About HPAC/ACVL

The HPAC/ACVL is a Canadian non-profit corporation created to represent and support the sports of hang gliding and paragliding in Canada. Our vision, mission and goals guide our activities.

The HPAC/ACVL is a member of the Aero Club of Canada and affiliated to the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI) and the Commission Internationale de Vol Libre (CIVL).

About Hang Gliding and Paragliding

Hang gliding and paragliding are two sports that provide unparalleled freedom and recreation. Hang gliding and paragliding are the most accessible and affordable ways for people to achieve man’s oldest dream — flying with the birds.

To learn more about hang gliding and paragliding, check out our FAQs or John Penfold’s excellent Discover Hang Gliding and Paragliding site.
This article on hang gliding in Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia also has good information. There is also useful information on paragliding as well.

About Hang Gliding and Paragliding in Canada

In this age of government regulations, it is significant that hang gliding and paragliding are the least regulated segments of aviation. This is due to the nature of these sports and the unrelenting effort of the HPAC/ACVL to keep these sports free of regulation.

In Canada, hang gliders and paragliders are not required to be registered or to bear identification marks. There are no airworthiness standards or requirements imposed by the Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs). The CARs do not impose any training requirements for hang glider or paraglider pilots and the regulations do not require these pilots to hold any pilot licence or permit to operate their aircraft. There is, however a requirement to obtain the HAGAR annotation prior to piloting hang gliders and paragliders in controlled airspace. Most of the CARs about airspace apply to hang gliders and paragliders.

Hang glider operators may use an ultra-light aeroplane to tow a hang glider. Before doing so, these operators are required to notify Transport Canada through the Recreational Aviation division of their nearest General Aviation office.