About
The United States Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association (USHPA) is America's only nationally recognized free-flight governing body, serving pilots of hang gliders, paragliders, and speedwings since 1974. Its mission is to ensure the long-term future of free flight through education, safety, advocacy, and community building. USHPA offers a structured Pilot Proficiency Program with progressive ratings that pilots can earn by training at USHPA-certified schools under certified instructors. Members receive the quarterly USHPA Pilot Magazine in both print and digital formats, keeping the community informed on safety, technique, and industry news. All members receive third-party liability insurance through RRRG, with international coverage available to pilots rated H3/P3 and above. Members at the H2/P2 level and higher gain access to ExpertVoice, providing discounts on gear from leading industry brands. USHPA maintains active partnerships with the FAA, FAI, and NAA, representing pilots in regulatory matters and protecting access to flying sites. The association also sanctions competitions, manages an event calendar for clinics and tours, and provides extensive safety and training resources. Whether you are a beginner seeking a school to learn to fly, an experienced pilot pursuing advanced ratings, a tandem pilot looking to certify, or an instructor wishing to train others, USHPA is the central hub for the entire free-flight community in the United States.
Key Features
- Pilot Proficiency Program: Structured, nationally recognized ratings for hang gliding, paragliding, and speedwing pilots at all experience levels.
- Liability Insurance via RRRG: All members receive third-party liability insurance, with international coverage options available for H3/P3-rated pilots and above.
- USHPA Pilot Magazine: Quarterly publication delivered in print and digital formats, covering safety, technique, community news, and industry updates.
- Gear Discounts via ExpertVoice: Members rated H2/P2/S2 and above receive access to exclusive discounts on equipment from industry partner brands.
- FAA & Advocacy Partnerships: USHPA represents the free-flight community in partnerships with the FAA, FAI, and NAA, protecting flying rights and site access nationwide.
Use Cases
- A beginner interested in free flight can use USHPA to find a certified school and instructor to safely learn hang gliding or paragliding.
- Experienced pilots can pursue and maintain official USHPA pilot ratings to demonstrate proficiency and access higher-level benefits.
- Pilots planning international travel can leverage USHPA's advanced-tier insurance coverage for protected flying abroad.
- Instructors and flight schools can obtain USHPA certifications to legally train students and issue official pilot ratings.
- Pilots can browse the USHPA event calendar to discover competitions, safety clinics, and community flying tours nationwide.
Pros
- Comprehensive Pilot Resources: Offers a full ecosystem of training materials, certified schools, instructor directories, and a progressive rating system for all skill levels.
- Included Insurance Coverage: Membership includes valuable third-party liability insurance through RRRG, giving pilots peace of mind during their activities.
- National Advocacy & Recognition: As the sole nationally recognized governing body, USHPA effectively represents pilots with government agencies and protects access to flying sites.
Cons
- Paid Membership Required: Most key benefits — including insurance, gear discounts, and full access to pilot resources — are locked behind a paid membership fee.
- Highly Niche Audience: Relevant exclusively to hang gliding, paragliding, and speedwing pilots; not applicable to other aviation or outdoor sports communities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is USHPA?
USHPA is the United States Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association, the only nationally recognized governing body in the US for free-flight sports including hang gliding, paragliding, and speedwinging, founded in 1974.
What do I get with a USHPA membership?
Members receive access to the Pilot Proficiency Program and ratings, third-party liability insurance, quarterly issues of the USHPA Pilot Magazine, gear discounts via ExpertVoice (for rated members), and partner benefits from allied organizations.
How do I earn a USHPA pilot rating?
You can earn a rating by enrolling at a USHPA-certified school, completing training with a certified instructor, and passing the assessments required under the Pilot Proficiency Program.
Does USHPA provide insurance for flying internationally?
Yes. Members rated H3/P3 and above have access to international liability coverage options through the RRRG insurance program when traveling abroad.
How can I find a hang gliding or paragliding school near me?
USHPA provides a school and instructor finder on their website, allowing prospective pilots to locate certified training schools and instructors in their area.
