http://www.fai.org/hang_gliding/meetings/plenary/2007


D Tim Cummings, HGFA CIVL Delegate from Australia, writes:

In light of the ambiguity and impreciseness of the rule at
paragraph 4.5  sec7b, for CIVL to consider officially permitting a reasonable
number  of event officials (or Air Marshalls) to fly the course line with  pilot
safety as a priority role. A guideline/operations manual for  such officials
should be in place and strictly adhered to.


The duties can include but would not be limited to :


- conditions updates (eg for independent weather conditions news especially for
task cancellation situations - our tasks can be up to 200kms from  launch !)


- cloud flying infringements (will be like the highway patrol of air -  the
pilots will be influenced by this factor for sure as the air marshals  will be
clearly marked)


- accident assistance - (well spaced locally experienced air marshals will be 
on the spot for this critical role - they will also have senior first  aid
capabilities, first aid kit and all communication methods on board
for communication relays)


Paragliding and hang gliding are one of the few course style race sports where
event officials are not spaced at regular intervals on the course line to 
heighten the safety and sporting aspects of the events operation.

The meet organizer of the 2007 World in Big Spring, David Glover,
has proposed to CIVL, through me, his CIVL liaison, that various meet organizers
be allowed to fly with the contestants (unmarked) just of the reasons given
above.


Godfrey Wenness, the meet organizer for the 2007 Paragliding World at Manilla,
Australia, totally independently has also proposed to use air marshals along the
course line.