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Pilot Proficiency System TOC

INTRODUCTION
USHGA pilot ratings are issued to reflect completion of WITNESSED tasks. Some tasks may seem to require excessive precision or attention to detail, but the practice preparing for them will prove beneficial. A rating gives a pilot an introduction to local people at a different site. Flying sites are labeled according to the approximate skill level required to fly there safely. A pilot may fly the hill only if the local people feel he is capable of doing so.

It is recommended that all pilots maintain a flight log.

104.01 - ADMINISTRATION
A. Administration Procedures

1) Flights offered in evidence of a skill must have been made in accordance with regulations and requirements of the USHGA in effect at the time of the flight.

2) Ratings shall be obtained in order, starting with the Beginner Rating, and each assumes the applicant has the ability to perform the tasks required by all lower ratings. Beginner and Novice ratings may be issued simultaneously.

3) Ratings Beginner and Novice may be issued by the USHGA upon recommendation of USHGA Basic or Advanced Instructors. The Instructor shall provide the applicant with a rating application, a standard USHGA rating application waiver, and a 30 day temporary rating from the application. The applicant shall send the signed application, the required application fee, and the completed waiver to USHGA Headquarters and provided that all the requirements are met, the USHGA shall issue a permanent rating.

4) ) Ratings Intermediate and Advanced may be issued by the USHGA upon recommendation of USHGA Observers and Advanced Instructors. The Observer or Instructor shall provide the applicant with a rating application, a standard USHGA rating application waiver, and a 30 day temporary rating from the application. The applicant shall send the signed application, the required application fee, and the completed waiver to USHGA Headquarters and provided that all the requirements are met, the USHGA shall issue a permanent rating.

5) ) Master ratings may be issued by the USHGA upon recommendation of USHGA Regional Directors. The applicant shall send the signed application form, the required application fee, and the completed waiver to USHGA Headquarters and provided that all the requirements are met, the USHGA shall issue a permanent rating.

6) Examiners may recommend applicants for the Instructor Program, may appoint Observers and may recommend Advanced Pilots for the Master Rating. All recommendations are submitted to the USHGA office.

7) All pilots applying for ratings MUST be current Full Members of USHGA.

8) All pilots who have been an inactive USHGA member for two consecutive years or more, must demonstrate for a qualified Observer/Instructor the flying skills consistent with their previous skill level in order to retain their rating. A new rating slip must be submitted to USHGA for reinstatement of the rating. There is no additional charge for reinstatement.

9) Before the USHGA issues any rating, and as a condition precedent to the issuance of any rating, the applicant must agree to all the provisions of the USHGA standard waiver and assumption of risk agreement and deliver an original signed copy to the USHGA office.

104.02 RATING FILING FEES:
Fees are collected for each level of rating, to cover administrative costs.

1. Beginner (H-1, P-1) - $15.00, payable to USHGA.
2. Novice (H-2, P-2) -- $15.00, payable to USHGA.
3. Intermediate (H-3, P-3) -- $15.00, payable to USHGA.
4. Advanced (H-4, P-4) -- $ 15.00, payable to USHGA.
5. Master (H-5, P-5) -- $ 15.00, payable to USHGA.
6. TOW (by itself) -- $ 15.00, payable to USHGA.
7. FL (by itself) -- $15.00, payable to USHGA.
8. Tandem I -- $ 15.00, payable to USHGA.
9. Tandem II -- $15.00, payable to USHGA.
10. Basic Instructor -- $15.00, payable to USHGA.
11. Advanced Instructor -- $15.00, payable to USHGA.
12. Tandem Instructor -- $15.00, payable to USHGA.
13. Portable Radio Authorization (PA) --$ 15.00, payable to USHGA.
14. Vehicular Radio Authorization (VA) --$ 15.00, payable to USHGA.
15. Instructor Recertification --$15.00, payable to USHGA.

