set a precedent, and any delay in acting on this petition would be detrimental to USHGPA.

Our Decision

The FAA has determ ined that the justification for the issuance of Exemption No. 4144, as amended, remains valid with respect to this exemption and is in the public interest.2
Therefore, under the authority provided by 49 U.S.C. 40113 and 44701, which the FAA Administrator has delegated to me, I grant your petition, subject to the following conditions and limitations.

Conditions and Limitations

1. Each operation m ust comply with all sections of 14 CFR part 103, except § 103.1(b).

2. No charge, assessment, or fee may be made for the operation of the towing ultralight except the actual expenses of the specific flight.

3. Both occupants on both ultralights must possess a current pilot rating issued by the USHGPA.

4. For identification purposes, USHGPA shall issue an individual authorization to each person allowed to conduct operations under this exemption. Each authorization must include an identification number and a copy of this exemption. USHGPA must also have a procedure to rescind this authority when needed.

5. Operations conducted under this exemption must be in accordance with the safety and certification rules and guidelines, as amended, established by USHGPA, including those specified in paragraphs 1 through 12 of the petitioners' supportive information.

6. Each operator of an ultralight vehicle under the authority of this exemption must be familiar with the provisions contained herein and must have in his or her personal possession a copy of the authorization issued by USHGPA, and a copy of this exemption. These documents shall be presented for inspection upon request by the FAA.

The Effect of Our Decision

Our decision extends the term ination date of Exemption No. 4144, as amended, to May 31, 2014 unless sooner superseded or rescinded. This letter must be attached to, and is a part of, Exemption No. 4144.

Sincerely,

/s/ John S. Duncan Deputy Director, Flight Standards Service