USPPA/USUA
Pilot Proficiency Ratings
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Here is the full Ratings Program (PDF) |
Grandfathering
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Ratings
Program Change
Aug
28,
2006
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After
reviewing instructor comments and observations, we have made a change to
the PPG2 rating requirement that makes it more realistic. The spot landing
requirements have been modified and changed to allow a slightly larger
area that better reflects the skills necessary for safe flying. Of course
it's always good to strive for more skill and better accuracy but a pilot
who can consistently land within 40 feet of his target has a sufficient
grasp of the craft to warrant the PPG2, our basic pilot rating. Relative
to speed, this is still stricter than what's required of an FAA private
pilot (the equivalent of a PPG2 in their certified world). The
full ratings document, now maintained as a PDF, is available on the
Ratings page or click here. |
Paramotor
Pilot
Ratings
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Ratings Information Moved/Improved
Aug
22, 2006
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We
have made changes to the ratings program to better align it with the
reality of PPG flying including the addition of wheels. All ratings now
include that launch skill (see below) if it was demonstrated. Also, we
have streamlined the ratings description for easier printing and
maintenance. We used to have it in two different locations (web and print)
which was more time consuming and error prone. The document is now
maintained as a PDF file (download here)
and the individual ratings pages have been removed. Changes are in yellow.
The process of streamlining and improving accessibility
continues.
Jerry Starbuck has updated our online database with the
new launch skills and further improved it. Plus online testing is now
available for USPPA/USUA Instructors.
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USPPA & USPPA
Ratings. This information applies to USUA PPG Instructors who will also be
given access to Online Testing and other training materials.
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Foot Launched vs Wheeled Launched
July
18, 2006
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A
distinction is being made between foot launched and wheel launched and the
ratings will be updated to reflect the distinction. All pilots who are
currently rated will be given a foot launched designation. There are some
skills, such as reverse kiting, which simply don't apply to the vast
majority of pilots who
only learn wheel launching. |
FL = Foot
Launched
WL= Wheel Launched Note: Tandem operations must always be foot launched. |
USUA
June
17, 2006
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The
agreement with USUA makes the USPPA ratings program equally available to
members of both organizations. |
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Costs
Feb
1, 2001
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Instructors may charge for their time either in the testing or
administration of a rating. To the extent time permits, instructors are
encouraged to provide testing for no charge. This will encourage more folks to
train to the standards then get tested for the rating.
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General
Feb,
2001
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To obtain a rating, the pilot
demonstrates the listed knowledge and skills necessary to for the rating sought after. Each
level recommends significant operating limitations. The pilot should use good judgment and have a level of maturity commensurate with the rating. All witnessed flights must be pre-planned by the pilot and discussed with the Instructor or
examiner.
Some of the training items include aspects that may not be used
by the pilot in their personal flying. These items, such as reserve deployment,
should be accomplished anyway so the student is familiar in case they later can
use the information.
There is no desire to limit anyone's flying based on these values unless a
local group wants to. In that case they will use these (or other) standards at
their discretion.
Some reasons for Ratings:
Compare your current skill level with what the rating requires and it's
recommended limitations;
To have a standard against which to measure your personal progress;
To use as a method for opening up flying sites. It gives
the flyer group a tool to approach the landowner regarding pilot
capabilities.
To use for competitions.
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Codes used:
The subject codes are labeled for record keeping purposes
according to the rating they apply to. The last letter of the code is one of the
following:
L - Logged
U - Understood
D - Demonstrated
E - Explained
R - Rating limitation
In order to maintain consistency with the USHGA ratings system
there are some variations where they occur on the USHGA system.
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Changes
Sept
28,
2004 (approved Sept 27)
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Some minor changes have been made to make the ratings
more realistic. Our instructors can now certify pilots who they have observed
without the "consecutive" requirement for various skills. Details of
what changed can be seen at the page bottoms for each rating.
Also, if a pilot goes to an instructor for the PPG3 rating,
the instructor can sign him off without the 120 day requirement using "equivalent"
experience which essentially means he has been an experienced pilot for at least
120 days prior even though he may not have the rating. It is left to the
instructor to determine this.
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