NOTE – The WMIC is not accepting applications for new solo instructors at this time per landowner request. For all tandem instruction and visiting solo instruction activity read below.
Summary
Hang gliding and Paragliding at Woodrat Mountain is a privilege. Instruction is more so. To protect our shared resource, local landowners and the RVHPA have initiated several new developments designed to protect our access to this site. RVHPA is placing all instructional activities under the supervision of the Woodrat Mountain Instructor Committee (WMIC). Any eligible pilot wishing to conduct instructional activities at an RVHPA-insured site must be approved by the WMIC.
Instruction (solo or tandem)
USHPA certified Instruction at Woodrat Mountain shall be limited to instructors approved by the WMIC and Insured landowners. All instructors must be approved by the WMIC prior to conducting any instruction at Woodrat Mountain site and LZ’s. Instruction includes tandem flights, basic instruction, advanced instruction, clinics, paid tours and competitions. All Solo instruction at Woodrat Mountain requires supervision by WMIC lead (Kevin Lee).
Commercial instructors (solo or tandem)
Commercial instructors (solo or tandem) must be approved and sponsored by the WMIC, current USHPA, PASA certified, RVHPA members for one year, and have a BLM Special Recreation permit (the BLM permitting process involves completing a 2930-1 Special Recreation Permit Application, submitting an operations plan, and paying the current BLM Special Recreation Permit fee amount ($130.00 as of 1/1/25). See the link below for additional details). NOTE – The WMIC is not accepting applications for new solo instructors at this time per landowner request.
Non-commercial instructors (solo or tandem, local or visiting)
To be considered for any instructional activities at Woodrat, non-commercial instructors (solo or tandem) must be approved and/or sponsored by the WMIC or a board member prior to any solo or tandem instruction from Woodrat Mountain, and be current USHPA and RVHPA members. A BLM permit is not required as long as you are not receiving compensation of any type for tandem flights, or solo instruction/training.
Non-commercial instructors must have maintained Non-Commercial/non-compensated status for the past 12 months and have a current USHPA Rogallo Membership level with USHPA.
Requirements applying to all Tandem Flights at Woodrat Mountain
To protect safety, support our landowners, and maintain long-term site access, the Woodrat Mountain Instructors Committee (WMIC) sets the following requirements for any and all Tandem instructional flights:
1. Permission to fly tandems
Pilots returning after a 1–2 year lapse must contact WMIC for permission before flying.
2. USHPA Standards
All tandem operations must comply with USHPA professional standards and certifications.
3. Minimum Age
Students must be at least 16 years old to fly tandem. Only Exception being Tandem Pilot’s flying with their own children after agreeing to and signing all liability waivers protecting our land owners, site and club.
4. No Top Landings
Tandem top landings are prohibited due to past safety incidents.
5. Safe Conditions Only
Flights may only occur in conditions appropriate for tandem instruction.
6. No Cross-Country Flights with Temporary Student members.
Tandem flights must remain in the local Ruch area unless the student is a full member USHPA pilot rated P0 or above and fully aware of the challenges and risks of Cross-Country flights.
Additional information on USHPA Requirements for non-commercial instructors are available at these links.
- USHPA New process for requesting Certified Non-Commercial (CNC) status
- USHPA FAQ for becoming a Certified Non-Commercial Instructor and Insurance Coverage for Recreational (Non-Commercial) Rogallo Members
To download WMIC and BLM documents along with a sponsorship form, click here.
Questions? contact a WMIC member:
Kevin Lee (Chair) (541) 890-7142 kevin@thermaltracker.com
Sam Crocker (503) 781-1795 samwise19@hotmail.com
Karl Blust (541) 944-9415 kblust@hotmail.com
UPDATED
9/14/2025
Dan Wells
