Under the authority vested in 3 V.S.A., Chapter 51, Section 2803, and 10 V.S.A., Chapter 83, Section 2603, the Secretary of the Agency of Natural Resources designates the following public lands for use by hang gliders and paragliders to be effective March 1, 1993.
1. Purpose Pursuant to to 3 V.S.A. § 2603 and 10 V.S.A. § 2803, no person may launch a hang glider or paraglider from state land unless such land has been expressly designated for such use. Public lands as specified or described in these regulations shall be open for use by hang gliders and paragliders under the conditions described. Any person may make application for designation or closure of state land by writing the Secretary, Agency of Natural Resources, 103 So. Main St., Waterbury, Vt 05671.
2. Definitions (A) "Hang Gliding" and "Paragliding" means the act, essentially a sport, of flying through the air utilizing a hang glider or a paraglider.(B) "Hang Glider" (with a rigid wing) and "Paraglider" (with a non-rigid wing) means a heavier-than-air vehicle capable of being physically carried, launched, flown and landed by the hang glider or paraglider pilot. These vehicles fall within the definition of aircraft as determined and administered by the Federal Aviation Administration and the Agency of Transportation of the State of Vermont.(C) "Hang Glider Pilot" and "Paraglider Pilot" means an individual who participates in hang gliding or paragliding, respectively.(D) "State Land" means real property owned or controlled by the Agency of Natural Resources.(E) "Launch Site" means the location from which a pilot launches the vehicle for hang gliding or paragliding.(F) "Secretary" means the Secretary of the Agency of Natural Resources.3. Designation of State Lands After due notice, the Secretary may permit hang gliding and paragliding from authorized launch sites on state lands and establish conditions for use of these authorized launch sites. However, if the Secretary thereafter finds that use of an authorized launch site is causing undue adverse impact on the environment or on the health, safety, and welfare of the public, he or she may close all or some of such launch sites for a period not to exceed thirty-five (35) days and thereafter only upon due notice. Hang gliding and paragliding from state lands, other than at authorized launch sites, is prohibited.
4. Safety Regulations All flights shall conform to the current "Part 100 - Basic Safety Regulations" of the United States Hang Gliding Association and/or the current regulations of the American Para Gliding Association, whichever is most appropriate. These regulations are attached as Appendix A.
5. Rating System All Hang Glider Pilots and Paraglider Pilots shall be rated according to "Part 104 - Pilot Proficiency System" of the United States Hang Gliding Association and/or the rating system of the American Paragliding Association, whichever is most appropriate. Only pilots who have qualified for the required rating may fly from authorized launch sites. These ratings are attached as Appendix B.
6. Permit for Use of Launch Sites Each pilot must receive permission from the designated person at the site to launch from that site. In order to receive permission the person must show proof that he or she is a member in good standing of the United States Hang Gliding Association and/or the American Paragliding Association or foreign equivalent, and show proof that he or she meets the rating required to launch from that site. The individual must also sign an annual waiver of liability, to run from the park opening one year to the park opening of the next year, saving and holding the State of Vermont and its employees and agents free from all claims arising from bodily injury or property damage incurred while participating in hang gliding or paragliding at the permitted sites. On the specific day of the launch the pilot must sign a log-in and indicate his or her rating.
7. Payment of Fees Pilots shall be subject to the same fees as other persons using the area at which the launch site is located. Payment of the required fee, after meeting the requirements of section 6 above, constitute the issuance of the required permit.
8. Special Events Contests, meets, demonstrations, and other special events will be permitted only by written permission of the Secretary, or the Secretary's designee.
9. Site Modification There shall be no modification of any site without the written approval of that employee of the Agency of Natural Resources responsible for the management of that site.
