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Hong Kong Paragliding Association April 14th, 1999 C 0 N T E N T S 1 General
2 Membership
3 Pilot Training and Rating
4 Mandatory Safety Requirements
5 Sites Guide
6 Incident/Accident Procedures
7 Blank Chapter 8 Publications From Chapter 11 onward, not on website yet
CHAPTER ONE 1 General
PARAGLIDING activities in Hong Kong are subject the rules and regulations of the HKPA as set out in the Operations Manual (OM). These rules must be read in conjunction with regulations set out by the CAD in Hong Kong and international air law. By flying paragliders in Hong Kong, pilots accept these rules unreservedly. The Operations Manual is written by the Safety, Training & Examinations Committee and approved by the Executive Committee. Flying sites and their restrictions are described in the Site Guide at Chapter Five. THE Hong Kong Paragliding Association (HKPA) is the governing body of all paragliding activities in Hong Kong, licensed to undertake paragliding, activities at selected sites and responsible towards government, the Civil Aviation Department and site owners for regulating paragliding activities. Anyone undertaking paragliding activities within Hong Kong is required to possess a HKPA pilot Rating or HKPA recognised overseas pilot Rating, to be a member of the Hong Kong Paragliding Association and to support and adhere to the rules and regulations as set out in the HKPA Operations Manual. The detailed objectives of the HKPA are set out in the Constitution of the HKPA. The aims, policies and objectives of the HKPA are intended to guarantee and to develop free airspace for paragliding in Hong Kong. A strong safety record and good co-operation with governmental bodies and site owners are crucial for the development of free airspace for paragliding in Hong Kong. THE organisation of the HKPA is set out in the Constitution of the HKPA.
THE STEC is appointed by the EC. The STEC consists of one or two members of the EC who will act as Secretary and/or Chairman as well as a minimum of two HKPA instructors or overseas instructors who are co-opted to serve as members. It is the responsibility of the STEC to advise the EC and to prepare recommendations for the EC regarding all paragliding safety, training and examination related matters in Hong Kong. Specific tasks of the STEC are: 1. The STEC is responsible for reviewing and updating the OM.
HKPA Representatives join the Safety Meetings organised by the CAD. Other matters and procedures related to the relationship between the HKPA and the CAD will be included by way of addendum to the OM. THE HKPA is concerned with all paragliding related activities. However, until further notice and for as long as there is no formal framework regulating the sport and its participants, the HKPA does not support paramotoring in Hong Kong. Also with a lack of suitable sites for hang gliding, the HKPA is currently not pursuing this activity.
CHAPTER TWO 2 Membership CLASSES of membership of the HKPA are set out in clause 4 of the Constitution and it shall be open to the members in general meeting to establish such other classes of membership, as they shall deem fit. Membership is available to any person subject to payment of all relevant membership and joining fees. Temporary Beginner Membership (exempt from payment of fees) will be granted to any beginner undergoing instruction with an HKPA approved instructor for six months. Temporary Membership (exempt from payment of fees) will be granted to any guest pilot (resident for less than 1 month) who is a member of a recognised overseas paragliding association and who is in possession of third party liability insurance which extends to paragliding in Hong Kong. The joining fee is due only once. A member will be issued a membership number for life. Life membership is available against payment of a one-time fee and for free for the Founding Committee members in recognition for their efforts in establishing the HKPA. A member no longer resident in Hong Kong is considered to be an Absentee Member and can rejoin the HKPA anytime upon payment of the yearly membership fee. Absentee Members can enjoy HKPA publications upon payment of subscription fees. Subscription and joining fees are determined from time to time by the members in general meeting and are set-out in the Constitution of the HKPA. Joining Fee HK$ ALL pilots must carry their valid HKPA membership card or IPPI card and shall produce it upon demand to * An HKPA Instructor All pilots must display a current membership sticker on their helmet. A visiting pilot (resident for less than 1 month) may become a Temporary Member of the HKPA. To obtain temporary membership, the visiting pilot is required to complete a membership application form and submit proof of: 1 . Membership of an overseas paragliding association recognised by the FAI. Visiting pilots are required to team up with a local pilot when visiting HKPA paragliding sites for the first time. As a member of the HKPA the visiting pilot is required to support and adhere to the rules and regulations as set out in the HKPA Operations Manual.
