Allows PPG Pilots To Train Under USUA Guidelines

The missions of the United States Ultralight Association and the United States Powered Paragliding Association are very similar. They both have the task of supporting, promoting and representing powered ultralight aviation -- and, both organizations have been at the forefront of powered ultralight training and safety issues.

With that in mind, it seems a natural fit for both entities to join forces to promote those common goals... and that's what happened this week. The agreement will allow both the USUA and USPPA to achieve their individual objectives, and provide additional benefits to members of each organization.

Representatives with both organizations tell ANN the cooperative effort will provide powered paraglider pilots the advantage of the resources of the oldest powered ultralight organization in the US -- while providing USUA members the opportunity to participate in a truly unique and exciting form of ultralighting.

Since 2001, USPPA has developed and implemented PPG pilot and instructor training programs. The success and safety of these programs is evidenced in the demand for a growing number of PPG flight schools in the US, servicing the fastest growing facet of ultralight aviation: Powered Paragliding.

USPPA attributes a large part of this growth to its promotion of the sport through its website, videos and other educational activities and resources. But while providing these exceptional benefits to its members, the resulting rate of growth has been taxing to the all-volunteer USPPA.

USUA has been promoting, protecting and representing ultralight aviation in the USA for over 20 years, and has been quite successful in providing much needed benefits to its members such as liability insurance, legal guidance in resolving airport access issues and other matters, as well as offering additional money saving member programs. The organization also conceived and developed the industry standard for training and registering fixed wing, trike and PPC pilots, instructors and ultralight vehicles.

USUA has also been able to serve its members effectively by providing a full time office and staff in support of these, and other member programs.

By combining resources, this arrangement provides the method in which PPG pilots and instructors can register, train and operate under USUA's FAA recognized programs. The full time USUA headquarters staff will be able to process and maintain all registrations, and provide assistance when needed. Tandem PPG instruction can be authorized under the USUA training exemption, and related training materials and supplies will be provided through the USUA Online Flying Store. Liability and commercial insurance can now be available for PPG pilots and flight schools. Representation and guidance by USUA's aviation attorneys can now be available to the PPG community as well.

Additionally, USUA represents microlight aviation (which includes PPGs) to the Federation Aeronautique International (the international aviation contests and records federation). USPPA/USUA member competitors will have the option and availability to participate in national and international sanctioned events, which allows for international recognition of their record setting accomplishments.

USPPA representatives will also be added to existing and future USUA committees. In this way, representation of PPG issues would be included in all relative discussions, thus providing the needed input and direction required by USUA to effectively represent PPG interests to FAA, as well as to the general public. USPPA officers have already been included in the USUA Competition Committee, and plans are being laid to incorporate this same level of expertise into the USUA Safety and Training and Awards Committees. As the development of the cooperative arrangement progresses, complete integration of PPG interest within USUA will be afforded.

By combining efforts and resources, both organizations hope the powered ultralight (fixed wing, trike, PPC and PPG) pilot can be served in ways that have never before been possible.

FMI: www.usua.org, www.usppa.org