USPPA
Pilot Proficiency Program
PPG1..PPG3, Instructor
and Tandem Instructor
630-904-4754 www.USPPA.org
March 1, 2002
These are the guidelines for the various
ratings offered by the USPPA. They parallel those developed by the USHGA as
much as possible, diverging when necessary to accommodate the differences. Some
items, such as most of the soaring specific material, are not included and
motor related items used in their place. These are highlighted in blue.
An instructor applicant must have the PPG 3
rating for a certain time before going through the program. A Tandem applicant
must be an instructor for a certain time before going through that program. In
order to accept those experienced pilots and instructors who are already
established, time minimums may be waived providing equivalent experience has
been logged. Such waiving of minimums will be in effect until July, 31, 2003 or
as decided by the officers.
Subject Code |
Description |
PPG1:PFD |
Proper layout and pre-flight check of canopy and motor (including harness). |
PPG1:GSU |
Had successfully completed a basic ground school. |
PPG1:BDD |
Understanding of proper canopy packing, storage and care. |
PPG1:SCD |
Site analysis including wind direction and velocity, terrain shape, obstructions and engine-out planning. |
PPG1:GHD |
Proper canopy handling and kiting skills. |
PPG1:MSU |
Explains motor, propeller, and fueling safety |
PPG1:MOU |
Understands basic operation the motor including at least two ways to shut it off and what to look for on preflight runup. |
PPG1:NEU |
Has passed the USPPA PPG1 written exam. |
Subject Code |
Description |
PPG1:FID |
2 forward inflations with visual canopy check each time. |
PPG1:RID |
2 controlled reverse inflations with proper surge dampening. |
PPG1:CKD |
Half-minute of controlled kiting overhead in a steady wind. |
PPG1:FLT |
Completes at least one flight from enough altitude to require flaring. |
PPG1:HID |
Demonstrates a method of establishing proper connection to the wing, with cleared lines and risers, just prior to inflation |
PPG1:TKO |
Demonstrates two flights with at least two 90 degree turns each |
These recommended
limitations are intended to provide a guide for those at this skill level to
remain within their ability. Obviously there are other things that should be
considered before flying but this is a good starting point.
Subject Code |
Description |
PPG1:ELR |
Only exceed these limitations after mastering all PPG1 tasks and after acquiring a full understanding of the potential problems and dangers involved in exceeding them. |
PPG1:DSR |
All flights should be under the direct supervision of an instructor |
PPG1:WSR |
Max wind, including gusts of 12 mph |
PPG1:WDR |
Should only launch directly into the wind |
PPG1:CTR |
Uses canopy rated for beginner (DHV 1 or 1-2 or equivalent other rating). |
PPG1:LZC |
Takeoff and landing area should allow unimpeded climb and landing approach without maneuvering below 100' AGL |
This rating gets the individual out on his own. At this level the pilot should fly either under instructor supervision or in good conditions with fairly wide-open launch/landing areas.
