As the Speedflying community has rapidly grown over the past 5 years, we have seen a marked increase in both the skill-sets and knowledge-base associated with piloting smaller wings at higher wing-loadings. Although Speedflying presents unique risk management concerns at valued USHPA sites, it also offers new training opportunities, and a renewed interest in foot-launched airsports from a broad range of contemporary pilots.
In an effort to formally acknowledge the relatively new sport of Speedflying, and to enhance ongoing safety and site-access for all USHPA members and flying locations, we are incredibly excited to announce the inception of a new S1 through S4 Rating and Training progression. This new rating system seeks to create a more accurate road-map for professional training protocols, realistic pilot progression, and appropriate wing-downsizing, incorporating the many lessons learned over 10+years of Speedflying training and technological advancement.
In recognition of the differences between Speedwings, Mini-Wings, and Paragliders, the new Speedfly program will now serve as a stand-alone skill-set and rating progression, not requiring preceding Paraglide (P) ratings, but incorporating many parallel training components and instructional practices for “S”-student induction and progression.
The existing Mini-Wing rating and training protocols will be incorporated as a “special skill” — pursuable by Paragliding pilots with an active “P” rating, seeking Mini-Wing specific training and certification.
Current M1 and M2-rated pilots will be offered an “Equivalency-Transfer” granted any time within the first year of this new rating system (May 1st 2022 - April 30th 2023), allowing them ongoing access to the USHPA sites they have previously frequented.
M1 = S2
M2 = S3
All “M”-rated pilots should carefully review the updated “S”-rating progression requirements (pg 34 - requires login), and actively fill-in any gaps in training or knowledge that may exist. Speedflying has come a long way since the inception of the M-rating system, and what may once have felt like an expansive knowledge and/or experience-base, may not reflect the newest innovations or best-practices in the sport.
To find speedflying instructors in your area, sort instructors by wing type on the map or search for instructors by state and wing type. If you are interested in becoming a Speed Flying Instructor then you can find Speed Flying Administrators.