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HGFA INTERMEDIATE CERTIFICATE STUDY PACKAGE – HANG GLIDING

HANG GLIDING FEDERATION

of

AUSTRALIA

INTERMEDIATE CERTIFICATE

STUDY PACKAGE

Hang Gliding

Issued – November 2011


PILOT DETAILS

Name: ………...…………………………………………………………………………….

Home Address: ….…………………………………………………………………………...

………………….…………………………………………………………………………………...

Telephone: ……….……………………………………………………………………………...

This Study Guide outlines the theory knowledge required to be gained before sitting

the HGFA Intermediate Hang Gliding Pilot Certificate examination. The

Intermediate rating for most pilots is a means to fly that intermediate wing they’ve

always wanted, it is also step towards flying a greater range of launch sites and

broadening their horizons with more cross country flying.

To give you the best chance of passing your upcoming exam it is recommended the

reference material is thoroughly read and the entire Study Guide completed.

Once you have sat and passed the Intermediate Hang Gliding Pilot Certificate

examination under the supervision of a Instructor/Senior Safety Officer and they are

satisfied that all practical requirements for Certificate issue have been achieved, the

Intermediate Certificate Application Form (current version available at

www.hgfa.asn.au) is to be completed and forwarded to the HGFA Office.

Theory References:

Hang Gliding for Beginner Pilots, 3rd

Edition by Peter Cheney

HGFA Operations Manual

Understanding The Sky by Dennis Pagen

Performance Flying by Dennis Pagen

Hang Gliding Training Manual by Dennis Pagen

The Manual of Aviation Meteorology – Airservices Australia

http://www.hgfa.asn.au/


1. Flight Rules - Rules of the Air

1.1 Where would you find the Civil Aviation Order which applies to hang gliding? …………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………

1.2 What are the rules of the air in the following circumstances:

(a) When two gliders approach head-on in clear air at similar altitudes? …………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………

(b) When two gliders approach head-on along a ridge at similar altitudes? …………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………

(c) When a faster glider overtakes another?

.1 …….…………………………………………………………………………………………..

.2 …………………………………………………………………………………………………

.3 …………………………………………………………………………………………………

(d) When joining a thermal? …………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………

(e) When flying in a busy sky? …………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………

(f) When a hang glider climbs up to another? ………...……………………………………….

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………

(g) When entering a thermal below a sailplane? ………………………………………………...

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………

(h) When two gliders approach at right angles at a similar altitude? …………………………

………………………………................................................................................................................

1.3. What are a pilot’s responsibilities in regard to right of way? …………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………

1.4 What are a pilot’s responsibilities in regard to collision avoidance? ………………………...

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………


2. Airspace rules

2.1 What are the height limits and legal requirements when operating a hang glider:

(a) Inside CTA, whilst outside the exclusion zone? ……………………………………...…

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………

(b) OCTA or in Class “G” airspace? …………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………

(c) Within 10NM of registered, certified or military non-towered aerodromes? ………………..

………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

………..………………………………………………………………………………………………

(d) Over any city, town or populous area? …………………………………………………

(e) In the vicinity of spectators? …………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………

2.2 What is the HGFA recommended time between parachute repacks? ………………......…….

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………

2.3 When may a person act as pilot-in-command of a hang glider? …………………………

……………………………………………………………………………………………………..…..

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………

2.4 What is the purpose of the HGFA Operations Manual? What does it contain? …………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………


3. Emergencies

3.1 What do you do in the following situations?

(a) You cannot avoid landing in trees …………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………

……………………………………………………………………………………………………….

(b) You have made an error in judgement and find yourself on final approach at ten ft above

ground height with a tailwind in excess of 8 kts

………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

……………………………………………………………………………………………………….

(c) You have dropped out of the lift and your landing choices are: trees, rocks, surf, water,

tailwind on the beach. List in order of priority and explain your decisions.

……………………………………………………………………………………………………….

……………………………………………………………………………………………………….

3.2 What should you do if your glider does not seem to be responding to your roll inputs?

………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

3.3 Why is it considered safer to drop out of prone before the last 50 feet of landing approach?

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………

3.4 What is the HGFA accident and incident reporting procedure? …………………………

………………………………………………………………………………………………………...

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………

3.5 When are you required to fill in the accident/incident form? …………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………


4. Abbreviations 4.1 Define the following terms, and give their significance:

(a) The abbreviation CAO …………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………

(b) The abbreviation CAR ……………………………………………………………..….

