The HAGAR Hardship is Over
After a nearly 3 week ordeal, my hassle with taking the HAGAR is over.
Any paragliding pilot in Canada seeking an intermediate rating needs to take this test (Hang Gliding Air Regulations Exam) but it's a ridiculous and expensive process to do so.
My journey started way back in September when Oscar and I figured it'd be a good idea to get the HAGAR out of the way. I made some phone calls to some local air training colleges, and most hadn't even heard of the test. After having them look it up, less than half actually offered it, and exam fees averaged around $100. I reported my findings to HPAC, who said they were currently reviewing issues surrounding the HAGAR.
Months passed, and although the exam was at the back of my mind, travel, other commitments, and perhaps too much procrastination got in the way of my attempting the test. After returning from the Dominican in February, I vowed to set an exam date, and get it over with.
SpringBank Air Training College (SATC) offers the test, and as they were extremely helpful, I decided to take the test from them. I spent the next couple weeks spending time learning the material from HPAC's study guide, and trying to decipher VFR maps. It was a lot of material to remember and was very intimidating at first.
I called SATC to schedule the test, when they asked me if I had a medical completed. As I did not, I was advised that I would be unable to complete the exam without one. A class 1, 3, or 4 medical is accepted, and as class 4 can be performed by your family doctor, naturally, I tried this route first.
Unfortunately my timing was off, as my doctor was in Mexico and his temporary replacement would not do the medical for me, so I instead opted for the class 3 medical, which can only be performed by an aviation doctor. During the medical, there was some confusion regarding the necessity of an audiogram, but I took my chances, and decided not to get one. Thankfully too, being under 40, I did not have to worry about having an EKG done, but the cost of the medical was still $90.
I then waited until Transport Canada received the medical from the doctor so that the test could be ordered. It turned out an audiogram was not required, so I could breathe a sigh of relief. I then scheduled the HAGAR with SATC, and took it today at a cost of $110. Yes, I passed, but certainly not with the grade I was looking for. I really wish HPAC would expand the HAGAR study guide to include at least a basic outline of how VFR maps are to be properly read.
Maybe after reading this, my ordeal with the HAGAR doesn't sound like too much of a hassle. But in reality, it was an extremely frustrating process involving many phone calls and a lot of wasted time. If Transport Canada wants paraglider and hang glider pilots to take an exam, the exam process should not be more complex than the exam itself. Spending $200 on an exam that used to be free creates barriers for those looking for a simple rating, but cannot justify spending that kind of money. It is rather sad that this process was like pulling teeth, when it wouldn't take much for it to be simplified.
The people at SATC were great, and did a fantastic job answering questions and doing their best to help out. I have also learned that apparently a medical is no longer required to take the HAGAR, only a signature by the applicant. The HAGAR itself may also possibly be administered by PG and HG clubs themselves in the future, and there is rumour it may be eliminated all together.
After taking the exam and going through the material, I think elimination of the test would be a mistake. The material is important for PG and HG pilots to be familiar with, as likely sometime in ones flying career, things like classes of airspace and understanding correct radio frequencies, will become issues. That being said, I think an update to HPAC's current study guide is in order, and prep courses offered by HG and PG clubs should be available.
I will write an official letter to HPAC and to Transport Canada outlining my experiences with the HAGAR, with the hope that future pilots will not have to endure the same painful process.
Any paragliding pilot in Canada seeking an intermediate rating needs to take this test (Hang Gliding Air Regulations Exam) but it's a ridiculous and expensive process to do so.
My journey started way back in September when Oscar and I figured it'd be a good idea to get the HAGAR out of the way. I made some phone calls to some local air training colleges, and most hadn't even heard of the test. After having them look it up, less than half actually offered it, and exam fees averaged around $100. I reported my findings to HPAC, who said they were currently reviewing issues surrounding the HAGAR.
Months passed, and although the exam was at the back of my mind, travel, other commitments, and perhaps too much procrastination got in the way of my attempting the test. After returning from the Dominican in February, I vowed to set an exam date, and get it over with.
SpringBank Air Training College (SATC) offers the test, and as they were extremely helpful, I decided to take the test from them. I spent the next couple weeks spending time learning the material from HPAC's study guide, and trying to decipher VFR maps. It was a lot of material to remember and was very intimidating at first.
I called SATC to schedule the test, when they asked me if I had a medical completed. As I did not, I was advised that I would be unable to complete the exam without one. A class 1, 3, or 4 medical is accepted, and as class 4 can be performed by your family doctor, naturally, I tried this route first.
Unfortunately my timing was off, as my doctor was in Mexico and his temporary replacement would not do the medical for me, so I instead opted for the class 3 medical, which can only be performed by an aviation doctor. During the medical, there was some confusion regarding the necessity of an audiogram, but I took my chances, and decided not to get one. Thankfully too, being under 40, I did not have to worry about having an EKG done, but the cost of the medical was still $90.
I then waited until Transport Canada received the medical from the doctor so that the test could be ordered. It turned out an audiogram was not required, so I could breathe a sigh of relief. I then scheduled the HAGAR with SATC, and took it today at a cost of $110. Yes, I passed, but certainly not with the grade I was looking for. I really wish HPAC would expand the HAGAR study guide to include at least a basic outline of how VFR maps are to be properly read.
Maybe after reading this, my ordeal with the HAGAR doesn't sound like too much of a hassle. But in reality, it was an extremely frustrating process involving many phone calls and a lot of wasted time. If Transport Canada wants paraglider and hang glider pilots to take an exam, the exam process should not be more complex than the exam itself. Spending $200 on an exam that used to be free creates barriers for those looking for a simple rating, but cannot justify spending that kind of money. It is rather sad that this process was like pulling teeth, when it wouldn't take much for it to be simplified.
The people at SATC were great, and did a fantastic job answering questions and doing their best to help out. I have also learned that apparently a medical is no longer required to take the HAGAR, only a signature by the applicant. The HAGAR itself may also possibly be administered by PG and HG clubs themselves in the future, and there is rumour it may be eliminated all together.
After taking the exam and going through the material, I think elimination of the test would be a mistake. The material is important for PG and HG pilots to be familiar with, as likely sometime in ones flying career, things like classes of airspace and understanding correct radio frequencies, will become issues. That being said, I think an update to HPAC's current study guide is in order, and prep courses offered by HG and PG clubs should be available.
I will write an official letter to HPAC and to Transport Canada outlining my experiences with the HAGAR, with the hope that future pilots will not have to endure the same painful process.
posted by Veronica at 6:14 PM
6 Comments:
Hi, I am from India. My cousin wants to get Pilot license from Springbank Ait Training College. How good is this college? Can you give more information at dpimmanuel@gmail.com
Veronica, thanks for the information. Me and my wife are planning to attend to BCU for our PhDs. As paraglider pilot my first concern was about the licenses and examinations needed to fly there.
I took a look at your profile, it seems like you can speak spanish, like you were born in a warmer land jejej, so ¿How many months a year can you fly ni Canadá? Where I live I can fly every weekend.
thanks in advace and "buenos vuelos".
Definitely not. Dubak it´s not a warmer country lastname. ;)
I’d remember the people of to harmonize woman with that too!
Your blog keeps getting better and better! Your older articles are not as good as newer ones you have a lot more creativity and originality now keep it up!
Genial brief and this fill someone in on helped me alot in my college assignement. Thanks you for your information.
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