If you wish to add an alternative form of launch to your Pilot Rating, this is done by completing a short Conversion Course. A Hill-endorsement for tow-trained pilots will typically involve a weekend or so with an instructor in a school environment; a Tow-endorsement for a Hill-trained pilot can be undertaken at a tow school or within a tow club. Pilots with only a tow rating should not attempt to hill launch without first completing a short conversion course as the two methods of launching are significantly different, each requiring a separate set of skills and presenting unique set of dangers. Similarly, hill pilots should not attempt to tow launch without similar instruction.
In Ireland, at present, all training is carried out from safe hillsides and mountains, and consequently all pilot ratings issued will reflect this. For instance when you receive your IHPA membership card it will state your rating as Para Pro 3 (Hill) or similar. If you have trained overseas then it is possible that you may have carried out the majority of your training using a winch or tow system, or you may have specifically learned to tow or winch launch in a country where that method of getting airborne is the norm. You can apply to the IHPA to have your membership card reflect this and other similarly acquired skills. At present the IHPA will issue the following endorsements to a pilot's rating if sufficient evidence of training by a recognised school in that skill is produced:
- Hill - Foot launching from a hill or mountain environment.
- Tow - Tow launching behind a powered tug aircraft from a flatland environment.
- Winch - Winch launching using a motorised winch cable system from a flatland environment.
- Power - Foot Launched Powered Aviation (Paramotor or Powered Hang Glider.)
Pilots seeking an endorsement to their Pilot Rating should contact the IHPA Training & Flight Safety Officer with details of their training and contact information for the facilitating school or instructor for verification.
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