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………

(c) The altimetry term QNH …………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………

(d) The abbreviation CTA …………………...…………………………………………….

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………

(e) OCTA / Class “G” airspace …………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………

4.2 What are the VMC criteria below 10,000’ amsl? …………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………

4.3 What additional equipment is mandatory when flying above 300’ agl? …………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………


5. Aerodynamics

5.1 Define the following hang gliding related terms:-

(a) Centre of pressure …………………………………………………………………………

(b) Center of gravity …………………………………………………………………………

5.2 When flying in trim (no pilot pitch input) what is the relationship between centre of pressure

and centre of gravity?

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………

5.3 When the pilot pulls the bar in (lowers the angle of attack) where does the C. P. move in

relation to the C.G.?

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………

5.4 When the pilot pushes the bar out (raises the angle of attack) where does the C.P. move in

relation to the C.G.?

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………

5.5 Define the following aerodynamic terms;

(a) Angle of attack ……………………………………………………………………........

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………

(b) Relative airflow …………………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………

(c) Parasitic drag …………………………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………

(d) Induced drag …………………………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………

(e) Camber …………………………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………

(f) Chord …………………………………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………

(g) Glide ratio …………………………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………


(h) Glide angle …………………………………………………………………………………

(i) Stalling angle of attack …………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………

(j) Wing loading …………………………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………

(k) Wash out …………………………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………

(l) Span …………………………………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………

(m) L/D …………………………………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………


6. Performance and speeds to fly 6.1 A correctly trimmed hang glider should fly hands-off at 20% faster than stall, is best L/D

faster or slower than trim?

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………

6.2 Describe the effect of the following on glide ratio (L/D):

(a) A weight increase …………………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………

(b) Airspeed …………………………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………

(c) Wind direction …………………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………

(d) Altitude …………………………………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………

6.3 Does the glide angle (from a point in the air to a point on the ground) change with increased

head wind?

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………

6.4 What airspeed in relation to best L/D is selected to achieve best glide angle into a

headwind?

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………

6.5 How does wing loading effect stall speed? …………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………


7. Meteorology 7.1 Define the following weather related terms:

(a) Isobars …………………………………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………

(b) Dew point …………………………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………

(c) Lapse rate …………………………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………

(d) Trough …………………………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………

7.2 What is an inversion layer? …………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………

7.3 What is cloud suck? …………………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………

7.4 What is katabatic airflow? …………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………

7.5 When is katabatic airflow likely to occur? …………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………

7.6 In flight, what may be required when noticing a katabatic wind affecting flying conditions?

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………

7.7 What is convergence? …………………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………

7.8 When is convergence likely to occur? …………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………


7.9 Why do some thermals produce cloud and others not? …………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………

7.10 How does lapse rate influence thermal conditions? …………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………

7.11 What hazards might be encountered when flying in the vicinity of a thunderstorm?

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………


8. Navigation and cross country (XC)

8.1 What is a VNC used for? …………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………

8.2 What does a VNC show? …………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………

8.3 What are NOTAMS? …………………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………

8.4 What are the units of measure used in air navigation for:-

(a) Speed …………………………………………………………………………………………

(b) Distance .………………………………………………………………………………..

(c) Direction …………………………………………………………………………………

(d) Height …………………………………………………………………………………………

8.5 What factors must be considered prior to flying downwind from a ridge? …………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………

8.6 Before taking off on a cross country flight why is it important to know any airspace

restrictions along the way?

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………

8.7 What is important when selecting out-landing areas during cross country flights?

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………

8.8 After out-landing there are things you should do to be a good ambassador for your sport, list

them.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………


8.9 What are the standard approach patterns for hang gliders when landing:

(a) In a tight landing field …………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………

(b) In an unobstructed landing field …………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………

(c) At an airport used by general aviation aircraft …………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………

(d) At a congested landing field …………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………

8.10 What are the dangers of flying in frontal lift? …………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………

8.11 What is windshear? …………………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………

8.12 What are the dangers of flying in leeside rotor? …………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………

8.13 What is area QNH? …………………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………

8.14 What is a CTAF<R>? …………………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………

8.15 What does VNC stand for and why is a VNC important? …………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………

8.16 How close can a hang glider be flown to registered, certified or military (CTAF<R>)

airports without a VHF radio and radio operators permit?

