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Visiting United States

Where to find out how flying works in United States, who helps visiting pilots on the ground, and who runs tours here. The sources hold the details, so it's worth checking with them before you fly.

Sites on the map

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Sites in United States on a map

Before you fly

National body: United States Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association (USHPA) (opens in a new tab)

  • Visitors can join USHPA with a temporary 10-day membership, which includes the liability insurance most landowners require.
  • Without a USHPA rating, carry your home-country rating documents and a valid IPPI card. Chapters that manage sites set minimum ratings.

A short summary, not legal advice. Rules change, so check the current requirements with United States Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association (USHPA) before you fly. Summary checked 13 Oct 2026.

United States Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association (USHPA): current rules for visiting pilots (opens in a new tab)

Finding local knowledge

  • Torrey Pines Gliderport asks foreign pilots for P3-equivalent experience (IPPI card, 150 flights, 50 hours), a quick ground-handling review with an instructor and a logbook check before flying.

Checked 13 Oct 2026. Sources: source 1 (opens in a new tab) · source 2 (opens in a new tab) · source 3 (opens in a new tab) · source 4 (opens in a new tab) · source 5 (opens in a new tab) · source 6 (opens in a new tab)

Help on the ground

Businesses whose own websites say they help visiting pilots. It's worth contacting them before you go. These lists are indicative, not complete. We add more as we find them, so there are likely others not listed here.

On offer here: Flight park (3) · Gear hire (4) · Accommodation (1) · Courses (3)

Flying tours here

Organised trips for qualified pilots, as each operator describes them. These lists are indicative, not complete. We add more as we find them, so there are likely others not listed here.

Sites and contacts

Information only. Forecast direction is compared with each site's published wind range; speeds are shown but not judged. Always check the official site guide, the administering club and conditions on the day. You are responsible for your decision to fly.