The DGAC Removes Paragliding from RAC 103
Today, finally, after years of institutional struggle, the DGAC has ruled in our favor. For the first time, it recognizes us as a sporting activity that falls outside the scope of its regulations and rules. In short, we are outside RAC 103. This gives all paragliders in the country the opportunity to directly arrange sports insurance, accident insurance, liability insurance, and any other coverage policies with the INS. The INS can no longer rely on a self-serving interpretation of RAC 103 to avoid doing so. Or even worse, after an accident, even with valid policies in place, the INS could invoke the DGAC’s RAC 103 to avoid honoring the policy’s coverage, as has unfortunately already happened in the past.
Likewise, this initiative opens the door for us to streamline the management and organization of international competitions, establish club partnerships, acquire subsidized sports equipment, conduct courses at various schools across the country, and even create a potential National Air Sports Federation to expand and promote our sport.
Processing of the request
Approximately one month ago, a request was filed with the DGAC to obtain a letter addressed to the INS, with the purpose of clarifying to the insurance company what Civil Aviation’s jurisdiction is regarding paragliding under RAC 103. It is therefore understood that the sport and commercial use of paragliding is not regulated or covered in any way by the DGAC and that, consequently, Civil Aviation does not issue certificates of suitability, airworthiness authorizations, or registration numbers for paragliders. These are the requirements currently requested by the INS to process insurance policies for the sport of paragliding.
It so happens that, at present, the processing of policies providing liability coverage for recreational and commercial paragliding activities offered by the National Insurance Institute (INS) is subject to the current RAC 103 regulations.
According to this insurance company’s interpretation of RAC 103, in order to issue a quote, approve, and activate these insurance policies for paragliding, it is an absolute requirement to meet a series of criteria that treat paragliders, paramotors, and UL trikes—both motorized and non-motorized—with fixed-wing and rotary-wing microlights.
For this reason, the insurance company refers paragliding to the DGAC for inspection and approval of a certificate of competence for ultralight aircraft crew members, an airworthiness certificate, and a registration number as prerequisites for processing such coverage.
From the very beginning, all paragliders have understood that this is a twisted interpretation of RAC 103 regulations, since paragliders are flexible wings—neither fixed-wing nor rotary—and are therefore exempt from Section 103.15, Article b.
This is the INS's response—an excerpt from the original document is attached—
However, for practical purposes as far as the INS is concerned, recreational and commercial paragliding activities are regulated by the DGAC under RAC 103; therefore, Civil Aviation is responsible for this sport in all respects: regulation, inspection, and registration. Without a certificate of suitability, an airworthiness certificate, and a registration number, the application will NOT be processed. none insurance policy.
INS INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS FOR PARAGLIDING ACTIVITIES INVOLVING THE DGAC
Response from the National Insurance Institute (original document)
That is why a letter was submitted to officials at the National Insurance Institute requesting that they rectify this situation and clarify the DGAC’s jurisdiction—which, by extension, makes it clear that paragliding as a sporting and commercial activity is neither regulated nor covered in any way by the DGAC and that, therefore, Civil Aviation does not issue certificates of suitability, airworthiness authorizations, or registration certificates for paragliders. RAC 103 lists ultralight aircraft but clearly distinguishes their use, design, and regulatory jurisdiction.