10. Authorized Sites The following sites are designated as launch sites and may be used under the conditions described:
(A) Ascutney State Park at points known as "Brownsville Rock" and "South Peak." These sites may be used by hang glider pilots with an "Intermediate Rating" or paraglider pilots with a Class III (Advanced) rating. These sites may be used during the regular park season and during the off season with a special use permit only.(B) Darling State Park at points known as the top of "Doug's Drop" and "Upper Willoughby" ski trail, subject to the approval and conditions of property lessee, Bear Kingdom, Ltd. These sites may be used by hang glider pilots with an "Intermediate Rating" and paraglider pilots with a Class III (Advanced) rating. These sites may be used only when the Toll Road is open to the public.STATE OF VERMONT NATURAL RESOURCES AGENCY
By Chuck Clarke, Secretary
Part 100 BASIC SAFETY RECOMMENDATIONSSection 100 GENERAL A. USHGA Part 100 is a set of safety recommendations for hang glider flight operations.B. Definition - A hang glider is defined as a glider capable of being carried, foot launched and foot landed solely by the energy and use of the pilots legs.C. Hang gliding flights in the United States are governed by FAR part 103, Federal Aviation Regulation, Ultralight Vehicles, (except for flights by FAA licensed pilots in FAA registered aircraft which are governed by FAR Part 61 and FAR Part 91) and may be governed in addition by other civil laws and regulations. Persons participating in hang gliding operations under FAR Part 103 are required by law to fly in accordance with FAR Part 103, and in accordance with any other applicable civil laws.D. It is further recommended that persons participating in hang gliding be familiar with: 1. USHGA Part 100 (these recommendations).2. USHGA Part 104 (Pilot Proficiency Program).Section 100.01 OPERATIONS GENERAL
A. SITE OPERATIONAL RULES AND STANDARDS - At flying sites where hang gliding operations are regulated under the USHGA pilot proficiency program, (USHGA PART 104), pilot proficiency requirements and operating rules and procedures will be specified by the USHGA Instructor, Observer or Examiner or other official responsible for regulating use of the site. At sites where the use is by agreement with a city, county, state or federal agency, certain such rules and procedures may carry the force of law.B. INSTRUCTION - Pilots flying under the direct supervision of a USHGA certified instructor will have operating limitations prescribed for them by that instructor.Section 100.02 UNSUPERVISED OPERATIONS BY PILOTS BELOW AN INTERMEDIATE RATING A. STUDENT PILOTS - It is recommended that student pilots (without a Beginner rating) not fly except under the direct supervision of a USHGA Certified Instructor.B. BEGINNER PILOTS - It is recommended that beginner pilots (without a Novice rating) flying not under the direct supervision of a USHGA Certified Instructor limit themselves to: 1) Winds of 12 mph or less with gust differential of 5 mph or less.2) Altitudes of less than 100 feet AGL.C. NOVICE PILOTS - It is recommended that Novice pilots (without an Intermediate rating) flying not under the direct supervision of a USHGA Certified Instructor limit themselves to smooth winds of 18 mph or less and gusty winds of 11 mph or less. It is further recommended that pilots learning to make 360 degree turns do so: 1) Under the supervision of a USHGA Certified Instructor2) With a ground clearance of not less than 500 feet.Section 100.03 ALL PILOT OPERATIONS A. It is recommended that preplanned landings not be attempted in an area less than 40 feet wide by 100 feet long.B. It is recommended that all takeoffs be proceeded by a static harness check.C. It is recommended that cliff launches in winds over 15 mph be assisted by at least one wire man.Section 100.04 PREFLIGHT PROCEDURES A. It is recommended that prior to flight the pilot: 1) Determine the appropriate altitude and surface winds.2) Plan the proposed flight, including landing and alternate landing areas.3) Pre-flight the glider, giving it a meticulous walk around inspection.4) Inspect the landing area for obstructions.5) Secure the property owner's permission when using private property.Section 100.05 TRAFFIC AND RIGHT OF WAY RECOMMENDATIONSA. Takeoffs and landings should be made into any significant wind.B. When ridge soaring, reversing turns should be made away from the ridge and into the wind.C. When ridge soaring, an overtaking glider should pass between the ridge and the overtake glider.D. Gliders approaching head on should give way to the right.E. Pilots should avoid flying directly above or below another glider in close proximity.F. Pilots entering a-thermal should circle in the direction established by the first glider to begin circling in the thermal, without regard to the-relative altitude of the gliders in the thermal.Section 100.06 EQUIPMENT A. THE GLIDER1. No glider should be delivered for the purpose of unsupervised use to anyone who has not demonstrated the ability to use the glider safely.2. It is recommended that all gliders flown meet or exceed HGMA specifications as published for that category.B. OTHER EQUIPMENT1. It is recommended that pilots wear adequate protective clothing.2. It is recommended that pilots wear protective headgear.3. It is recommended that pilots utilize flotation gear when there is any likelihood of landing in water.4. It is recommended that pilots wear or utilize a reserve parachute for flights at significant altitude in which there is any significant chance of a structural failure, a midair collision, or a medical emergency.Section 100.07 TWO PLACE FLIGHTS A. Hang glider flights conducted under FAR 103 are restricted by federal aviation regulation to single place operations, except where they are conducted under the Tandem Exemption granted to the USHGA by the FAA. Such operations conducted under the Tandem Exemption are required by the terms of the exemption to be conducted under the applicable rules and procedures of USHGA Part 104 and its supplements.Section 100.08 AERO TOWING OPERATIONS A. Aero towing flights in hang gliders which are not conducted under FAR Part 61 and FAR Part 91 are conducted under the FAA Towing Exemption. Such operations are required by the terms of the exemption to be conducted under the applicable rules and procedures of USHGA Part 104 and its supplements. United States Hang Gliding Association, Inc.
