UAE Paragliding Association UAEPGA Contents Section 1 Scope of the Association Section 2 Organisation and Structure of the Association Section 3 Operational Rules of the Association Section 4 Training and licensing requirements Section 5 Local flying sites Section 6 Incorporation of the Association with the GCAA Section 7 Glossary of Terms 1
Section 1 Scope of the Association 1.0 Name: UAEPGA (United Arab Emirates Paragliding Association) 2.0 Encompass 2.1 All activities to do with paragliding (PG) and hang gliding (HG) activities within the UAE. 2.2 Currently the association will not incorporate Para-motoring because of the following; (a) Due to the motorized element of paramotoring, there is clear guidance in the GCAA CAR OPS, Part IV, Special Operations, Section D Ultralight and Microlight Operations, which stipulates and regulates this form of the sport. (b) There is already a connection associated with Skydive Dubai called Skyhub paramotors, (c) Due to having an engine to provide lift, paramotoring can be performed from any location and therefore is difficult for this association to regulate, 3.0 Purpose: A provide a unified association dealing with the following objectives; (a) (b) (c) (d) (e) (f) (g) (h) To develop, protect and promote PG and HG activities in the UAE, Detailing a membership database of all paraglider and hang glider people in the UAE, Having a central identity for dealing with concerned authorities such as GCAA and police, A central point to allow for the administration of individual sites within the UAE through sub-committees for those local sites, with a framework to abide by under the jurisdiction of the association, Monitor incidents and make recommendations, Enable a forum on a dedicated UAE paragliding website, Have a point of contact reference for visiting PG/HG pilots in order that they can fly within association rules and those set by the local site subcommittees. Encourage sharing of knowledge and to promote safety within the hang gliding and paragliding movement. 2
Section 2 Organisation and Structure of the association 1.0 The structure of the association is based upon the requirements of the association and that of a proposed requirements to meet GCAA authorization. 1.1 The committee will consist of five members with the following roles; a) Chairman b) Vice-Chairman c) Secretary/Treasurer d) Training Officer e) Safety Officer f) Collective Local Site Officer 1.2 At least 3 committee members will be members of the association. 1.3 The purpose of the committee is to; (a) Administer, manage, and control the Association; (b) Carry out the purposes of the Association; (c) Manage the Associations financial affairs, including approving the annual financial statements for presentation to the Members at the Annual General Meetings; (d) Delegate responsibility and co-opt members where necessary; (e) Ensure that all Members follow the Rules; (f) Decide how a person becomes a Member, and how a person stops being a Member; (g) Decide the timings and agenda for the Meetings; (h) Decide the procedures for dealing with complaints; (i) Set Membership fees, including subscriptions and levies; (j) Make association rules and regulations. 1.4 The Committee has all of the powers of the Association, unless the Committee s power is limited by these Rules, or by a majority decision of the Association. 1.5 All decisions of the Committee shall be by a majority vote. In the event of an equal vote, the Chairman shall have a casting vote, that is, a second vote. 1.6 Decisions of the Committee bind the Association, unless the Committee s power is limited by these Rules or by a majority decision of the Association. 2.0 Roles of the committee members 2.1 The Chairman is responsible for: (a) Ensuring that the Rules are followed; (b) Convening Meetings and establishing whether or not a quorum (half of the Committee) is present; (c) Chairing Meetings, deciding who may speak and when; (d) Overseeing the operation of the Association; (e) Providing a report on the operations of the Association at each Annual General Meeting. 3
2.2 The Vice-Chairman is responsible: (a) shall have the same responsibilities as the Chairman if the Chairman is not available. 2.3 The Secretary/Treasurer is responsible for: (a) Recording the minutes of Meetings; (b) Keeping the Register of Members; (c) Holding the Associations records, documents, and books; (d) Receiving and replying to correspondence as required by the Committee; (f) Advising the Registrar of Incorporated Societies of any rule changes; (g) Keeping proper accounting records of the Associations financial transactions to allow the Society s financial position to be readily ascertained; (h) Providing financial information to the Committee as the Committee determines. 2.4 The Training Officer is responsible for: (a) Recognition of foreign licence in order to issue certificates for approval to fly in the UAE; (b) Formulating an Association/UAE recognized training syllabus; (c) License issue should approval be granted to train in the UAE; (d) Reviewing new sites and making appropriate recommendations; (e) Make recommendations when new technology is incorporated into the sport. 