NZHGPA-Notices: Speed Flying and new OPM

Introduction

The latest version (v1.62) of our OPM includes new rules and ratings for speed wing pilots and for speed wing coaches. The applicable rules are in sections 6.7.18 and 6.7.19 of OPM, which is now online http://www.nzhgpa.org.nz/members/opmforms

If you fly a glider which fits the definition below you will need a speed wing licence from 31 Jan 2021

Definition of a Speed Wing; means a paraglider which is:

1. Designated by the manufacturer as a speed wing or speed flying wing or,

2. any wing listed in the NZHGPA speed wing data list (here) as a speed wing or,

3. any other paraglider type wing of less than 18 m2 flat area flown at a wing loading of 7kg/m2 or more.

For Pilots

You can continue to fly speed wings until 31 Jan 2021 provided you hold at least PG2 plus one of the following:

- have completed an additional 40 flights, OR

- hold a skydiving C licence.

The requirement to log 40 flights on a paraglider after qualifying as PG2 and before beginning speed flying has not changed from the previous rules. Please take your time to learn to fly well on a traditional paraglider before you take on a speed wing.

How do I get the new rating?

Have a read through the speed wing manual to brush up - you might learn something you didn’t know. Then sit the speed wing theory test. Links are provided below.
Contact one of the speed wing coaches once you have passed the theory test to arrange for an assessment of your experience and flying skills. A list of speed wing coaches will be supplied soon.

Coaches will need to to verify that you have recently demonstrated the skills listed in OPMF81 either by directly observing your flying or by viewing video of you flying sometime in the last 12 months. (Please note your own helmet cam doesn’t show you flying, we need an outside observer.) In either case you must demonstrate at least one controlled forward foot launch in wind less than 10 kph and the other skills listed in part (B). You should also state the model and size of the wing you used and your flying weight so we can make sure it fits the definition of a speed wing.

If you have any questions about the SWP rating please address them to speedflying@nzhgpa.org.nz

For Coaches

The first coaches will have proven recent high levels of competence in speed wing flying, a great attitude and the ability to pass that on to others.

Project leader, Blake Round, will be appointed as the first speed wing coach. He, along with training manager Mark Hardman, will then authorise the first few speed wing pilot ratings and coaches based on written applications using OPMF81 or OPMF82. We won’t be rushing the process and we expect to collect a number of applications before any approvals are done.

If you are interested in being a coach please start by studying the guide and siting the theory test. When you have passed the test you can fill out OPMF82 and email it to training@nzhgpa.org.nz. There is no need to resend your current first aid certificate if it is already held by the NZHGPA. A current first aid certificate does not need to be submitted with your initial application, however final approval won’t be given until the certificate is provided. Please note that you need to show you have recent experience (i.e. last 12 months). The initial coach ratings issued will be valid for 2 years and will then be reviewed in the light of lessons we learn along the way.