104.03 - RATING REQUIREMENTS
General Information - Launch Skill Requirement - Foot Launch and/or Tow Launch

A USHGA rated pilot must be rated for at least one Launch Skill, either Foot Launch or Tow Launch, and may be rated for both. The holding of a tow launch rating does not give the skills necessary to operate a tow system. The operation of a tow system is a difficult and demanding task requiring special training. A pilot is not rated for aero towing behind a flying tow vehicle without an AEROTOW Special Skill signoff.

NOTE: 3.01 NEW OPTIONAL LANDING TASK - PART 104 ADDENDUM

At the 1990 spring meeting of the USHGA Board of Directors, the safety and training committee approved an optional alternate landing accuracy task for testing pilots for Novice, Intermediate, and Advanced ratings. At the discretion of the Observer or Instructor and not the pilot, this task may be substituted for the "three spot landings in a row" task. The administration of the task is as follows:

A. Equipment: Two flags, connected by a 200' long piece of wide ribbon. Flags and ribbon should be of a size and color so as to be visible from the air. Alternately, a 200' long line may be permanently marked on the ground in areas where the wind direction is highly reliable. The endpoints of the line must be visible from the air on approach, and at least one wind direction flag should be provided.

B. Procedure: The Instructor or Observer selects the most logical (most desirable - safest) landing point in the landing area. He plants one flag (the limit flag) 100' directly upwind of this point, stretches out the ribbon and plants the second flag (the threshold flag) 100' downwind of the ideal landing point; 200' downwind of the limit flag.

The ribbon represents a runway. The task is to land on the runway. Successful completion of the task requires the pilot to make a landing where no weight bearing contact is made prior to the threshold flag, beyond the limit flag, or more than 20' laterally away from the ribbon (runway centerline). The pilot may not touch the nose of the glider, nor the control bar, nor any part of the pilot's body other than the soles of his feet to the ground. In a landing that is predesignated to be made on wheels, the front of the pilot's body may touch the ground.

Successful completion of the task requires that two landings be made and observed and recorded by the Observer or Instructor in the pilot's certification book or logbook. They need not be on consecutive attempts; however, following any failed attempt at the task, the Observer or Instructor shall note the failed attempt in the pilot's certification book of logbook, and the pilot shall not be eligible to attempt the task again until he logs ten additional landings.

The required task is the same for candidates for Novice, Intermediate, and Advanced ratings. However, Instructors and Observers should administer the task in conditions appropriate for each level: smooth winds at the end of the day with no significant thermal activity for Novice candidates, lighter or less consistent winds with some convective or turbulent activity for Intermediate candidates, and middle of the day, light or inconsistent winds with significant convective or turbulent activity for Advanced candidates. It is expected that pilots attempting the task be able to set up a crab to handle a slight variation between wind direction and "runway" orientation. However, the Instructor or Observer has the option of discounting a failed attempt and allowing an immediate re-test if a major change in wind direction or conditions during the attempt have made the difficulty of the task inappropriate for the level of skill being tested for.

104.04 WITNESSED TASKS FOR LAUNCH SKILL REQUIREMENT - Foot Launch
The following are the witnessed tasks required to qualify for the Foot Launch Skill and the Tow Launch Skill rating. They are separated by pilot rating level. A pilot must perform or have performed all of the listed witnessed tasks for his rating level and below. Any pilot holding a Foot Launch Skill Requirement at the time he earns a higher rating must also demonstrate the appropriate witnessed foot launch tasks for the higher rating level he becomes rated for. Any pilot holding a Tow Launch Skill Requirement at the time he earns a higher rating must also demonstrate the appropriate witnessed tow launch tasks for the higher rating level he becomes rated for.

104.05 BEGINNER HANG GLIDING RATING
5.01 Beginner Rating Foot Launch - Required Witnessed Tasks

A. Set up and preflight of glider and harness, including familiarity with owner's manual(s).

B. Demonstrate proper ground handling of equipment.

C. With each flight, demonstrate method(s) of establishing that pilot is hooked in just prior to launch.

D. Launch unassisted showing:
l. Aggressive run, if foot launched.
2. Good angle of attack and pitch control.
3. Directional control.
4. Smooth transition to flying, during launch.

