Who is the British Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association (BPHA)?

Governing Body: The BHPA is the official governing body for free flight (which includes Hang Gliding, Paragliding, speed flying, Paramotoring, and parascending) in the United Kingdom.

Member-led: It's a members organisation primarily managed by volunteers, supported by a small number of paid staff.

Infrastructure Provider: They provide the essential infrastructure that allows hang gliding and paragliding to thrive in the UK, supporting a nationwide network of recreational clubs and registered schools.

Safety and Standards: A core focus of the BHPA is promoting safety within the sport. They set standards for:

• Pilot training and progression (through their rating system).

• Instructor assessment and licensing.

• Airworthiness of aircraft.

• They also publish safety notices and provide technical support.

Representation: The BHPA represents its members and the sport to various bodies, including the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI), and the Royal Aero Club. They also hold the current presidency for the European Hang Gliding and Paragliding Union (EHPU), maintaining important international connections.

Key Activities and Benefits of BHPA Membership:

Pilot Training & Rating System:

All initial paragliding and hang gliding training in the UK must be undertaken at a BHPA registered school.

The BHPA has a well-developed rating system:

Elementary Pilot (EP) Award: The first step, marking completion of introductory training.

Club Pilot (CP) Rating: The end of formal instruction, qualifying you to fly unsupervised within BHPA member clubs.

Pilot (P) Rating: For fully qualified pilots with well-rounded skills, typically required for cross-country flights.

Advanced Pilot (AP) Rating: For highly skilled and experienced pilots.

They also offer coaching schemes and development structures for ongoing skill progression.

Insurance: Annual BHPA flying membership includes £5 million in third-party insurance cover. This is crucial for protecting you in case you cause damage or injury to others while flying. However, it's important to note that this generally does not include medical costs or travel insurance, which pilots should obtain independently. Find out more

Skywings Magazine: Members receive a monthly copy of "Skywings" the only magazine dedicated to free flying in the UK, offering articles, news, and safety information.

Support for Clubs: The BHPA supports a large network of local recreational clubs. These clubs:

• Liaise with landowners to provide and manage flying sites (as most land in the UK is privately owned).

• Offer a supportive social environment.

• Provide guidance and assistance to qualified pilots.

Flyability: The BHPA has an associated charity, "Flyability," dedicated to making hang gliding and paragliding accessible to disabled people.

Competitions and Leagues: The BHPA supports various national competitions and leagues for different disciplines, including paragliding accuracy.

Advocacy: They engage with regulators like the CAA on issues impacting the sport, such as electronic conspicuity (EC) and drone integration, ensuring the community's voice is heard.