AFS-12-403-E 

 Exemption No. 4721M 

 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 May 24, 2012, 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 allows USHPA to operate unpowered ultralight 

vehicles (hang gliders) 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. 40113 and 44701, which the FAA 

Administrator has delegated to me, I grant your petition, subject to the following conditions 

and limitations. 

Conditions and Limitations 

1. Each operation must comply with all sections of part 103, except § 103.1(a). 

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 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 advanced hang glider 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. 

The Effect of Our Decision 

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

October 31, 2014, unless sooner superseded or rescinded. 

Sincerely, 

/S/ 

John S. Duncan 

Deputy Director, Flight Standards 

 Service