Do pilots need to be licensed to fly hang gliders?
Not in the FAA General Aviation sense of the word, but a program analogous to FAA licensing exists and is administered by the USHGA (U.S. Hang Gliding Association). This program consists of a specific set of flying skills corresponding to a series of pilot proficiency ratings (Beginner through Master) each of which carries a set of recommended operating limitations. The USHGA Pilot Proficiency Rating is required at most flying sites throughout the nation.
Not really, but a program analogous to FAA licensing exists and is administered by the USHGA (US Hang Gliding Association). This program consists of a specific set of flying skills corresponding to a series of pilot proficiency ratings (Beginner through Master) each of which carries a set of recommended operating limitations. Beginner rated pilots, for instance, should only fly from hills under 100 ft in height in mild winds and under the guidance of an instructor. While these ratings don’t carry the force of law in quite the same way as FAA pilot’s licenses do, the majority of flying sites in the US require that pilots hold some specific USHGA rating to be allowed to fly solo.
NOTE: this answer is specific to the USA. In other countries different organizations and different legal requirements apply. Not really, but a program analogous to FAA licensing exists and is administered by the USHGA (US Hang Gliding Association). This program consists of a specific set of flying skills corresponding to a series of pilot proficiency ratings (Beginner through Master) each of which carries a set of recommended operating limitations. Beginner rated pilots, for instance, should only fly from hills under 100 ft in height in mild winds and under the guidance of an instructor. While these ratings don’t carry the force of law in quite the same way as FAA pilot’s licenses do, the majority of flying sites in the US require that pilots hold some specific USHGA rating to be allowed to fly.
No. The Federal Aviation Authority has delegated responsibility for administering the sports of hang gliding and paragliding to the USHGA (United States Hang Gliding Association). The USHGA program consists of an approved instruction method and standards required for issue of a series of pilot ratings (Beginner through to Advanced). Each rating gives the holder certain recommended operating limitations, and is standardized so that the same known skills apply to all sites rated for those skills. It is not technically illegal for anyone to fly a hang glider without an appropriate rating issued by the USHGA, but hang gliders are classified as Ultralights under the FAA regulations FAR part 103, and are subject to all regulations for ultralights concerning restrictions for controlled airspace, operating only in daylight, etc. The experience and knowledge accumulated through the standardized instruction program administered by USHGA includes all relevant FAA regulations. USHGA provides other
