Association Launches Fundraising Campaign To Help Keep Over 200 Sites Open

The U.S. Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association (USHPA) is racing to raise nearly $2 million in an effort to, in their words, save the sport of free flight in the U.S.

In August, the USHPA was notified that the association's insurance carrier would be cancelling its policies. In an email sent to its members, the association said that in March, 2016 it expected to see a huge increase in premiums and the loss of all coverage for commercial instruction for both individual instructors and flying sites. "Many of our sites, our schools, and our members depend on this protection. The loss of insurance would devastate free flight in North America," the message said.

In an update posted recently on its website, the USHPA said that it has raised over $1.1 million towards that $2 million goal, but it still must raise an additional $874,060 by March 1st, 2016. It has received a $100,000 challenge grant from a member, meaning that once our membership raises $774,060, this donor will provide the $100,000 needed to complete the capitalization.

"We need donations of all levels, from $10–$10,000… or more if you are able. Please consider how much Free Flight means to you, and give as generously as you possibly can. This will only be possible if our entire pilot community contributes," the association said on its website.

The association is calling on pilots to challenge their local clubs and chapters to fundraise together, and has several suggestions for fundraising activities for clubs.

You can also donate individually online to the cause.

(Image from file)

FMI: http://ushpa.aero/freeflightforever.asp