2.5 The Safety Officer is responsible for: (a) Investigation and documenting incidents and/or accidents; (b) Making recommendations to the committee/gcaa in order to maintain/improve the safety of the sport; (c) Reviewing new sites and making appropriate recommendations; (d) Organise annual safety checks for Warrant of Fitness. 2.6 The Collective Local Site Officer is responsible for: (a) Will liase with individual local pilot site managers and feed this information to the committee; (b) Will liase committee decisions to the individual local pilot site managers; (c) Ensure that the local pilot site manager adheres to this section, para 3.1 (e). 3.0 Other responsible positions within the organization 3.1 Local Pilot Site Managers, they will be responsible for; (a) Managing the individual sites, (b) Maintain standards and discipline at the sites, (c) Inform the committee of non-adherence to GCAA, association, or local site Rules; (d) Liaise with the Training and Safety Officer regarding any recommendations. (e) Form a local site committee consisting of at least two other experienced pilots with knowledge of the specific local site. 4
4.0 Admission and membership requirements 4.1 All people who reside in the UAE and who paraglide or hang glide will not do so unless they are a member of the UAEPGA. 4.2 An annual subscription is to be maintained to renew your membership. The certificate to fly will remain valid provided section 4, para 3.0 is maintained. 4.3 To become a Member, a person ( the Applicant ) must: (a) Complete an application form, and (b) Supply any other information the Committee requires. 4.4 The Committee shall have complete discretion when it decides whether or not to allow the Applicant become a Member. The Committee shall advise the Applicant of its decision, and that decision shall be final. 4.5 The Secretary shall keep a register of Members ( the Register ), which shall contain the names, the postal and email addresses and telephone numbers of all Members, and the dates at which they became Members. 4.6 If a Member s contact details change, that Member shall give the new postal or email address or telephone number to the Secretary. 5.0 Committee administration 5.1 After one year of operation, elections will be held for the committee members and thereafter on a yearly basis. 5.2 This will also coincide with elections for the local site managers. 5.3 Where a committee member resigns in between elections, the committee may appoint a volunteer to replace the member. If more than two members disagree with the volunteer, then a by-election for that position shall be held. 6.0 Nomination of committee members 6.1 Nominations for members of the Committee shall be called for at least 28 days before an Annual General Meeting. Each candidate shall be proposed and seconded in writing by Members and the completed nomination delivered to the Secretary. Nominations shall close at 5pm on the fifth day before the Annual General Meeting. 6.2 All retiring members of the Committee shall be eligible for re-election. 7.0 Committee Meetings 7.1 Committee meetings may be held via video or telephone conference, or other formats as the Committee may decide; 7.2 No Committee Meeting may be held unless more than half of the Committee Members attend; 5
7.3 The Chairman (or Vice Chairman if Chairman is absent) shall chair Committee Meetings, or if the Chairman and Vice Chairman is absent, the Committee shall elect a Committee Member to chair that meeting; 7.4 Decisions of the Committee shall be by majority vote; 7.5 The Chairman or person acting as Chairman has a casting vote, that is, a second vote; 7.6 Only Committee Members present at a Committee Meeting may vote at that Committee Meeting. 7.7 Subject to these Rules, the Committee may regulate its own practices; 7.8 The Chair/President or his nominee shall adjourn the meeting if necessary. 8.0 Cessation of Membership 8.1 Any Member may resign by giving written notice to the Secretary. 8.2 Membership terminated by disciplinary issues in the following way: (a) If, for any reason whatsoever, the Committee is of the view that a Member is breaching the Rules or acting in a manner inconsistent with the purposes of the Association, the Committee may give written notice of this to the Member ( the Committee s Notice ). The Committee s Notice must: (i) Explain how the Member is breaching the Rules or acting in a manner inconsistent with the purposes of the Association; (ii) State what the Member must do in order to remedy the situation; or state that the Member must write to the Committee giving reasons why the Committee should not terminate the Member s Membership. (iii) State that if, within 14 days of the Member receiving the Committee s Notice, the Committee is not satisfied, the Committee may in its absolute discretion immediately terminate the Member s Membership. (iv) State that if the Committee terminates the Member s Membership, the Member may appeal to the Society. (b) The Society shall then by majority vote decide whether to let the termination stand, or whether to reinstate the Member. The Society s decision will be final. 9.0 Obligations of Members 9.1 All Members (and Committee Members) shall promote the purposes of the Association and shall do nothing to bring the Association into disrepute. 6
