HGFA

The Hang Gliding Federation of Australia (HGFA) is the national governing body for the sport of hang gliding and paragliding in Australia. It coordinates safety standards, pilot qualifications, and competition rules, and acts as the representative body for Australian pilots in national and international discussions. The HGFA is a non-profit organization composed of member clubs and state associations, governed by an elected board and volunteer committees.

The federation oversees pilot ratings and training standards, maintains safety programs, and coordinates incident reporting and safety bulletins. It also administers insurance arrangements for members and supports the organization of events such as national championships, training courses, and fly-ins. In addition, the HGFA provides resources on weather, site management, equipment, and operational best practices to promote responsible flying.

Regulatory relationships and airspace: The HGFA works with aviation authorities, including the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), to ensure compliance with Australian aviation regulations and airspace rules. It advocates for access to suitable flying sites and contributes to safety education and site management practices within the sport.

Membership and reach: The federation operates through state branches and affiliated clubs, with thousands of members across hang gliding and paragliding communities. Members typically include pilots, instructors, and coaches who benefit from standardized training, safety guidance, and access to event and insurance programs.

See also: Hang gliding, Paragliding, Aviation sport organizations.