https://www.hpac.ca/pub/?pid=363H1
Beginner
General Description
A Beginner pilot has the knowledge and basic skills necessary to fly and practice within significant operating limitations. The pilot understands the HPAC/ACVL hang gliding rating system and recommended operating limitations. The pilot shall use good judgment and have a level of maturity commensurate with the rating.
Beginner Rating - Required Witnessed Tasks
Attends and completes a basic ground school.
Understands and demonstrates use of radio.
Shows the ability to set up and preflight hang glider and harness.
Demonstrates ground handling skills sufficient to launch - under control.
With each flight, demonstrates method(s) of establishing that pilot is properly connected to the hang glider, ie hang check.
Launches unassisted showing:
Appropriate ground speed and pitch control during launch.
Level wings and directional control.
Smooth transition from running to flying.
Recognizes and controls airspeed,
Two flights, predetermined to show:
Constant airspeed.
Smooth straight flight towards a pre-selected target.
Safe, smooth landing, into wind.
Four flights, predetermined to show:
Confident, slight variation in airspeed and direction showing awareness of control inputs.
Smoothly increasing airspeed, and smoothly slowing airspeed showing good control.
Safe, smooth landing, into wind.
Recognizes and understands how different wind conditions at a site will affect flights.
Wind direction.
Wind velocity.
Terrain shape.
Obstructions.
On each flight, demonstrates proper post-landing procedure, to include, but not limited to:
Hang glider control appropriate for wind conditions.
Unhooking prior to ground handling.
Checking traffic.
Removal of hang glider from landing area.
Demonstrates understanding of the importance of proper packing, transport, storage, and care of the hang glider.
Passes the HPAC/ACVL Beginner hang gliding written exam.
Agrees to all the provisions of the HPAC/ACVL standard waiver and assumption of risk agreement for the Beginner rating and deliver an original signed copy to the HPAC/ACVL office.
Recommended Operating Limitations for Beginner Pilot:
Flights should not exceed 300 ft (100 m) AGL.
Should exceed these limitations only after demonstrating complete mastery of the required Beginner hang gliding tasks (above), and only after acquiring a full understanding of the potential problems and dangerous situations which may arise from exceeding these limitations.
All flights should be made under the direct supervision of a HPAC/ACVL certified instructor.
Flies only in steady winds of 12 mph (20 km/h) or less.
If foot launching, only launches when the wind is within 30° of being straight up the slope with a wind less than 6 mph (10 km/h), and within 15° for winds 6-12 mph (10-20 km/h).
Launches only when there are no obstructions within 60° to either side of the intended flight path.
Flies appropriate sites for this skill level.
Flies a hang glider recommended by the manufacturer as suitable for Beginner or Novice pilot.
Flies a hang glider equipped with wheels on the basetube.
Wears a helmet while flying a hang glider.
Many items may be improved or sharpened.
Note that "should be" may be respected with variations. Consider the rich realm of caring mentorship from a recreational seasoned pilot.
Notice that homebuilt hang glider are slighted.
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