CHAPTER THREE 3 Pilot Training and Ratings THE title of each rating indicates the purpose of the rating. A pilot must complete all tasks in each level before he may be rated at that level. HKPA ratings are issued by the EC of the HKPA where:
THE ab-initio entrant to the sport is known as a beginner and has no rating. A Beginner Rating is granted to members who undertake paragliding instruction with a HKPA approved instructor. A beginner may not fly on his own. Only selected sites are available to beginners under training of an HKPA instructor. (See the Sites Guide) Beginners and student pilots should discuss any medical problems with their instructor before commencing any training. A BEGINNER who is a member of the HKPA and who has completed the tasks as set out in the Task Sheet For Student Pilot as assessed by an HKPA approved instructor and has completed the HKPA Student Pilot Theory Exam, may be granted the Student Pilot Rating upon receipt by the HKPA of the assessed Task Sheet and Theory Exam form. A Student Pilot may not fly on his own. Selected sites are available to Student Pilots under supervision of an instructor or Club Coach (see Sites Guide). Selected sites are available to Student Pilots under supervision of a Club Pilot and only after his instructor has introduced the Student Pilot to the site. Student Pilot Rating Tasks 1. Correctly carry out pre and post flight routines. A STUDENT Pilot who is a member of the HKPA who has completed the tasks as set out in the Task Sheet For Club Pilot as assessed by an HKPA approved instructor and has completed the HKPA Club Pilot Theory Exam, may be granted the Club Pilot Rating upon receipt by the HKPA of the assessed Task Sheet and Theory Exam form. Pilots rated and in possession of a valid rating from a recognised overseas paragliding association may apply for a HKPA Club Pilot Rating subject to approval of the Executive Committee (EC) of the HKPA. The HKPA may require local training and assessment of completion of certain tasks. A Club Pilot is allowed to fly on his own at HKPA approved sites. Club Pilot Rating Tasks 1 Complete a minimum of 20 flights since attaining the Student Pilot Licence with a ground clearance (QFE) of at least 100 metres and two flights of at least five minutes above take-off height. The flights must have been made at a minimum of two different sites. A CLUB Pilot who is a member of the HKPA and who has completed the tasks as set out in the Task Sheet For Pilot as assessed by an HKPA approved instructor and has completed the HKPA Pilot Theory Exam, may be granted the Pilot Rating upon receipt by the HKPA of the assessed Task Sheet and Theory Exam form. Pilots rated and in possession of a valid rating from a recognised overseas paragliding association may apply for a HKPA pilot rating subject to the approval of the EC of the HKPA. The HKPA may require local training and assessment of completion of certain tasks. A Pilot is allowed to fly on his own at HKPA approved sites. Pilot Rating Tasks 1. Completed a minimum of 50 flights and have a minimum of 10 hours of logged flying time since attaining the Club Pilot Rating. Pilot must have a total accrued airtime of 35 hours.
A PILOT who is a member of the HKPA and who has completed the tasks as set out in the Task Sheet For Advanced Pilot as assessed by an HKPA approved instructor and has completed the HKPA Advanced Pilot Theory Exam, may be granted the Advanced Pilot Rating upon receipt by the HKPA of the assessed Task Sheet and Theory Exam form. Pilots rated and in possession of a valid rating from a recognised overseas paragliding association may apply for a HKPA Advanced Pilot Rating subject to the approval of the EC of the HKPA. The HKPA may require local training, and assessment of completion of certain tasks. An Advanced Pilot is allowed to fly on his own at HKPA approved sites. Advanced Pilot Rating Tasks 1. At least 250 flights in total.
