# 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 2 4 , 201 2 U.S. Department of Transportation Docket Operations, M - 30 We st Building ground floor, Room W1 2 - 140 1200 New Jersey Avenue, S.E. Wa shington, D.C. 20590 RE: Request for Renewal of Exemption (Docket Number FAA- 2002 - 13588) No. 4721 L 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, fo r 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 fli ght instruction and the development of advanced flying skills/training by USHPA- certified instructors. 

# Comm **ent s 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 - pla ce instructional techniques. USHPA’s Hang Gli ding 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 ye ars. 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 experien ce 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 pe titions for an e xtension for Exemption No. 4721 L , as amended from FAR 103.1(a ) & (b) , and for the continuation of accepted USHPA two - place ultralight administrative procedures. 

# S **ummar y**  **for the Federal Register** The United States Hang Gliding and Paraglidin g Association (USHPA) petitions for an extension of Exemption No. 47 21 L , 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 advance d fly ing skills/training by USHPA certified instructors. The conditions and reasons stated in the original petition upon which the exemption was in itially granted remain unchanged. Best Regards,

Martin Palmaz Executive Director United States Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association, Inc. executivedirector @ushpa.aero