Subject Code |
Description |
PPG2:JMD |
Pilot uses good judgment and have a level of Maturity commensurate with the rating. |
PPG2:PPU |
All witnessed flights must be pre-planned by the pilot and discussed with the instructor. |
PPG2:AGU |
Attends a minimum of 8 hours of ground school. |
PPG2:PFU |
Setup and preflight the glider, harness and reserve |
PPG2:SCU |
Verbal analysis of general site conditions including a flight plan (flight path, avoidance areas, obstacles, wind effects) |
PPG2:PLD |
Demonstrates proper and effective PLF technique. |
PPG2:CRU |
Explain the basics of airspace as it pertains to PPG and how to determine legal flight areas from sectional charts. |
PPG2:RDD |
Demonstrate reserve deployment while hanging in a harness in simulated turbulence or malfunction conditions. |
PPG2:NEU |
Has passed the USPPA PPG2 written exam |
Subject Code |
Description |
PPG2:FID |
5 consecutive, forward inflations with visual canopy check each time. |
PPG2:RID |
5 consecutive, controlled reverse inflations with proper surge dampening. |
PPG2:CKD |
2 minutes of controlled kiting overhead in a steady wind. |
PPG2:CWD |
2 cross-wind (> 15¼ cross to takeoff path) launches in light wind (<= 5 mph). |
PPG2:NWD |
2 no-wind (0-2 mph) inflations/launches. |
PPG2:HWL |
2 high-wind (10-15 mph) launches. |
PPG2:LPD |
5 safe, smooth, power-on landings within 15' of a target and into the wind |
PPG2:LND |
5 safe, smooth, power-off landings, within 25' of a target and into the wind. |
PPG2:GCD |
Brief and instruct ground crew for assisted launch |
PPG2:IRD |
2 clean inflations/reversals. |
PPG2:HID |
Demonstrates a method of establishing proper connection to the wing, with cleared lines and risers, just prior to inflation |
Subject Code |
Description |
PPG2:FLL |
25 flights. |
PPG2:FDL |
5 flying days. |
PPG2:AVD |
Flights with smooth variation in airspeed and throttle to maintain level flight from just above min sink to fast flight on a constant heading |
PPG2:STD |
Alternating 'S' turn (at least 90¡ heading change) flights along a planned path. Heading change < 45¡ into wind. |
PPG2:HOD |
Hands off flying with smooth transition to climb and descent using throttle only. |
PPG2:HTD |
Hands off flying with turns using weight-shift (if available) and rear riser turns. |
PPG2:SWE |
Explains proper strong wind landing procedures and how to keep from being dragged back. |
PPG2:CCE |
Explains correct canopy maintenance. |
PPG2:PLE |
Explains how to shorten and lengthen flight path with no power. |
PPG2:RWE |
Explains the right of way traffic rules. |
PPG2:CME |
Explains how to maintain directional control during and correct for an asymmetric wing fold of 25% of the wing span. |
These recommended
limitations are intended to provide a guide for those at this skill level to
remain within their ability. Obviously there are other things that should be
considered before flying but this is a good starting point.
Subject Code |
Description |
PPG2:ELR |
Only exceed these limitations after thoroughly mastering all Novice tasks and after acquiring a full understanding of the potential problems and dangers involved in exceeding these limitations. |
PPG2:CRL |
Max peak thermal strength 200 fpm. |
PPG2:WSR |
Max base wind of 12 mph, peak gusts 15 mph. |
Max gust rate of 5 mph in 5 seconds |
|
PPG2:WDR |
Should not launch with the wind aligned more than 25 degrees from the takeoff path. |
PPG2:BAR |
Avoids using of brake beyond 2/3 of full travel (stall). |
PPG2:TBR |
Max bank angle of 30 degrees. |
PPG2:DHR |
Avoid flying downwind less than 150' above the ground. |
PPG2:CTR |
Uses canopy rated for beginner (DHV 1, 1-2 or equivalent other rating). |
PPG2:LZC |
Takeoff and landing area should allow unimpeded climb and landing approach without maneuvering below 100' AGL |
This pilot should be able to safely fly any launch site as deemed safe by the pilot. He should consistently make his launches and be able to easily steer during the launch run as well as control the flight path immediately from liftoff.
