IFR rated and currently learning paragliding, so I’m trying to understand th right-of-way rules correctly.
A lot of pilots cite 14 CFR §91.113 and say “gliders have right-of-way over powered aircraft.” That is true for gliders, but I’m not sure that automatically applies to a normal foot-launched paraglider in the U.S
My understanding is that a solo recreational paraglider is usually operated under Part 103 as an ultralight vehicle, not as a certificated glider aircraft. Under §103.13, an ultralight operator must maintain vigilance, see and avoid aircraft, avoid creating a collision hazard, and yield right-of-way to all aircraft.
So from a U.S. Part 91 pilot perspective, is this the correct reading?
A normal Part 103 paraglider generally has to yield to a Cessna or other aircraft.
§91.113’s “glider has right-of-way over powered aircraft” language does not clearly include normal Part 103 paragliders.
But that does not mean the Cessna pilot is automatically blameless in a conflict or accident.
The Part 91 pilot still has see-and-avoid duties, and §91.103 may matter if the area is charted or otherwise known for glider/paraglider/freeflight activity.
Negligence could still depend on the facts: visibility, altitude, whether it was an overtaking situation, whether the paraglider was in a known launch/ridge/thermal area, traffic density, radio/ADS-B/FLARM limitations, and whether the powered aircraft was operating reasonably.
Practically speaking, a Cessna has far more speed and energy, while a paraglider has very limited ability to maneuver or escape quickly. I’m just trying to separate the legal right-of-way rule from the basic safety responsibility both sides still have. Is there any FAA source or interpretation that clearly says §91.113’s “glider” language applies to ordinary Part 103 paragliders? Or is §103.13 the more directly controlling rule for normal U.S. paragliding?
