In the FAA viewpoint, the following are the Basic Safety and Right of Way Rules.
100.05 TRAFFIC AND RIGHT OF WAY RECOMMENDATIONS
A. 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.
In Teaching, I Like to Expand on These Rules
The basic right-of-way rules are fairly simple, but understanding why they exist is important. Here are a few additional points I emphasize when teaching students.
A. Take Off Into the Wind
This is fairly obvious in most situations and is generally common sense. Paragliders are normally launched into the wind.
In a very light tailwind—less than about 2–3 mph—it may be possible to launch from a mountain site, but doing so requires excellent running ability and appropriate terrain. More importantly, make sure the apparently light wind is not simply the result of trees, terrain, or other obstructions blocking stronger airflow.
If there is any question, check conditions from an exposed location on the upwind side of the mountain or hill to confirm that the actual wind is truly light.
As a general rule, launching with a tailwind is a bad idea.
When ridge soaring, also give pilots who are preparing to launch plenty of room. Avoid lingering directly in front of an active launch. Doing so can interfere with pilots trying to launch and unnecessarily reduce their margin of safety.
B. Make Reversing Turns Away From the Ridge
When ridge soaring, reversing turns should be made away from the ridge, not toward it.
Turning downwind toward the ridge or cliff produces a higher groundspeed and requires considerably more room to complete the turn. It also goes against the normal traffic pattern and can confuse other pilots who expect you to turn away from the terrain.
If a pilot begins a reversing turn toward the ridge without sufficient clearance, there may be no safe way to exit the turn before reaching the terrain.
When reversing direction, turn away from the ridge.
C. When Overtaking Another Glider, Pass on the Ridge Side
Do not overtake another glider on the pilot’s upwind side. Doing so can crowd the other pilot and may expose them to your wake.
If your glider is faster than the glider ahead, first slow down as much as practical. If there is adequate room to safely pass between the other glider and the ridge, you may overtake on the ridge side.
If there isn’t sufficient room to pass safely, don’t force the situation. Make a reversing turn and create additional separation.
D. Give Way to the Right
When two gliders approach one another while ridge soaring, the pilot with the ridge on their right has the right-of-way.
A simple way to remember this is:
“The glider with their right wing toward the hill has the right-of-way.”
The pilot with the ridge on their left must give way by moving to the right, away from the ridge, providing adequate room for the approaching glider to pass.
Think of it somewhat like meeting opposing traffic on a road: keep to the right.
E. Avoid Flying Directly Above or Below Other Gliders
Avoid positioning yourself directly above or below another glider whenever possible.
A pilot below you generally cannot see you, so the higher pilot has the greater responsibility to maintain separation. If a lower glider moves underneath you, assume that pilot does not know you are there and reposition yourself.
Likewise, if you are the lower pilot and are aware of a glider above you, avoid deliberately flying directly underneath it.
This becomes particularly important while thermaling. A lower glider may climb faster than a glider above it. If that happens, the higher pilot may need to adjust position—or even leave the thermal—to maintain safe separation.
If you are the higher pilot, assume the lower pilot cannot see you and maintain adequate separation.
F. Thermal in the Same Direction
When entering an occupied thermal, circle in the same direction as the pilots already thermaling.
Having everyone circle in the same direction makes each pilot’s path much easier to anticipate. Pilots circling in opposite directions create unnecessary closing situations and make the thermal much more difficult to manage safely.
If I enter a thermal and another pilot is already established, I match that pilot’s direction.
If several pilots are thermaling together and I see someone circling in the opposite direction, I will generally leave the thermal rather than remain in a confusing traffic pattern.
The principle is simple:
When joining other pilots in a thermal, follow the established direction of rotation.
Note – There can be some confusion with the above rules. I wrote the article – Beyond the Standard “Right – of – Way Rules” to help you better understand the basic rules. This was published in the USHPA magazine in 1996.