Subject Code |
Description |
PPG3:JMD |
Pilot uses good judgment and has a level of Maturity commensurate with the rating. |
PPG3:PPU |
All witnessed flights must be pre-planned by the pilot and discussed with the instructor or observer. |
PPG3:URU |
Has received training in and understands right-of-way rules, FAA regulations, sectional charts, airspeed control, collapses, stalls, spins, and turbulence-induced collapses, is familiar with the canopy owner's manual and the USPPA incident reports. |
PPG3:RDD |
Demonstrate reserve deployment while hanging in a harness in simulated turbulence or malfunction conditions. |
PPG3:NEU |
Has passed the USPPA PPG3 written exam. |
Subject Code |
Description |
PPG3:SLD |
All landings are safe, smooth, on the feet, in the desired touchdown area and in control. |
PPG3:NWD |
3 consecutive no-wind (0-2 mph) inflations/launches. |
PPG3:CKD |
Good canopy control while doing turns of at least 20 degrees while on ground running (or walking) with the wing overhead. |
PPG3:LPD |
5 safe, smooth, power-on landings within 5' of a target and into the wind |
PPG3:LND |
5 safe, smooth, power-off landings, within 15' of a target and into the wind. |
PPG3:GAD |
Demonstrates smooth transition from descent to climb in a go-around maneuver with minimum surging. |
PPG3:IRD |
3 consecutive clean inflations/reversals followed by launch. |
PPG3:HID |
Demonstrates a method of establishing proper connection to the wing, with cleared lines and risers, just prior to inflation |
Subject Code |
Description |
PPG3:FLL |
90 flights. |
PPG3:FDL |
30 flying days. |
PPG3:P2L |
Has had USPPA Novice (PPG2) rating for at least 120 days. |
PPG3:FHL |
20 solo airtime hours. |
PPG3:LCD |
Demonstrates proper airspeed control on landing approach when descending through a gradient. |
PPG3:STD |
Alternating 'S' turn (at least 90¡ heading change) flights along a planned path. Heading change < 45¡ into wind. |
PPG3:AVD |
Flights with smooth variation in airspeed and throttle to maintain level flight from just above min sink to fast flight on a constant heading |
PPG3:HOD |
Demonstrates dampening surges using throttle only. |
PPG3:180D |
Linked 180¡ turns along a predetermined ground track showing smooth controlled reversals and coordination at various speeds, throttle settings and bank angles. |
PPG3:360D |
360¡ turns in both directions and at various speeds, throttle settings and bank angles. |
PPG3:ASD |
Demonstrates ability to use Trimmers or Speed Bar if installed on wing. |
PPG3:VDD |
Significant asymmetric tip folds and big ears (25% each side, 50% total) or other canopy reduction method to increase descent rate. |
PPG3:SWU |
Explains characteristics of impending stall or spin and the recovery technique for each. |
PPG3:DCU |
Explains how to maintain directional control during and correction of 50% asymmetric wing collapses. |
PPG3:PLE |
Explains how to shorten and lengthen flight distance by adjusting speed, height and the relationship of headwind/tailwind in doing so. |
PPG3:CME |
Explains how to maintain directional control during and correct for an asymmetric wing fold of 50% of the wing span. |
These recommended
limitations are intended to provide a guide for those at this skill level to
remain within their ability. Obviously there are other things that should be
considered before flying but this is a good starting point.
Subject Code |
Description |
PPG3:ELR |
Only exceed these limitations after thoroughly mastering all Novice tasks and after acquiring a full understanding of the potential problems and dangers involved in exceeding these limitations. |
PPG3:SFR |
Follows safe flying guidelines. |
PPG3:WSR |
Max base wind of 15 mph, peak gusts 18 mph. |
Max gust rate of 5 mph in 5 seconds. |
|
PPG3:TBR |
Limit turns to bank angles recommended my the manufacturer, Smoothly exit any spiral turn that is becoming steeper or accelerating. |
PPG3:TFR |
Should not fly in thermals where peak climb rates exceed 500 fpm or where significant cloud development exists. |
PPG3:BAR |
Avoids using of brake beyond 3/4 of full travel (stall). |
PPG3:STR |
Avoid steep banks close to ground. |
PPG3:DHR |
Avoid flying downwind less than 100' above the ground. |
These requirements are meant to insure flight instructors have the requisite experience and skills necessary to instruct.
This is for an instructor who is not tandem qualified but does instruction using other means.
The Minimum Training Standards, as well as the Instructor Commitment are meant to help insure students receive safe and effective training. These recommendations come from experienced instructors who have found they minimize the risk during training.
