AFS-17-00010-E 

October 27, 2016 

 Exemption No. 4721O 

 Regulatory Docket No. FAA-2002-13588 

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. 4721, 

as amended. It transmits our decision, explains its basis, and gives you the conditions and 

limitations of the exemption, including the date it ends. 

The Basis for Our Decision 

By letter dated September 28, 2016, you petitioned the Federal Aviation Administration 

(FAA) on behalf of United States Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association, Inc. (USHPA) 

for an extension of Exemption No. 4721, as amended. That exemption from § 103.1(a) and 

(b) of Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) allows USHPA members to operate 

unpowered ultralight vehicles (hang gliders and paragliders) weighing less than 155 pounds, 

with another occupant, for the purpose of sport, training, or 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 USHPA. 

Our Decision 

The FAA has determined that the justification for the issuance of Exemption No. 4721, as 

amended, remains valid with respect to this exemption and is in the public interest. 
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Therefore, under the authority provided by 49 U.S.C. §§ 106(f), 40113 and 44701, which the 

FAA Administrator has delegated to me, I grant United States Hang Gliding and Paragliding 

Association, Inc. (USHPA) an exemption from 14 CFR § 103.1(a) and (b) to permit its 

members to operate unpowered ultralight vehicles (hang gliders and paragliders) weighing 

less than 155 pounds, with another occupant, for the purpose of sport, training, or recreation, 

subject to the conditions and limitations listed below. 

Conditions and Limitations 

1. Each operation must comply with the remaining sections of part 103, except 

§ 103.1(a) and (b). 

2. For training purposes, this exemption applies only to flights for the purpose of giving 

instruction in two-place unpowered ultralight vehicles from USHPA-approved launch 

sites. 

3. Both occupants on all two-place training flights must possess a current pilot rating 

issued by the USHPA and at least one occupant must possess a current USHPA 

Tandem Instructor rating. 

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 ultralight vehicle 

does not meet aircraft certification standards set forth by the FAA. 

5. Both occupants on all two-place flights, other than for training purposes, must possess 

a current pilot rating issued by the USHPA and at least one occupant must possess a 

current Tandem Pilot rating issued by the USHPA. 

6. For identification purposes, the USHPA 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. The USHPA shall also 

have a procedure to rescind this authority when needed. 

7. Each individual who operates 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 the USHPA and a 

copy of this exemption. These documents shall be presented for inspection upon 

request by the FAA. 

8. This exemption is not valid for operations outside of the United States. 
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The Effect of Our Decision 

This exemption terminates on October 31, 2018, unless sooner superseded or rescinded. 

Sincerely, 

/s/ 

John Barbagallo 

Deputy Director, Flight Standards Service