FAA Exemption #4144

Pursuant to the authority contained in Sections 313(a) and 601(c) of the Federal Aviation Act of 1958, delegated to me by the Administrator (14 CFR 11.53), the individuals authorized by the USHGA are granted an exemption for the FAR's to the extent necessary to allow unpowered ultralight vehicles to be towed aloft by powered ultralights.

The exemption is subject to the following limitations:

1. Each operation must comply with all sections of Part 103 except #103.1(b) of the FAR.

2. No charge, assessment or fee may be made for the operation of the towing ultralight except the actual expenses of the specific flight.

3. Both pilots on both ultralights must possess a current pilot rating issued by the USHGA.

4. For identification purposes, the USHGA shall issue an individual authorization to each person allowed to conduct operations under this exemption. Each authorization shall include an identification number and a copy of this exemption. The USHGA shall have a procedure to rescind this authority when needed.

5. Operations conducted under this exemption shall be in accordance with the safety and certification rules and guidelines, as amended, established by the USHGA, including those specified in paragraphs 1 through 12 in the petitioners supportive information.

6. Each individual who operates an ultralight vehicle under the authority of this exemption must be familiar with the provisions contained herein and must have in his or her personal possession a copy of the authorization issued by the USHGA and a copy of this exemption. These documents shall be presented for inspection upon request by the FAA.

This exemption terminates on June 30th, 2008, unless sooner superseded or rescinded.

Daniel C. Beaudette
Director of Flight Operations
Issued in Washington, D.C. on October 25, 1984

The following requirements must be understood and adhered to:

1. Both vehicles (powered and unpowered ultralight) must meet the vehicle standards of Part 103.

2. Both vehicles must meet the requirements of the USHGA Towing standards.

3. While towing, both vehicles may be used for recreational purposes only.

4. The pilot of the powered ultralight vehicle must possess and have in his possession a current tow rating issued by the USHGA.

5. The pilot of the unpowered ultralight vehicle must possess and have in his possession a current pilot rating issued by the USHGA. This rating shall be at least a USHGA Intermediate (level 3) for a recreational pilot and a USHGA Novice (level 2) for a student pilot under the supervision of a USHGA certified instructor.

6. The unpowered ultralight (hang glider) may be used for two place instructional purposes if the instructor possesses a current USHGA instructor rating and is operating under the conditions of the two-place exemption.

7. Prior to a students first flight in a towed ultralight (hang glider), the pilot of the powered ultralight and the instructor must inform the student that instruction under tow is conducted under an exemption granted to the USHGA by the FAA.

8. The instructor must keep written record of all operations conducted under this exemption. The record shall include the students name, the date and the location of the instruction. The record must be maintained for 12 calendar months. The instructors shall present this record for inspection upon reasonable request by the USHGA or the FAA.

9. The instructor shall notify the USHGA within 30 days of any accident occurring while operating under this exemption. This information shall be made available upon reasonable request by the FAA.

10. The structural integrity of the tow hitch and tow line must be substantiated in accordance to USHGA standards and recorded in the tow launch vehicle records by the owner.

11. The operational capabilities of the powered ultralight to tow and release a hang glider satisfactorily must be demonstrated in an assigned test area under actual operational conditions to a USHGA observer and be duly recorded in the tow vehicle records.

12. Both towed and towing pilots must obey operational procedures set forth in the USHGA Towing standards.