P2 Flying Tasks
Basics for Paragliding Pilots

Below is a list of the main flying skills students need to demonstrate. Some of these I have added and others are the basics for the skills that a student pilot needs to demonstrate according to the USHPA.

14.01 Novice Rating - Foot Launch - Required Witnessed Tasks

A. Logged Requirements

• Attends a minimum of 8 hours of ground school.
  25 flights.
  
  
• 5 flying days.

B. Demonstrated Skills and Knowledge

1. Demonstrates layout and preflight of the canopy, harness, and backup reserve parachute.


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


3. Demonstrates 5 consecutive forward inflations with a visual check of the canopy each time.


4. Demonstrates 5 consecutive controlled reverse inflations with proper surge dampening.


5. Demonstrates controlled kiting of a glider overhead for 2 minutes in a steady wind.


6. Demonstrates 2 clean, smooth reverse inflations/reversals prior to launch.


7. With each flight, demonstrates a method of establishing that the pilot is properly connected to the glider, with cleared lines and risers just prior to inflation.


8. Demonstrates 2 successful, aggressive, confident inflations/launches, where the wind is at least 15° cross to straight up the hill in wind not exceeding 5 m.p.h.


9. Demonstrates 2 no-wind (0-5 m.p.h.) inflations/launches.


10. Demonstrate how to brief and instruct a ground crew and explain when an assisted launch is necessary.


11. Demonstrates 2 high-wind (10-15 m.p.h.) inflations/launches.


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


13. Demonstrates flight showing the 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 slow the glider to near the stall speed.


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


15. Demonstrates hands-off flying, weight-shift turns, and rear-riser turns.


16. Demonstrates the ability to judge and allow for proper clearance from a ridge and other aircraft.


17. Demonstrates 5 landings within 25' of a target, safe, smooth, on the 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.


18. Explains proper strong wind landing procedures and how to keep from being dragged back.


19. Explains correct canopy maintenance.


20. Explains how to lengthen and shorten the flight path.


21. Explains the right of way traffic rules.


22. Demonstrates reserve deployment while hanging in a harness in simulated turbulence or malfunction conditions.


23. Gives a thorough verbal demonstration of knowledge of how to:

a. Maintain directional control during and correct for an asymmetric wing fold of 25% of the wing span.


b. Fly at minimum sink while precluding any chance of inadvertent stall or spin.


c. Increase descent rate and/or forward speed.

24. Demonstrates proper and effective PLF technique.

25. Must pass the USHPA Novice Paragliding written exam.

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

B. Demonstrated Skills and Knowledge
1. Demonstrates layout and preflight of the canopy, harness, and backup reserve parachute.
2. Gives a reliable analysis of general conditions of the site and self, and a flight plan including
Copyright © 2006, The United States Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association, Inc. page 23 of 36
Rating System - Pilot Proficiency System - SOP 12-2 Revised 10/06
flight path, areas to avoid in relation to the wind flow, and obstacles to stay clear of.
3. Demonstrates 5 consecutive forward inflations with a visual check of the canopy each time.
4. Demonstrates 5 consecutive controlled reverse inflations with proper surge dampening.
5. Demonstrates controlled kiting of a glider overhead for 2 minutes in a steady wind.
6. Demonstrates 2 clean, smooth reverse inflations/reversals prior to launch.
7. With each flight, demonstrates a method of establishing that the pilot is properly connected to the glider, with cleared lines and risers just prior to inflation.
8. Demonstrates 2 successful, aggressive, confident inflations/launches, where the wind is at least 15° cross to straight up the hill in wind not exceeding 5 m.p.h.
9. Demonstrates 2 no-wind (0-5 m.p.h.) inflations/launches.
10. Demonstrate how to brief and instruct a ground crew and explain when an assisted launch is necessary.
11. Demonstrates 2 high-wind (10-15 m.p.h.) inflations/launches.
12. Demonstrates flight with smooth variation in airspeed, from above minimum sink to fast flight, while maintaining a heading.
13. Demonstrates flight showing the 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 slow the glider to near the stall speed.
14. Demonstrates flight(s) along a planned path alternating 'S' turns of at least 90° change in heading. Flight heading need not exceed 45° from straight into the wind. Turns must be smooth with controlled airspeed, ending in safe, stand up landings on a heading.
15. Demonstrates 360-degree turns in both directions, and at various speeds and bank angles.
16. Demonstrates hands-off flying, one handed flying skills, weight-shift turns, and rear-riser turns.
17. Demonstrates symmetric and asymmetric tip folds for increased descent rate.
18. Demonstrates the ability to judge and allow for proper clearance from a ridge and other aircraft.
19. Demonstrates 5 landings within 25' of a target, safe, smooth, on the 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 over-flying the target. The target should be at least 100' below the launch point.
20. Explains proper strong wind landing procedures and how to keep from being dragged back.
21. Explains correct canopy maintenance.
22. Explains how to lengthen and shorten the flight path.
23. Explains the right of way traffic rules.
24. Explains the use of a speedbar/accelerating system.
25. Demonstrates reserve deployment while hanging in a harness in simulated turbulence or malfunction conditions.
26. Gives a thorough verbal demonstration of knowledge of how to:
a. Maintain directional control during and correct for an asymmetric wing fold of 25% of the wing span.
d. Fly at minimum sink while precluding any chance of inadvertent stall or spin.
e. Increase descent rate and/or forward speed.
27. Demonstrates proper and effective PLF technique.
28. Must pass the USHPA Novice Paragliding written exam.
29. Must agree to all the provisions of the USHPA standard waiver and assumption of risk agreement for the Novice rating and deliver an original signed copy to the USHPA office.
30. Acknowledges and understands the need to become familiar with site-specific restrictions and
Copyright © 2006, The United States Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association, Inc. page 24 of 36
Rating System - Pilot Proficiency System - SOP 12-2 Revised 10/06
launch or landing access limits, consistent with preservation of flying privileges at a site.

Added Tasks for Airtime of San Francisco's P2 / Unlimited Program:

• Demonstrate Big Ears:
  
  
  • Properly engage Big Ears
    
    
  • Exit smoothly from Big Ears
    
    
  • Steer the glider using weight shift while Big Ears are engaged
    
    
• Demonstrate usage of Speed Bar:
  
  
  • Properly engage the Speed Bar
    
    
  • Smoothly push the Speed Bar, then relase smoothly
    
    
• Ridge Soaring Practice with Top Landings:
  
  
  • Successful Kiting and subsequent take off in controlled manor at ridge soaring site
    
    
  • Demonstrate wind management techniques and staying in the correct area for a successful and safe soaring flight of at least 10 or 15 minutes
    
    
  • Demonstrate a few safe approaches for top landing with smooth flairs into wind
    
    
• Demonstrate combined use of Speed Bar and Big Ears:
  
  
  • Demonstrate application of Speed Bar while Big Ears are engaged.
    
    
• Demonstrate and maintain direction with application of asymetrical Big Ear:
  
  
  •