A PILOT who is a member of the HKPA and who has completed the tasks as set out in the Task Sheet For HKPA Instructor as assessed by the EC of the HKPA or a designated person, may be granted the HKPA Instructor Rating. The HKPA Instructor Rating is valid for a period of one year (12 months). Renewals are granted by the outgoing EC of the HKPA prior to the Annual General Meeting. The renewals are announced during the AGM and are subject to verification of safety records and experience. Additional training and assessment of completion of certain tasks may be required. An HKPA Instructor is allowed to train Beginners and Student Pilots, assess tasks required for HKPA pilot ratings and authorised to operate a paragliding training school. A paragliding instructor rated and in possession of a valid instructor rating from a recognised overseas paragliding association may apply for a HKPA instructor rating subject to the approval of the EC of the HKPA. The HKPA may require local training and/or assessment of completion of certain tasks. HKPA Instructor Rating Tasks (First time) 1. Submit proof of flying experience and Advanced Pilot rating. HKPA Instructor Rating Tasks (Trained Overseas) 1 . Submit proof, documents and references certifying that an Instructor's Rating has been obtained under a HKPA approved system. HKPA Instructor Rating Tasks (Renewal) A list of HKPA approved instructors is available from the HKPA. A HKPA School can appoint trainee instructors to assist an instructor. No rating is granted for such trainee instructor. A Club Pilot or above may act as a trainee instructor when:
A TI has no other status than as an assistant to an instructor and will affect the maximum number of students under training of the instructor only. The instructor is fully responsible at all times. The name and details of the Trainee Instructor shall be logged with the HKPA prior to any training by way of letter. The TI is responsible for his own logbook of all flying and instruction and is required to maintain a safety record detailing all injuries, mishaps in flight of students, etc. A PILOT who is a member of the HKPA and who has completed the tasks as set out in the Task Sheet For Tandem Pilot as assessed by an HKPA approved instructor and who has completed the HKPA Tandem Pilot Theory Exam, may be granted a Tandem Pilot Rating upon receipt by the HKPA of the assessed Task Sheet and Theory Exam form. The Tandem Pilot Rating is valid for a period of one-year (12 months). Renewals are granted by the outgoing EC of the HKPA prior to the Annual General Meeting. Renewals are announced during the AGM and are subject to verification of his safety record and experience. Additional training and assessment of completion of certain tasks may be required. A Tandem Pilot is allowed to fly with passengers at HKPA approved sites. Commercial tandem operations are not permitted in Hong Kong. Tandem flying for training is allowed as part of a complete beginner, student pilot course or as an introduction to paragliding only. Tandem Pilot Rating Tasks 1 . Possess an Advanced Pilot License
ASSESSMENT of tasks and examinations is the privilege of an HKPA approved instructor. Tasks for a higher rating may not be completed until the preceding rating has been achieved. Completed Assessment Task Forms are submitted to the Secretary of the HKPA. The approval of a pilot rating is subject to endorsement by the EC or STEC of the HKPA. The Executive Committee of the HKPA reserves the right to refuse a pilot rating or to demand further information in addition to the completed Assessment Task Form. The instructor is required to maintain a full record, logbook and all examination forms for his student for a period of at least 24 months.
THE HKPA will issue IPPI cards based on the HKPA Pilot Rating. The HKPA shall establish and maintain contact with overseas paragliding associations to co-ordinate recognition of HKPA Pilot Ratings. The HKPA may issue foreign pilots an HKPA Pilot Rating following review of his overseas pilot rating. The HKPA may deem it necessary for an HKPA instructor to observe and assess flying skills and the foreign pilot to complete a HKPA Theory Exam according to the Task Sheet of rating the pilot is applying for. A list of HKPA approved overseas paragliding associations is available from the HKPA. The HKPA rating and IPPI rating is related as follows: HKPA IPPI THE Executive Committee of the HKPA reserves the right to revoke or reduce pilot ratings and refuse renewal or revoke instructor ratings and memberships with immediate effect without any refund of fees paid and without any liability for damages to any business or career related to such decision. The possession of a rating imposes upon the member a responsibility to exercise and demonstrate consistently those skills and level of judgement which are required to obtain that rating. Failure to do so may be considered just cause for the revocation or reduction of a rating. Flying or instructing while one's abilities are impaired, whether by the use of drugs or alcohol, by emotional distress, or any other cause of impairment, shall constitute just cause for the revocation or reduction of a rating. Any and all activity contravening the rules, regulations, privileges and restrictions as set out in the Operations Manual may be considered just cause for the revocation or reduction of a rating. Prior to revocation/reduction the member will be given a verbal or written explanation of the problem and suggested corrective actions to be taken by the member over a specified period. Severe violations may warrant immediate revocation or reduction of a rating.
