AFS-16-9308-E

May 16, 2016

 Exemption No. 16655

 Regulatory Docket No. FAA-2016-4336

Mr. Michael Jefferson

BDA Big Air Hang Gliding

840 Lewis Ave

Sunnyvale, CA 94086

Dear Mr. Jefferson:

This letter is to inform you that we have granted your request for exemption. 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 February 20, 2016, you petitioned the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) 

on behalf of BDA Big Air Hang Gliding (BAHG) for an exemption from § 103.1(a) of 

Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) to the extent necessary to allow BAHG to 

operate unpowered ultralight vehicles with another occupant for the purpose of training hang 

gliding pilots with its purpose-built Wills Wing tandem hang glider.

The FAA has determined that good cause exists for not publishing a summary of the petition 

in the Federal Register because the requested exemption would not set a precedent, and any 

delay in acting on this petition would be detrimental to BAHG.

The FAA has issued a grant of exemption in circumstances similar in all material respects to 

those presented in your petition. In Grant of Exemption No. 9785, as amended (copy

enclosed), the FAA recognized the value of dual flight instruction and, in the past, had 

granted exemptions to allow training in powered and unpowered ultralights. With the sport 

pilot rules becoming effective, the exemptions that expired have eliminated tandem training, 

since training can be conducted in light sport aircraft. However, foot-launched, two-place 
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powered and unpowered paragliders or hang gliders could not be certified in a manner similar 

to other air vehicles; therefore, an alternative method for training approval is necessary.

It is possible that a foot-launched, two-place powered and unpowered paraglider or hang 

glider can carry a pilot in training along with an instructor while remaining in compliance 

with all other subparagraphs of part 103. The FAA recognizes that having an experienced 

flight instructor on board the air vehicle during training is safe. The FAA finds that a grant of 

exemption from § 103.1(a) is in the public interest and would provide an equivalent level of 

safety as provided by the current regulations.

Having reviewed your reasons for requesting an exemption, I find that—

 they are similar in all material respects to relief previously requested in the enclosed Grant 

of Exemption No. 9785, as amended;

 the reasons stated by the FAA for granting the enclosed Grant of Exemption No. 9785, as 

amended, also apply to the situation you present; and 

 a grant of exemption is in the public interest.

Our Decision

Under the authority contained in 49 U.S.C. § 106(f), 40113, and 44701, which the FAA 

Administrator has delegated to me, I hereby grant BDA Big Air Hang Gliding (BAHG) an 

exemption from 14 CFR § 103.1(a) to allow BAHG to operate unpowered ultralight vehicles 

with another occupant for the purpose of training hang gliding pilots with its purpose-built 

Wills Wing tandem hang glider, subject to the conditions and limitations described 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 being conducted under an exemption granted by the FAA and that the footlaunched, two-place powered and unpowered paraglider or hang glider does not meet 

aircraft certification standards set forth by the FAA.

5. For identification purposes, BAHG 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. BAHG shall also have 

a procedure to rescind this authority when needed.
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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 BAHG and a copy of this exemption. These documents 

shall be presented for inspection upon request by any authorized representative of the 

FAA.

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

Sincerely,

/s/

John S. Duncan

Director, Flight Standards Service

Enclosure

Exemption No. 9785