TS 13279

TS 13279 is a vocational standard that defines the profession of hang gliding guide and instructor and sets out how the required qualifications for that role are to be classified, measured, and assessed. It does more than name the occupation: it frames the job profile, the professional attributes expected of the practitioner, and the evaluation approach used for those attributes.

What the occupation covers

The title combines guiding and instructing functions. In general technical terms, hang gliding is a unpowered air sport that relies on air currents and pilot skill, so safe practice depends on understanding weather and wind conditions, knowing the equipment, and matching instruction to the participant’s ability. A standard of this kind helps define how operational guidance and teaching responsibilities come together in one professional role.

Classification and assessment of competence

A key feature of the standard is that it does not stop at definition; it also provides a framework for identifying and evaluating the characteristics expected in the occupation. This supports consistent treatment of professional competence and makes it easier to compare candidates against the same criteria. In general, standards of this type are used to describe areas such as technical knowledge, practical skill, communication, responsibility, and safe working habits in a way that is relevant to the occupation.

For that reason, TS 13279 serves as a practical reference for organisations involved in hang gliding activities, training providers, and any setting that wants a clear occupational profile for guide-and-instructor roles in this field.