E. Airspeed recognition and control.
1. Two flights, predetermined to show:
a. Constant airspeed.
b. Smooth straight flight.
c. Safe, smooth landing, on feet, into wind.

2. Two flights, predetermined to show:
a. Confident, slight variation in airspeed showing awareness and control of airspeed envelope.
b. Smoothly increasing airspeed, smoothly slowing airspeed showing good control, familiarity, and anticipation of safe envelope, without losing control. Airspeed to remain well above stall speed.
c. Safe, smooth landing, on feet, into wind.

F. Shows ability to recognize and understand how different wind conditions at this site will affect their flights.

1. Wind direction 2. Wind velocity 3. Terrain Shape 4. Obstructions

G. On each flight, demonstrates proper post-landing procedure, to include, but not limited to: 1. Setting glider down. 2. Unhooking. 3. Checking traffic. 4. Removal of glider from landing area. 5.Any specific protocol at this site.

H. Demonstration of understanding of the importance of proper breakdown, packing, transportation, and storage of glider.

I. Has read and understands USHGA statements regarding good judgement and maturity.

J. Must pass USHGA Hang Gliding Beginner written exam.

K. Must agree to all the provisions of the USHGA standard waiver and assumption of risk agreement for the Beginner rating and deliver an original signed copy to the USHGA office.

5.02 Beginner Rating - Tow Launch - Required Witnessed Tasks
A. Must demonstrate all the above-mentioned (section 5.01) Beginner rating tasks.

B. Must demonstrate system set up and pre-flight, including a complete discussion of all those factors which are particular to the specific tow system used and those factors which are relevant to towing in general. Must demonstrate complete understanding of both normal and emergency procedures, including checklists for normal procedures and the indications of an impending emergency and convince the instructor of his ability to recognize and execute emergency procedures.

C. Demonstrates successful, confident, controlled launches and flight under tow to release at altitude, with a smooth transition to flying, with proper directional and pitch control resulting in proper tracking of the tow line and appropriate maintenance of proper tow line tension and airspeed. Such demonstrations may be made in ideal wind conditions.

D. Has discussed all Towing Discussion Topics with the issuing Tow Official.

E. Must agree to all the provisions of the USHGA standard waiver and assumption of risk agreement for the Beginner rating and deliver an original signed copy to the USHGA office.

5.03 Beginner Rating - Tandem
B. Understand parts of glider.

C. Airspeed recognition and control.
1. Recognize and fly the following airspeeds: Mush, Min sink, Trim, Best L/D.

D. Recognize LZ and turn glider to point towards LZ following release from tow.

E. Understand effects of crosswind on ground track and be able to crab glider towards goal.

F. Fly the glider with relaxed grip.

G. Fly glider with head up, scanning horizon from wingtip to wingtip.

H. Recognize altitudes: 500' +/- 100', 1000' +/- 300'.

I. Shows ability to recognize and understand how different wind conditions at this site will affect their flights.
1. Wind direction 2. Wind velocity. 3. Terrain shape. 4. Obstructions.

J. On each flight, demonstrate proper post-landing procedure, to include, but not limited to: 1. Setting down glider. 2. Unhooking. 3. Checking traffic. 4. Removal of glider from LZ. 5. Any specific protocol at this site.

K. Has read and understands USHGA statements regarding good judgement and maturity.

L. Must pass USHGA Hang Gliding Beginner written exam.

M. Must agree to all the provisions of the USHGA standard waiver and assumption of risk agreement for the Beginner rating and deliver an original signed copy to the USHGA office.

5.04 Recommended Operating Limitations for Beginner Pilots:
A. Should exceed these limitations only after demonstrating complete mastery of the required Beginner tasks (above), and only after acquiring a full understanding of the potential problems and dangerous situations which may arise from exceeding these limitations.

