The Victorian Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association (VHPA) is a sports club in Melbourne, Australia. As the Regional Association of the Sports Aviation Federation of Australia (SAFA), the VHPA is responsible for fostering the sports of Hang Gliding, Paragliding, and Weight Shift Microlighting (trikes) in Victoria.
The VHPA committee, which includes representatives from every Victorian club, meets once a month to discuss projects aimed at making Victoria a better and safer place to fly. These projects may involve administering funds to clubs in need of financial assistance for maintaining flying sites or improving operational safety. The committee also works on creating state government licences or agreements with landowners, attending sports expos or air shows, gaining additional airspace access, and enhancing pilot knowledge and training.
The activities of the VHPA include supporting clubs in growing all disciplines of the sport, improving safety, and promoting pilot education. The association also provides funding for the maintenance and improvement of flying sites, as well as the development of new sites. Through lodging and acquiring VIC state government access licences, the VHPA ensures access to appropriate flying rights. It also assesses and funds flying safety programmes and competitions specialist clinics for Victorian pilots.
In addition to supporting clubs and pilots, the VHPA organises working bees to maintain and improve flying sites. The association also seeks to create community awareness and participation in the sports of hang gliding and paragliding. It represents Victoria at a state level to government entities and SAFA, ensuring responsible and safe operation for all pilots.
The VHPA committee is elected at the annual general meeting for a period of 12 months. The committee meets online on the second Tuesday of every month (except January) at 7pm. All individuals interested in hang gliding and paragliding are welcome to attend these meetings. Funding and expenditure guidelines, as well as the Statement of Purpose and Rules of the VHPA, can be found on the association's website.
The VHPA manages and administers the Regional Development Levies collected from SAFA resident pilots in the state. These levies are used to fund projects that align with the VHPA's statement of purpose and fulfil the roles and responsibilities outlined in the SAFA affiliation policy. Approved funding is available to affiliated recognised clubs and individuals in Victoria. Clubs may be required to submit financial reports and other documentation to receive funding.
For more information, individuals can visit the VHPA's website, where they can find the Projects & Funding page, Statement of Purpose, and download the Rules of the VHPA. The association also welcomes any feedback or updates regarding the information on their website, which can be sent to the VHPA Webmaster.