FAA Exemption 4721 - Tandem Operations
Exemption #4721 has been published by the FAA allowing USHPA tandem operations.
FAA Exemption #4721
FAA Tandem Exemption 4721: Original
FAA Tandem Exemption 4721: Current Extension
FAA Tandem Exemption 4721: Wallet Card
USHPA approved tandem launch sites characteristics document
Basis for the FAA's Decision
By letter dated July 18, 2022, you petitioned the FAA on behalf U.S. Hang
Gliding and Paragliding Association, Inc., (USHPA) for an extension to
Exemption No. 4721R. That exemption from § 103.1(a) and (b) of Title 14,
Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) allows USHPA to operate unpowered
ultralight vehicles (hang gliders and paragliders) weighing less than 155
pounds, with another occupant, for the purpose of training.
Conditions and Limitations
- This exemption is limited to § 103.1(a) and (b) only. Each flight must
comply with all other sections of part 103.
- All flights operating under this exemption must be for training
purposes only. This exemption applies only to flights for the purpose of
giving instruction in two-place unpowered ultralight vehicles from
USHPA-approved launch sites to provide student with basic skills necessary
for safe flight. There is no training program requirement found in part
103, so training should provide sufficient understanding of information
provided in the FAA Pilots Handbook and Powered Parachute Handbook as
applicable to part 103 operations.
- Both occupants on all two-place training flights must possess a
current pilot rating issued by the USHPA and at least one occupant must
possess a current USHPA Tandem Instructor rating, or be in training for an
Initial Tandem Instructor rating.
- Prior to all two-occupant training flights, the student must be
informed that the flight is conducted under an exemption granted by the
FAA and that the ultralight vehicle does not meet aircraft certification
standards set forth by the FAA.
- Prior to all two-occupant training flights, the student must be
informed that the flight is conducted under an exemption granted by the
FAA and that the ultralight vehicle does not meet aircraft certification
standards set forth by the FAA.
- For identification purposes, the USHPA 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 USHPA shall also have a procedure to rescind
this authority when needed.
- 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 USHPA and a copy of this exemption. These
documents shall be presented for inspection upon request by the FAA.
- This exemption is not valid for operations outside of the United
States.
Notes Regarding the Above Conditions
1. Recreational Flights
The FAA has outlined the following limitation: “All flights operating
under this exemption must be for training purposes only.” This condition
disallows purely recreational tandem flights between Tandem 1-rated pilots
(T1) and H2/P2 pilots and above. However, T1 pilots that are in training
for their Tandem Instructor Certification may fly with pilots rated H2/P2
and above for training purposes only.
2. Training Materials
As part of the instructional requirement, the FAA has specified training
materials to be used for tandem students. The exemption states, “There is
no training program requirement found in part 103, so training should
provide sufficient understanding of information provided in the FAA Pilots
Handbook and Powered Parachute Handbook as applicable to part 103
operations.” Tandem students may find pertinent information on this
page, but we request that Tandem Instructors make these resources
available to students and integrate the part 103 relevant aspects of these
materials into all tandem instructional training.