British Hang Gliding & Paragliding Association

CAA gets tougher on irresponsible paramotoring

In October members of the CAA's GA Policy and Enforcement teams invited BHPA officers to discuss paramotoring, and specifically the increasing number of complaints from MPs, local Councils, the Police and members of the public. It is clear that the CAA intend to rein in some of the excesses of deregulated powered flying.

On a practical level the CAA's Enforcement Team will in future seek BHPA assistance to identify pilots under investigation, providing information on investigations into unwelcome powered (and unpowered) paragliding and hang gliding activity. The BHPA is to work up a Communications Strategy for the CAA along the lines of the successful 'Drone Code', outlining the current legalities of powered flying. 

On the legal side the CAA are to progress the idea of mandating an element of training, notably on air law, via the sub-70kg policy framework. The Enforcement Team will also consider the routine use of Forfeiture and Destruction Orders for equipment when prosecuting breaches of the ANO. 

It is clear the CAA has been pressured into acting on the volume of complaints about nuisance powered flying. In seeking BHPA help and guidance they have taken the first step; it is unclear at this stage how effective any attempt to curb anti-social and illegal power flying will be.

Posted: 10 January 2019
By: Joe Schofield

Hang Gliding Worlds team announced

The BHPA hang gliding comps panel has announced the team selected to contest the 2019 Class 1 world championships at Tolmezzo in Italy.

The team comprises Grant Crossingham (2nd at 2018 Europeans), Ollie Chitty (9th at 2018 Europeans), Gary Wirdnam (6th and team Gold at the 2007 Worlds and four times British Champion), Gordon Rigg (veteran of five Worlds teams and ten times British Champion) and Andy Hollidge (2017 Worlds and 2018 Europeans veteran).

The team will be managed by Phil Chettleburgh; if the team size increases to six, which is possible, Dave Matthews, veteran of four Worlds teams, is first reserve. Additional places for individual pilots may become available later.

The main competition area will be Friuli Venezia Giulia- Meduno, Gemona, etc - but tasks may be anywhere between the sea and the Dolomites: Veneto, Trentino Alto,Austria and Slovenia, bringing in sites such as the Emberger Alm, Kobala, Lijak and Kovk. 

Posted: 10 January 2019
By: Joe Schofield

BHPA AGM

The Association's 2019 AGM takes place on Saturday March 2nd at the Nottingham Belfry Hotel (NG8 6PY), alongside the BGA AGM and trade show.

The BHPA Exec operates a rolling three-year tenure of officers; this year Bill Bell (competitions), Martin Heywood (insurance), Angus Langford (treasurer) and John Welch (clubs liaison) will stand down at the end of their statutory terms.

All four are happy to serve again; in addition members Andy Berzins and David Perryman, both of the Sir George Cayley club, are standing for election.

A 2019 AGM pack is available for download on this web site. The pack includes formal notice of the meeting, details of members standing for election, and a proxy voting form.

Posted: 10 January 2019
By: Joe Schofield

Skywings news last updated: 19 July 2019 at 10:18:16 AM