CHAPTER FOUR 4 Mandatory Safety Requirements THE HKPA reserves the right to declare certain equipment, models or brands, unsuitable. No such equipment may be used for paragliding in Hong Kong. MEMBERS of the HKPA may be authorised to use or designate use of type approved equipment on the frequencies of 130.10Mhz and 145.9875Mhz, for the purpose of conducting HKPA related business, meetings, events, search and rescue. For day to day communications 145.9875Mhz is the default frequency. It is the personal responsibility of HKPA members to ensure that their radios comply with the relevant Government regulations and that appropriate Ratings are issued. HKPA instructors should use the frequency 130.10Mhz for instruction. The following part of Section 4.2 is not an official notice, it is only for your reference. “Walkie Talkie” is refer to “radio” thereafter. The rules are for your own good. Please do not jeopardize this valuable resource because it is hardly acquired! Notes on application of radio license :
Usage rule :
Mandatory Safety Requirements For Training of Beginners 1 The instructor must be in contact with the beginner in the air by radio or voice (within vocal range) at all times. 5. Beginners are not to top land or ridge soar until their student pilot rating is achieved. No of beginners per instructor : 6
Mandatory Safety Requirements For Training of Student Pilots 1 The instructor, trainee instructor or appointed club pilot must be in contact with the student pilot in the air by radio or voice (within vocal range) at all times. No of student pilots per instructor : 8 KEEPING a log book is mandatory in Hong Kong for: 1 Beginners and Student Pilots. An instructor is to sign off tasks undertaken and flights on the day they are completed. MEMBERSHIP of the HKPA provides the member with a third party insurance cover to the value of HK$ 10,000,000 should an accident occur while flying, a paraglider in Hong Kong and elsewhere (other than the United States and Canada). Members must be flying in compliance with the Operations Manual for the insurance to be valid.
CHAPTER FIVE 5 Sites Guide THE following flying sites in Hong Kong are approved by the Civil Aviation Department (CAD) under the conditions stipulated for each site. Long Ke Wan (Sai Kung Country Park) Pyramid Hill - Training slopes (Ma On Shan) Pyramid Hill and Ridge (Ma On Shan) South Lantau Island (East & West) (a) Paragliding shall only take place during daylight hours on Saturdays and public holidays. (b) Paragliding activities shall be strictly limited to not above 2000 ft above mean sea level and within the revised areas designated as East Lantau and West Lantau. (c) Paragliders shall notify the GFS Operations Room on 2305-8301 before the commencement of Paragliding activity at the site. (d) Paragliders shall remain at least 1500 metres horizontally and 1000 ft vertically away from cloud and in a flight visibility of at least 5km when flying the site. This means remain visible. Dragon's Back Ridge (Shek 0) Wind directions between NE and SE are flyable, although the best is ENE or E. When flying in NNE conditions pilots may experience dramatic sink and therefore caution should be exercised. The Rocky Bay landing site must be visited before your first flight at this site has an approach that is demanding. It is best to set up close to the landing site just east of the fence. Bleed off your height, and then come in over the fence to touch-down. If you still have height then turn right and run this off on the beach. Beware the sink can be dramatic when crossing the golf course therefore always leave plenty of height. Sai Wan (Sai Kung Country Park) Ngan Yee Shek Shan (Sai Kung Country Park - above Pak Tam Au) Top landing at this site is relatively safe as both the lower and upper take-offs have flats areas immediately behind them. Pat Sin Range Cloudy Hill MORE site information can be obtained from Sites Guides published by HKPA on the Home page. Before flying at any site for the first time it is recommended you receive a brief from a current HKPA Club Pilot or above. ACCESS to the approved paragliding sites is subject to specific regulations for the site as determined by the landowner. All HKPA members are required to act accordingly. WIND socks are available from the HKPA. One windsock should be placed at take-off and one windsock at landing. Bamboo, plastic tubes and windsurfer masts are recommended as poles. TO protect our sites, members are required to take out what they bring in. Any and all garbage should be taken along during the flight and disposed of properly. All flora on take-off and landing sites should be protected and kept intact. Leave footprints only, take only pictures.
