UNITED STATES HANG GLIDING & 

PARAGLIDING ASSOCIATION, Inc.

Mailing: P.O. Box 1330

Colorado Springs, CO 80901-1330

The United States Hang Gliding & Paragliding Association

(a 501(c)(3) corporation)

719.632.8300 • 800.616.6888

fax: 719.632.6417

www.ushpa.aero

Physical: 1685 W. Uintah St. Colorado 

Springs, CO 80904

May 24, 2012

U.S. Department of Transportation

Docket Operations, M-30

West Building ground floor, Room W12-140

1200 New Jersey Avenue, S.E.

Washington, D.C. 20590

RE: Request for Renewal of Exemption (Docket Number FAA-2002-13588)

No. 4721L from Title 14 CFR (FAR Section) - 103.1 (a) & (b)

The United States Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association, Inc., (USHPA) hereby petitions, pursuant to 

section 11.25 of the Federal Aviation Regulations, for an exemption from paragraph (a) & (b) of FAR 

103.1 as amended, so that the definition of “ultralight vehicle” will apply to the use of unpowered vehicles 

weighing 155 pounds or less to carry two USHPA-rated occupants for the purpose of flight instruction and 

the development of advanced flying skills/training by USHPA-certified instructors.

Comments In Support Of This Request

The USHPA believes that the quality of the education and the safety of hang glider pilots are enhanced 

by permitting the continuation of “in-flight” instruction in two-place hang gliders. Two-place flights have 

been conducted since the beginning of our sport and the number of two-place flights has increased 

substantially since the exemption was granted in 1983. 

Two-place instruction is especially helpful in developing proper hang glider control techniques, particularly 

stall recognition and stall recovery responses. It is an effective means for more experienced pilots to 

share their knowledge with junior pilots who are transitioning to flying in more complex situations. It is 

also a very effective resource for familiarizing a pilot with a new flying site.

The USHPA is committed to enhancing the safety of two-place hang gliding instruction and operational 

standards. In the twenty-nine years since the original exemption was granted, the USHPA continues to 

research and develop two-place instructional standards and to upgrade certification programs detailing 

proper two-place instructional techniques. 

USHPA’s Hang Gliding and Paragliding Accident/Incident Review committees evaluate flying-related 

accidents and incidents for the purpose of enhancing the safety of the sport. The committees publish 

accident and incident reports and provide annual summaries detailing the causes of hang gliding and 

paragliding-related incidents, accidents and fatalities in the Association’s monthly newsletter, Hang 

Gliding & Paragliding magazine.

During the term of the current exemption, No. 4721L, there were no reported tandem accidents involving 

serious injury or property damage. 

USHPA continues to closely monitor two-place instructional procedures to enhance safety and evaluate 

rules for the maintenance of a tandem rating. These policies are re-evaluated during each exemption 

period. 
UNITED STATES HANG GLIDING & 

PARAGLIDING ASSOCIATION, Inc.

Mailing: P.O. Box 1330

Colorado Springs, CO 80901-1330

The United States Hang Gliding & Paragliding Association

(a 501(c)(3) corporation)

719.632.8300 • 800.616.6888

fax: 719.632.6417

www.ushpa.aero

Physical: 1685 W. Uintah St. Colorado 

Springs, CO 80904

The USHPA has effectively administered FAA Exemption from FAR Part 103.1(a) & (b), which allows 

USHPA members to operate two-place unpowered ultralight vehicles for flight instruction and pilot 

upgrade recreational flying for over 29 years. The conduct of two-place flight provides a realistic 

environment which has proven to be a safer and more effective approach to hang gliding and paragliding 

instruction. The two-place instructional capability provides a “hands-on” training experience that 

facilitates a student’s transition to individual flight. It has also proven to be a valuable training asset for 

disseminating knowledge from experienced pilots to lesser-experienced pilots during recreational tandem 

flights. 

The USHPA hereby petitions for an extension for Exemption No. 4721L, as amended from FAR 103.1(a) 

& (b), and for the continuation of accepted USHPA two-place ultralight administrative procedures.

Summary for the Federal Register

The United States Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association (USHPA) petitions for an extension of 

Exemption No. 4721L, as amended, from FAR 103.1(a) & (b), of the Federal Aviation Regulations so that 

the definition of “ultralight vehicle” will apply to the use of unpowered vehicles weighing 155 pounds or 

less to carry two USHPA-rated occupants for the purpose of flight instruction and development of 

advanced flying skills/training by USHPA certified instructors. The conditions and reasons stated in the 

original petition upon which the exemption was initially granted remain unchanged.

Best Regards,

Martin Palmaz

Executive Director 

United States Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association, Inc.

executivedirector@ushpa.aero