Section 3 Operational Rules of the Association 1.0 The rules of the association are based on known paragliding and hang gliding best practice. The rules also include the legal requirement to remain within GCAA and UAE local laws. 1.1 Further individual site rules are contained within Section 5 Individual Site rules and are more restrictive, where appropriate than the association rules as per para 1.0. 2.0 General Flying rules 2.1 All flying will be only conducted at approved sites and all pilots must remain within the boundaries of the site as per the local site rules. 2.2 All local and national regulations must be strictly adhered to. 2.3 All GCAA and UAE airspace restrictions must be strictly adhered to. 2.4 Members must only fly when fit to do so. 2.5 Members must restrict their activities to those that they are qualified to undertake. 2.6 All Operators must ensure that if they have not used a site before, that they liase with the site manager and/or a pilot current and familiar with the site. 2.7 There must be at least two people operating from a site. 2.7.1 The only exemption to this is if there is a person based on the ground, with communication ability with the pilot and who has access and is capable of operating the individual pilot s vehicle. 3.0 Right of way rules 3.1 All rules follow general international conventions unless otherwise stated in section 5 Local site rules. 3.2 General Rules 3.2.1 The pilot with right of way shall maintain course and speed. 3.2.2 It is the responsibility of all pilots to take measures to avoid collisions. 3.2.3 When 2 pilots are approaching head-on, both pilots must turn to their right. 3.2.4 To overtake (pass a slower pilot flying in the same direction) pass on the right. The pilot being overtaken has right-of-way. 3.2.5 When 2 pilots have converging paths at about the same altitude, the pilot with the other to his right, gives way. 7
3.2.6 The lower pilot has right-of-way [This is because the lower pilot cannot see clearly above]. 3.2.7 Paragliders have right of way over speedwings unless following para 3.0 of all right of way rules. 3.3 Ridge Soaring 3.3.1 When 2 pilots are approaching head-on, the pilot with the ridge to his right has right-of-way. 3.3.2 To overtake (pass a slower pilot flying in the same direction) pass between the ridge and the pilot (if safe to do so). [This is so that the pilot being overtaken does not turn into the passing pilot, when turns are normally done away from the ridge] 3.3.3 Before turning the pilot has to make sure there results no danger of collision. 3.4 Thermalling 3.4.1 The first pilot inside the thermal sets the turn direction. 3.4.2 A pilot climbing faster and approaching from below has priority. 3.4.3 Not seeing other gliders any more: If a pilot can't see another glider previously thermalling close to him anymore, he has to leave the thermal immediately. 3.4.4 A pilot joining another at about the same altitude, gives right-of-way to the pilot inside the thermal to continue circling. 3.4.5 A pilot joining another at about the same altitude, will enter at the tangent to the circle so that no aircraft already turning will be required to maneuver to avoid the joining aircraft. 3.4.6 Try to maintain concentric circles even if this results in a slower climb rate. 3.4.7 While sharing a thermal, pilots should adhere to the principle of see and be seen. 3.4.8 While sharing a thermal, when at a similar level, never turn inside, point at, or ahead of another aircraft unless you intend to overtake, and can guarantee safe separation. 3.4.9 While sharing a thermal, leave the thermal if, in your judgment, you cannot guarantee adequate separation. 3.4.10 While sharing a thermal, look for other aircraft joining or converging in height. 3.4.11 While sharing a thermal, do not maneuver sharply unless clear of all other aircraft. 3.4.12 Leaving a thermal: Look outside the turn and behind before straightening. 8