CHAPTER SIX 6 Incident And Accident Procedures
On witnessing an incident or accident it is important to take the following steps:
Contact: HKPA Safety Officer Mobile 94226116
THE HKPA organises First Aid and Management of Paragliding Accidents seminars, teaching First Aid. All pilots are encouraged to attend. On witnessing that a pilot has come down in an unexpected location or landed hard it is important that others who may assist quickly establish the condition on the downed pilot. The best way to achieve this, if possible, is to get to the pilot and carry out an assessment of his condition. But remember: - (a) Injured people invariably understate the extent of their injuries and shock (This is a killer) may take some time to manifest itself. (b) Therefore, remain with the pilot. Talk to him and continue to assess his condition for at least 20 minutes. Don't leave the injured alone unless it is absolutely necessary (c) As regards first aid apply the following principles Check for breathing
(c) Do not hesitate to call the emergency services on ‘999'. The service is free and you will not be billed for the response, including the use of helicopters. (d) In the injured pilot is in a remote area give a grid reference to the emergency services or agree on a meeting point and then direct them to the scene. (e) In you feel a helicopter is needed then insist on one and tell the people at ‘999' that is what you require. (f) If a helicopter is called get all other paragliders to land and secure any loose canopies. (g) If you are having difficulty making yourself understood to the ‘999' staff ask to speak to a supervisor and clearly state want you want done. (h) Be prepared to give the ‘999' people your name, telephone number and you may be asked to stay on line. The important thing is to act by assessing the situation and then implementing a plan of action.
MEMBERS are required to report any and all incidents to their Safety Officer or designated person. Mid-air collapses and/or safety chute deployment or landing in dangerous areas which require a search and rescue operation or might have led spectators to initiate search and rescue operations are to be reported at once to the Safety Officer or designated person as to co-ordinate with Police and other government bodies. In case of an injury, a written Accident Report form needs to be submitted within 72 hours after the accident. For any incident involving non-HKPA members a written Accident Report form needs to be submitted within 48 hours after the incident. Any incident, with or without injury, which could have been potentially is potentially life threatening and dangerous, which took place while under instruction needs to be reported with an Accident Report from by the instructor. Examples of such incidents include ditching, water landings, tree landings, near misses, canopy collapses, parachute deployments and other potentially dangerous incidents. All reports will be reviewed by the STEC. The STEC is responsible for the investigation of all incidents and accidents and can call a Board of Inquiry. Based on the outcome of incident and accident reports the STEC will issue Safety Notices, Summaries of Accident and Incidents, and Safety Recommendations, to its members. THE EC may deem it necessary to investigate an incident further and the EC may call on individuals to sit on a Board of Inquiry. The members of the Board may consist of HKPA members, instructors, and members of overseas paragliding associations and may include such third parties as the EC may determine. A Board of Inquiry will be required for all accidents that lead to permanent injury, death or which are considered to be significant by the EC or STEC. This section will be completed based on the BHPA rules and regulations, governing Boards of Inquiry.
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CHAPTER EIGHT 8 Publications SKYDANCE is the official publication of the Hong Kong Paragliding Association and includes notices by the EC and STEC. Copies are sent for free to members and representatives of overseas paragliding associations. Overseas members and interested par-ties can obtain paid subscriptions. THE EC and STEC will issue notices to the members as and when required. A LIBRARY of books, magazines and videos is maintained by the HKPA and members can rent the materials. The Library is currently kept with Mr Jack Macdonald. The HKPA Home Page address is http://www.glink.net.hk/~hkpa/.
CHAPTER NINE ALL members understand that paragliding is a potentially hazardous sport which implies a risk of personal injury and undertake not to hold the HKPA or any of its members liable for any injury or damage which they may make. All pilots warrant that they are not suffering from any mental or physical defect or infirmity and have not suffered any previous injury, disease or condition, which could increase the risk of a claim under the insurance policy of the HKPA. They undertake to report any such condition when it arises.
CHAPTER TEN Review of the Operations Manual The Safety, Training and Examination Committee (STEC) periodically review the OM. Any member or interested party can contact the STEC or one of its members with suggestions and recommendations regarding the OM. The OM will be formally reviewed and updated, including any addenda, safety notices and additional amendments, on an annual basis. Copies of the revised OM will be sent to the EC, STEC members and instructors 3 weeks (21 days) before the AGM of the HKPA. A copy of latest OM is held on the HKPA Homepage at http://www.glink.net.hk/~hkpa/. All HKPA members are informed of relevant safety, training and rating issues through Safety Notices and notices in HKPA publications. |
1.1 Introduction to the Operations Manual
