Yes.
While the IPPI Stage 5 may allow pilots to fly Cross Country in Europe, in Canada, pilots MUST write a Federal Government Hang Gliding Air Regulations Exam and notify Flight Service Stations in a advance (1-800 numbers are provided on the Canadian Website.)
A HAGAR study guide is posted on the HPAC Web site www.hpac.ca . It is actually fun - and interesting.
Many high profile flying sites have Special Airspace Use provisions – a three dimensional block of airspace where the HAGAR is not required. These sites definitely require HPAC Insurance.
The majority of sites were developed by HPAC members and to protect the sites from closure due to someone causing damage to some landowner property, liability Insurance from HPAC is required. Foreign Insurance will not guarantee a person's access to a HPAC site.
The cost of membership varies province to province due to the varying Provincial fees , the base rate is $125.00 plus any Provincial fee usually $15.00 to $25.00. Membership is good for 1 year. HPAC insurance is also required at all Competitions. An HPAC waiver must also be signed - also available from the website.
Medical Insurance, search & rescue both would up to the pilot 's discretion.
Search and Rescue charges are commonly in the $2 - 5000.00 range, with medical fees well in addition to that.
Automobile Association Members can purchase excellent and very inexpensive medical insurance - around a dollar a day - members can pick up this insurance at home or here in Canada. We strongly recommend this insurance.
For foreign visiting pilots we offer a temporary membership for $40.00 and it covers the pilot with Insurance for 90 days.
Radio Frequency Information
The following radio frequencies are designated for Hang Gliding and Paragliding in Canada:
1. Aircraft Radios (AM Band) 123.400 Mhz.
- No licensing fees apply to aircraft radios aboard aircraft in Canada (or the USA.)
- licensing fees do apply to ground based units.
2. FM Band 173.64 MHz is designated for "Hang Gliding Club Use."
- Clubs purchase bulk licenses for this frequency.
3. Family Radio Service FM UHF 450 MHz frequency range.
- This has 14 Channels, is restricted to a low: 1/2 watt power which is good for 3-5 km.
- No licensing fees apply.