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………

8.17 Why must you carry and use a VHF radio in the 10NM vicinity of CTAF<R> airports?

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………


8.18 Why must we avoid CTA above 300 ft AGL? …………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………

8.19 What considerations must be made when entering a thermal below a sailplane?

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………

8.20 How would you adjust your airspeed from trim to:-

(a) Achieve best glide in nil wind …………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………

(b) Maximise height gain traversing an area of lift encountered on an XC flight ………………..

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………

(c) Reduce the height lost traversing an area of sink encountered on an XC flight …………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………


9. Launching from difficult launches. 9.1 What difficulties would you encounter in launching from a sheer cliff in strong winds?

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………

9.2 What technique would you use when launching from a sheer cliff in light winds? …………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………

9.3 At an inland site in strong winds, - considering thermal cycles and how they affect the wind

velocity what is the safest time to launch?

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………

9.4 What is a spin and how is it caused? …………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………

9.5 How do you recover from a spin? …………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………

9.6 Why does a glider spin more easily with VG pulled on? …………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………

9.7 Is it safe to launch from a cliff with a cross-wind? …………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………

9.8 In addition to wind-flow at launch, what other meteorological conditions must be observed

to ensure a safe launch and flight at the coast?

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………

9.9 In addition to wind-flow at launch, what other meteorological conditions must be observed

to ensure a safe launch and flight inland?

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………


Practical Phases as detailed in Ops Man. 8.3

The following syllabus specifies the minimum standards of ability required for issue of an

Intermediate Hang Gliding Pilot Certificate. The percentage values are used to indicate the

minimum degree of ability required for each individual item within a particular subject as follows:-

% skill

50% Assisted by the instructor to perform the activity correctly (eg – wire/keel assisted

launch; constant radio direction for soaring)

75% Ability to perform the activity correctly without assistance, but under carefully

supervised conditions (eg – high glides without radio instructions; soaring without

radio instructions but with complete debrief and flight analysis)

100% Ability to perform the skill sequence correctly and adjusts actions automatically to

cope with emergencies or environmental fluctuations, without instructional

supervision or assistance.

Note: The percentages indicated define the minimum acceptable standards, for issue of the

Intermediate Hang Gliding Pilot Certificate, to be achieved prior to undergoing a

flight test.

Flight Training Syllabus – Hang Gliding

Skill Intermediate

Certificate 1. Aircraft Set-up

100%

2. Prepartion for Flight

Pre-flight inspection 100%

Harness / helmet check 100%

Attachment / hang check 100%

3. Ground Handling

Assessment of conditions 100%

Establishment / attitude 100%

Pre take off check 100%

4. Launch Phase

Smooth acceleration 100%

Control of pitch & roll throughout take off 100%

Smooth transition to flight 100%

Nil wind take off 100%

Light – moderate wind take off 100%

Slight cross wind take off 100%

Moderate wind take off 100%

Wire assisted take off 100%

5. Level and Straight Flight

Control of pitch, attitude & airspeed 100%

Control of roll & yaw 100%

Maintenance of heading 100%

Airspeed accuracy at trim speed, best glide, minimum sink for conditions & situation 100%

Prone or harness entry 100%


Skill Intermediate

Certificate 6. Approach and Landing

Final approach, wings level, accuracy of airspeed, glide adjustment and body position 100%

Final flare with appropriate timing & power for conditions 100%

Approach planning 100%

Adaption of approach for changed conditions or emergency 100%

Height loss manoeuvring 75%

Small field landing 75%

Moderate cross wind final approach leg 100%

Post landing glider control 100%

Spot landing accuracy (within 10 metres) 50%

7. Turning

Shallow bank / heading maintenance 100%

Look out & traffic separation 100%

Efficient turns for height conservation 100%

Descending turns & control of slip 100%

Turns in lifting air 100%

360º turns, shallow & steep 100%

Control close to hill 100%

8. Stalling

Recognition of approach of stall 100%

The stall 100%

Recovery from straight & level stall 100%

Recovery when wing drops 100%

9. Flight Planning

Observation & interpretation of conditions 100%

Crosswind drift allowances & crabbing flight 100%

Ridge soaring strategies 100%

Thermal soaring strategies 75%

Airspace limitations & restrictions 100%

Emergency procedures 100%

X/C planning 75%

Navigation (distance >25NM) 50%

Forecast interpretation 75%

Close proximity thermalling 50%

10. General Operations

Flight log keeping 100%

Flight rules & procedures 100%

Site regulations & Safety Officer / Duty Officer system 100%

Mixed operations 75%

Airfield operations 75%

VHF radio operations 50%

Operations > 5000ft 50%


This study guide is provided to enable students to prepare for the multiple choice

Intermediate Hang Gliding Certificate theory examination. The theory examination

must be passed prior to the issue of an Intermediate Hang Gliding Pilot Certificate.

