Foot Launched Powered Aircraft (FLPA)

Definition

A foot-launched powered aircraft (FLPA) is defined as an aeroplane which:-

1. comprises a combination of a paraglider or a flex-wing aerofoil hang-glider and a mechanical propulsion device;
2. has no landing undercarriage or wheels, skids or floats attached;
3. is demonstrably capable of being safely foot-launched from a horizontal surface in still air or light wind conditions and of being safely landed again in similar conditions;
4. is capable of carrying no more than two persons in flight.

FLPA Classes

FLPAs come in two different Classes:-

• Powered Hang Glider (PHG) - These have a delta shaped hang-glider type wing and are controlled by shifting the aeroplane's centre-of-gravity; powered by a motorised propulsion unit which is an add-on.
• Powered Paraglider (PPG) - These are a semi-elliptical shape ram air parachute canopy controlled by two handheld brakes connected to the rear of the canopy and can be combined with weight shift; powered by a propulsion unit worn on the pilot's back which is an add-on.

Requirement to hold an FLPA Pilot Licence

Under the Irish Aviation Authority (Personnel Licensing) Orders, a pilot of an FLPA is required to hold a pilot Licence . However, as the FLPA pilot licensing system is in the process of being finalised, FLPA pilots are currently facilitated with an Exemption , i.e. this is a document which exempts them from holding a pilot licence subject to meeting certain requirements. Limited recognition is given to FLPA qualifications obtained abroad (see AIC Nr. 11/04)

Requirements for Training

A person wishing to obtain an FPLA qualification must undergo a course of ground (Theoretical Knowledge) and flight training which is set out in the appropriate syllabuses. Generally, this training will be obtained at an FLPA flying club. Flight training covers normal and emergency procedures in general handling and cross-country navigation exercises. A minimum of 15 hours total flight time must be obtained, which must include 5 hours of solo time and the required qualifying solo cross country flight. Ground training covers airframe or canopy and engine technical knowledge, aircraft performance, meteorology (weather), navigation theory and flight planning, air law (Rules of the Air) and Human Performance & Limitations (the medical, physical and psychological aspects of flying). There is no radio communications or Air Traffic Control procedures training as FLPAs are prohibited from controlled airspace.

Persons who can give FLPA Training

Training must be undertaken with a qualified FLPA Flight Instructor (abbreviated "FI[FLPA]"). Such an instructor will hold an FLPA qualification himself on which is endorsed a Flight Instructor Rating for the FLPA classes in which he is qualified to instruct. In addition, the FLPA flying club where instruction is being undertaken must be registered with the IAA for that purpose as a Registered Training Facility (FLPA). The club will have a Certificate of Registration which must be displayed in a prominent place in the club premises.

FLPA Pilot Medical Requirements

Before going solo or being issued with an FLPA Pilot Licence, a person must pass a medical examination for a Class 2 Medical Certificate. This examination must be undertaken with a doctor who is nominated as an Aeromedical Examiner (AME) by the IAA.