B. It is highly recommended that all flights be made under the direct supervision of a USHGA Certified Basic or Advanced Instructor.

C. Should fly only in winds of 12 mph or less, with gust differential of 5 mph or less.

D. Should footlaunch only on slopes of 3:1 to 6:1, where wind is within 15’ of being straight up the slope.

E. Should launch only when there are no obstructions within 60ƒ to either side of intended flight path, and when pilot may fly straight out from launch to landing with no need to maneuver and no possibility of over-flying the landing area.

F. Should maintain flight heading within 15ƒ of directly into the wind.

G. Should fly appropriate sites so as to maintain altitude below 100' AGL.

104.06 NOVICE HANG GLIDING RATING
6.01 Novice Foot Launch - Required Witnessed Tasks
The pilot shall use good judgement and have a level of maturity commensurate with the rating. Pilots must demonstrate Beginner level skills and knowledge before obtaining the Novice rating. All witnessed flights must be pre-planned by pilot and discussed with Instructor or specially qualified Observer.

A. Logged Requirements

1. Attends a minimum of 8 hours of ground school theory.

B. Demonstrated Skills and Knowledge

1. Demonstrates set-up and preflight of glider, harness, and reserve parachute.

2. Gives a reliable analysis of general conditions of the site and self; and flight plan including flight path, areas to avoid in relation to the wind flow, and obstacles to stay clear of.

3. With each flight, demonstrates method of establishing that pilot is hooked in just prior to launch.

4. Demonstrates successful, aggressive, confident launches on a slope shallower than 4:1 with less than 6 mph wind.

5. Demonstrates successful, aggressive, confident launches, where wind is at least 15ƒ cross to straight up the hill in wind not exceeding 5 mph.

6. Demonstrates flight with smooth variation in airspeed, from above minimum sink to fast flight, while maintaining a heading.

7. Demonstrates flight showing ability to comfortably and precisely slow the glider to minimum sink and smoothly increase to normal airspeed while maintaining a heading. The pilot should not mush or stall the glider. These maneuvers should be practiced and observed with a minimum of 75 feet AGL in smooth conditions.

8. Demonstrates flight(s) along a planned path alternating "S" turns of at least 90ƒ change in heading. Flight heading need not exceed 45ƒ from straight into wind. Turns must be smooth with controlled airspeed, ending in safe, stand up landings on a heading.

9. Demonstrates three consecutive landings within 100' of a target, safe, smooth, on feet and into the wind. The target must be sufficiently close to launch such that turns are required to set up an approach and avoid overflying the target. The target should be at least 100' below the launch point.

10. Demonstrates smooth entry to and exit from prone position without changes in pitch and roll.

11. While prone, demonstrates flight with smooth variation in airspeed, from above minimum sink to fast flight, while maintaining a heading.

12. While prone, demonstrates flight showing ability to comfortably and precisely slow the glider to minimum sink and smoothly increase airspeed to normal while maintaining a heading. The pilot should not mush or stall the glider. These maneuvers should be practiced and observed with a minimum of 75 feet AGL in smooth conditions.

13. While prone, demonstrates flight(s) along a planned path alternating "S" turns of at least 90ƒ change in heading. Flight heading need not exceed 45ƒ from straight into wind. Turns must be smooth with controlled airspeed, ending in safe, stand up landings on a heading.

14. Must pass the USHGA Novice Hang Gliding Written Examination.

15. Must agree to all the provisions of the USHGA standard waiver and assumption of risk agreement for the Novice rating and deliver an original signed copy to the USHGA office.

16. Demonstrates reserve deployment while hanging in a harness in simulated turbulence or emergency conditions.

6.02 Novice Rating - Tow Launch - Required Witnessed Tasks
A. Must demonstrate the above-mentioned (section 6.01) Novice rating foot-launching tasks except 6.01.B.

