Getting USPPA Rated PPG 1 through PPG 3

You want like to earn your USPPA pilot ratings. Here are answers to some common questions.
FL=Foot launch
WL=Wheel launch

How much does Certification Cost?

USPPA does not charge for ratings but the instructor or administrator will likely charge for their time. If a new membership card is desired before the annual cycle, there may be up to a $15 charge although there is none currently. Ratings can be verified online here.

I’m starting out, how do I get a Footlaunch (FL) rating?

The best way is to get trained by a current and active USPPA Footlaunch Instructor. Here’s a list of instructors who are actively doing ratings. It obviously takes more work because you must demonstrate the necessary skills. PPG 2 is the rating most pilots get before setting out on the own and there is still a LOT to learn.

How about a Wheel Launch (WL) rating?

Same as for footlaunch (above) but you must go to a WL Instructor.

I’m experienced, how do I get a rating?

Go to a WL or FL instructor according to the rating you seek. He’ll take you through the PPG 1, 2 and 3, prepare you for and have you take all 3 tests, then demonstrate the skills required of the ratings. For a skilled pilot, this CAN take as little as 1 full day but must include calm wind launches and stronger wind launches, so that makes it harder.

Getting USPPA Rated as Instructor

Attend a clinic given byan Instructor Administrator (here’s the list) for the launch type you desire. An Administrator can give any instructor rating that he holds, including tandem. It’s entirely possible that the administrator may find that you’re not quite ready to teach under our program but it should be considered a learning experience in that case. He should explain areas where you can work on and that you can come back again. Refunds for courses are not likely and are at the discretion of the Administrator.

Instructor: Giving Ratings Q & A (FAQ)

This will help understand the ratings program for instructors and administrators. It is paramount that ratings are earned with all the material covered! We would rather have fewer ratings given if it means they remain meaningful. As always, attending a clinic is never a guarantee of a rating. If no rating is earned, consider it a learning process.

You are a FL Instructor:

What ratings can I give?

PPG 1 FL rating: Submit signed PPG 1.

PPG 2 FL rating: Submit signed PPG 2 syllabus with PPG 1 also checkmarked.

PPG 3 FL rating: Submit signed PPG 3 syllabus with PPG 1 & 2 also checkmarked.

How do I become a WL Instructor?

Become HIGHLY competent at WL flying! Then go to another WL Instructor who will:

• Go through the PPG 1 through 3 Wheel Launch syllabus.
• Witness you demonstrating competency as listed in the PPG 1 and PPG 2/3 syllabi to PPG 3 WL standards.
• Submit your rating.
• Contact any Administrator who can immediately issue the WL Instructor rating if the process has been completed as described here. He will log in, check that you have a current instructor rating, that you now have a PPG 3 WL rating, and give the WL instructor rating.

How do I become a FL Tandem Instructor?

• Meet all the skill requirements listed in the Tandem Program, especially being highly competent at ground handling large wings.
• Go to a Tandem Clinic that is administered by a Tandem FL rated Administrator who is offering FL Tandem ratings. An administrator can administer any rating he possesses.

How do I become a WL Tandem Instructor?

• Get your WL Instructor rating as described above.
• Go to a Tandem Clinic that is administered by a Tandem WL rated Administrator who is offering WL Tandem ratings. An administrator can administer any rating he possesses.

You are a WL Instructor:

What ratings can I give?

PPG 1 WL rating: Submit signed PPG 1 syllabus and PPG 1 WL Syllabus Addendum.

PPG 2 FL rating: Submit signed PPG 2 syllabus and PPG 2/3 WL Syllabus Addendum (they don’t have to demonstrate the PPG 3 items).

PPG 3 FL rating: Submit signed PPG 3 syllabus and PPG 2/3 WL Syllabus Addendum.

How do I become a WL Tandem Instructor?

• Go to a Tandem Clinic that is administered by a Tandem WL rated Administrator who is offering WL Tandem ratings. An administrator can administer any rating he possesses.

I have a student who wants a FL rating, Can I administer it?

No.

Can I administer a WL rating to another instructor?

Yes, but you’re just giving the PPG 1 WL through PPG 3 WL. To become a WL Instructor they must still go through an Administrator who will make sure their documentation is accurate and enter the WL Instructor rating.

You Became an Instructor before 2011

I  was already flying with wheels, can I get the rating?

Yes. If you were certified BEFORE 2011 but didn’t get a wheel launch rating (we didn’t have the rating at first), do the following.

Have another current USPPA wheel launch instructor who has observed you flying with wheels attest that you meet the skill level listed in the ratings program. Email your request and an image of his signed statement to our Membership Administrator.