General Description:

A Novice paraglider pilot has the knowledge and basic skills necessary to fly and practice without direct instructor supervision but within significant operating limitations. The pilot understands the USHPA paragliding rating systems and recommended operating limitations. 

The pilot shall use good judgment and have a level of maturity commensurate with the rating. Pilots must demonstrate Beginner level skills and knowledge before obtaining the Novice rating. All witnessed flights must be pre-planned by the pilot and discussed with the Instructor or specially qualified Observer. 

Novice Rating – Foot Launch – Required Witnessed Tasks:

 A.       Logged Requirements

1)       Attends a minimum of 8 hours of ground school

2)       25 flights

3)       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 degrees cross to straight up the hill in wind not exceeding 5 mph.

9)       Demonstrates 2 no-wind (0-5 mph) inflations/launches.

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

11)   Demonstrates 2 high-wind (10-15 mph) 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 stall speed.

14)   Demonstrates flights along a planned path alternating ‘S’ turns of at least 90 degrees change in heading. Flight heading need not exceed 45 degrees 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 ft 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 ft 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 flight path.

21)   Explains the right-of-way traffic rules.

22)   Demonstrates reserve deployment while hanging in a harness 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 (parachute landing fall) 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.

Novice Rating – Tow Launch – Required Witnessed Tasks:

A.       Must demonstrate the above-mentioned Novice paraglider rating foot-launching tasks except B tasks 8-11.

B.       Must demonstrate system setup and preflight, including a complete discussion of all those factors which are particular to the specific tow system used and those factors which are relevant to towing in general. Must demonstrate complete understanding of both normal and emergency procedures, including checklists for normal procedures and the indications of an impending emergency and convince the Instructor of his ability to recognize and execute emergency procedures.

C.      Demonstrates successful, confident, controlled launches and flight under tow to release at altitude, with a smooth transition to flying, with proper directional and pitch control resulting in proper tracking of the towline and appropriate maintenance of proper towline tension and airspeed.

D.      Demonstrates understanding of all Novice-level Paragliding Tow Discussion Topics.

Recommended Operating Limitations for Novice Pilots:

A.       Should exceed these limitations only after thoroughly mastering all required tasks, and after acquiring a full understanding of the potential problems and dangers involved in exceeding these limitations.

B.       Maximum base wind of 12 m.p.h.

C.      Maximum peak gusts to 15 m.p.h.

D.      Maximum gust rate of 5 m.p.h. in 5 seconds.

E.       Should not fly in thermal lift where peak climb rates exceed 200 fpm.

F.       If foot launching, should launch only on slopes steeper than 4:1, where the wind is within 25 of being straight up the slope.

G.      Visual contact with the landing zone.

H.      Avoid application of either brake beyond 2/3 of the way from slack to stall position.

I.         Limit turns to 30 of bank, limit speed in turns to 1.5 times the straight line, brakes off, cruise speed, and smoothly exit any spiral turn which shows a tendency to steepen or accelerate.

J.        Should fly a canopy recommended by the manufacturer as suitable for Beginner to Intermediate pilots.