[Bob Kuczewski]

Super!!!

The vote was unanimous in less than 24 hours ...
                ... this Board is really starting to find it's groove!!!!



I'll move this topic into the public members section now.   

[Bob Kuczewski]

Update passed by email discussion on August 15th, 2015:

On August 13th, I got the following email message from one of our US Hawks members:

I have renounced my ushpa membership and Master rating. Can the Hawks issue an equivalent rating to present at flying sites?

In response, I sent the following message to the US Hawks Board Members on August 14th:

Hello US Hawks Trial Board Members and Friends,

I just got an email message from one of our members stating this:

    "I have renounced my ushpa membership and Master rating. Can the Hawks issue an equivalent rating to present at flying sites?"

I know that we have some conflicting feelings about ratings, but this member makes the point that he would like to be able to go to sites and present his US Hawks rating.

Can we compromise by creating a "Transitional Rating System" that honors USHPA's ratings for now? I'd like to be able to respond to this member with something more concrete than we've got so far.

Thanks,
Bob

Joe responded on August 14th, 2015:

Yes, all USHPA ratings are interim US Hawks ratings.

The US Hawks rating of "Hang Glider Pilot" is in a different sphere, one that covers all the USHPA ratings in a different light and manner with the intent of higher safety results. ​ ​A HGP stays within his or her limits.

I responded to Joe and the Board:

I like Joe's addition of HGP.

I move that the US Hawks establish a "Transitional Rating System" that honors any hang gliding rating (H0-H5) that was ever issued by USHPA (or USHGA) and has not been revoked for cause. Any ratings that have been revoked or removed by USHPA shall be reviewed by the US Hawks Board and approved by a 2/3 majority of the current Board Members before an equivalent US Hawks rating can be issued.

I also move that the US Hawks establish a permanent hang gliding rating of Hang Gliding Pilot (HGP) which shall be self assigned by each pilot who feels they are deserving of that rating.

I also move that all US Hawks ratings shall follow the FAA model of being good for life unless otherwise revoked for cause. There shall be no fee for any member to remain a rated member of the US Hawks.

I also move that ratings shall be granted up presentation of reasonable proof to any Board member that the rating exists or existed. If there is any question about validity of a rating by the Board member, then the rating shall require the 2/3 majority vote of the existing Board members.

Do I hear a second?

Joe replied with a second and the correction that "up" be replaced with "upon":

​"up" ....replaced by "upon". Then I second all motions shown.​ It seems right that a 2/3 majority for this motion set should be required, as some of its body points require 2/3 vote of existing Board members. (2/3 times 4)=8/3=2.6+ which logically forces 3 members. So, the motion would not carry without a third.

On August 15th, Joe replied with a vote:

​Vote: Yes.​

On August 15th, I replied to Joe and the Board:

Thanks Joe!!!

If we can get a third vote, then we can start issuing ratings!!! : )

On August 15th, Sam replied with the passing vote:

Hawks,

I vote.. yes

And Bill made it unanimous a short time later (also on August 15th, 2015):

I vote yes on the rating system.

[Bob Kuczewski]

Here's the current updated version of the US Hawks rating system pending any objections:

The US Hawks defines 7 hang gliding ratings:

• Hang Glider Pilot (HGP) - A Self-Declarative Rating
• Hawk 0 - Equivalent to USHPA's Hang 0
• Hawk 1 - Equivalent to USHPA's Hang 1
• Hawk 2 - Equivalent to USHPA's Hang 2
• Hawk 3 - Equivalent to USHPA's Hang 3
• Hawk 4 - Equivalent to USHPA's Hang 4
• Hawk 5 - Equivalent to USHPA's Hang 5

Original Description:

Pilots who can demonstrate that they hold any of those USHPA ratings will be granted the equivalent US Hawks Rating. Furthermore, US Hawks ratings will follow the precedent set by the FAA - namely that they are good for life. The US Hawks may impose flight currency and other requirements to fly (as the FAA does), but the rating itself will be good for life unless removed for cause. Finally, the US Hawks will establish a special "Ratings" forum containing a "Rated Member's Only" section (similar to the current Blog Forum) where the US Hawks records issued ratings and where each pilot is also allowed to start one topic to document their qualifications as an HGP.

Update Approved on August 15th, 2015:

As of August 15th, 2015, the US Hawks establishes a "Transitional Rating System" that honors any hang gliding rating (H0-H5) that was ever issued by USHPA (or USHGA) and has not been revoked for cause. Any ratings that have been revoked or removed by USHPA shall be reviewed by the US Hawks Board and approved by a 2/3 majority of the current Board Members before an equivalent US Hawks rating can be issued.

As of August 15th, 2015, the US Hawks also establishes a permanent hang gliding rating of Hang Gliding Pilot (HGP) which shall be self assigned by each pilot who feels they are deserving of that rating.

As of August 15th, 2015, the US Hawks also establishes that all US Hawks ratings shall follow the FAA model of being good for life unless otherwise revoked for cause. There shall be no fee for any member to remain a rated member of the US Hawks.

As of August 15th, 2015, the US Hawks also establishes that ratings shall be granted upon presentation of reasonable proof to any Board member that the equivalent USHPA rating exists or existed. If there is any question about validity of a rating by the Board member, then the rating shall require the 2/3 majority vote of the existing Board members.