http://www.fai.org/hang_gliding/documents

Section 7A Hang Gliding; Classes I, II, IV and V 2009

There appears to be a great deal of confusion around prototypes in the CIVL Sporting code section A (that section which applies to competition). Lets try to clear up the confusion if possible.

12.3.2 Configuration

A glider showing a certification certificate produced by a CIVL recognised testing body cannot be changed in any way in its configuration. A glider that has been changed in its configuration even slightly in comparison with the tested model or a glider that has not been tested is considered as a prototype and must comply with the following requirements:

12.3.3 Glider identification and documentation

Each glider must have a serial number for identification and the pilot must produce the following documents:

· The manufacturer’s agreement for a nominated pilot to fly the prototype.
· For hang gliders see Safety standards requirements in Chapter 12.

This is the definition of a prototype as far as CIVL is concerned: "....a glider that has been changed in its configuration even slightly in comparison with the tested model or a glider that has not been tested..." I would say that all or almost all of the gliders that we are flying have been changed "...even slightly..." from their tested configuration. I assume that the one I'm flying has.

It is unclear whether CIVL really means this as pilots have been flying gliders in Category I competitions that are at least slightly different than the ones that have been tested and they have not been labeled as prototypes.

There is no form for a "manufacturer's agreement" in the CIVL Sporting Code so apparently anything (letter or document) is allowed. But if we are all flying prototypes, then we all need letters from our glider manufacturer's saying that we can fly their prototype. I doubt that they would be interested in sending out such letters, citing liability concerns.

Chapter 12 is the standard airworthiness standards which this prototype definition is a part of.

GLIDER AIRWORTHINESS. The form of affidavit at Annex B is mandatory and must be signed by the pilot and witnessed or the additional documentation specified in 2.13 produced for prototype gliders.

First, there is no additional documentation specified in section 2.13. The only documentation that seems necessary is the manufacturer's agreement to let you fly their prototype.

Second, the form in Appendix B is only for pilots flying certified gliders, that is non prototype gliders. It states:

If your glider is not a certified model or is not in certified configuration DO NOT SIGN THIS STATEMENT but instead comply with Section 7A 12.2.6.3

Third, the section 12.2.6.3 is now 12.3.3. but this error wasn't caught in the 2009 version of the Section 7.

Fourth, so apparently this affidavit in Appendix B is not mandatory after all, if you are flying a prototype glider, which may be all of the gliders that we fly in Category I competitions.

Confusing enough for you?

So why bring this up?

The CIVL sprogs working group has received a suggestion that only a limited number of prototypes be allowed in a Category I competition. But if all our gliders are in fact prototypes as far as the CIVL Sporting Code definition then where would that leave us?