Subject Code |
Description |
INS:JMD |
Pilot uses good judgment and has a level of Maturity commensurate with the rating. |
INS:PPU |
All witnessed flights must be pre-planned by the pilot and discussed with the examining instructor. |
INS:CLU |
Successfully passed USPPA Instructor Certification Clinic given by an instructor or completed 20 hours of apprenticeship with an existing USPPA Instructor. |
INS:NEU |
Successfully passed USPPA Instructor Written Test. |
INS:AID |
Successfully completed First Aid and CPR class. |
Subject Code |
Description |
INS:FYL |
1 year of flying using a paramotor. |
INS:FLL |
120 flights using a paramotor. |
INS:FDL |
45 flying days using a paramotor. |
INS:P3L |
Has had a USPPA PPG3 rating for at least 180 days (may be waived). |
INS:FHL |
50 solo airtime hours. |
INS:MTS |
Agrees to apply minimum training standards prior to student instruction, flight and other areas as appropriate. |
INS:MTT |
Adheres to "commitment letter" whenever doing instruction for USPPA rating. |
This program, born of
input from Brad Weiss, the training committee and the membership is a
simplified version of the original. It is based on the USHGA concept of having
the tandem pilot learn using a qualified PPG pilot as "passenger"
before setting out with new students.
There is a Tandem Trainee
(TT), Tandem Instructor (TI) and Tandem Administrator (TA). A TT will only fly
with skilled pilots and a TI is a full tandem instructor. The goal of the
program is to qualify TI's. TA's are experienced tandem pilots approved by the
training committee to administer the program.
Any USPPA member who has
logged at least 100 instructional tandem flights will be given the opportunity
to become a TI. They must be recommended by an existing USPPA instructor
(whether tandem pilot or not) who signs a form attesting to their skill level.
This will apply until Oct 1, 2002. They must sign the USPPA commitment and other
forms as required of an instructor.
Tandem administrators
will be appointed by the training committee and will be any experienced TI that
desires the position and is willing to administer the program in a thorough and
fair manner. An administrator must have completed at least 200 instructional
tandems. It is our goal to have qualified tandem administrators to help make
available quality training.
USPPA Tandem Instructor
Certification Clinics shall be administered at least annually, or more as
needed by a designated TA. There they will offer the written test, FOI test and
allow pilots to demonstrate requisite skills. The TA can certify a TT or TI
applicant based on first hand witnessing of the skills whether at the clinic or
elsewhere but they MUST be witnessed.
Annual renewal : for all
levels pilots must either 1) Submit documentation to USPPA showing a minimum of
10 tandem flights made each year at any given level or 2) Take a Flight
evaluation with TI Or TA as Pilot/Passenger.
A peer review procedure
to rescind a Tandem rating of any level from those instructors deemed to be
operating outside of regulation will be established.
Tandem Trainee (TT)
This form of flying takes
place between a qualified USPPA instructor and consenting USPPA/USHGA ppg2/P-2
or higher rated pilots. This rating is authorized by Tandem Instructors after
administering the written examination and witnessing the proper flight skills
utilizing the designated launch method. No remuneration is allowed for their
flight service. Applicants must meet the following requirements:
1. Current USPPA Instructor,
2. Minimum 100 flight hours or 300
flights of logged incident free airtime.
3. Ability to consistently perform
zero-wind and light-wind landings culminating in the slowest possible ground
speed at the moment of the flare and when the pilot's/ passengers feet first
contact the ground.
4. Candidates will have a reputation/
history of being conservative, safe, and highly skilled pilots with judgment
commensurate with the task of 2 place operation.
5. At least 1 logged tandem flight as
a passenger with a USPPA TI or TA.
6. Successful completion of a flight
skills test to be administered by the USPPA TI who attest that the applicant
meets all requirements. This test will include, as a minimum, a passenger
briefing, checklist, and a successful tandem launch and a successful tandem
approach and landing.
7. Successful completion of a written
test administered by the USPPA TI or TA.