D. Demonstrates understanding of all Hang Gliding Towing Discussion Topics.

6.03 Recommended Operating Limitations for Novice Pilots
A. Should exceed these limitations only after thoroughly mastering all required tasks, and after acquiring a full understanding of the potential problems and dangers involved in exceeding these limitations.

B. It is highly recommended that all flights be made under the direct supervision of a USHGA Certified Basic or Advanced Instructor or Observer.

C. Should fly only in smooth winds of 18 mph or less and gusty winds to 11 mph.

D. If footlaunching, should launch only on slopes 2:1 to 7:1, where wind is within 25ƒ of being straight up the slope.

E. Should maintain heading within 90ƒ of directly into wind, and within 45ƒ of directly into wind below 60' AGL.

F. Flight speed. Should not attempt to fly slowly when encountering lift, but instead, concentrate on maintaining attitude, heading, and airspeed. Slow flight must be preceded by stall experience 500' from any object.

104.07 INTERMEDIATE HANG GLIDING RATING
7.01 Intermediate Rating - Foot/Tow Launch - Required Witnessed Tasks
The pilot shall use good judgement and have a level of maturity commensurate with the rating.

A. Logged Requirements
1. Must have logged a minimum of 30 flying days.
2. Must have logged a total of at least 90 flights.
3. Must have logged a minimum of ten hours of solo airtime.

B. Demonstrated Skills and Knowledge
1. Has received training in and/or understands the importance and significance of:
a) Right of way rules.
b) FAA Regulations and aircraft sectional charts.
c) Airspeed control, stalls, spins, and adverse yaw.
d) Glider owners manual.
e) USHGA Accident Report results currently in print.

2. Can give verbal analysis of conditions on the hill demonstrating knowledge of wind shadows, gradients, lift, sink, laminar air, turbulence, and rotors and the effect these items can have on an intended flight path and turns.

3. Must give a verbal flight plan for each observed flight.

4. Must show thorough preflight of harness, glider & reserve parachute.

5. With each flight, demonstrates a method of establishing that the pilot is hooked in just prior to launch.

6. All takeoffs should be aggressive, confident and with a smooth transition to flying. Flights with slow, unstable launches will not be considered adequate as witnessed tasks.

7. For witnessed tasks, all landings must be safe, smooth, on the feet, and in control.

8. Demonstrates the ability to differentiate airspeed from ground speed.

9. Demonstrates linked 180ƒ turns along a predetermined ground track showing smooth controlled reversals and proper coordination at various speeds and bank angles.

10. Explains stall warning characteristics.

11. Has practiced and demonstrates gentle stalls and proper recovery under the direct supervision of an instructor or qualified observer, at least 500' from any object.

12. In 8 to 15 mph wind, demonstrates the ability to maintain airspeed at or near minimum sink during crosswind and upwind legs, without any evidence of stalls.

13. Demonstrates three consecutive landings within 50' of a spot after flights requiring turns on approach.

14. Demonstrates proper airspeed control on landing approach when descending through a gradient.

15. Demonstrates proper airspeed for maximum distance flown into a significant headwind.

16. Demonstrates complete understanding of all Hang Gliding Tow Discussion Topics (for tow rated pilots only).

17. Must pass USHGA Hang Gliding Intermediate written exam.

18.The pilot must agree to all the provisions of the USHGA standard waiver and assumption of risk agreement for the Intermediate rating and deliver an original signed copy to the USHGA office.

7.02 Recommended Operating Limitations for Intermediate Pilots
1. Should fly only in winds of 25 mph or less, with gust differential of 10 mph or less.

2. Should initiate downwind turns only with 500' of clearance outward from the hill or ridge in winds above 18 mph, and 300' of clearance in winds above 10 mph.

3. Upon mastering the above skills, an Intermediate Pilot should pursue new maneuvers, sites and conditions with the guidance of a USHGA Certified Advanced Instructor or Observer.

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