What do I need to do to get my 1st flights?

• You must memorize R1234STARVE and show us that you thoroughly do your preflight checks before EVERY launch.

• You must be able to turn the glider 45° and straighten it up to show that you can consistently correct the pull of the glider.

• You must show consistent, controlled forward launches with smooth controlled corrections when needed.

• You must have sat through at least one simulator session to learn how to get in and out of the harness, use the stirrup, show smooth brake inputs, show smooth weight shifting turns, and show good landing techniques.

• You must have either signed the 10 day waiver of liability or join USHPA.

What must I do to go from lower launch to upper launch?

• You have your own gear with a reserve parachute.

• You must demonstrate to the instructors that you have memorized the preflight checks, R4STARVE and consistently DO the preflights before every attempted launch.

• You set up your glider showing awareness of wind strength, flying conditions and thorough awareness of site hazards.

• You can untangle your lines without the instructor’s assistance.

• You must demonstrate consistent control on all forward launches. 

• You have the correct body position (lean forward) and hand position (you can feel where the glider is through the appropriate brake pressure) for each launch.

• If the wing pulls to one side you can smoothly correct it or abort your launch without the instructor’s input.

• Your launch pace and acceleration show a sensitivity to what the wing and conditions require for a safe launch.

• The wing does not pitch back or forward when you launch.

• The wing does not roll.

• You can correct any yaw, whether this is due to pilot input or conditions.

• If you are lifted off the ground early you can control the wing when you touch down and run again without letting the wing pitch forward.

• You show that you know when to abort a launch and you can safely execute an abort.

• You can execute both a dynamic and a static reverse launch. 

• You know the difference between a dynamic and static reverse launch and know when it is appropriate which to use.

• You have the correct body position (lean forward) and hand position (you can feel where the glider is through the appropriate brake pressure) for each launch.

• You are not rushing the reverse launch, the turn, or the run. No “turn & burn”.

• If the wing pulls to one side you can smoothly correct it or abort your launch without the instructor’s input.

• Your launch pace and acceleration show a sensitivity to what the wing and conditions require for a safe launch.

• The wing does not pitch back or forward when you launch.

• The wing does not roll.

• You can correct any yaw, whether this is due to pilot input or conditions.

• If you are lifted off the ground early you can control the wing when you touch down and run again without letting the wing pitch forward.

• You understand proper launch etiquette. 

• If the launch site is busy, you know you should do your preflight checks on the side, out of the way.

• When to move your glider to an empty space.

• You check airspace and all clear.

• You call out “launching” when you are ready to launch.

• You offer to move out of the way if you have 2 or more aborted launches to make room for other pilots.

• You show awareness of your directional control both on the ground and when you get airborne and make corrections before getting comfortable in your harness.

• You show awareness of changing conditions and respond appropriately.

• Your flight planning is excellent.

• You can consistently land within 20’ of the spot landing

• You always land on your feet.

• Your flare timing is excellent.

• You always land into the wind.

• You have attended the maneuvers ground school in preparation for upper launch.

• There are at least 2 instructors who agree you are ready to go to upper launch.