BYLAWS FOR THE NEW ENGLAND PARAGLIDING AND HANG GLIDING CLUB, INC. (NEPHC)

(Revised August 2025)

ARTICLE I — Name and Purpose

Section 1: The name of the organization is the “New England Paragliding and Hang Gliding Club, Inc. (NEPHC).”

Section 2: The primary purpose of the club is to promote safety in flying Paragliders and Hang Gliders. To this end, the club provides information to its members through its website, online seminars, social media channels, and in-person mentoring.

Section 3: The club provides an organized social exchange for Paragliding and Hang Gliding pilots and those interested in this foot-launched aviation activity. Topics include flying safely, flying site information and regulations, training, mentoring, and flying equipment.

Section 4: The organization shall respect the rights of other pilots and property owners. It will provide a forum for airing grievances related to NEPHC member activities.

ARTICLE II — Membership

Section 1: The Membership of the club shall consist of individuals who have submitted a valid online member application, submitted all waivers, paid the annual membership dues, and are current (non-expired) members of USHPA in good standing. A valid online member application requires full name, mailing address, phone number, valid USHPA number, email address and permission to email, emergency contact person name, and emergency contact phone number.

Section 2: Membership in the club shall not discriminate on a person’s national origin, race, color, religion, disability, gender, or familial status.

Section 3: A minor (younger than 18 years) shall provide the written consent of their parents or guardian as part of the application process.

Section 4: Each current NEPHC member shall be entitled to one vote in matters put before the club for vote.

Section 5: Members shall not share access to the website or share information available in the website with non-members without prior written consent from the Board.

Section 6: By majority vote by the Board, a member may be suspended from the club for violating the rules and restrictions noted in the club’s Flying Site information or by violating conventions and best practices for flying safety. Depending on the egregiousness of the violation, as decided by the Board, this action may or may not require a prior written warning to the member. Length of such suspension will be determined by the Board.

Section 7: All individuals who wish to launch from or land at any NEPHC-managed flying site must:

Maintain current membership in USHPA and NEPHC.
Hold a valid pilot rating appropriate for the site as specified in the Club’s site-specific rules.
Provide proof of such memberships and ratings prior to launching to any Club officer or site monitor.

Section 8: All pilots must:

Complete and submit a current NEPHC site waiver and release of liability form each calendar year.
Register annually with the Club and provide accurate contact information, ratings information, emergency contact details, and proof of insurance if applicable.

Section 9: Failure to provide valid proof of membership, rating, or a signed waiver shall be grounds for denial or revocation of site use privileges by the Flight Safety Officer or the Board.

Section 10: Each pilot is individually responsible for truthful representation of their ratings, compliance with Club site rules, and adherence to all applicable national and local free flight regulations. Misrepresentation may result in immediate suspension or expulsion under the Club’s disciplinary procedures.

ARTICLE III — Membership Dues

Section 1: Membership is valid for one year starting on the date of the completed membership application. Dues for memberships will be established by the Board.

Section 2: Upon recommendation of the Board of Directors, the annual dues amount may be changed. This change requires unanimous agreement by members of the Board.

ARTICLE IV — Meetings of Members

Section 1: The club shall announce and hold an annual meeting to elect the club officers.

Section 2: Advance notice of all club meetings will be provided via email to all active members and social media at least fifteen (15) days prior to the scheduled meeting.

Section 3: A quorum for voting is twenty-five percent (25%) of active members. Meetings with fewer participants than the required quorum require online voting by club membership to achieve adequate participation.

Section 4: Any member can call a meeting of the club, and announcement of this meeting must be via email to all active members and social media at least fifteen (15) days prior to the scheduled meeting. Any decisions made at a meeting not called by the club officers must be approved by a majority of the officers to be binding to the club.

Section 5: The Club shall adopt Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised as the official rules of parliamentary procedure for all Board meetings and governance decisions, unless otherwise specified in these bylaws.

ARTICLE V — Club Officers and Board of Directors

Section 1: The club officers shall be composed of at least 3 and not more than 7 members. All club officers are elected by popular vote by the membership in the club’s annual meeting. The club officers constitute the club’s Board of Directors.

Section 2: Club officer positions currently include President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, and Flight Safety Officer. Changes to add or remove positions is a matter to be voted on by club members, requiring two-thirds (⅔) approval of members attending the meeting; the quorum rule applies.

Section 3: Club officers are elected for a period of one year, or until their successors are elected. A club officer may serve a maximum of five (5) years total, consecutive or otherwise.

Section 4: The duties and powers of the Board include the following:

Deal with routine business
Draft an annual budget
Evaluate and present to the members all matters of special concern
Report all actions of the Board to active members
Comply with Federal and State filing requirements
Collaborate with USHPA and other USHPA-sanctioned organizations for the benefit and safety of NEPHC members
Form special committees
Maintain a centralized, access-controlled document repository (currently Google Drive) for all official records, including meeting minutes, policy documents, insurance certificates, agreements, and compliance records.
Ensure the Club obtains and maintains Directors & Officers (D&O) liability insurance to protect Board members from personal liability related to official duties. The policy shall be reviewed and renewed annually.

Section 5: A majority of the Board shall constitute a quorum for the conduct of business at all Board meetings.

Section 6: Regular and special meetings of the Board shall be called at a time and place determined by the President or chairperson.