Standard Operating Procedures - 12-1
Part 104 PILOT PROFICIENCY SYSTEMSection 104 INTRODUCTION USHGA pilot ratings are issued to reflect completion of WTTNESSED tasks. Some tasks may require excessive precision to minutiae, 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 feet he is capable of doing so. It is recommended that all pilots maintain a flight log.
Section 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 shall be issued by USHGA Basic or Advanced Instructors. They shall provide applicant with a rating application and a temporary rating from the application. The applicant shall send the signed application to USHGA Headquarters and a permanent rating shall be issued. Beginner rating is free. Novice application fee is $ 7.50.4) Ratings Intermediate and Advanced shall be issued by USHGA Observers and Advanced Instructors. They shall provide applicant with a rating application and a temporary rating from the application. The applicant shall send the $ 7.50 rating fee and signed application to USHGA Headquarters and a permanent rating shall be issued.5) Master ratings shall be issued by USHGA Regional Directors. The applicant shall send the $ 7.50 rating fee and signed application forms to USHGA Headquarters and a permanent rating shall be issued.6) Examiners may recommend applicants for the Instructor Certification 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, 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. 6.02 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 25 [degrees] of being straight up the slope.E. Should maintain heading within 90 [degrees] of directly into wind, and within 45 [degrees] 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.Section 104.07 INTERMEDIATE RATING Foot/Tow Launch Required Witnessed TasksA. The pilot shall use Good Judgement and have a level of Maturity commensurate with the rating. 1. Must have held a Novice rating for at least four months.2. Must have logged a minimum of 30 flying days.3. Must have logged a total of at least 90 flights.4. Must have logged a minimum of two hours of solo airtime.5. Has received and understands the importance and/or significance of: b) FAA Regulations, sectional charts.c) Airspeed control, stalls, spins, and adverse yaw.e) USHGA Accident Report results currently in print.6. 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 intended flight path and turns.7. Must give verbal flight plan for each observed flight.8. Must show thorough preflight of harness and glider, and a parachute.9. With each flight, demonstrates method of establishing that pilot is hooked in just prior to launch. 10. 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.11. For witnessed tasks, all landings must be safe, smooth, on the feet, and in control.12. Demonstrates the ability to differentiate airspeed from ground speed.13. Demonstrates linked 180 [degrees] turns along a predetermined ground track showing smooth controlled reversals and proper coordination at various speeds and angles of bank.14. Explains stall warning characteristics.15. 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.16. 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.17. Demonstrates ( * three consecutive spot landings) within 50' of a spot after flights requiring turns on approach. * Refer to 1043.01
18. Demonstrates proper airspeed control on landing approach when descending through a gradient.19. Demonstrates proper airspeed for maximum distance flown into a significant headwind.20. Must pass USHGA Intermediate written exam. B 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.Section 104.08 ADVANCED RATING Foot/Tow Launch Required Witnessed Tasks A. The pilot will fly using Good Judgement and have Maturity commensurate with the rating. The following logged requirements must be met: 1. Must have held an Intermediate rating for at least eight months.3. Five flights at each of five different sites in Intermediate level conditions, of which at least 3 were inland.5. At least one, 1-hour flight.6. At least one 30-minute flight in thermal lift without sustaining ridge lift.7. Must have logged 75 hours total airtime with no more than 25 of these hours to be tandem with a Certified Instructor who holds a tandem rating. Twenty-five of these 75 hours must be in thermal lift, with no more than 10 of these 25 hours to be tandem with a Certified Instructor who holds a Tandem rating.Section 104.14 PARAGLIDING RATINGS A. CLASS I Certification Class I certification teaches the student skills necessary to launch and flying low-moderate, non-turbulent wind conditions at sites with appropriate glide ratio, and opten launch and landing zones. Time required to obtain certification will depend on conditions, site availability, student aptitude, and course size. Listed below are the minimum requirements an instructor should teach.
