Legal Information

Before Flying in Australia you should become a Member with either the SAFA or RAA ! 

There is no licence needed to fly a PPG or WPPG in Australia, however there are Accreditation requirements that are different for either of the current two governing bodies, being SAFA (Sports Aviation Federation of Australia) & RAA (Recreational Aviation Australia), further information can be found on there web sites.

However, as a general rule a majority of Foot launch Powered Paragliders (PPG) lean towards the SAFA, whilst Wheeled Power Paragliders (WPPG) tend to use the RAA, mainly because the SAFA (Sports Aviation Federation of Australia) has been dragging their knuckles on the ground and not reworded the CAO_95.08_April_2011 Operational documentation (.pdf) and submitting it to CASA for approval, on the surface the above document appears to be bias, as it allows the likes of an Aerochute to be Flown via the RAA & not a far superior & Safer NEW LowBoy-3 Quad like ours !

Supposedly the rules state:

"It is illegal to fly a hand-glider, paraglider or weight-shift microlight aircraft in Australia without being a member of the SAFA or RAA and being issued an approved certificate".
(Refer to federal aviation rules and CAO 95.8 or CAO 95.32 or 95.10).

Membership with the Sports Aviation Federation of Australia (SAFA) 

A Full year SAFA Pilot membership was $280 +state Levy $22~$62, or you can obtain a Temporary membership for $150.00 (120 Days) from the SAFA or via Instructors.

Microlight Aircraft Registration is $20 for Two Years.

SAFA memberships are available with most Flight Instructors or Flight Training school or via the internet on the SAFA web site: www.SAFA.asn.au, membership includes a $10 million in liability Insurance coverage (claims excess of $2000), so even though an insurance policy from an overseas country may be valid world wide, it won't satisfy the naming requirements and therefore won't satisfy the conditions to fly in Australia.

Membership with the Recreational Aviation Australia inc (RAA) 

A Full year RAA Pilot membership is $185 or you can obtain a Temporary membership for $50 (90 Days) from the RAA or via Instructors.

All Aircraft Renewal (annually) Single seat $65.00 (1st year $120) and Two seat $130.00 (1st year $250).

We have been informed that it is cheaper and far simplified process to get your "Wheeled Powered Paraglider Endorsement" via the RAA, as you don't need to do all the unnecessary & far more complicated foot launch training if you are flying a Quad or Trike !

RAA memberships are available with most Flight Instructors or Flight Training school or via the internet on the RAA web site: www.RAA.asn.au, membership also includes a liability Insurance coverage, so even though an insurance policy from an overseas country may be valid world wide, it may not satisfy the naming requirements and therefore won't satisfy the conditions to fly in Australia.

Airspace restrictions 

In Australia paragliders are classed as sailplanes (gliders) and pilots will need to observe the appropriate airspace restrictions and VFR flight restrictions.

Most areas are in class G airspace (10'000ft) with no restrictions for hundreds of kilometres. There are also 8km radius CTAF's around most airports to a height of 920mt (3000ft) - you can only legally enter the area with the use of a VHF air band radio and appropriate position calls. Please consult the appropriate airspace map and familiarise yourself with the restrictions if you plan on a cross country flight.

If flying over a town or populated area a 300mt (1'000ft) clearance of Buildings should be maintained, at all other times in public areas a minimum 90mt (300ft) clearance of the public &/or above tarred roads, unless landing.

Radio communications 

The use of 2 metre radio equipment in Australia is limited to individuals holding an amateur radio operators license. A 2mtr radio is an amateur VHF radio band, with frequencies from 144.000 MHz to 148.000 MHz.

We know of two citizens band radio systems in use in Australia, a 27Mhz AM system and a 476/477 Mhz UHF FM system. Neither of these two systems require a license in Australia.

If you are planning to use 2mtr radios it is said you need to have a license and if you are from another country you must get a reciprocal Australian license issued. Only those pilots who hold an amateur radio operators licence issued by the appropriate authority in their own country and which is approved by the authority in Australia ($45 fee payable) are legally entitled to use 2mtr VHF radios. The normal call signs and radio usage protocols of amateur operators are expected to be used on these frequencies.

You can purchase cheap UHF radios that sell for approx. $99.00 for a basic 1/2 watt unit, for around $400 you can purchase a fully featured ICOM 5 watt unit.