The multiple choice examination is in two parts, to achieve a pass an applicant must correctly answer all Part A questions (1 to

20) and correctly answer 75% of Part B questions (21 to 80). Failure in either part will require entire re-examination.

A student must be able to answer any of the questions and have an understanding of the subjects listed below.

Part A – 100% pass required What is the minimum height a hang glider may be flown over

any city, town or populous area?

Know the correct VMC criteria below 10,000 feet amsl

Know all give way rules of the air

The abbreviation CAO means

Where can hang gliders be flown?

When may a person act as pilot-in-command of a hang

glider?

What is the minimum distance a hang glider may be flown

from spectators?

Which rule of hang gliding differs from those of sailplanes?

What are the pilots’ responsibilities in regards to right of

way?

The abbreviation CAR means?

What are a pilot’s responsibilities in regard to collision

avoidance?

When must we report an accident or incident and what is the

reporting procedure?

What is the HGFA recommended time between parachute

repacks?

Part B – 75% pass required Define the following: Relative Airflow, Centre of Pressure,

Centre of Gravity, Angle of Attack, Parasitic Drag, Induced

Drag, Camber, Chord, Glide Ratio, Glide Angle, Stalling

Angle of Attack, Span, Wash Out, L/D, Lapse Rate, Trough,

Isobars, Dew Point

How does wing loading affect stall speed?

A correctly trimmed hang glider should fly hands-off at 20%

faster than stall. What is best L/D?

What effect does airspeed have on glide ratio (L/D)?

What effect does wind direction have on glide angle?

What effect does a weight increase have on glide ratio (L/D)?

What effect does altitude have on glide angle?

What is an inversion layer?

What is cloud suck?

What is katabatic airflow and when is it likely to occur?

Why do some thermals produce cloud and others not?

How does lapse rate influence thermal conditions?

What are the dangers of flying in leeside rotor?

In flight, how could a katabatic wind affecting flying

choices?

What are the dangers of flying in frontal lift?

What is windshear?

What are NOTAMS?

What is convergence and where is it likely to occur?

What factors must be considered prior to flying downwind

from a ridge?

What hazards might be encountered when flying in the

vicinity of a thunderstorm?

What is a VNC used for?

What does a VNC show?

What are the units of measure used in air navigation for

speed, distance, direction & height?

What is important when selecting out-landing areas during

cross country flights?

After out-landing there are things you should do to be a good

ambassador for your sport, what are they?

What are the standard approach patterns for hang gliders in

an unobstructed landing field?

What are the standard approach patterns for hang gliders in a

tight landing field?

What are the standard approach patterns for hang gliders at

an airport used by general aviation aircraft?

Provided we are outside the exclusion area, why must we not

fly inside a Controlled Traffic Area (CTA) above 300 ft

AGL?

What does QNH stand for and what does it infer?

What is a CTAF<R>?

What considerations must be made when entering a thermal

below a sailplane?

How close can a hang glider be flown to registered, certified

or military non-towered airports without a VHF radio and

radio operator’s permit?

What air speed would you select to reduce the height lost

traversing an area of sink encountered on an XC flight?

At an inland site in strong winds, considering thermal cycles

and how they affect the wind velocity, what is the safest time

to launch?

What air speed would you select to achieve best glide angle

in nil wind and still air?

What air speed would you select to maximise height gain

traversing an area of smooth lift encountered on an XC

flight?

How should you recover from a spin?

What difficulties would you encounter in launching from a

sheer cliff in strong winds?

What is a spin and how is it caused?

Why does a glider spin more easily with VG pulled on?

What technique would you use when launching from a sheer

cliff in light winds?

What are some of the biggest risks to Intermediate pilots?

Go to www.hgfa.asn.au to download a current copy of the Intermediate Pilot HG Certificate Application form

http://www.hgfa.asn.au/

hang gliding federation - the freedom of flight · hang gliding federation of australia ... when a...

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