AFS-14-406-E

September 19, 2014

 Exemption No. 4721N

 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 explains the basis for our decision, describes its effect, and lists the 

conditions and limitations.

The Basis for Our Decision

By letter dated August 4, 2014, you petitioned the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on 

behalf of the 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 (CFR) allows USHPA 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.
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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. 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.’s petition, subject to the following conditions and limitations.

Condition 1 was changed from “all” to the “remaining” and § 103.1(b) was added. 

Additionally, to remove any potential confusion terminology was changed in Condition 3, to 

add “Tandem” before instructors, and in Condition 5, “advanced hang gliding” was replaced 

with “Tandem Pilot.” Lastly Condition 8 was added reflecting that this exemption is only 

valid in the United States.

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 USHPAapproved 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.
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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.

The Effect of Our Decision

Our decision extends the termination date of Exemption No. 4721, as amended, to 

October 31, 2016, unless sooner superseded or rescinded. 

Sincerely,

//s//

John Barbagallo

Acting Deputy Director, Flight Standards Service