Search & Rescue
PPG2 Rating
This rating gets the individual out on his/her own. At this level the pilot should be able to fly either under
instructor supervision or in good conditions with fairly wide-open launch/landing areas. Supervision can be
as simple as having your instructor approve the location where you plan on flying and going over
conditions that would be appropriate there.
Ground Requirements
1. PPG2:JMD Pilot uses good judgment and have a level of Maturity commensurate with the rating.
2. PPG2:PPU All witnessed flights must be pre-planned by the pilot and discussed with the
instructor.
3. PPG2:AGU Attends a minimum of 8 hours of ground school.
4. PPG2:PFU Setup and preflight the glider, harness and reserve (if used)
5. PPG2:SCU Verbal analysis of general site conditions including a flight plan (flight path,
avoidance areas, obstacles, wind effects)
6. PPG2:PLD Demonstrates proper and effective PLF technique.
7. PPG2:CRU Explain the basics of airspace as it pertains to PPG and how to determine legal flight
areas from sectional charts including how to obtain a weather briefing.
8. PPG2:RDD Demonstrate reserve deployment while hanging in a harness in simulated turbulence
or malfunction conditions. This may be done without an actual reserve if none is available.
9. PPG2:SWE Explains proper strong wind landing procedures and how to keep from being dragged
back.
10. PPG2:CCE Explains correct canopy maintenance.
11. PPG2:PLE Explains how to shorten and lengthen flight path with no power.
12. PPG2:GEA Explains speedbar and trimmers, their use and limitations.
13. PPG2:RWE Explains the right of way traffic rules.
14. PPG2:CME Explains how to maintain directional control during and correct for an asymmetric
wing fold of 25% of the wing span
15. PPG2:WRI Has passed the USPPA/USUA PPG2 written exam
Flight Requirements (Launch/Landing/Inflation)
1. PPG2:FID Completes 3 out of the last 4 forward inflations with visual canopy check each time.
2. PPG2:RID Completes 3 out of the last 4 controlled reverse inflations with proper surge dampening
(foot launch only).
3. PPG2:CKD 2 minutes of controlled kiting overhead in a steady wind (foot launch only).
4. PPG2:CKW 30 seconds of controlled kiting while stationary or rolling (wheel launch only)
without ever lifting off.
5. PPG2:CWD 2 cross-wind (> 15º cross to takeoff path) launches in light wind (<= 5 mph).
6. PPG2:NWD 2 no-wind (0-2 mph) inflations/launches.
7. PPG2:HWL 2 high-wind (10-15 mph) launches and landings (foot launch only).
8. PPG2:LPD 5 safe, smooth, power-allowed landings within 25' of a target and into the wind
9. PPG2:LND 5 safe, smooth, power-off landings, within 40' of a target and into the wind.
10. PPG2:GCD Brief and instruct ground crew for assisted launch
11. PPG2:IRD 2 clean inflations/reversals.
12. PPG2:HID Demonstrates a method of establishing proper connection to the wing, with cleared
lines and risers, just prior to inflation
Logged Flight Experience
1. PPG2:FLL 10 flights.
2. PPG2:FDL 5 flying days.
3. PPG2:AVD Flights with smooth variation in airspeed and throttle to maintain level flight from just
above min sink to fast flight on a constant heading
4. PPG2:STD Alternating 'S' turn (at least 90° heading change) flights along a planned path. Heading
change < 45° into wind.
5. PPG2:HOD Hands off flying with smooth transition to climb and descent using throttle only.
6. PPG2:HTD Hands off flying with turns using weight-shift (if available) and rear riser turns.
PPG2 Limitations
These recommended limitations are intended to provide a guide for those at this skill level to remain within
their ability. Obviously there are other things that should be considered before flying but this is a good
starting point.
1. PPG2:ELR Only exceed these limitations after thoroughly mastering all Novice tasks and after
acquiring a full understanding of the potential problems and dangers involved in exceeding these
limitations.
2. PPG2:CRL Max peak thermal strength 200 fpm.
3. PPG2:WSR Max base wind of 12 mph, peak gusts 15 mph.
4. Max gust rate of 5 mph in 5 seconds
5. PPG2:WDR Should not launch with the wind aligned more than 25 degrees from the takeoff path.
6. PPG2:BAR Avoids using of brake beyond 2/3 of full travel (stall).
7. PPG2:TBR Max bank angle of 30 degrees.
8. PPG2:DHR Avoid flying downwind less than 150' above the ground.
9. PPG2:CTR Uses canopy rated for beginner (DHV 1, 1-2 or equivalent other rating).
10. PPG2:LZC Takeoff and landing area should allow unimpeded climb and landing approach without
maneuvering below 100' AGL