CIVL Structural Limits for Hang Gliders

---

HANG GLIDING SAFETY STANDARDS

Purpose

The purpose of these standards is to insure a certain minimum level of structural integrity and pilot safety in class 1, 2 and Class 5.

In general hang gliders should comply with the load test certification standards of, the HGMA, BHPA or DHV, or similar testing body. Where dimensional limits are applied to structures, these have been chosen such that adequate strength is achievable with materials currently in use. Reduced strength due to use of unconventional materials meeting these dimensional limits is the competitor's responsibility. Where relevant the conventional material is stated. These standards override the certified configuration of a glider.

Structural limits

• Minimum diameter of any structural external wire cables is 1.9 mm or 5/64 inches.
• Where an external compression strut is braced with rigging wires they must attach within 10 cm of the point were the compression load is applied.
• Sidewise shall attach to A-frames at no more than 10 cm above the plane of the control tube, measured when the glider is resting on a horizontal surface.
• If a control bar is made of materials other than metal, it must have an internal steel rigging cable that serves as a structural backup.
• The pilot suspension must include a non-metallic load bearing material of minimum 50 mm2 cross-section area (normal material Nylon woven webbing with 1000 kg breaking strain). The attachment loop must have a backup, which bypasses any mechanical devices and either the main, or backup must be non-metallic.
• A rescue parachute capable of deployment by both the right and left hand of the pilot in a normal flying attitude is mandatory.

References to compression struts and rigging wires refers to the loads placed on parts of a glider by flight stresses. Gliders with cantilevered wings do not apply compression loads to the uprights, while in general, Class 1 gliders do have uprights which are under compression in flight. Control cables are not deemed to be structural. Any external part of the glider which has compression loads placed upon it during flight is an "external compression strut", and therefore bracing wires attached to it shall conform to these rules.

Where the terminology or definitions which are used in these rules are in question with any particular glider, the relevant protest committee will provide a ruling.

Ballast

A competing glider may carry jettison-able ballast only in the form of fine sand or water. A pilot must avoid dropping ballast at any time or in a manner likely to affect other competing gliders or third parties. For PG competition, the total ballast, including all flight equipment and the glider must not exceed 33 kilograms in addition to the pilot's weight. The Pilot's weight is defined as body weight when dressed in jeans, shirt and undergarments.

© 1974 - 2012 United States Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association, Inc. All Rights Reserved • Terms of Use • Privacy Policy