1.SITE: Site Layout, choosing launch and landing areas. Site Protocol.2.EQUIPMENT: Introduction to equipment and terminology.3.GROUND CREW: Briefing and duties for ground crew.4.PRE-FLIGHT CHECKS: Canopy connections, rigging, and control lines, harness, helmet.5.EMERGENCIES: Briefing on emergency procedures: drag back, low turns, slope landings, tree and hazard landings.6.LAUNCH PRACTICE: Preparation, inflation, launch practice on gentle slope progressing to take-offs. Stop-launch and practice canopy collapse. Static flying to practice canopy control.7.STRAIGHT FLIGHTS & LANDING: Take-off and straight-ahead flights in low-moderate wind with stand-up landings.8.CANOPY CONTROL FLIGHTS: Flights with "S" turns, stall and recovery procedure, minimum sink flying.9.RULES OF THE AIR: Briefing on rules of the air and conditions for use of ridge. Collision avoidance. Relationship with other air users. 10.THEORY: Basic theory of flight and airflow. Importance of airspeed. Soaring sites: area of lift/sink, curl over, rotors, eddies, etc. Matching canopy and pilot weight/skills to wind speed.B. CLASS I Required Witnessed Tasks All witnessed flights must be pre-planned by the pilot and discussed with the rating instructor. All flights must be self-launched and include proper canopy setup for conditions. Demonstrate the following:
1. Preflight while explaining what to look for.2. How to brief and instruct ground crew, and explain when assisted launch is necessary.3. Clean launch with each flying task (i.e., tight lines, riser control, proper stance, smooth transition from running to flying, etc.)4. Two straight flights, launching and landing into the wind on feet.5. Three flights with S-turns 30 degrees off wind line following a straight line path ending with a controlled landing on feet into the wind.6. One flight with at least two 180 degree (figure 8) turns.7. Two no-wind launches, two moderate-wind launches, two high-wind launches (10-15 mph).8. Five spot landings within a 50 ft. diameter circle.9. Hands-off flying, front riser use, and mild stall and recovery (above 500'). 10. Two cross wind launches approximately 30 degrees off wind line.11. Smooth airspeed control ranging from minimum sink to fast conditions.12. Standard aircraft landing procedures and how to keep from getting dragged back.13. Proper strong wind landing procedures and how to keep from getting dragged back.14. Demonstrate and explain correct packing procedure, canopy care and maintenance.15. Pass APA Class I oral/written exam.C. CLASS II Requirements1. Must have completed Class I, or Foreign equivalent, plus I year logged air time.2. Must have logged at least 150 flights plus 30 hrs. airtime.3. Must have logged flights from at least 5 different sites.(1 at sea level-1 above 5000 ft. asl)4. Must have logged at least 80 flying days.5. Must have logged at least 5 flights of 30 min. or longer duration, with at least 1 one hour flight in thermal lift, without ridge lift, and at least 5 ridge lift flights of 30 min. or longer.6. Must have logged at least 10 flights from a launch over 1000' above the landing zone.7. Must have flown at least 3 different types of canopy.D. Class II Required Witnessed Tasks 1. Smooth coordinated 360 degree turns in both directions, with reversal at various speeds.2. Three consecutive spot landings within an 8' diameter circle.(turns are required to set up an approach)3. Demonstrate side hill landings.4. Full stall and recovery above 500 ft.5. Negative turns, flat spin, spiral dive.6. Successful completion of Class II written exam. American Paragliding Association Class III Rating
-ADVANCED PILOT-
Rating Classification:
A Class III Pilot has an advanced level of knowledge and skills and is capable of flying technically demanding sites in strong conditions. More important, he or she has the ability to judge when the site and conditions are within the his or her skill, knowledge, and experience level. The pilot understands the APA rating system and recommended operating limitations and the FAR's and other flying rules applicable to his flying (ridge rules, thermal right of way, FAR 103, sectional use, restricted airspace avoidance, etc.).
Prerequisite: APA Class II Rating
Minimum logged requirements:
* 500 flights
* 150 hours logged airtime
* 2 years logged flying experience with the last 12 months injury free (an injury is defined as what would cause a prudent person to seek licensed medical attention)
* 200 flying days
Skill Demonstration:
* All advanced maneuvers
* Pass written exam (80% required)
12-004 Code Vt. R. 12-020-004-X
Effective Date: March 1, 1993 Statutory Authority: 3 V.S.A. § 2803; 10 V.S.A. § 2603