The Tandem Instructor Rating is regarded as the highest rating a pilot can achieve according to American Paragliding and the United States Powered Paragliding Association (USPPA).

This rating requires Tandem Instructors to represent our sport to the general public and our actions here are highly scrutinized as well as experienced by the tandem passengers!

This rating requires pilot experience, skill, and judgment. We are allowed to fly two-place or tandem ONLY as a Powered Paragliding Instructional Flight by the FAA. This exemption is renewed if all tandem pilots operating in the United States continue to follow the guidelines of the exemption.

American Paragliding offers two day clinics for tandem pilots to achieve their Tandem Trainee (TT) rating, which allows the tandem pilot to fly qualified pilots (A qualified pilot is one of the following: 1) USPPA/USUA PPG2 or higher, 2) USHPA P2 or higher), The TT is not allowed to receive renumeration. A Tandem Instructor (TI) has authorization to take up students, including those with no experience, on training flights for hire.

Flying with a Tandem Instructor is an excellent instructional opportunity for students, and anyone interested in becoming a powered paraglider pilot.

Paramotor Tandem Instructor Clinic participants work on technique and theory as they work towards their tandem certification.

Included Clinic Subjects:

• Passenger briefings and paperwork
• Preflight checklist
• Launching and landing techniques
• Seating the passenger and assuring their comfort
• USPPA Rating Program and Flight Requirements
• FAA Tandem Exemption and what it means
• Proper equipment and attire
• "Wild Card" scenarios - what might happen while performing PPG Tandem Flights

2-Day Tandem Instructor (TT) Clinic - $575

Powered Paragliding Tandem Trainee (TT) Requirements:

This form of flying takes place between a qualified USPPA instructor and consenting qualified pilot. This rating can be given by Tandem Instructors after administering the written examination and witnessing the proper flight skills utilizing the designated launch method. No remuneration is allowed for flying done by a TT. Applicants must meet the following requirements:

1. Current USPPA Instructor.
2. Minimum 100 flight hours or 300 flights of logged incident free airtime hours on a powered paraglider.
3. The applicant must have logged at least 100 solo or tandem foot launches.
4. 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/passenger’s feet first contact the ground.
5. Candidates will have a reputation/ history of being appropriately conservative, safe, and highly skilled pilots with judgment commensurate with the task of 2-place operation.
6. At least 1 logged tandem flight as a passenger with a Tandem Instructor (TI) or Tandem Administrator (TA).
7. At least 5 flights as the flying pilot (from the instructor’s position) with the TT or TA as the second occupant.
8. Successful completion of a written test administered by the TI/TA.
9. Successful completion of a Tandem Clinic to be administered by the TI/TA who attests that the applicant meets all requirements. This test/training will include, as a minimum, a passenger briefing, checklist use, and successful tandem launches and landings. The test/training must include:
• For a tandem foot launch (TFL) rating the test must include at least 3 successful tandem foot launches including one in wind less than 3 mph (may be simulated).

This rating is only intended for tandem instructor trainees to build experience. The rating is only valid for 30 tandem flights or one calendar year, whichever comes first but may be renewed by a TA in the case of extenuating circumstances that force the pilot to cease flying activities for a period of time.

Tandem Instructor Requirements:

This is the full tandem instructor who may charge fees for lessons. They must meet the following requirements:

1. Be a USPPA PPG Instructor (this cannot be waived).
2. Meet all the requirements of a Tandem Trainee.
3. Have logged at least 24 tandem flights with rated pilots. A rated pilot is anyone at a USPPA PPG2 or higher or USHPA P2 rating or higher. Logged PPG Tandems completed under another program count towards this total.
4. Pass a Tandem Evaluation which will consist of at least:
• One successful flight as tandem pilot either with the administering TA as passenger or observing with a qualified PPG2 or higher pilot as passenger for each launch method sought.
• Sufficient oral and airborne questioning to insure the applicant is ready to serve as a Tandem Instructor.
5. Pass the FAA or other approved FOI test.
6. Be a Tandem Trainee for at least 3 months. This requirement may be waived if the applicant has equivalent experience under the PG/PPG tandem program of USHPA/EAA/ASC.
7. Have a recommendation by an existing USPPA Tandem Instructor or Tandem Administrator.

Tandem Flight Requirements:

In order to provide appropriate protection to the paying student, all tandem flights must adhere to the following operational rules:

1. Prior to all tandem flights, the passenger or student must be informed that such flights are conducted under an exemption granted by the FAA, and that the ultralight vehicle does not meet aircraft certification standards set forth by the FAA.
2. 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.
3. Possession of the USPPA Grant of Exemption, #9751 is mandatory while flying tandem.
4. All tandem accidents/incidents/malfunctions must be reported by the tandem pilot involved to the USPPA Incident Database. Other tandem pilots who witness an accident/incident/malfunction are encouraged to report their version.
• a. Submit reports to the USPPA.
• b. An accident/incident has occurred if there was equipment damage or injury or a likelihood of damage or injury that was barely averted.
5. Each operation must comply with all sections of Part 103, except 103.1(a) of the FAR.
6. Flights are conducted for training purposes only. The exemption applies only to flights for the purpose of giving instruction in two-place powered ultralight vehicles.
7. Tandem students must be informed on their initial flight with a tandem instructor 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.

Tandem Equipment:

Equipment must meet the following requirements for tandem operations:

1. The glider is recommended by the manufacturer for two-place flight.
2. Harness and carabiners in good condition with steel carabiners at the main hang points.
3. Hook knife on pilot.

These are recommended but not required:

1. Appropriate helmets for both occupants during flight.
2. 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.
3. First aid kit and communications (such as cell phone) are recommended.