3.5 Landing 3.5.1 The lower pilot (who has right-of-way, see this section para 3.2.6) should not cut the path of another on final approach. 3.5.2 If a pilot is making an emergency landing, give way to him if safely possible. 3.5.3 Give way to a pilot on final for top-landing. 4.0 Visiting Pilots 4.1 Visiting pilots will fly with a local pilot who is a member of the association and familiar with the local flying site. 4.2 A visiting pilot may fly solo at a site provided the pilot is accompanied by a pilot as per para Visiting pilots, para 4.1 and that person on the ground also meets the requirements of Para General rules para 2.5.1. 5.0 Careless or reckless operation 5.1 No person shall operate a hang glider or paraglider in a careless manner so as to endanger the life or property of others. 6.0 Disciplinary Procedures 6.1 Should any pilot breach the rules as detailed in section 2.0, the committee may remove the authority and certificate of the individual to operate within the UAE under the association rules. 6.2 The pilot may contest the ruling via a presentation to the committee who will rule accordingly. 7.0 Equipment 7.1 No person shall operate a hang glider or paraglider unless: (a) It is fitted with the equipment and instruments as prescribed in this manual, (b) They, or their glider, are equipped with an altimeter that shows height above the ground to an accuracy of 100 feet, (c) They wear a serviceable, rigid, protective helmet. 9
Section 4 Training and licensing requirements 1.0 The Training Officer will be the overall manager of this section. 2.0 Initial issuance of certificate to fly within the UAE 2.1 The applicant will be a member of the UAEPGA. 2.2 The applicant will present to the training officer, or their representative, a current foreign license and proof or flying within the previous 6 months, in order to be issued with a UAEPGA certificate. 2.3 If unable to furnish the above, the applicant will demonstrate to the training officer, or their representative, suitable ability in order to be issued with a UAEPGA certificate. 3.0 Recency 3.1 A pilot will maintain recency; (a) relative to their personal experience and ability, (b) seek assistance/advice from a current association member familiar with the flying site being use. 3.2 Instructors 3.2.1 Anyone with instructor qualification who wish to carry out any form of Paragliding instruction must produce the following: a) Instructor qualification (Grade) b) Current and in date license. c) Any relevant paperwork. d) All pilots under instruction must be supervised by the instructor at all times. e) Instructors must supervise all pilots/students via radio. 10
Section 5 Local flying sites 1.0 Individual local flying sites have unique characteristics particular to that site. 1.1 Wind indicators (Streamers or windsocks) should be placed on launch and landing sites. 1.2 All individual flying sites will be included within the association rules and unique details about the individual site shall be documented in section 5 of the association rules. 1.3 All local flying site shall have a Local site manager who shall form a committee of two further experienced pilots for that area in accordance with Section 2, para 3.1. 2.0 Faya local rules and information 2.1 Jebel Faya, N25 4'6.73" E55 48'51.25" 2.1.1 The local site manager is 2.1.2 Takeoff; from top of the sand dune. 2.1.3 Landing; bottom of the sand dune. Intermediate landings may be made on the sand dune at any level but caution should be exercised. 2.2 Faya Local rules 2.2.1 General points 2.2.2 Parking Areas a) During winds above 25 kph/ 16kts, all pilots will have a serviceable speedbar. b) All pilots must have an altimeter with correctly set the altitude/qnh set prior to getting airborne. c) No pilot may go above 2000 ft/600 metres AMSL. d) UAE controlled airspace with approaches to Sharjah and Dubai Airports will have aircraft under radar vectors over the Jebel Al Faya ridge line, therefore strict adherence to the upper limit of 2000 ft /600 metres is mandatory. 2.2.2.1 Parking for 4WD vehicles is approximately 50 metres from the bottom of the big sand dune. Non-4WD vehicles by the power line access road. 2.2.3 Landing Area 2.2.3.1 At the bottom of the big sand dune. 11
2.3 Hazards a. Sudden changes in wind direction and strength and sandstorms, b. Rotors especially on leeward side of ridge, c. Stronger winds at higher altitudes, d. Power lines near to road, e. UAE controlled airspace 2500 ft/760 metres and above, f. Not recommended to fly in winds above 25 kph/16 kts. 2.4 Signage 2.4.1 2.4.2 12
2.5 Emergency In the event of an accident and medical assistance is required call 999. a) Give the following details: i. Type of injuries sustained. ii. Location Al Faya. You may have to guide the ambulance to your location. b) Nearest Hospital: Dubai/Sharjah c) All accident MUST be reported to senior local pilot to include: i. When it happened ii. iii. iv. Where it happened How it happened What action was taken 3.0 Al Wathba Hill local rules and information 3.1 Al Wathba Hilll location N24 9'48.92" E54 41'49.22" 3.1.1 The local site manager is 3.1.2 Al Wathba is a site sensitive location, it is a unique year round flying site used by many different nationalities and visiting pilots, disregarding the site rules could get this location closed to paragliding pilots. 