USHPA Certification and Information
How United States Hang gliding and Paragliding Association functions
The USHPA (United States Hang gliding and Paragliding Association) is a California Corporation, incorporated
in March 1974. Fifteen years later, in 1989, the association was moved from Southern California
to Colorado Springs, CO. USHPA is still a California corporation doing business in Colorado.
The USHPA is a private, voluntary, membership, non-profit corporation. This is the way it and
other private associations are viewed by the California court system. This means that the association
is free to establish and change its membership requirements, dues structures and operating
procedures. This is done through an elected body of representatives, the regional directors.
The directors are charged with making the policy decisions of the association.
The United States Hang gliding and Paragliding Association has no governmental authority, does not own any
flying sites, does not negotiate nor enter into any permits for flying sites, does not control
any flying sites or the flying that takes place at them. The sports of hang gliding and paragliding
are not controlled by the USHPA, anyone can fly. The only regulatory authority for flight in
the United States is the Federal Aviation Administration.
USHPA's purpose is to provide benefits to its membership, which include but are not limited
to: A pilot rating program. A structured instructor certification program. A training structure
for tandem flight and aero towing. Local club affiliation for the benefit of negotiated site
insurance coverage. A national magazine for flying, product and safety information.
Third party and participant liability insurance coverage for members. These are the obvious
benefits - there are many more not so obvious benefits such as considerable behind the scenes
support in site negotiations for acquisition and preservation of flying sites. USHPA's relationship
with the clubs is voluntary. The clubs are independent, autonomous, self-governing organizations,
which elect to affiliate with USHPA and obtain club benefits. The USHPA is a business. In 1996,
our audited financials show that USHPA exceeded one million dollars in revenue. The policies
of the association are governed by its' bylaws and SOP's (standard operating procedures).
There are 20 elected regional directors who serve two-year terms and vote on policy decisions.
The bylaws provide for five directors-at-large who are elected by the twenty regional directors
for a one-year term and also vote on association policy matters. The bylaws provide for an
unlimited number of honorary directors, elected by the regional and at-large directors for
one-year terms. Currently there are eight honorary directors chosen for their interest and
expertise. They do not have a vote on the board.
Each fall the Board elects officers for a one-year term. They are the president, vice president,
secretary, and treasurer and make up the executive committee. Between meetings of the board,
the executive committee is empowered by the bylaws to act on behalf of the board of directors.
This structure permits ongoing decisions to be made in the conduct of the association's business.
The United States Hang gliding and Paragliding Association is a non-profit membership corporation formed in
1971. Our membership of over 10,000 is made up of approximately 60% hang glider pilots and
40% paragliding pilots. Our national administrative offices are located in Colorado Springs,
Colorado.
We are one of only two self-regulated air sports in the United States. This means that the
association has developed a complete program of pilot proficiency ratings, Part 104, which
is available for our members to work towards. Additionally, the USHPA maintains a complete
instructor certification program to assist those interested in becoming teachers of the air
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