Tandem Instructor (TI)
This is the full tandem
instructor and they may charge fees for lessons.
1.
At
least 24 + logged / signed tandem flights with rated pilots of varying level.
2.
Flight
evaluation by a TA as passenger or observing with a qualified PPG2 or higher
pilot as passenger.
3.
Pass
the FAA FOI test.
4.
Be a
TT for at least 3 months.
5.
Is
an established TI appointed by the training committee to oversee the T-rated
operations and ratings in a given area. They must have logged at least 100
instructional tandem flights as TI.
TA's are responsible for
certifying TT and TI pilots.
Operating Requirements
1. When present at a flying site, any
Tandem pilot should personally ensure that all tandem flying requirements and
the site requirements are being strictly followed. Any tandem pilot will
present his certification on request of another tandem pilot and any
noncompliance shall be reported to a Tandem Administrator.
2. Possession of the FAA's Part 103,
FAR Grant of Exemption is mandatory while flying tandem. Tandem flying must be
done under an existing exemption. For paragliding this is currently held by
USHGA as exemption #4721. For powered paragliding it is done under the EAA or
ASC.
3. This exemption is being sought
from the FAA in Conjunction with FAA Sport Pilot. Its Duration and expiration
will be listed here.
4. All tandem accidents, at any
level, should be reported by the tandem pilot involved and any other tandem
pilot aware of it.
Equipment Requirements
1. The glider is recommended by the
manufacturer for two-place flight.
2. Appropriate helmets are required
for both occupants during flight.
3. Suitable harness on both people.
4. Hook knife on pilot.
5. Although choice of other equipment
is up to the individual pilot-in-command, ankle supporting boots, knee pads,
gloves, and clothing appropriate to the site conditions are recommended.
6. First aid kit and communications (such as cell phone) are recommended.
Powered Paraglider trikes are defined as those where the pilot uses the same motor unit, including harness, as if it were being flown without the trike attachment. And it uses a paraglider wing.
Any instructor who has the add-on rating may administer that add-on to PPG rating applicants
TRI:COD |
Demonstrates
the ability to accurately assess conditions which allow for safe trike launch
(weather, field conditions, wing weight range & rating, etc.) |
TRI:PFD |
Demonstrates
the ability to accurately pre-flight trike and canopy prior to flight
(motor/trike connection, COG issues, canopy layout, avoiding wheel/line
entanglements, etc.) |
TRI:TFD |
Demonstrates
the ability to use terrain features to assist in no wind launches. |
TRI:CAD |
Demonstrates
the ability to center canopy overhead using primarily brake toggle input and
minimal nose wheel steerage. |
TRI:PWD |
Demonstrates
appropriate use of power to maintain canopy pressurization during launch. |
TRI:CAD |
Demonstrates
5 successful no wind (0-5mph) launches. |
TRI:SPD |
Demonstrates
an understanding and control of higher approach speed due to greater wing
loading. |
TRI:FLD |
Demonstrates
properly timed roundout and flare while maintaining level flight. |
TRI:LND |
Demonstrates
5 successful landings with proper canopy control and deflation. |
TRI:EME |
Explains
reserve parachute selection, mounting and deployment appropriate to the
particular trike/motor configuration. |
TRI:PLE |
Explains
a "modified PLF" designed to protect extremities in the event of a
rollover. |
TRI:SFR |
Takeoffs
and landings from hard packed grass, dirt or paved surfaces free of terrain
features which might cause rollovers. |
TRI: |
Takeoffs
and landings limited to relatively flat or gently rolling terrain with
laterally oriented slope gradients of less than 3%. |
TRI:WNR |
Should
fly only in low wind conditions of less than 10 mph with minimal gusts. |
TRI:XWR |
Should
not launch in cross wind conditions of greater than 20¡ or 5 mph. |
TRI:THR |
Should
avoid flying in thermic conditions where peak climb rates exceed 200 fpm. |