3.2 Al Wathba Hill Local rules 3.2.1 General Points a) Wathba Hill is a strong wind takeoff site; all pilots must be proficient in strong wind take off techniques. (Not recommend to-take off above 25 kph). b) There is no solo flying from Wathba Hill (i.e. You on your own). c) Strictly No flying over the electrical pylons and communications tower on the north side. d) Air traffic. Beware Wathba Hill is near the flight path of the Al Dhafra military base; all pilots must be vigilant for low flying aircraft. e) There is a height limit of 100 meters / 330 ft above take-off. There is no cross country flying from Wathba Hill due to the sensitive locations nearby. 3.2.2 Construction Traffic 3.2.2.1 Wathba Hill is still under construction, Lorries are constantly moving up and down the hill. Lorries have the right of way over the pilots launching on the road. DO NOT impede their movements up and down the hill. 3.2.3 Parking Areas 3.2.3.1 Pilots can car share to reduce the congestion of cars parking on the take off areas. Visiting pilots ask local pilots best locations to park (locations will change due to wind direction). See Map for parking Areas. 13
3.2.4 Ground Handling Area 3.2.4.1 Recommend ground handling is next to the North windsock area. Please ground handle away from the designated parking area. 3.2.5 Landing Area 3.2.5.1 It is possible to land anywhere in the desert area, for ease and safety use the designated landing sites. On your approach beware of other pilots (Lower pilot has right of way), parked vehicles, horses and approaching traffic. 3.2.6 Take off Areas; There are 3 main take off areas (See Map); (a) North Take-off. Most frequently used Launching area. (b) Top Take-off. Take-off from the top can be from any direction. Top take-off will require less wind, however it may become strong very quickly (seek local knowledge). (c) South Take-off is the lower ridge site. 3.2.7 Wind /Weather a) Always seek local knowledge on wind/weather prior to your take off. b) The following weather sites are used for the wind/weather: i. www.wathba.uff.ae ii. Wind Alert. Nearest Location Al Dhafra 3.2.8 Speedwings; can be used under the following remit: 3.3 Hazards a) Paragliders have priority over Speedwings b) Speedwing flyers liaise with other pilots prior to flying. 3.3.1 Horses: (a) No ground handling near horses, if horse approach; pack your glider out of sight. (b) Do not overfly or land near any horses. 3.3.2 Traffic: Beware of speeding vehicles and vehicles using the desert tracks in and round Wathba hill. 14
3.4 Signage 3.5 Emergency In the event of an accident and medical assistance is required call 999. d) Give the following details: iii. Type of injuries sustained. iv. Location Wathba Endurance Village. You may have to guide the ambulance to your location. e) Nearest Hospital: Mafraq Hospital Tel: 02501111 f) All accident MUST be reported to local pilot site manager: v. When it happened vi. Where it happened vii. How it happened viii. What action was taken 15
Section 6 Incorporation of the association with the GCAA 1.0 The intention of this section is to enable an operations manual to be incorporated into the association under the guidance and in accordance with the GCAA. 1.1 The intended avenue is to either; (a) Incorporate into the CAR OPS, Special Purpose Operations, Part D Ultralight and Microlight operations. There would require some modifications for PG and HG to fully comply with this section, or (b) Raise a new Part under Special Purpose Operations dedicated to PG and HG use within the UAE. 1.2 In accordance with this section, para 1.1 (a), most of the requirements with this CAR OP have been addressed and thus incorporated within this association manual. 16
Section 7 Glossary of Terms Altimeter AMSL CAR OPS Controlled airspace Ft GCAA Hang glider HG Kts Kph Limits Paraglider a barometric instrument for determining altitude Above mean sea level Civil Aviation Regulations - Operations Controlled airspace is airspace of defined dimensions within which ATC services are provided. The level of control varies with different classes of airspace. abbreviation for measurement in in units of feet. General Civil Aviation Authority an unpowered aircraft consisting of a large cloth wing stretched over a light framework from which the pilot hangs in a harness, using a horizontal bar to control the flight. Abbreviation used in these rules for a Hang glider. speed measured in knots. speed measured in kilometres per hour. a point or level beyond which something does not or may not extend or pass. a wide canopy resembling a parachute that is attached to a person's body by a harness in order to allow them to glide through the air after jumping from or being hauled to a height. Paramotor a motorized steerable parachute, powered by a motor and propeller strapped to the pilot's back. PG Ridge lift Ridge soaring Speedwing Thermalling Abbreviation used in these rules for a Paraglider created when a wind trikes an obstacle, usually a mountain ridge or cliff, that is large and steep enough to deflect the wind upward. the art of using ridge lift solely to maintain or gain altitude. the air sport of flying a small, fast fabric wing, usually in close proximity to a steep slope. columns of rising air that are formed on the ground through the warming of the surface by sunlight. 17