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 Administration (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 determined 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 must 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 termination 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