PPG 2 PL (Precision Landing)
After getting instructor input the Training Committee changed the PPG 2 landing requirement to better reflect what instructors are seeing in the field. They found that new students are almost universally unable to comply with the spot landing requirement of consistently landing within 40 feet of a target, power off, from at least 300′ within even their first 30 flights. That power-off landing requirement is now 100′, a value that instructors find is realistic.
The 40′ spot landing is now a special skill, PPG 2 PL (Precision Landing). So a student can get his PPG2 rating but will not likely get the PPG 2 PL sign off until gaining experience and then, at a later date, demonstrating the PPG 2 PL skills. He can do this demonstration to any USPPA instructor. That instructor can sign him off online and no syllabus submission is required if ONLY the special skill is being added.
- Published in Training Updates, Updates
Instructor Admin List
A list of Instructor Admins has been added on the Schools Page.
- Published in Training Updates, Updates
Training Update
Learn about the Trimmer Speedbar Interconnect.
- Published in Training Updates, Updates
Speedbar Trimmer Interconnect
Many, if not most, competition pylon racing wings are now coming with, or have an optional Speedbar Trimmer Interconnect (STI) system. It is intended to put most speed control, including trimmers, in the speedbar. Basically, pressing the speedbar activates the speedsystem AND lets up the trimmers.
As this is a test question on the new PPG 3 exam, we wanted to provide some educational material on it for reference. Please do not copy or redisplay this illustration; it is provided here by permission.
It is a schematic to illustrate the basic concept of system operation. Since pressure is so much higher on the A’s, the default condition when armed is no speedbar, trims slow (or neutral depending on glider).
A failure of the interconnect line will let the wing go to the trimmer selected setting which would normally be fast if the system is in use.
In a front tuck situation the system would allow the trimmers to go full fast on the tucked side. This is clearly a design for experienced pilots who will react properly to dynamic situations with quick and appropriate responses. Even then, it is largely experimental (as are most pylon racing wings) and is not likely to be certified in any way.
As always, pilots should base their understanding on a careful reading of the wing’s Pilot Manual.
This is commonly called the PK System, named after its inventor Paap Kolar.
- Published in Training Updates
Tests
All three PPG tests, 1 through 3, have been updated and uploaded to a new service that will bring back online testing so that USPPA instructors can offer this for their students.
For now the tests are being reviewed by volunteer instructors to look for errors, especially since the questions and answers have been updated.
The new service will allow instructors to print paper versions of their tests if they choose to go over them in a classroom environment. Graphics are displayed/printed beside each question that uses them.
Questions will now better reflect some of the changes in paramotoring over the last few years and more improvements will be made now that we have regained the ability to update and add.
One change is that tests will now be a maximum of 35 questions chosen at random from a bank of questions.
If all goes well the tests will be available by Mid April, just in time to have finished your taxes and moved on to more interesting endeavors!
- Published in Training Updates