News Archives
 

2004 USPPA Fax

Dec 22, 2004

To streamline any number of processes, the USPPA now has a dedicated fax number. This can be handy for faxing documents related to ratings, news articles or anything else that cannot be directly emailed. The number is 717.828-3079.

Materials intended for a USPPA instructor are still best sent directly to that instructor. New applications may also be sent using this system although it is more accurate to use the web-based system. The fax number will remain at the lower right corner of the home page for easy reference.

Improvements

Dec 16, 2004

Participation continues to grow in our free sell-it area as quite a few items have been listed. Additionally the renewal process has been stream lined. 

Members are encouraged to upload their photos, it's always interesting to see a mug shots of our compatriots. To keep the load-times fast there is a limit and new programming makes sure that only the correct sized files make it up on the page. Jerry, James and Tim continue to tweak the system to both streamline the process and improve member services.

The new "Find it by equipment" feature is operational. Check it out on Member services page.

We also appreciate the many comments and encouragement that folks have left in the "Guestbook". 

They're Watching

Dec 10, 2004

The Charlotte County Sheriff's Office reports that they were called about a small ultralight, probably either a powered parachute or powered paraglider, flying around a water treatment plant. Several concerned citizens and the plant's chief called the police to report the "suspicious" activity. 

The pilot was located and reported he was new to the area and that he was just waving at people on the ground nearby. The pilot said he would not fly there again.

theUSPPA@gmail.com

Dec 5, 2004

Tim Kaiser (far left) has taken over the routine handling of our daily email queries. As Membership Administrator, he is well equipped to answer most questions regarding membership and magazine and works with UltraFlight to help ensure subscriptions continue to the right place for the right time. 

If you have questions that he cannot answer then they will be routed to the appropriate folks. Thank you to those who have offered comments (all positive too!) and suggestions for the new Member Services.

Also, James Zeman (above center left) continues to handle renewal issues and will be reminding those who are nearing expiration.

Members Partake

Dec 5, 2004

Our web capability continues to work. Jerry has clarified that User ID's and Passwords are NOT case sensitive which makes life a bit easier.

He also asks that pictures be uploaded at a small size to prevent having to manually crop and compress them. A size of 140 x 140 pixels is preferred. But *do* make sure you share your mug shot!

Web Capability Is Available

Nov 28, 2004

The USPPA has gained a new capability that will add value for all members. Thanks to the tireless efforts of computer guru and paramotor instructor, Jerry Starbuck, our database is now online, offering members a number of useful features.

Thanks also to Tim Kaiser, Membership Administrator, who has also been working with Jerry on the testing process and will be the primary contact for those with questions about the system.

Besides allowing members to join online and then immediately be able to access member services, it will give them the ability to add a picture to their profile, search for other members and sell goods for no charge. It also allows our volunteers to better spend their time on other projects.

There will be a "tips" section, a free "for sale" section as well as the ability to produce a number of useful reports. 

The static content of the web site will remain on the servers where it resides now while the new membership data and functionality will migrate to a service with greater features.. 

Instructions will be sent to all members of record as of November 29, 2004. Members will be given an initial user ID and password which they can change upon logging on. Those who join on the new system will be given a default user ID but can change that too. More will be forthcoming after any initial bugs are worked out.

Fire Damages "Paradrome"

Nov 4, 2004

Video Tribute

Nick Scholtes, long time paramotor pilot and ardent supporter of our sport, recently suffered a fire at the shop that houses all of his gear and other equipment. The fire apparently start from a malfunctioning heat gun and spread quickly. By the time firemen arrived the damage was already extensive. 

A number of motors received significant damage, a lot of memorabilia including model airplanes and some shop equipment was destroyed. Most contents of the building suffered smoke damage. Fortunately nobody was injured including the animals in an adjoining barn.

Nick has been a long time supporter of the sport and helped many people into their first flights. This came at a particularly tough time for the family since his regular job was eliminated about a year ago and he has been working for much less pay since then. Donations to help restore what insurance does not cover would likely be quite helpful; they can be sent to: Nick & Stacey Scholtes,   21705 County Line Rd., Joliet, IL  60431

Phil Russman of LiteTouchFilms.com has put together a brief video tribute. It can be viewed by clicking here.

Growing Interest?

Oct 12, 2004

There must be more people looking at powered paragliding. Our web site recorded it's largest viewership ever in the first 11 days of October averaging over 10,000 page views per day.

No doubt the sport is growing and interest continues to increase. The upside is that more people mean more investment, more political impact and more friends to share this incredible journey with. 

But it also means more wear on our sensitive neighbors. We and our new friends must avoid noisy or offensive behavior lest our favored sites go the way the dinosaur. We must preserve our reputation to preserve our sites - then maybe we can get those skeptical neighbors on our side of the grass! 

PPG College Ground School

Oct 7, 2004

It started Oct 7 but may not be too late to join in. 

It is an 8 week (24 total hours) program covers all areas of knowledge related to personal flying. Those who attend may gain credit in their logbooks for ground instruction required for ultralight students, pilots and instructors, and/or FAA student, Recreational and Private pilots of every category of aircraft (i.e. Glider, Airplane, Rotorcraft, Lighter-Than-Air and Powered Lift).

This training qualifies for the ground instruction portion of an FAA Flight Review. This is not an FAA Wings program. Sport Pilot written test questions and practical test standards will be included if issued by FAA as planned, and we will be sure that you get all credit permitted by FAA toward Sport Pilot.

Your final exam can be U.S. Powered Paraglider Assn, EAA, USUA, ASC, or we can provide the required FAA Instructor endorsement for those wanting to take FAA written tests.

Folks at all skill levels are welcome and no prerequisites are necessary. To Register call: Frederick Community College (301) 846-2431 and ask about Course Number AIR101.

Member/Magazine Renewal

Sept 26, 2004

It has come to our attention that USPPA members are are getting renewal notices from UltraFlight.  Please DO NOT send in the renewal.  You will get a notice from the USPPA when your membership is up for renewal, and you can renew by sending the USPPA your payment. UltraFlight notices went out by accident to USPPA members but that problem has been corrected.

If you sent payment to UltraFlight but wanted to keep your membership current, please let UltraFlight know and you will be credited appropriately. You can email them at Ultraflight@Ultraflight.com.

PPG Insurance?

Sept 10, 2004

A Primer On 3rd Party Liability Insurance

What We are exploring the possibility of having 3rd party liability insurance with a $1 Million aggregate limit ($100,000 individual) be part of our membership dues. The officers felt that we must seek comment from the membership before proceeding with what would be a significant increase in dues.

There is significant value in being able to provide insurance that protects the landowners at sites where we fly - they are far more inclined to allow our operations. That is what this insurance provides. 

It is still hoped that the USHGA include paramotors under their program and we work together on integrating functions. But they must still vote on it and implement a program. Until then or if they do not, then this would offer a very attractive alternative.

All the details are not put together since we need to see if this has sufficient support. The basics are that the insurance would be available under the following conditions:

1. It must be a requirement of membership. Dues would go to $94 per year and include the magazine and insurance.

2. Pilots would have to adhere to the limitations and guidelines. Non-rated pilots would require bigger fields and more benign conditions, higher rated pilots could use more restrictive sites within the recommendations of their rating.

3. Higher limits may be available at extra cost - Accidental death and dismemberment would be part of the coverage.

4. A waiver and acknowledgement form must be signed by each member before coverage can begin.