Section 7: Each member of the Board shall serve without compensation or reward.

Section 8: The President or chairperson appointed by the President shall preside at all meetings, supervise the affairs of the club, and appoint all committee chairs with the approval of the Board. The President or chairperson shall sign and execute all contracts in the name of the club only after a majority vote of the Board.

Section 9: [No original Section 9 — numbering corrected.]

Section 10: In the absence or disability of the President or appointed chairperson, a majority of the Board shall designate and delegate the duties to another active member.

Section 11: The Board shall designate the Club Secretary or an active member to send out meeting notices, take minutes, and keep records.

Section 12: The Board shall designate the Club Treasurer or an active member to keep all membership records, receive and deposit all funds, execute all checks as authorized by the Board, and account for all receipts, disbursements, and balance on hand each month.

Section 13: Any vacancy on the Board of Directors shall be filled by a special election by the members at the next scheduled meeting or special meeting if called. The Board may, by majority vote of remaining members, appoint an interim Board member until the election. If the vacancy reduces the Board below quorum, the Board shall call a special election within 60 days to restore quorum.

Section 14: Board members shall:

Conduct themselves with professionalism, confidentiality, and loyalty to the Club’s mission.
Not make public statements on behalf of the Board without prior consent.
Not enter into informal or unauthorized agreements related to Club operations.
Not undermine formal governance decisions or policies.
Violations may trigger a Board review and a vote to censure, suspend, or remove the offending officer in accordance with Article VII.

Section 15: Motions, discussions, and votes conducted by electronic means (video conference, email, or secure digital platforms) shall carry the same legal authority and binding effect as votes held during in-person Board meetings, provided quorum requirements are met.

Section 16: Email shall serve as the official communication channel for all NEPHC Board business. Informal communications, including text messaging or instant messaging, shall not be used to conduct or record official decisions. Email shall also serve as the official communication vehicle between the Board and members in good standing.

ARTICLE VI — Flight Safety Officer and Flight Committee

Section 1: The Board shall appoint a Flight Safety Officer to advise on all matters related to site safety, pilot conduct, risk management, and flight operations. The Flight Safety Officer shall:

Develop, recommend, and communicate safety policies and site-specific rules;
Coordinate with USHPA, insurers, landowners, municipalities, and other stakeholders;
Temporarily suspend operations or close a site if an immediate safety hazard, weather event, or legal risk exists, pending Board review;
Initiate investigations of incidents or pilot conduct and provide recommendations to the Board for further action, including site restrictions or member discipline.
The Officer’s role is advisory and supervisory and does not include continuous, on-site monitoring. Pilots remain responsible for their qualifications and compliance. The Board retains final authority on all permanent site closures, suspensions, disciplinary actions, and reinstatements.

ARTICLE VII — Suspension, Expulsion, and Removal of a Club Officer

Section 1: A Board member may be removed, suspended, or expelled for cause by two-thirds (⅔) vote of members in attendance at a meeting with quorum or extended to online voting. Charges and notice must be emailed to active members at least thirty (30) days prior. The officer shall have the opportunity to present a defense. All members present may express their view.

ARTICLE VIII — Finances

Section 1: The club’s fiscal year, currently January 1 to December 31, shall be decided by the Board and communicated in writing.

Section 2: This club is not for profit and shall use funds only for purposes specified by the bylaws or agreed to by members.

Section 3: Club funds may be used for:

Fees for use of Flying Sites, launch and landing maintenance;
Operation and maintenance of the NEPHC.org website;
State and Federal filing requirements, establishing and maintaining nonprofit status, and legal counsel;
Other expenses related to the club mission as approved by the Board.

ARTICLE IX — Amendments

Section 1: Amendments are proposed by Board Members and may be made by majority Board vote. Notice of proposed amendments and their purpose will be communicated to the membership at least 15 days prior to the meeting.

ARTICLE X — Commercial Operator Oversight

All commercial activity at NEPHC-managed sites must be approved in writing by the Board. Approval requires:

Valid commercial liability insurance (minimum $1,000,000) naming NEPHC and any landowners and municipalities as additional insureds;
Signed Site Use Agreement;
Documented SOPs for training and safety;
Annual renewal and reapproval.
Unapproved or non-compliant commercial activity may be immediately suspended by the Flight Safety Officer pending Board review.

ARTICLE XI — Member Discipline

Section 1: The Board shall have sole authority to investigate, suspend, or expel any member for due cause, including:

Violation of bylaws, rules, or site regulations;
Violation of USHPA standards or FAA regulations;
Conduct prejudicial to safety, reputation, or legal standing;
Willful actions jeopardizing site access or insurance.

Section 2: The Board may impose an immediate temporary suspension by majority vote if the member poses a credible safety hazard, legal risk, or reputational harm, pending investigation.

Section 3: The Board shall:

Initiate an investigation within 30 days;
Notify the member in writing of allegations and any suspension;
Allow response in writing or in person;
Complete the investigation and issue a finding within 60 days.

Section 4: Following the investigation, the Board may reinstate the member, extend/modify suspension with conditions, or permanently expel the member by majority vote.

Section 5: A suspended or expelled member immediately loses all privileges at NEPHC sites until reinstated.

Section 6: Members shall cooperate fully with any Board investigation under this Article.

NEPHC Bylaws