USHPA P3 Test Study Guide
Airspace Regulations
Piloting Skills
Speed to fly
Recognize and recover from Deep Stall.
Asymmetric Deflation Recovery.
Spin Recovery.
Understand Wind Gradient.
Recognize and recover from a full stall.
Understand the increased risk associated with speed bar use especially close to the ground.
Risk Management
Reserve deployment.
Hypoxia.
Chest strap setting.
Aerodynamics
Chord Line.
Wing Loading.
Aspect Ratio.
How a wing creates Lift.
Weather
Density Altitude.
Atmospheric Pressure.
Lenticular Clouds.
Cumulus Clouds.
Cloud types the proceed warm and cold fronts.
What part of the atmosphere do we fly in.
Dewpoint.
Verga.
USHPA P3 Prerequisites and operating limitations
Prerequisites
- P2 or equivalent rating/experience
- Minimum of 20 hours of solo air time
- Minimum of 30 flying days
- Minimum of 90 flights
Operating Limitations:
1. Maximum base wind of 15 m.p.h.
2. Maximum peak gusts to 18 m.p.h.
3. Maximum gust rate of 5 m.p.h. in 5 seconds.
4. Avoid steep turns close to the ground.
5. Avoid application of either brake beyond 3/4 of the way from full off to stall position.
6. Limit turns to bank angles recommended by the manufacturer, limit speed in turns to 2 times the straight line, brakes off, cruise speed, and smoothly exit any spiral turn that shows a tendency to steepen or accelerate.
7. Should initiate downwind turns only with 300′ of clearance outward from the hill or ridge in winds above 15 m.p.h., and 200′ of clearance in winds above 10 m.p.h.
8. Should not fly in thermals where peak climb rates exceed 500 fpm or where significant vertical cloud development exists.
9. Upon mastering the above skills, an Intermediate Paragliding Pilot should pursue new maneuvers, sites, and conditions with the guidance of a USHPA Certified Advanced Paragliding Instructor or Observer.
