Flight rules

The Club operates under a regime of strict rules whose purpose is two-fold:

1. To keep every pilot safe and happy.
2. To keep the site open and safe from legal repercussions.

For the benefit of every pilot, we kindly ask you to learn the rules and to respect them.

Licenses and certifications

Note

Please read this section carefully: your pilot license determines which rules apply to you.

Approved organizations and rating systems

The Club formally recognizes the validity of licenses issued by the following organizations:

Organization	Country	Website
FAI	International	fai.org
APPI	International	flyappi.org

The Club accepts IPPI Cards and any license that explicitly states the pilot’s IPPI or SafePro rating, regardless of the issuing country or organization.

Your IPPI level may appear on your pilot license as one of these stickers:

If your license was issued by an organization not included in the list above, and it does not state your IPPI or SafePro rating — and is therefore not formally recognized by the Club — you may petition the Board of Directors or the Instructors’ Committee for an exemption.

Exception for hang gliding pilots

For the sport of hang gliding, the Club formally recognizes the validity of licenses issued by the AVLM. Holders of AVLM hang gliding licenses are granted the same rights, privileges, and responsibilities as holders of equivalent licenses from other recognized certification systems.

Pilot ratings and associated club rules

The pilot rating that appears on your license defines the rules under which you must operate.

Definitions

• Certified Instructor: A pilot with an assistant instructor, instructor, or master instructor license issued by an organization formally recognized by the Club.
• Club Member: A pilot accepted as an Associate during a General Assembly of the Club.
• Responsibility: The supervising instructor must sign a liability waiver acknowledging and formally accepting responsibility for the pilot’s supervision and safety.

Clarifications

• When “IPPI 1, APPI 1” is indicated, only APPI licenses or licenses bearing the IPPI logo with a rating of 1 are accepted. Equivalent licenses are not recognized.
• When “APPI Pro Tandem, or equivalent” is indicated, APPI Pro Tandem licenses are accepted, as well as any license with an equivalent rating issued by an organization formally recognized by the Club.

Pilots flying solo

Without license

• You must fly under the Responsibility of a Certified Instructor who is a Club Member.
• The Certified Instructor and Club Member is responsible for evaluating your skill rating and ensuring that you follow the corresponding rules.

IPPI 1, APPI 1

• You must fly under the Responsibility of a Certified Instructor who is a Club Member.
• You must fly with a red ribbon clearly visible to other pilots.
• From November 1st to June 1st: you cannot fly between 11 am and 4 pm.

IPPI 2, APPI 2

• You must fly under the Responsibility of a Certified Instructor.
• You must fly with a red ribbon clearly visible to other pilots.
• From November 1st to June 1st: you cannot fly between 11 am and 4 pm.

IPPI 3, APPI 3

• Club Member: No restrictions.
• Visitor: You must fly under the Responsibility of a Certified Instructor.

IPPI 4, APPI 4 · IPPI 5, APPI 5

• No restrictions.

Pilots flying tandem

Without license

• You are prohibited from flying tandem.

IPPI 5, APPI 5

• You must fly under the Responsibility of a Certified Instructor who is a Club Member.
• Your passengers must hold a minimum certification of IPPI 2 or APPI 2.
• You are prohibited from charging passengers.

APPI Non-commercial Tandem “In Progress”, or equivalent

• Your passengers must hold a minimum certification of IPPI 2 or APPI 2.
• You are prohibited from charging passengers.

IPPI 6, APPI Non-commercial Tandem, or equivalent · APPI Commercial Tandem, or equivalent

• Club Member: You are permitted to charge passengers.
• Visitor: You are prohibited from charging passengers.

Tandem license from the Club de Vuelo y Vela de Valle de Bravo

Draft — pick one

Option A:

• Subject to the rules of the Agreement signed between the Clubs.

Option B:

• Club Member: You are permitted to charge passengers.
• Visitor: You are subject to the rules of the Agreement signed between the Clubs.

Pilots giving instruction

Without license

• You are prohibited from providing instruction.

APPI Assistant Instructor, APPI Instructor, APPI Master Instructor, or equivalent

• Club Member: You may provide instruction to pilots of any level.
• Visitor: You may provide instruction to pilots certified at a minimum of IPPI 2 or APPI 2.

Kiting

The Club allows kiting (ground handling) in the landing zone under the following conditions:

• Pilots on approach always have priority. Pilots who are kiting must watch for anyone on final or on approach at all times, and must bring their wing down and give way immediately.
• The landing zone is first and foremost for landing. Kiting is a secondary activity and must not interfere with flight operations.
• Safety is non-negotiable. Any pilot who, through omission or negligence while kiting, puts others at risk will face disciplinary action.

Top landing

Top landing is prohibited on tandem flights. Violations are fined 1,500 Mexican pesos (MXN).

Solo pilots may top land under the following rules:

• Only from February to November (prohibited in December and January).
• Only when no pilot is waiting to launch.
• The landing pilot bears sole responsibility.