AFS-12-431-E 

June 29, 2012 

 Exemption No. 9785B 

 Regulatory Docket No. FAA-2001-10583 

Mr. Jim Stephenson 

CEO/President 

Aero Sports Connection 

231 SW Bonanza Glen 

Lake City, FL 32025 

Dear Mr. Stephenson: 

This letter is to inform you that we have granted your petition to extend Exemption No. 9785, 

as amended. It explains the basis for our decision and describes its effect, and lists the 

conditions and limitations. 

The Basis for Our Decision 

By letter dated June 7, 2012, you petitioned the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on 

behalf of Aero Sports Connection (ASC) for an extension of Exemption No. 9785, as 

amended. That exemption from § 103.1(a) of Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) 

allowed ASC to operate unpowered ultralight vehicles with another occupant for the purpose 

of sport and recreation. 

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 ASC. 
 2

Our Decision 

The FAA has determined that the justification for the issuance of Exemption No. 9785, as 

amended, remains valid with respect to this exemption and is in the public interest. 

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 conditions and 

limitations listed below. 

Conditions and Limitations 

1. This exemption is limited to § 103.1(a) only. 

2. Each operation must comply with all other sections of part 103. 

3. All flights operating under this exemption must be for training purposes only. This 

exemption applies only to flights for the purpose of giving instruction in footlaunched, two-place powered and unpowered paragliders or hang gliders. 

4. Prior to all two-occupant training flights, the student must be informed that the flight 

is conducted under an exemption granted by the FAA and that the foot-launched, twoplace powered and unpowered paraglider or hang glider does not meet aircraft 

certification standards set forth by the FAA. 

5. For identification purposes, ASC shall issue an individual authorization to each person 

allowed to conduct operations under this exemption. Each authorization shall include 

an identification number and a copy of this exemption. ASC shall also have a 

procedure to rescind this authority when needed. 

6. Each individual who operates a foot-launched, two-place powered and unpowered 

paraglider or hang glider 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 ASC 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. 9785, as amended, to 

November 30, 2014, unless sooner superseded or rescinded. 

Sincerely, 

/S/ 

Leslie Smith 

Acting Director, Flight Standards 

 Service