Safety Guidance on Paragliding Activities
Introduction
Paragliding is a sport and recreational activity. However, similar to other outdoor activities, it also carries inherent safety risk. Improper practices can put you and others at risk of serious injury or even death. It is therefore of paramount importance that both beginners and experienced paraglider pilots recognise the risks and take appropriate safety measures to ensure that the paragliding activities are conducted in a safe manner.
Article 48 of the Air Navigation (Hong Kong) Order 1995 (Cap. 448C of the Laws of Hong Kong) stipulates that a person shall not recklessly or negligently cause or permit an aircraft (which includes paragliders) to endanger any person or property. Paraglider pilots shall observe this regulation and operate the paraglider in a safe manner at all times. Any person who contravenes with this regulation is subject to prosecution.
The Air Transport (Licensing of Air Services) Regulations (Cap. 448A of the Laws of Hong Kong) stipulate, inter alia, that a person must not use any aircraft (which includes paragliders) for the provision in Hong Kong of any air service except under, and in accordance with the conditions of, a permit granted by the Director-General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). In other words, any offer of air service performed by paragliders for hire or reward in Hong Kong without a permit granted by the DGCA would be in contravention of the relevant provision in Cap. 448A. (See section on Permit Application for Paragliding Activities for Hire or Reward). To ensure safety, members of the public who are interested in participating in paragliding activities (paid services) (e.g. instructional flying or tandem flying) shall choose the relevant eligible person(s) or organization(s) from the List of Permit Holders.
The following are the general safety guidelines on paragliding activities:
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Operating conditions
Paragliding activities shall only be conducted during daylight hours and in visual meteorological conditions. Paraglider pilots must remain clear of clouds and in sight of the ground at all times.
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Paragliding sites and operating altitudes
The limited airspace in the Control Zones (CTR Zones) and Uncontrolled Airspace Reporting Areas (UCARAs) of Hong Kong is shared among all local airspace users, such as helicopters and light aeroplane.
The CAD notes that paragliding activities are frequently carried out during daylight hours in the following eight areas of CTR Zones and UCARAs. To notify other local airspace users of the possible paragliding activities therein, these areas, including the site boundaries and operating altitudes, are published in Section ENR 5.5 of the Hong Kong Aeronautical Information Publication (HKAIP)(https://www.ais.gov.hk).- (i) Long Ke Wan
- (ii) Pak Tam Au
- (iii) Pat Sin
- (iv) Ma On Shan
- (v) Sai Wan
- (vi) Shek O
- (vii) South Lantau East
- (viii) South Lantau West
Paraglider pilots shall keep their paragliding activities within these areas to ensure safety. They shall also avoid paragliding activities over or land on any bathing beaches/or land on any private premises without permission from the landowners.
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Before the flight, paraglider pilots are advised to:
Ensure that they are appropriately qualified (such as attaining a qualification issued by paragliding association with established rating system), competent and fit to conduct the paragliding activity. In this regard, local paragliding association(s) has established site guides for reference by their members / paraglider pilots. Paraglider pilots could make reference on these site guides (especially on recommended pilot qualifications and weather conditions) before the conduct of paragliding activity.
Ensure that they hold adequate insurance coverage, particularly third party insurance coverage, for the activity.
Be familiar with the site particulars, including the boundaries of paragliding sites as published on the HKAIP, the suitable take-off/landing areas of the site, and the potential hazards. Make reference to the site guides / guidelines of local paragliding association(s) and proactively plan the landing approach including the selection of alternate landing area(s) in case of emergency.
Be proficient in the emergency procedures of unexpected water landing, including making the hook knife easily accessible for promptly cutting lines or risers if entangled. Consider to wear an automatically operating lifejacket which provides a high level of buoyancy and is capable of turning an unconscious user into a position with the mouth and nose clear of the water.
Conduct a risk assessment, including but not limited to the prevailing site conditions, and understand the risk of the activity. Pay extra attention on risks associated with changing weather conditions, inclement weather and under emergency situations, and take corresponding mitigation measures according to the risk assessment.
Carry a position tracking device that would send out distress position signals or use services or applications that would share their real-time location information, in order to facilitate a timely search and rescue operation during an emergency.
Check the weather condition including weather forecast of the site to ensure it is suitable for the paragliding activity, and verify that there are no applicable weather warnings or approaching inclement weather. Paraglider pilots may refer to the guidelines produced by local paragliding association(s) on the recommended weather conditions (such as recommended wind direction and speed) at individual site.
Ensure that the paraglider, harness, helmet and safety equipment are in good condition with no tears, broken lines, or frayed webbing. Operate the paraglider and harness within their weight limits at all times and wear helmet which is certified to either EN966 (air sports), EN1077 A & B, ASTM2040 or SNELL rs98 (snow sports) to strengthen protection. Follow manufacturer’s instructions to properly maintain and replace equipment by the end of their lifespan or validity.
Perform a pre-flight check on the equipment before inflating the wing to include but not limited to:-
- Helmet is fastened
- Harness leg straps are fastened
- Wing is connected in the correct orientation
- Speed system is attached
- Lines are not twisted
- Reserve parachute is properly installed
- All vital points of the paraglider and harnesses are properly connected
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During the flight, paraglider pilots are advised to:
Maintain a good lookout at all times and avoid collision with other paragliders/aircraft following applicable paragliding rules and internationally-recognised practices.
Maintain adequate separation from other paragliders/aircraft taking into account the prevailing weather conditions, their proficiency level and maneuverability of the paraglider.
Keep a safe distance from people and property on ground, and ensure that no person and property would be endangered by the paragliding activities.
Fly within the limits of their abilities and those of the paraglider equipment.
Be cautious of sudden change of weather conditions and land immediately if weather deteriorates.
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Tandem paragliding
Tandem paragliding entails additional operational considerations and poses additional safety risks. Apart from the additional safety measures that must be taken by the paraglider pilot and/or operator in association with the tandem activity (such as the conduct of a more robust risk assessment of the additional operational and third party (including passengers) risks involved, attainment of appropriate pilot qualification and competency required for such tandem activities, etc.), paraglider pilots shall carry adequate insurance coverage for the passengers for the activity. Paraglider pilots shall also ensure that the passengers are fully aware of the risks involved in the activity.
If the tandem paragliding activities may involve hire or reward, please also refer to the legal requirements as highlighted in Paragraph 6.
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Paragliding for hire or reward (including instructional flights)
The Air Transport (Licensing of Air Services) Regulations (Cap. 448A of the Laws of Hong Kong) stipulate, inter alia, that a person must not use any aircraft (which includes paragliders) for the provision in Hong Kong of any air service except under, and in accordance with the conditions of, a permit granted by the DGCA. In other words, any offer of air service performed by paragliders for hire or reward in Hong Kong without a permit granted by the DGCA would be in contravention of the relevant provision in Cap. 448A.
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Remember to:
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Exercise good airmanship; and
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Keep your activity safe.
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